Sammy Meilaq, a 75-year-old socialist and former confidante of Dom Mintoff, has voiced strong criticisms regarding Malta's current political landscape, asserting that it is veering towards anti-socialism. In a recent interview, Meilaq highlighted that economic deregulation has significantly empowered employers while simultaneously weakening labor unions. He pointed out that the Labour Party, despite its social democratic roots, has increasingly adopted capitalist policies that favor the wealthy over the working class. Meilaq emphasized the urgent need to ban corporate donations to political parties as a measure to combat corruption, which he believes is rampant in the current system.
Meilaq also expressed dissatisfaction with Malta's foreign policy, claiming it is heavily influenced by the United States, thereby undermining Malta's long-standing neutrality. He called for a grassroots rebellion against both major political parties, which he views as corrupt and self-serving. Reflecting on the past successes of Mintoff's socialist policies, Meilaq criticized the prevailing economic model, which he argues disproportionately benefits the affluent. He raised concerns about the growing influence of corporate lobbyists in government decisions, suggesting that this trend further erodes democratic integrity. [d228a171]
In light of these critiques, Malta's finance minister, Clyde Caruana, recently discussed the election results and the need for change within the Labour Party. Caruana acknowledged that the party's loss of over 30,000 votes in the recent elections indicated a shifting public sentiment. He attributed this unexpected outcome to the 'Trump effect', where pollsters underestimated support for certain candidates. Caruana emphasized the necessity for changes in Malta's economic model and infrastructure to address public frustrations and improve overall quality of life. He warned that if the current growth rate continues, Malta's population could reach 600,000 by 2027 and 800,000 by 2040. [16196544]
Caruana also highlighted the dominance of cartels in Malta's economy and the pressing need for increased competition. He expressed concerns regarding the education system's performance and the importance of upskilling the workforce. Addressing the EU's concerns about Malta's deficit, Caruana expressed confidence in meeting the deficit reduction targets. He defended the government's decision to distribute cheques during the election campaign, arguing that it benefits those with lower incomes. [16196544]
As Malta navigates these complex political and economic challenges, the contrasting views of figures like Meilaq and Caruana underscore the ongoing debates about the future direction of the country. [d228a171]