To reduce the cost of living, we need tangible actions from the Government in Malta, rather than blaming others.

To reduce the cost of living, we need tangible actions from the Government in Malta, rather than blaming others.

The Vice-President of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager, decisively debunked the claims made by Labor MEP Alex Agius Saliba, who attempted to shift the blame for the cost of living onto importers and the European Commission in order to protect Robert Abela. This was the key takeaway from a press conference held by European Parliament election candidate Peter Agius and PN Shadow Minister for Economy and Enterprise Jerome Caruana Cilia.

The speakers recalled how, last November, the Labour MEP accused Maltese importers of breaking the law and inflating prices, while urging the President of the European Commission to investigate them. Peter Agius promptly dismissed Agius Saliba’s request as absurd, stating that it is the responsibility of the Maltese Government, particularly the Competition Authority (MCCAA), to address such matters.

Now, the European Commission has responded officially, completely refuting the claims of the Labour MEP. Commissioner Vestager explicitly stated that it is the responsibility of the Maltese Government to investigate price abuses by any business in Malta.

It seems either Alex Agius Saliba is incompetent or attempting to mislead the public by persisting in his calls for the European Commission to investigate Maltese importers. The speakers reiterated that the Labour MEP either hasn’t learned anything during his five years in the European Parliament or is deliberately attempting to divert attention from the government’s obligations, which legally include investigating any instances of price abuse in the market.

Peter Agius lamented that cases like these highlights how Labour Party MEPs in Europe seem more focused on shielding the government than on advocating for consumer interests within the European Union. They stressed the need for competence and dedication to the needs of the Maltese people in Europe, rather than theatrical gestures aimed at diverting public attention.

It is unjust for Maltese businesses to suffer damage to their reputation in Europe when the lack of action on the cost of living lies squarely with the government, which has failed to investigate and regulate the market in response to allegations of price abuses by the Labour MEP.

They emphasized that the government holds responsibilities in the market, including ensuring a level playing field between businesses and investigating reported anti-competitive behavior. Only then can we ensure that the free market benefits consumers rather than exploiting them. By shifting blame onto Europe, the government is simply evading its duty to support families.

The Nationalist Party believes in policies that assist families in coping with the high cost of living, primarily by developing a new economic model that leads to higher wages. The failure of the Labour Party in government is evident, considering Malta is the only country in Europe where wages have stagnated for the past 11 years, resulting in increasingly challenging living conditions for Maltese families, where income remains stagnant while purchasing power diminishes.

‘Imagine Ninja Lecturing At MCAST’: Maltese MEP Candidate Sees Esports As Malta’s ‘Next Big Industry’

‘Imagine Ninja Lecturing At MCAST’: Maltese MEP Candidate Sees Esports As Malta’s ‘Next Big Industry’

A Maltese PN MEP candidate has called for a larger focus on Esports and gaming in Malta, even going so far as to say that infamous Fortnite Twitch streamer Ninja should lecture on the island.

“I agree with the Prime Minister’s statement with attracting big tournaments to Malta, but we must go much deeper. We must adapt education to produce tailor-made skills – imagine Ninja lecturing at MCAST, or Betsson as Head of IT at MCAST. This is how German industry conquered the world – by getting its industry onto college boards,” said Peter Agius.

His comments come after a visit to local gamer parlour run by Gamers.com.mt, where he played games such as Counterstrike with other Maltese gamers

Agius does have his preferences when it comes to gaming

“My kids play Minecraft, though I am not a big fan, and I played Counterstrike at the parlour – though I got killed nine times in ten minutes,” Agius told Lovin Malta. “I haven’t played Fortnite, though I have played Tekken since I was 18; I do enjoy Tekken a lot.”

When asked who his favourite Tekken character was, Agius responded: “The ladies.”

Admitting he isn’t a “real gamer”, he urged other politicians to “get out of their bubble”.

“I took a glimpse of your world and want to help to make your passion count more, make it easier for your passion to help you get a good job and help this country invest in its talent,” he said of Maltese gamers.

 

Read full article on LovinMalta here.

Il-Brexit irid jiftħilna għajnejna ġo Malta. Għandna bżonn alleanzi ġodda fl-Ewropa.

Il-Brexit irid jiftħilna għajnejna ġo Malta. Għandna bżonn alleanzi ġodda fl-Ewropa.

Il-Brexit irid jiftħilna għajnejna ġo Malta. Għandna bżonn alleanzi ġodda fl-Ewropa. Sound up 🔊🔊 Intervista fuq NET FM ma' Jerome Caruana Cilia

Geplaatst door Peter Agius op Vrijdag 19 oktober 2018