(Adds PULSE statement)
All four party leaders faced University students today in a well-attended and noisy debate which was short of announcements but rich in the array of subjects raised.
The activity, organised by Insite, the university media organisation, saw Dr Gonzi winning most of the applause, with cries of Gonzi, Gonzi, greeting him as he entered the hall.
The subjects raised included Mepa reform, the state of the economy, tax cuts and education.
All leaders said student stipends would be retained.
Dr Gonzi said much needed to be done to further improve the environment, and since Mepa would face many challenges, it made sense to have it within the Office of the Prime Minister, which could better coordinate the changes which needed to be done in association with various government ministries.
Dr Sant retorted that it would have been better had the Prime Minister intervened in Mepa earlier, given the repeated allegations of irregularities. Dr Gonzi’s announcement that he would take charge of Mepa showed no confidence in the incumbent environment minister, George Pullicino, he said.
Dr Gonzi said in reply to one of the questions that his party was committed to moving a Whistleblowers’ Act when in government.
At one time Dr Sant was asked about his interpretation of the 2003 referendum results. As some students chanted irrispondi, irrispondi, he reacted by asking his questioner, Mr Schembri, why he had not asked him about corruption within the government.
Mr Schembri also asked Dr Sant whether he was a person who did whatever came to his mind. When Dr Sant looked quizzical, some students shouted Iva Int. Dr Sant produced a sheepish smile.
Dr Gonzi was asked about allegations that the donations from the Good Causes Fund were not being made according to the proper purpose of the fund. Dr Gonzi defended the government, arguing that the donations had been made to sports and cultural associations, as well as philanthropic organisations, and there was nothing wrong in this.
Questioned on the breast screening programme, announced in the budget speech, he said this would be taken in hand on a national scale once Zammit Clapp Hospital was converted into a cancer hospital, something which was already in train.
Josie Muscat, leader of Azzjoni Nazzjonali, insisted that his party was not against illegal migrants, but against the sheer number of migrants, which Malta could not handle.
Harry Vassallo, chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika, said his party would work with any party in a coalition, but he denied that his party appealed just to disgruntled PN or MLP supporters. He also pointed out that his party was raising for discussion subjects which the other parties avoided, such as divorce. He also pointed out that neither of the large parties had said what was to become of the stock of 53,000 vacant dwellings.
The debate ending with more students shouting Gonzi, Gonzi.