Last Updated on Thursday, 19 September, 2024 at 12:03 pm by Andre Camilleri
Last week the Labour Party organised the internal elections to elect its new members of the Administration, as well as the Executive. The voting began on Friday, the 13th of September, and closed on the following day. The elections came as a result of the European Parliament and Local Council elections, partly due to the exit of the Deputy Leader Party Affairs, and also due to the expiry of the Executive Committee members’ term.
To begin with, I was glad that these elections were convened ahead of the presentation of the 2025 national budget. Also, I am happy to see that Dr Ian Borg was confirmed as the new Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs, and now Deputy Prime Minister. Dr Borg and I go a long way back. I remember him an activist, as well as running for the Dingli Local Council elections, and becoming also the village’s mayor. Thereafter, we had the opportunity to work together during the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU and saw him maturing into a finer politician, since his foreign affairs appointment. Personally, I believe he did a sterling job in his current appointment as Foreign Affairs minister. When Malta presided the UNSC as a non-permanent member, as well as assuming the chairmanship of the OSCE, it transpired, how important it is to place people at the right place and the right time. Dr Borg is a go-getter, and he’s got charisma. He is an all-rounder and a fast learner. So, once again he landed a posting at the right place, and at the right time.
Furthermore, I was happy to see that Dr Alex Agius Saliba was confirmed as the Deputy Leader Party Affairs. As I had the opportunity to state several times, Dr Agius Saliba and I have known each other almost all our adulthood. We spent our adulthood together in the PL, especially when we were in the Opposition. Dr Agius Saliba grew and matured as a politician. He is likeable by the grassroots and approachable, too. I remember him a young activist, in the Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti, as a journalist at One and then succeeding in the 2019 MEP elections. Besides, Dr Agius Saliba ran once again for the EU Parliament elections in June, garnering a massive popular vote, breaking the record of any PL candidate in the history of EP elections. Needless to say, Dr Agius Saliba is also a doer. He is not easily intimidated, and quite organised in his work. It is what the PL needed at this point in time, especially from a strategy point of view. Dr Agius Saliba will surely reorganise the PL since he strategizes every move. If it was not the case, I wouldn’t have asked him to endorse me in my campaign launch back in January 2024. Dr Agius Saliba was quite successful in his role as an MEP and current vice-president of the Socialists and Democrats. He will be remembered for twisting the arms of giant techs in the US and making them bow to the EU’s super regulatory powers.
Frankly, I would have loved to see more women in other positions within the PL’s administration. However, I am happy with the choice. The newly elected president of the PL, Dr Alex Sciberras is an intellect. I had the opportunity to work with him in Brussels. He’s got great insights and brings to the table straight talk. In fact, when we were posted in Brussels, we used to have long discussions on how to approach certain policies, especially on external relations. We did not necessarily agree on everything, but he was always ready to find a compromise. Also, I think he is able to read the signs of the times, and he’s got the gift of the gab. I am positive that when it comes to new policies, he will do a great job.
When it comes to the International Secretary of the PL, I think John Grech will listen and socialise more within the diplomatic circles. This was, and still is, desperately needed. We had several chats, and he seems to understand diplomacy, and history quite well. Obviously, I have known his competitor, Dr Georvin Bugeja since he was a teenager. We hail from the same city, and he started at One Productions with my husband Ray Azzopardi. He is a valid person, and he’s got a lot to contribute. Same goes for Norma Saliba, who I have also known for a lifetime. I know her as a fair person, and I think that the PL must find a way to utilise her media, and communication skills.
Honestly, I did not have time to watch the PL’s General Conference last Sunday, as I was indisposed. However, I did read some media reports that quoted Dr Agius Saliba’s narrative of accepting self-criticism. True, it is not always the case of “proset ministru”. The PL must work in the interest of everyone. We are all humans, and we do not always get it right. If we do not accept self-criticism we lose credibility. What the PL must do is to keep the separation between the government and the party, focus more on its internal operations and strategy, and accept criticism. Besides, I believe that the PL must act as the overseer of the malpractices and errors in government. This is crucial, and important to profess, both for the sake of transparency and good governance. However, many in top positions within the government, must ensure to take professional advice. Even cabinet members require to have some academics around them because, as I often said, they can’t be experts of everything in their portfolios. I am sure that there will be changes to the better.
Ahead of the 2025 Budget, the first priorities must be, the reorganisation of our economic sectors, the management of TCNs employments, the priority sectors relative to climate and environmental risks and the transition to greener practices, as well as an overhaul in the planning of permits. The PL must offer a wider vision, built on a long-term plan to achieve it and for which it provides additional quality employment. And this must include new modes of transportation, as well as sustainable practices that would mobilise additional private sector funding, especially in the circular economy.
Lastly, I wish the very best to all those elected in the Executive of the PL. I am always at your disposal should you wish my economic knowledge. Good luck to all!
