Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1192401
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2019 NEWS underway in Malta to address the controversial constitution- al role of the Attorney General and the current system of judi- cial appointments, which was recently adjusted for a judicial selection committee to vet candidate. But Malta will now be called upon to fully implement all re- maining recommendations of the Venice Commission and GRECO in due time. The resolution, which is widely expected to be passed with the help of the dominant European People's Party bloc, as well as the Liberals and Greens, will once again place more pressure on the Euro- pean Commission to provide a single, evidence-based and EU-wide mechanism on de- mocracy, rule of law and fun- damental rights, in the form of an annual review and specific recommendations for compli- ance with EU values. The MEPs will also ask the Commission to restrict 'citizenship by investment' schemes like those employed by Malta, although such schemes are in place in vari- ous EU member states and the Commission's power to regu- late members' rights in the ar- ea of nationality can be limited. mvella@mediatoday.com.mt cluding by enforcing the princi- ple of equal pay for equal work, and ensuring that workers con- tracted by the government had the same basic pay as others working in the public sector. This measure will cost over €10 million once implement- ed, Fearne said. He also prom- ised to introduce measures which would "eradicate pov- erty one and for all." Migration and foreign work- ers Fearne said that while he rec- ognised the need for foreign workers, it must be ensured that the country's infrastruc- ture – including roads, utilities and the health system – are improved to a sufficient de- gree to be able to cope with the increase in the island's popula- tion. When it comes to irregular or illegal migration, he said Malta would continue to show mercy with migrants but would also be strong. "Malta can't contin- ue to solve Europe's problem on its own," he said. Housing A five-year plan to solve the housing problem will be put in place. Housing will be priori- tised and a "structured and ag- gressive" solution to the issue will be put in place. Transport The Gozo tunnel project will go ahead once the project to improve all of Malta's roads is complete, Fearne said. Moreo- ver, a seven-year plan for more efficient mass transport will be put in place. Fearne did not make any direct mention of a metro system, but said that a solution for mass transporta- tion must be found, includ- ing by making greater use of sea transport and devising a plan to cut car use. He said he would be giving details of what this would consist of soon. Malta's place in Europe Fearne said Malta would be engaging with groups in- cluding Greco, the Council of Europe, Moneyval, the Eu- ropean Commission and the European Parliament with a view to boosting the country's reputation. "I recognise [the country's] reputation has been damaged in the past days, but I'm convinced that if we work together as a nation we can re- store it." Quality of life "Money is important, but money alone it not enough to guarantee a good quality of life," Fearne said. He underscored that his gov- ernment would be working to boost people's quality of life, including through improving road safety, launching a drive towards preventive healthcare, bettering the education system and striving for measures to improve the work-life balance. The Labour Party Fearne said he wished to see reforms which would strengthen the Labour Party so that "it not only wins elections but participates in the policies and politics of the country." Pointedly, Fearne said he un- derstood that political party should be distinct from the government, and while the PL should play a role in policy for- mulation, it should not inter- fere in administration. Measures in this regard will also be put in place hand in hand with local councils. mcosta@mediatoday.com.mt