Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/652704
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 13 MARCH 2016 16 Economic growth Statistics released this week revealed an astounding result, with real GDP clocking off at 6.3%, way above the European average. Unemployment Malta's unemployment rate, standing at 5.1%, is the third lowest in the EU. Energy Tariffs Despite the delay in the construction of a new power plant, the government reduced energy tariffs for households and businesses. This was possible through the Sicily interconnector, the Chinese investment in the flailing Enemalta and the agreement with ElectroGas to build a gas plant in Delimara. Civil Rights The introduction of civil unions for same sex couples and the ground breaking trans and intersex law placed Malta at the top of the International Lesbian-Gay Association's 'Rainbow Europe' league for LGBTIQ rights. Whistleblower Act One of the government's first acts saw the enactment of the long awaited Whistleblower's Act but the law offers little protection for whistleblowers, while providing full immunity for the guilty. Prescription on political corruption The law abrogates the right of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MPs, mayors and councillors to plead prescription when charged with corruption and allows the State to file civil action to recoup assets acquired from corruption. Party financing Although the Electoral Commission – entirely composed of representatives of the two major parties – will act as regulator, for the first time ever the party financing law introduces basic checks and balances. Free child care The government is spending some €5 million a year to provide free childcare services for families where parents are either studying or working, in line with an electoral pledge, that came into force in April 2014. Tourism Although Air Malta's future is still uncertain, the Labour government has continued building upon the good work of successive governments, breaking records year upon year in terms of tourist arrivals and expenditure. Vilification Updating Malta's criminal code to reflect contemporary realities, the proposed changes also serve to clarify a number of outstanding legal grey areas, especially where pornography is concerned. Cohabitation Bill Labour plans on introducing new rights for families and similar set-ups in which the two breadwinners are not married couple. First-time buyers don't pay property tax Disposable income served as one of the key factors driving domestic demand with first-time buyers saving thousands on property. In-work benefits for claimants returning to work In line with Labour's 'make work pay' budget, re-entrants to the labour market did not have their social benefits removed but tapered out. Enforcement for 2% workforce threshold for disabled people SMEs will have to employ disabled workers as per the minimum quota laid down in a law first enacted in 1959 News IN ALL LEADING BOOK SHOPS HISTORY OF ORNITHOLOGY IN MALTA The good Shadow of Panamagate hangs over Labour's third year JURGEN BALZAN says Labour's first three years have seen the government score highly in a number of sectors but shocking own-goals in governance that put Joseph Muscat's legacy at risk BOLSTERED by an unprecedented 36,000-vote and a nine-seat majority Prime Minister Joseph Muscat – who for the best part of his time at Labour's helm has enjoyed a 'Teflon' reputation – retained a healthy lead over the PN and Simon Busuttil in the polls during the first three years in government. However, 2016 has so far been Muscat's annus horribilis and a se- ries of scandals has not only eroded Muscat's perceived invincibility but also risks overshadowing his suc- cesses. Following the revelation that both his right hand man, Keith Schembri, and most trusted minister, Konrad Mizzi, own a company in Panama – a tax haven – and a trust fund in New Zealand, Muscat has now lost his sheen and given an opposition still reeling from the electoral defeat and the baggage of its recent past a glimmer of hope in the run-up to the next election. In addition to Panamagate, the Gaffarena expropriation deal and the Café Premier bailout have made governance Muscat's Achilles heel. Labour's historic victory at the polls came in the wake of acute dis- content with the Nationalist govern- ments' arrogance, detachment from the people, maladministration and scandals. True to his word, Muscat strength- ened the economy, reduced energy tariffs, introduced free child care for working parents and introduced civil unions. But in terms of good governance, the first three years of Labour in gov- ernment have reinforced the public perception that there's little to choose between the two major political par- ties. Beyond policies, which one can agree or disagree on, depending on ideologi- cal viewpoints, Muscat's government has done nothing to cultivate a culture of high ethical standards in public life. Muscat's best hope to secure a second term is to assume the political responsibility he promised, otherwise he will taint his legacy by wilfully re- peating the errors of his predecessors, who were heavily punished by the electorate in 2013.