Sant accuses PN of public opinion manipulation

Opposition leader Alfred Sant yesterday condemned what he termed the "manipulation of public opinion" by the Nationalists through the local councils.

Speaking at the MLP club in Ghaxaq, Dr Sant condemned the PN's attempt to move a motion in favour of the public voting yes in the referendum wherever it had a majority of councillors in the different localities.

The polarisation and partisanship of local councils showed a "lack of political skill and honesty" and was turning the local councils into "partisan, political pique", he said.

Dr Sant spoke of a "democratic deficit" in the consultative referendum and said the manipulation had to stop.

Public Broadcasting Services, with its "obscenities", was also party to the brainwashing strategy and was suggesting that the "unbalanced" programme Xarabank be aired daily.

Speaking about the upcoming referendum, he told his audience they could write "Viva Hal Ghaxaq" on their vote. The choice was not between yes and no, but between membership and partnership. A yes vote would be in favour of stagnation, he said.

The Ghaxaq local council had fulfilled 93 per cent of its promises and could even improve its record, Dr Sant said, adding that with a Labour government, they would be backed and not faced with obstacles.

Dr Sant insisted that the concept of partnership should be integrated at local council level - with associations, individuals and the community.

The MLP was working on a report on establishing a partnership with the community to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. After the report is approved by the general conference, it would form part of its electoral manifesto, he said.

The shadow spokesman for home affairs, Gavin Gulia, said Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami had a "personal" and not a national agenda and was merely seeking a means to have a monument erected in his honour on retirement.