Karl Stennienibarra
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s worsening addiction to making unrealistic environmentally friendly pledges is becoming unmanageable, according to Government ministers who spoke to Bis-Serjetà.
In recent weeks, Muscat has mooted having free public transport between Malta and Gozo, turning the latter into an electric-car-only zone, and making Malta the first country to only import electric vehicles.
“It was fine when he was only making a green suggestion every now and then. We were all like, ‘OK, he’s just distracting people. Classic Joseph’,” said Health Minister and deputy PM Chris Fearne.
“But now it feels like he’s making one every week and we’re worried he can’t stop, Dr Fearne added.
Other ministers expressed their fears that Muscat is making so many green promises that they will have to carry out some of them.
“Urgh, can you imagine the hassle?” said Minister for the Environment José Herrera.
“It’s alright for him if he’s quitting before the next election. But what if the next prime minister decides not to move me to another portfolio that no one cares about and I’m still Environment Minister? I’ll actually have to make an effort,” he added while grimacing more than usual.
“I mean what’s next? Banning single use plastics? Saying everyone should be vegan? Man’s gone off the rails I tell you.”
Transport Minister Ian Borg was similarly concerned.
“Imagine he turns round next week all wild-eyed and says, ‘Ian, I need you to add cycle lanes to all the new roads.’ It just doesn’t bear thinking about,” Borg said.
Ministers are reportedly exploring the possibility of carrying out an intervention before Muscat sinks any deeper into his green abyss.
“Maybe we can tell Chris to get him on something else,” suggested Energy Minister Joe Mizzi.
