Business Sector Must Understand That Law Enforcement Is Not a ‘Witch Hunt’: Robert Abela

Prime Minister Robert Abela said the business community should not view enforcement of laws and regulations as a “witch hunt” against it.

“Everyone must understand that they must act within the law,” he told veteran journalist Reno Bugeji at a Labor Party political event in Birzebbuga on Friday.

He was asked about the issue of restaurants and establishments exceeding the boundaries where tables and chairs can be placed, even though this is in accordance with the general plan.

On Thursday, several government agencies descended on St. George’s Square in Rabat on the island of Gozo in response to protests by activists who opposed the uncontrolled takeover of public space by restaurants.

The Prime Minister said this will be the case across the country, and those who continue to break the rules will be prosecuted. “There is a provision that allows a shop to be closed if it happens again.”

Abela was also questioned in connection with the recent protest by Bolt drivers over falling income despite long working hours.

“Workers cannot be allowed to receive wages that are not humane. They deserve a decent wage. JobsPlus analyzes the labor market and those workers who do not add value to the country, do not put pressure on the infrastructure of the country that forces them, do not have a place here anymore,” Abela said.

Speaking about the country’s economic model, Abela said the situation should be viewed in a broader context, comparing it to what it was ten years ago.

“You had massive unemployment, you had poor economic growth. Then things got a lot better and the Maltese started taking advantage of the jobs and opportunities that were presented to them. Foreign workers came in as opportunities continued to grow,” he said. “There are solutions and we are able to find the solutions that the country needs.”

Asked about low wages in the country, he said the government had signed a number of collective agreements in the public sector “and would continue to do so.” He also said the party’s promise to raise the minimum wage would last until the end of the parliament.

Bugeja asked if the government’s strategy of not introducing new taxes was unsustainable. Abela replied that he did not believe in such an economic model because the tax increase would be borne by low-income earners.

Referring to the results of the last election, the Prime Minister said that the party may not have gained as much support among middle-class voters as it should have.

Asked about the construction sector, Abela said the government had implemented a number of reforms and would continue to implement them.

He insisted that “ODZ is ODZ” and applications in such areas “don’t make sense.”

In conclusion, the prime minister said the race for deputy leader for party affairs will be completed by mid-September. Current deputy leader Daniel Micallef announced his resignation from the party after the last European Parliament elections.

“People still believe that we are the best political force that can lead the country, but they expect more from us and will be ready to convince them,” he concluded.