Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532230
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 7 FEBRUARY 2025 NEWS C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Ghawdex Inhobbok 25.5x18.pdf 1 07/01/2025 12:14 A new Nationalist government for Gozo: New jobs, modern infrastructure and more profitable tourism A new Nationalist Government will invest to ensure Gozo's economic growth with more jobs, new services and opportunities in education and healthcare, more profita- ble tourism, and modern infrastructure for the island region. During a political event in Għajnsielem, Leader of the Partit Nazzjonalista Bernard Grech outlined the clear goals of a new Na- tionalist Government for Gozo. He said that, for the economy in Gozo to grow and create more jobs, there must be good connectivity between the two islands. He reiterated the commitment of a new Nationalist Government to: • increase the ferry fleet to five ferries • add ferries that can carry more cars and passengers to reduce waiting times • add ferries that make the journey in less time • increase the Fast Ferry service • build new facilities for ferry docking In addition, the PN leader said that a new Nationalist Government will commit to strengthening both coastal and rural tour- ism in Gozo. He reaffirmed his commitment for Gozo to become a hub for economic activity in the digital sector, technology, and AI, which could become economic niches that create well-paid jobs in Gozo. Grech insisted that, for the economy to succeed, workers need to have a good qual- ity of life, and for this reason, this week the PN announced a comprehensive strate- gy for a balance between work and family time, which includes: • expansion of parental leave so fami- lies can spend more time together • paid leave from the government for all workers – including self-employed workers • support for childcare and remote working In reference to the rise in the prices of various essential products and services for families, Bernard Grech stated that the La- bour Government has not taken any initia- tive to curb this increase. On the contrary, the Opposition has put forward concrete proposals to address the cost of living. Grech referred to the MaltaToday survey published on Sunday, which placed the PN ahead in Gozo, and stressed that this fur- ther strengthens the party's commitment to remain focused on the people. He said that the developments that took place last week continue to show how the government is focused on itself, and has as its only concern hiding the truth, silencing journalists, and weakening the citizens. The political event was also addressed by the International Secretary and PN can- didate Beppe Galea, who said that a new Nationalist Government, led by Bernard Grech, will invest so that Gozo becomes a region where the economy, culture, and en- vironment go hand in hand. Shadow Minister for Quality of Life and Local Government Chris Said highlight- ed the difference between the investments made by Nationalist Governments in Gozo and the lack of investment by the Labour Government, despite promises made by three different ministers for Gozo. Shadow Minister for Gozo Alex Borg ex- plained that Gozo has been neglected by the Labour Government in areas such as con- nectivity between Malta and Gozo, traffic, and, above all, healthcare. He said that a new Nationalist Govern- ment has a clear plan for Gozo. PN leader Bernard Grech (left) addressed the event in Gozo