Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1163844
OPINION 26 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 SEPTEMBER 2019 We can do better Edwin Vassallo Edwin Vassallo OUR people deserve better. It is clear that our people are fac- ing fake politics as time passes. The reality of what is behind the façade of glitz and glitter presented by the Muscat ad- ministration is showing its hid- den reality. Beyond the Musca- tian l-Aqwa Żmien motto, the hidden truth is that not all that glitters is gold. Indeed, many people are starting to realise that truth is the least of values propagated by this people's government, if it is at all. Now our citizens are starting to realize that there is a price to be paid for our current eco- nomic success. They are asking these basic questions: • How do we make sense of our immediate future? • Why is it that our youth are going abroad, once they gradu- ate, in order to find work? • What is the future of our country, what future does it hold? • In other words, what is to be done, if and when the bub- ble bursts? • How long and sustainable is the current construction boom? • And can our country keep importing foreign labour without any considerations on the strain, this sudden growth in population, is putting on our resources? Creating inequality This is a government that, whilst boasting about eco- nomic growth, is responsible for a growing gap in the liveli- hood of the common man in the street. We are witnessing not only a disparity in the pay between men and women, but also between high-income earners and low earners stuck at the bottom of the social lad- der. The Muscat government boasts about gender equal- ity, but where is the equality when those in the lower wage strata, are seeing their stand- ards of living sinking before their eyes? The reality is that for all its boasting, the Mus- cat government is presiding over a societal gap, in which entire families are sliding into poverty. The Prime Minister has justi- fied this rise in poverty with population growth. This is a lame excuse. The increase in population has to be coupled with the fact that wage rises in Malta are amongst the lowest in the EU. This later factor is further proof of growing ine- quality in Malta. One must add reports concerning the wage gap between male and female workers and the increasing loss of quality of life due to poor air quality. Are these the best of times, Mr Prime Minster? A new elite is born Under this so-called socialist government, a new elitist class has risen, subduing and under- mining the rest of us. Before 2013, Muscat had promised a new middle class; today we can see that something else has arisen, an elite that is eating up the rest of society. This government does its best to keep everyone aboard happy. It has transformed itself from an administration, into an irresponsible customer care department, paving the way towards a governance of lawlessnes. This is creating a functioning anarchy disguised as an economic boom, while those in the government's inner circle of friends are free to do whatever they want. As all forms of enforcement are removed, disorder in various sectors is sprouting up. The illusions of a fake success We are currently experienc- ing a fake economic success, which in the long run is unsus- tainable. On the one side there is a new elite living the best of times, while the rest of us are losing out. The price of 'suc- cess' is environmental destruc- tion and untold effects on our health, loss of national identity and a growing poverty, with its many tragic aspects. On this last aspect, those in business can attest to what I am saying. They can bear witness that a fake economy is never a proper formula for success. Towards a politics of hope I believe the people deserve better; our country and its population, have the ability to attain success without the current abuses. The owners of small and medium business- men have the right to work and invest without the fear that the economic bubble will burst. Our youth deserves a country in which they can have a bright future. Our senior citizens too have a right to peace of mind, access to pensions that help them live a dignified life as befits those who have contributed so much to our society. Our people have a right to know what is this govern- ment's vision. We cannot be kept in the dark, without any proper vision for the future. This is a country for all and not just for the elite created by this government. I believe that our people deserve better than what this government is giving them, it is now the PN's duty to offer to our people the policies that can reinstall hope. I believe that our people deserve better than what this government is giving them, it is now the PN's duty to offer to our people the policies that can reinstall hope Edwin Vassallo is a Nationalist MP The Muscat government boasts about gender equality, but where is the equality when those in the lower wage strata, are seeing their standards of living sinking before their eyes? The reality is that for all its boasting, the Muscat government is presiding over a societal gap, in which entire families are sliding into poverty.