Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1482386
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 OCTOBER 2022 OPINION 11 Michael Falzon A social budget nonetheless fic..." And two (words to the effect of): "Why us? Why Luqa? Why not somewhere else… some- where 'up north'… like St Paul's Bay, for instance? After all, there are far more Muslims living there, than here…" Hmmm. On second thoughts, I've decided to overlook Ob- jection 2 after all (if nothing else, because it reminds me un- comfortably of that harrowing moment in George Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'… when Winston Smith suddenly blurts out: 'Why me? Why not her? DO IT TO JULIA…!') So let's stick only to the one about 'traffic' and 'air pollution'. Even the statistics I just quoted myself, amply attest to the va- lidity of that objection. It is, in fact, a mathematical certainty: the opening of a new mosque in Luqa will indeed 'increase the overall traffic' (and with it, air pollution) to that locality… Then again, however: the same objection applies just as much to every single one of Malta's 360 churches (as can easily be confirmed by anyone who's ever tried to find a parking-space in Sliema – and I imagine Luqa, too - on a Sunday morning). Much more poignantly, how- ever: it also applies to all the hundreds of permit applications (some of which for projects in- finitely larger – and far more polluting – than any number of 'new mosques in Luqa') that have been APPROVED by the Plan- ning Authority, in recent years: in most cases, against the express objections of both local council, and residents… and in some, even against the case officer's recommendations. I've left myself with too little space for a complete list: but it would include the Tigne' Project in Sliema; the DB hotel extension in Pembroke; the skyscrapers at Mriehel… all those - and many, many more – had met with ex- actly the same objections, in their own day… … but never – not even once – was this concern with 'increased traffic', and 'worsening air pollu- tion', sufficient for the Planning Authority to actually withhold the permit. Ah, but then along comes a sol- itary application by Malta's Mus- lim community, for a develop- ment that: a) serves a vital (and sorely-needed) social function; b) represents a fundamental hu- man right, to at least 35,000 peo- ple, and c) wouldn't even cause a fraction of the inconvenience, that all those PA-approved pro- jects inflicted upon other locali- ties… And: gee, I don't know. How do YOU think the PA will decide, in a month's time? UNTIL the world was hit by the coronavirus, most advanced economies, including Malta, were registering a relatively good GDP even if at the time, Malta's 5% and 6% economic growth, was much better than others in the eurozone. The ratio of public debt to productivity was also steadily going down, which in turn meant the country had more resources to plough back into strategic infrastructural projects, such as cheaper and cleaner energy, transport, educa- tion, health, and an array of other social pro- grammes. Social mobility was almost reaching all strata of society with full employment, and progres- sive housing schemes that made prospective home ownership, a reality. The supplementary income to low-income workers further led to thousands making significant improvement in their quali-ty of life. COVID-19 changed everything, as it not only wreaked havoc to all economies and systems, but changed the world forever. Practically over- night, supply chains were interrupted, causing seri-ous delays and loss of productivity; inter- national travel ground to a halt, social distanc- ing was mandated, and all social events ceased. Schools were also closed and working arrange- ments changed drastically. Many around the world, but fortunately not in Malta, lost their jobs. This meant that Government had to change its governing formula, from one prac- tically based on investment and development, to one based on supporting industry and safe- guarding employ-ment. The wage supplement was introduced, aiding thousands of workers to secure the livelihood of their families. Persons in vulnerable situa- tions such as the disabled and older persons, were protected by strict protocols. Industry was supported like never before. In addition, noth- ing was spared to shore up our health system and meet the unprecedented health challenge. COVID-18 indeed tested our resilience and agility to respond effectively but it did not find us wanting. Our strategy was clear all along, that no mat- ter what the crisis is, workers and those in vul- ner-able situations, shall always top our agen- da. Therefore, while our governing formula changed to reflect the changing international scenario, we were always consistent in making sure that those in the lower strata of society would not fall behind. To make sure that these individuals are protected, we embedded this strategic direction in the EU recovery and resil- ience plan for Malta. Proactive policies during the pandemic saw our economy pick up fast with a working pop- ulation eager to return to work and follow where they had left off some two years earlier. Post-COVID we shifted to other policies for renewed economic growth, and investment in renewables to match the EU's 2030 targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We invested in human re-sources, encouraging more young people to take up higher diplomas and staying longer in the educational system. In-work ben- efits were increased to encourage people to re- turn and remain in jobs; with EU funds from the European Green Deal, Malta is slowly but sure- ly transitioning to a green economy – environ- mentally, socially and economically sustainable. Unfortunately, the normality we had so longed for was short-lived. War in Ukraine shocked the whole continent – Government had to shift at- tention and resources to mitigate skyrocketing energy costs, grain exports frmo Ukraine were halted, food shortages and prices on the glob- al markets spiked – inflation quickly followed suit, this soon becoming the major cause of eco-nomic instability, worldwide. Once again, timely government reaction came with €400 million in energy cost subsidies for 2022, a consciously-made choice consistent with previous policies to minimise negative ef- fects on the purchasing power of working peo- ple. The alternative was for low-income house- holds to bear energy costs as high as 140% of current costs – never an option for this govern- ment. Today there are new challenges that need to be acknowledged and addressed. Inflation tops the list at the moment, but it is not the on- ly one. The urgent need to move faster in the transi-tion to a sustainable economy, is a very close second. We need to adapt to a different govern-ing recipe from the one we have had so far. Nevertheless, we shall remain consistent with our socialist convictions, that persons in vulnerable situations shall not carry the burden, neither of the current inflationary situation, nor the transition to a green economy. The emerg- ing new scenario calls for support to groups in vulnerable situations, assistance to industry to shift as fast as is possible to digitalisation and mechanisation, as well as investment in renew- ables while accelerate foreign and local invest- ment in green technologies. Beyond all this, the priority for Government shall remain the safeguarding of the labour mar- ket and prudence in the administration of pub- lic finances and fiscal policy. We are convinced that protecting working people and creating the jobs of the future, will be key not only to eco- nomic success, but also to social well-being. In fact, despite the millions that shall go into the subsi-dies of utilities and commodities, the in- vestment in capital projects shall be more or less at the same levels as in past years. To those who doubted that the current inter- national turbulence shall in anyway deter us from standing firmly on the side of those most- ly in need, may this track record guide their re- flec-tions. Michael Falzon is Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children's Rights Transport Malta has shot down plans for the development of a mosque on industrial land in Luqa, 150 metres away from Runway 23