Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/841483
16 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 25 JUNE 2017 Interview Helena Dalli: Standing for justice and equality Why are you contesting the deputy leadership post and how do you see yourself complementing Joseph Muscat's vision for the country and the party? I want to continue building on the successes the Labour govern- ment has had these past four years. My track record is evidence that I can complement the Prime Minis- ter's vision in the liberal leap for- ward he wants for our country. I also think that Joseph Muscat's feminist government, and parlia- ment, stand to gain if this perspec- tive is accentuated. The Prime Minister's vote of confidence by giving me the re- sponsibility for the portfolio pre- viously held by [Louis Grech], as well as retaining almost all of my previous responsibilities, is very encouraging. I fully share the Prime Minis- ter's vision of building a strong cosmopolitan Malta and I want to contribute in the best manner pos- sible, particularly at parliamentary level where we have an ambitious legislative agenda for the years ahead. The Labour Party has always been the party of progress and my participation in this race shows this, as we continue working on encouraging women for decision- making positions. What do you stand for and, if elected, what will you bring to the table? I stand for justice, equality and democracy; all that improves the lives of people and allows them to reach their full potential. I bring to the table all that I have learnt over my 21 years in parliament – two decades of experience in how par- liamentary democracy works. Having been both a government and opposition MP, I equally un- derstand the thinking of the op- position – something makes me an asset in understanding and pre- empting certain actions. The role of deputy leader entails two important elements: being a good listener and delivering and the past four years show that I de- liver and that I am a good listener, having strengthened dialogue in various policy matters. The most recent deputy leadership race exposed disgruntled Labour supporters who felt the party had abandoned them after just three years in power. Has this sentiment changed? I have been in the Labour Party since the age of 16, working at all levels – youths, local committees, women's branch and the general executive – and growing with the people it represents. From an early stage I was ex- posed to the reality of dealing with people's problems. Many suffered injustices and discrimination dur- ing Labour's time in opposition, and naturally, they expected some form of redress when Labour was elected. We worked on many grievances, but people don't al- ways get what they would have expected. We should continue to work for an equal society, one that is free from discrimination. Until we achieve that, there will be disgrun- tled people. Our job is to see that there is no single person who has been dealt with unfairly. What should the party and the government focus on during this legislature? There is so much that needs to be done. Our manifesto is full of pledges and we will deliver on all, like we did in the last legisla- ture. Amongst the priorities are housing, roads, better conditions and family-friendly structures for workers that reflect today's fam- ily and work realities. All this will improve people's lives and make Malta a better place, whilst per- forming well on the European and international stages. Our vision of being the best in Europe remains. As a party, we will keep our feet on the ground, listen to people's aspirations and continue being the leading progressive force for Malta. 'Corruption' was a central theme of the general election. Even though the PL won the election, it doesn't mean that people are not concerned. How would you, in your new position, address this issue? During the previous legislature we took unprecedented steps to fight corruption, particularly through the whistleblowers' act and the removal of time-barring on cases of political corruption. We have many other initiatives planned for this legislature, includ- ing the publication of contracts signed by the government and a new code of ethics for holders of public office among others. I will ensure that what we prom- ised in our manifesto in this regard will be implemented as soon as possible. These initiatives togeth- er with what we enacted during the last legislature will strengthen scrutiny. People trusted Labour again be- cause it delivered on its promises and we were loyal to the manifesto we were elected on. I will however continue working, even through widening the channels of dialogue, to address remaining concerns on corruption. We want to ensure the public maintains confidence in the in- stitutions and that is why we are strengthening them. I am deter- mined to see this through in the coming years. Where do you see the Labour Party after Joseph Muscat? We hope there will be no 'after Joseph Muscat' as yet. His legacy will be a strong, confident party that will continue to be the leading force of change for the better. I have been continuously meet- ing party delegates in the last few days and our conversations fill me with hope that what we have today is going to last. We will all continue to be guided by one prin- ciple: improving the life of every individual. Edward Scicluna: The facilitator for future leaders Why are you contesting the deputy leadership post and how do you see yourself complementing Joseph Muscat's vision for the country and the party? Contesting the PL deputy leader- ship is my answer to a fourth call- to-serve by the Prime Minister within a span of eight years. The first call was made in 2008 to con- test the European Parliamentary elections, which I did successfully some months later. The second was to relinquish my Vice-Pres- ident post in EP ECON commit- tee in 2013 and contest the local elections, again successfully being elected from two districts and ap- pointed Finance Minister. I again asked the PM whether he needs me to contest this last election. His reply was to ask back whether I was joking: he wanted me by his side during the campaign. The last call was to contest the deputy lead- ership after the successful election this month where I managed to double the number of votes polled in two districts, and again ap- pointed to Cabinet as Minister for Finance. Each time it was a call to serve the country in a trustworthy and correct manner. Working side by side and in tan- dem with the Prime Minister over the life of five successful budgets has stood the test of time. We see eye to eye both with respect to the vision and the method of reaching that vision. We are both as eager and proud of our accomplish- ments. I believe that the 40,000-major- ity has been an expression of the population that they want the eco- nomic and financial team lead by the Prime Minister and myself to continue. What do you stand for and, if elected, what will you bring to the table? I share progressive values where everyone gets a fair chance, every- one does his or her fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules. In the middle of the political divide I call on those to my left to appre- ciate that wealth needs to be cre- ated, whilst those to my right that unless that wealth is fairly distrib- uted it will not be enjoyed in peace The Labour Party is searching for its new deputy leader: Helena Dalli, Edward Scicluna and Chris Fearne have stepped forward in a bid to convince the party's delegates that they're the most suitable for the post: what are the candidates offering? By MIRIAM DALLI Three contenders, one post: who will be Labour's new deputy leader?