Saturday, 24th May 2008 - 10:29CET
Labour leadership contenders fume over Schulz endorsement of Muscat
Formal complaint made to the PES
Four Labour leadership contenders have complained that the endorsement of Joseph Muscat by PES chairman Martin Schulz was “deeply offensive, totally irregular and highly unethical”.
The four voiced their anger in a letter sent to Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists after Mr Schulz came to Malta to express his backing for Dr Muscat at a press conference.
The letter, written by Michael Falzon, reads:
“Dear Mr Rasmussen,
“As you might remember, my name is Dr Michael Falzon, Deputy Leader for Party Affairs of the Malta Labour Party.
“I am writing to you on behalf of the four contenders for upcoming Labour leadership election: George Abela, Evarist Bartolo, Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca, and myself, to express our disappointment and dismay, at the fact, that Mr Martin Schulz, was in Malta today, to endorse the candidature of Joseph Muscat, the other contender for the post of Leader of the Malta Labour Party.
“We are sure you agree that it is deeply offensive, totally irregular, and highly unethical (and uncalled for), to have an official of the Party of European Socialists endorsing one particular candidate, to the detriment of the other four Party members contesting for that same post within our Party.
“This act, in our opinion, amounts to interference in our Party’s internal matters. Not only so, but we are sure you would agree, that it is the Malta Labour Party as a whole which is a member of the PES, and not just one particular individual, and therefore we expect the PES to disassociate itself categorically and promptly from, and to condemn Mr Schulz's actions.
“We feel that we do not need “Big Brother” to tell us who we should elect as Leader.
“We would be grateful if you could kindly pass on this communication to the other members of the PES, whilst awaiting your reply.”
See also -
Picture: Mr Schuz with Dr Muscat yesterday.
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Comments
How come the PES chairperson’s already become the former boss, has JM resigned from the EU parliament? Is that an insider's scoop?
Nonetheless, I always thought that one of the most endearing qualities of the Maltese was the ability to call a spade a spade. Why do you think the village piazza exists in Malta, it is the theatre where observable behaviour is judged. Venture into the piazza but keep in mind that actions are noticed and kept in mind specifically if they're incongruent with the flood of inclusive words. The piazza is alive and healthy. Its simply become glocal now.
You are either missing my point completely or refusing to understand it. Schultz came to endorse a fellow Europarliamentarian from the same poltical grouping pure and simple. Mentioning names of other Maltese parlamenterians who are not members of the European Parliament is irrelevant and misleading....and here my friend, I rest my case
We have a European Union not a United States of Europe which is totally different. So according to you Martin Schultz could come here come next general elections and tell us to vote for Joe Debono Grech rather than for Chris Cardona!! Schultz is a foreigner and his role is only to garner support for the Labour Party as a whiole not for individual candidtaes.
So you see what a difference 10 years made. It is the electorate that for three times who challenged Sant's bid to govern the country and to lead the party. No better judge than time to show who was right and who was wrong.
From the comment you addressed to David Gatt it seems that the concept of a "united Europe" still escapes you. Very much like the USA, but not on the same federalist level, the European Union now has one parliament, one currency and one passport.
Mr Schultz's endorsement of Joseph Muscat was by a member of one Parliament to another member of the same parliament very much like the endorsements American politicians receive from their colleagues in Congress or the Senate. Chiaro?
As regards the comment you addressed to me on behalf of Alfred Mifsud, let me repeat that I have no problem reading and quoting from documents that have a bearing on our political history. Alfred Mifsud's letter to Alfred Sant of July 10, 1998 is very clear and there is nothing difficult to understand in the following quote from the same letter: "The George Abela and Lino Spiteri camps are no Mintoff buddies but primarily the objectives of both camps are quite congruent. George Abela is clearly challenging your party leadership. Mintoff is challenging your ability to govern.” Capito?
This does not spell well to an MLP led by someone like him because this very same attitude - that is, of not admitting one's faults or defeats - was a well-worn theme from 1998 till today and this was a theme which damned us Labourites to another term of office of the PN.
You just don't seem to get it. Suggest you take a cold shower before you read this.
US politicians have a right to endorse one another. But have McCain, Obama or Clinton received any endorsement from a non US poltician even though the choice of the US presdient effects the life of everybody even those outside the US? Just imagaine what a furore it would raise if Brown, Merkel or Sarkozy were to endorse one of the US presidential contenders!!!!
@ Ray Borg
Alfred Mifsud can take you to the water but he cannot make you drink. If you cant understand his reply it is probably your problem not his.
Don't confuse US endorsements with this controversial endorsement, I wouldn’t even go there. US endorsements are primarily useful as a fund raising tool.
Voting for the MLP leader will be the most personal vote a delegate can make that shouldn’t be muddled by the implied power of an endorsement from a status figure. Finally, The truly informed delegate voter would not need the advice of this endorser they are presumably capable of making the right decision for our party on their own.
I'm sorry to say that but it seems that it's you who speaking out of pure ignorance. If you just take USA for example, every electoral candidate is endorsed by many public figures. This is the new pay that politics are being done and if you are not aware of this than I'm sorry to tell you that you are outdated.
No fuss was raised when Dom Mintoff favored GA. So why should this talk be brought up now? Is it because it is JM who's involved? Cause I'm getting the feeling that you PN die-hards for some reason are doing your best to make him lose the 5th June election. What could the reason behind this be?
Think people.
You ask what is wrong with Martin Schulz endoring Joseph Martin. To start with Martin Schulz is a FOREIGNER, and as such he should know better to but his nose in the affairs if a political party of a Soverign State. Secondly, Joseph Muscat should have the wisdom not to sekk nor accept such endoresment.
@ Maria Dolores Fenech & David Gatt
for both of you to say that this kind of thing happens in any democratic society/modern World you are both talking out of ignorance. I challenge both of you to cite where it had happen.
If it is true that Mr. Mintoff officially did endorse George Abela it is wrong. A Statesman should stay out of the Political Arena, Period..
You choose not to comment perhaps because you are lost for words. The PN never took, nor will it take the Electorate for granted.
Friendship in not bought but gained over a period of time my friend and at the end is not taken for granted. I hope you realize the contrast between the PN and the MLP.
I do differ with you as to whom shown bad Judgement. Bad Judgement in this case was clearly demonstrated by Joseph Muscat ant not Martin Schulz as you indicated. Joseph Muscat should have never sought and/or accepted Martin Schulz endorsement. Period
Now if I was a delegate and I had to hear that endorsement, I would have said to myself, Schulz doesn't even know the other four contenders. How could his endorsement even carry any weight if he is un-aware who the other contenders are? He doesn't know who is the most capable for leadership.
From all I've seen Joseph Muscat has done some good for Malta with the EU, but nothing on the scale of being the main opposition's leader, let alone Prime Minister, the question is does he have the capabilities.
Glad to note you want Mintoff’s rehabilitation and I’wouldn’t state that his is an act of endorsement. It was more of a testing dip in the pond of inclusion. Its on all of the contenders’ manifestos. Of course you can in historical analysis interpret Mintoff’s actions as divisive, machiavellian ,mercurial etc.etc....however he is an indelible part of the MLP’s socio –historicity. More specifically that progressive bit that set the ball rolling for a fairer secular society.
One real test for any leadership contender is just that, the ability to rehabilitate the nonagenarian. Mintoff as Lear may be described as a divisive force, and I assume you hope that like Lear he will have time to gain true wisdom and insight. Try a different angle and think of Mintoff’s behaviour in later years more as a harsh lament for the loss of Maltese political ‘għaqal’. ( with apologies to J.Boissevain).
NB even more glad to note your deference to Ellul Mercer’s philosophy/literature
I think what some are objecting to is the smaller space left for a truly free choice. That does not exactly tally with a wider definition of democracy. It has absolutely nothing to do with being parochial I assume that was the adjective you wanted to use. It was about being sensible and respecting diversity.
The question then is not foreign interference but poor judgment. It was not one of Mr. Schultz’s best decision. It also reinforces the idea that some tend to think that being exonormative is the only way forward. I am all for unity but I really would like to see respect for diversity. Respect is not a one-way interface.
I did follow your advice and read your article THE BOARDROOM SOLUTION. Either I missed something but I did not find anything to dispel the notion that "The George Abela and Lino Spiteri camps are no Mintoff buddies but primarily the objectives of both camps are quite congruent. George Abela is clearly challenging your party leadership. Mintoff is challenging your ability to govern.”
I agree with you that years enrich us with wisdom but they cannot change or erase historical facts.
@Dominic Fenech
George Abela invited Dom Mintoff to his fold when he spoke in public for the first time at the Regatta Club in Cospicua on April 13. Now that is another interesting historical fact.
As M Falzon said down below 'As I said yesterday, an endorsement by Schultz is a bad omen indeed. Joseph Muscat may soon learn that to his dismay.'
Can't anyone see now that Dr Muscat has to face a huge problem now. The other 4 contenders has formed a common front opposing Schulz's endosement. The delegates who support these contenders are now all out against Dr Muscat and there is a silent agreement between them all to vote for the runner up, whoever it will be (unless Dr Muscat gets 50+1 of the delegates votes, of course).
Typical of your idol Alfred Sant you struggle to distinguish between your literary creativity and the reality of politics.
The analysis report of the 2003 & 2008 defeat make far more relevant reading for the future of the MLP. Whoever wins leadership will have to unravel a legacy of 10 years of defeats, confusion, internal piques, me first attitudes that your idol is leaving behind.
In the meantime enjoy reading King Lear.
What PN is a humble party???? Hahaha good one, don't even need to comment.
...now the campaign is against JM.....let's wait and see who will benefit1?!?!?
RE Mintoff everyone is in favour of rehabilitating him now even Joseph Muscat ( as declared on May 5th in a TV interview). There is no choice really, how can you boast of Labour’s progressive gains if you leave the man out in the cold in the twilight of his years. That inclusiveness is in the spirit of Ellul Mercer’s beautiful words, which we who subscribe to a certain philosophy can all recite if not sing.
NB I am still waiting for Dr. Muscat’s answer to my question so I’ll ask it again.
Who’s man is he primarily , Herr Schultz’s or the MLP’s?
In the meantime, I suggest he properly meditates on Ellul Mercer’s inspiring words.
Mr. Sammut you quoted Simon Bussutil correctly. The MlP should learn from Simon Busuttil.
The PN is a humble party and takes nothing for granted. It has to earn the trust of the electorate day after day. Maybe it is this that is missing in the PN's DNA.
I suggest you read my article THE BOARDROOM SOLUTION which you can find on my website in reply to what you state. Thank God I am 10 years older and wiser and can see things much better than I could do on 10th July 1998. I can just add that if the Boardroom solution tried before rushing for early elections Labour would not have had 10 traumatic years since. Whoever says that AS had no alternative but to go for early elections in 1998 is over-simplifying a complex situation.
@ Frans Sammaut
It is a show of PN strength to treat a narrow victory as a moral defeat. Unfortunately with Labour it is the inverse. There are people who want to change the least possible and consider a narrow defeat as victory.
Contrary to what you claim you did write history back in July 10 1998.
In a memo to Prime Minister Alfred Sant you wrote:
“This is a situation which needs cool heads and thinking, and I dare say that a detached view could enrich your analysis so I decided to bother you with my thoughts.
It is clear that you are fighting at least two factions that conveniently have come together to fight a common adversary. The George Abela and Lino Spiteri camps are no Mintoff buddies but primarily the objectives of both camps are quite congruent. George Abela is clearly challenging your party leadership. Mintoff is challenging your ability to govern.”
Mr Mifsud concluded his note with the folowing offer:
“If new elections become a reality count on my (sic) to fill any administrative void filled by George Abela as may be necessary”
Mr. Sammut then states that I raised points without checking whether there was any relation between them: Apart from having expected better from him, my reply is simple: We are commenting here, I believe, of a leadership bid and a report has been issued regarding the election defeat which has caused this bid and which comes days before an election amongst people who may have the support of the authors of said report.
Regarding the labourites who have chosen not to vote Labour, I think that we should humbly seek to stop pointing fingers but rather try and understand why people still chose GonziPN despite all the various issues.
Mr. Sammut in your justification of Joseph Muscat endorsement by Martin Schulz you failed to point out one VERY IMPORTANT FACT. That is, DOM MINTOFF is MALTESE whereas; MARTIN SCHULZ is a FORIEGNER. I believe it is you who is trying to rewrite history and not Alfred Mifsud as you suggested.
If one cannot be honest with one self, how can he be honest withthe rest of us. That is some food for thaught. Think about it; you might discover what is wrong with the MLP relationship with the Maltese Public.
Shame on you Frans Sammut for comparing Dom Mintoff with that foreigner Martin Schulz
Byron, your reasoning and rational demonstrate what is wrong with the MLP. That kind of reasoning and rational take the rest of us, as being gullible and to believe every thing that the MLP throws at the Maltese Society as a whole.
Wheter; Malta is a member state of the EU or not, no thanks to Joseph Muscat and the MLP, the fact remains that Malta is a Soverign Country and no one from abroad should interfere with its' internal Political matters. BEing at the Country level or Party level.
The other point you mentioned to justify the Endorsment of Joseph Muscat by Martin Schulz is America's political System. You did so by implying that if things keep developing the way they are within the EU, Its' political system will mirror that of the USA. Here again you spoke out of line. What might have happen in the future isirrelevant and onther topic of discussion altogether.
President Bush waited for the Primaries to be over to endorse the eventual winner of his Party's noso beforminee, John Mc Cain. To have endorsed someone prior of being nominated would have been unethical and but the other canditates in disadvantage.
I neither write nor re-write history. I read it. Mr Frans Sammut is far better at writing though he at times has problems in separating fact from fiction.. For example Mr schultz is no Labourite and will not be voting in the next general elections by whose results the new Labour leader will stand or fall. On the contrary Mintoff isnot only a labourite by a lifetime delegate of the general conference and if God lends him enoug years will vote at next elections.
Keep on dreaming and dreaming and dreaming.
You wrote that Dom Mintoff brought down the Labour Government in 1998 in his bid to place Dr Abela instead of Dr. Sant. Go and tell it to the marines !!!!!!
Your remember you last book published few days before last election 'Alfred Sant: Il-Vizjoni ghal-Bidla'
Where was the 'Bidla' ????????????
That was the man who brought down the Labour Government in 1998.
I am waiting for your next publication. It will be very interesting to read like ' Frans Sammut: L-Uniku wiehed"
Our Maltese parliament can't enact laws which goes against EU laws - and if it does, any citizen can go to the European court to challenge.
Therefore the endorsement of Schulz to Muscat is quite normal! It must be that those speaking against this endorsement don't really know what the EU is all about, or else they're still against EU.
Likewise, I think it's quite premature to comment on the findings of the so-called electoral defeat report as, first, one has to see whether the report reflected the information it was presented to it and whether there have been any 'manipulations' to favour some people over others through a misrepresentation of facts and the presentation of subjective findings.
I cannot see how a report compiled by people who may have endorsed one particular candidate or other for the leadership race can be held as being objective.
In the end true leaders do not need endorsements if they truly believe in themselves. I endorsed GA not because he asked me to but because I truly believe he offers the best prospects for MLP's future. My endorsement has more weight considering that I had JM working for my organisation for 4 whole years and I also collaborated with him when I was Chairman at Super One. In simple terms I know what I am talking about when I say JM could be a a good leader eventually but is presently no match for the task that awaits him.
Following publication of the analysis Report of the 2008 election loss I am left with no doubt that only a person from outside like GA can deliver the re-organisation that must precede a Labour election victory.
I would like to ask Joseph Muscat one question .
Whose man will he be first and foremost Martin Schultz's or the MLP's?
I await an answer from the man himself not his acolytes!
Well we know what singular breeds do at dog shows ............ they win, not because they are best in show but because they are a one off. (At least that is what the delegates and MR.Schulz think).
1) Your name should appear only at the end.
2) The words you choose should speak for themselves; bold words or underlined phrases should be avoided
3) No matter how angry you are, you should resist the temptation of becoming too emotional. Whoever is reading your letter needs to focus on the message rather than on your distasteful comments
4) Commas should only be used when necessary
With that silly, puerile letter Dr Falzon has sure put his foot in it this time. First he seriously needs lessons in English syntax, second he comes across as someone who has no idea of what political endorsement means, third this isn't the first time that he's let his emotions get the better of him but he's outdone himself today showing that shooting from the hip is certainly one of Falzon's major character flaws, fourth the arrogance of the man saying to Mr Rasmussen “We are sure you agree that it is deeply offensive, totally irregular, and highly unethical", fifth sounds like nothing more than Envy! Finally how dare he sign off as DEPUTY LEADER!!! If he wants to make a laughing stock of himself personally well that's his problem but when he signed as Deputy he's roping the whole Party in! I hope that Rasmussen ignores him and the delegates give him what he deserves - a good trouncing!
You happen to be part of another mess...please tell me you don't believe for 1minute that the PN doesn't have or has never had messes as you call it. The only difference is that in the Labour Party things are more exciting as they take place openly which I believe is better...at least many PN propagandists who comment frequently on this site would have more to fill their time.
Mr./Mrs, Mifsud, finally the MLP discovered that Malta belongs in Europe. Welcome abroad.
The point here is that not even outgoing leader should intervene in the selection process as to whom should succeeded him. Ironically, here in Malta we have a FOREIGNER, telling us who should be leader of the MLP. If that is not a direct interference by a FOREIGN person then what it is.
Perhaps this is what Alfred Sant was referring to when he spoke in Parliament in response to the President's speech that there are those trying to infiltrate the MLP.
Shame on Joseph Muscat.
It seems you really know Joe well... I therefore would like to ask you, if JM never wanted to become a politician, who is that nasty nasty person who forced him to get involved in Super 1 first, in MEP elections 2nd and now the MLP leadership race? I really pity poor JM - someone must really be putting a gun to his head!
Mark
Ps. I already know what some bloggers are going to answer - nobody is forcing Joe, its just that he is a really good person and he wants to save our beautiful country from those incompetent nationalists...
For the other contenders I am sorry to realise that you have no idea of how politics is done in the 21st century. No idea of campaigning. Just pointing fingers and crying wolf. No wonder the MLP has set up permanent residence on the opposition benches.
Joseph Muscat is ambitious. And yes he can sometimes be a dreamer. But one thing for sure is that Joe Muscat wants to be a winner. He wants to be successful. And if he is successful, then that success will be rippled down to the MLP, our nation, and our citizens.
Therefore keep it up Joseph. Battle the storm. And as they say, the winner takes it all.
is this the Labour United which you roar about? I truly admire you and I truly support you, but be careful cause many people are interpreting this as `sour grapes`.
Don`t play the game of George Abela - don`t fall in his trap. Otherwise people will resent you like him.
Mr. Mintoff is a life delegate of the Labour General Conference and when he attended the rally at Qormi, he attended as a delegate of the general conference, like all other present delegates.
At the Labour General Conference only Mr. Dom Mintoff and Dr. Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici are life delegates.
Bush endorsed McCain ONLY AFTER he was declared the official Republican candidate for the Presedntial elections. He never uttered a word of who would be the best Republican candidate before that. Which highlights even more of how wrong Mr.Schultz's decision, given his position, was in endorsing Muscat, since the leader race is in full-swing.
We have it from the horse's mouth as Mr. Schultz said yesterday:
“My parliamentary group has an interest in supporting Joe’s campaign as we need more Socialist party leaders with EU experience… as Group leader, and Joe’s boss in Brussels, I fully support his candidature”
Is the PES saying that only MEP’s should be chosen as party leaders? Is this a new rule to be added to the MLP statute as dictated by the new patriarchs? I can’t understand Mr. Schultz’s use of the word valid then, with regards the rest of the contenders. Democracy at its widest definition ?
Do we have a shred of self-respect left?
And please do not talk to us about foreign interference, Martin Schultz is one of us, we are in the Union now.... remember?
Why is it so wrong that a foreigner endorses JM?The others were endorsed by influential people as well...they could have been endorsed by a foreigner too if they wanted to but they weren't.
Joseph Muscat happens to be one of the people who, despite his age, worked hard in the interest of our country these last few years. I don't know why the other contenders are so infuriated at this particularly Michael Falzon who was at the top when Labour was defeated.
It's high time that we move forward in our thought and I believe Dr. Muscat when he claims that he wants Malta to be the best in the EU...I am also confident that he will strive to achieve this.
And one last point...I also don't know why the Nationalists are so keen to attack everything and everyone who happens not to be blue-eyed.
Oh I know why...the Labour Party is exciting at least...Things happen and in the open which is what people really want...to know what's going on and then it's take it or leave it!
What about the chairwoman of the woman labour section (Dr. Miriam Spiteri Debono) endorsing Dr. Abela? She is a chairperson like Schulz. So why the big fuss?
As for Dr Falzon, well, let him continue to push his politics of paranoia. He is trying to set the agenda. By tomorrow however, everyone will be speaking about the Labour Party`s report on labours defeat. Well, Michael falzon is TERRIBLY GUILTY, part and parcel of the strategy team that led the Labour Party to loose its 3rd general election. He must consider pulling out of this leadership election. He owes all delegates and party members alot of explanations.
As for Mr. Bartolo, well well well, he is the hand up monalisa`s skirt. you never see him coming, never see him playing but he is there...pushing the buttons. What a surprise to watch him tango with Dr. Falzon. Is he the same Varist that was at loggerheads with Dr. Michael falzon in the last couple of years. This tale is like an unhappy marriage.
Sour grapes is the false denial of desire for something sought but not acquired; to denigrate and feign disdain for that which one could not attain
What I find truly shocking is that some people still think like this in 2008! Long gone are the days of the misguided Foreign Interference Act. We are no longer an insignificant Malta living in pathetic isolation. Today, we are all EU citizens and part of the greater political landscape of Europe. Our internal political scene is of interest to others in Europe, as our politicians take decisions that bind the whole of Europe.
Our leaders are Europe's leaders - our PM is one of the persons steering the political direction of the whole of Europe as a member of the European Council. Our ministers vote into force European law. Surely, EU citizens have a right to be interested and participate in our political life!
'Foreigners', especially fellow Europeans, should be allowed to speak as they wish. After hearing all the arguments in the world, the Maltese are both free and smart enough to make up their own minds. Such is the nature of a pluralist society.
Mr Vella just to clarify...George W Bush - outgoing US president endorsed John Mc Cain Republican candidate for the presidency in the US
Conflicting comments here under show a more tangible picture of what is to happen.
Talk about...... 'out with the old and in with the new'.... what criteria is used to classify these sectors? Is it just age?
Maybe a lot do not realize that ideas alone cannot take one anywhere.
Ideas combined with knowledge and experience of persons who had to hit the dirt to arrive where they are today will lead to goals.
It will be very doubtful if after the leadership election is through all will return to normal with everyone pulling at one rope in the same direction.
With the same argument there must be no problem with Schultz endorsing muscat
In western democracies outgoing Party Leaders do not endorse any of the candidates running to succeed them.
What is really shocking and unacceptable in that we have a FOREIGNER interfering in the internal affairs of a political party in another sovereign state.
Dr. Joseph Muscat should have never sought nor accepted such endorsement. By doing so, Dr, Joseph Muscat shows lack of judgement and demostrates that he does not have the maturity to be Party leader, never mind Prime Minister.
SHAME ON YOU, DR, JOSEPH MUSCAT.
How pathetic Dr. Michael Falzon's letter was.
This is modern politics for you?
The difference between Joseph and the rest of the contestants is now CLEAR. Joseph is the new life in Labour, the others are old schools politicians.
The delegates have now an easy choice. The NEW vs the OLD.
Well done Dr Muscat for thinking "out of the box". It shows that the other potential Labour "leaders" don't understand the concept of political PR! This type of PR might give you an added advantage in mainland Europe, but it might back fire in little Malta.
It is starting to look like a kindergarten playground with every candidate running to teacher screaming "unfair..unfair..miss..he did this..or that!"
It would be amusing but for the fact that one of these people might eventually lead the country, although if they carry on like this, it isn't really going to instil much confidence in the general public...
The others can get endorsments as well as Abela got Mintoff endorsment, after all.
Muscat is emerging as the one who is very keen on deceiving, hitting below the belt and playing childish games that can only harm the MLP. The party machinery is making sure that the MLP gets the wrong leader if it persists in its support for this particular type of leadership style in the mould of Alfred Sant.
ONLY Dr. George Abela is able to give the MLP the credibility that is sorely needed, now more than ever after this latest twist to an already distorted and manipulated leadership election runup......
My appeal to the other contenders is to face reality and come together for a real change in the MLP that they can architect together with Dr. George Abela as leader.
These posts do nothing but continue to show the myopia which exists at the grassroots of a party that is now needed more than ever before for this country to move forward. Let us not forget that this is a competition between 5 contenders and the MLP as a party should have nothing to do with it except organise and manage the process. What I find disgusting is Dr. Falzon using his position of Deputy Leader in the letter on a matter which is purely dealing with the leadership contest. We now know why the MLP lost the election but when one sees all the little parts making up the big picture whoever the new leader is will have an uphill struggle to bring about the culture and organisational changes needed to be able to keep up with the PN at the political, policy and organisational levels.
2)------Wait a minute all you Daleys and A.Cammilleri's!!! Aren't you the same people who told Gunther Verheugen to bite his tongue and called other politicians from the EU talibans because they encouraged us to vote for E.U???? So now it's ok for foreigners to come here and endorse politicians and their policies??
3)------Dear Mr.Shulz since Dr.Sant (who you said will be Pm) has no regrets can you do us a favour and apologise for Dr.Alfred sant's worst mistake which he repeated twice i.e he encouraged people to celebrate a defeat (with all the repercussions that could have led to)?? Or are you going to tell us to forget the past "qisu ma gara xejn" as DR.Sant and Dr.Muscat have told their supporters to do!!!!!!
.........................who's going to save the MLP from this mess????????
In saying that the MLP will have "a poodle controlled by AS at its helm" merely shows that you have no clue about a lot of things: 1.You have no clue whatsoever who is actually Joseph Muscat and who is exactly Alfred Sant. 2.And you also have no clue as to what goes on EXACTLY in the Labour party. 3.You also have no clue how TOTALLY DIFFERENT (and I emphasis on the totally) Joseph Muscat is from AS.
I suggest you gather your facts thoroughly before you draw conclusions please..at least try to learn a little bit more about these 2 diametrically opposed individuals.
what`s wrong with Mr Schulz (as an individual, being in malta on his own will) to endorse joseph muscat!!!!??
more than ever, I am deeply convinced that only with Joseph could the labour party remains a strong pro-eu party.
Sour graes for the other candidates! if they have a good relationship like joseph with any individual from the PES, I`m sure that they would have done the same. And that should be encouraged also!!
Is the MLP totally unfamiliar with modern democratic process?
You can't preach inclusiveness and then cry 'interference' when somebody - a socialist not the less - participates politically in the process. Like with so many others, the MLP seems not to realise that 'Inclusiveness' is not just a buzz word.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080523/local/muscat-wins-endorsement-of-european-socialists-head
I hope that Dr Muscat's diplomatic abilities (by now famous all over Europe) will come in handy to help Mr Schulz him out of this mess.
If I were GA, for instance, I would get in contact with the likes of Gunther Verheugen (a high-ranker in the PES) ... I'm sure he'll be happy to oblige.
Futile comments by PN people only confirms their terror of Muscat. In my opinion he will be Gonzi's government bane, which is already ailing at its birth. With Muscat at the helm, and such strong European support, then truly the Maltese will start reaping from their European membership, come 2013.
All this criticism towards Joseph Muscat continues to convince me that his election as the new labour leader is a matter of days. He's already the nationalists' number 1 target.
Now we have to see what changes he will bring to the party and maltese politics.
Time will tell.
“This act, in our opinion, amounts to interference in our Party’s internal matters. Not only so, but we are sure you would agree, that it is the Malta Labour Party as a whole which is a member of the PES, and not just one particular individual, and therefore we expect the PES to disassociate itself categorically and promptly from, and to condemn Mr Schulz's actions.
“We feel that we do not need “Big Brother” to tell us who we should elect as Leader, (they say.)
Is this the way forward? Is this the way to openness? Is this the new thinking of prospective leaders?
Let there be hundreds of whoever they may be and come from whichever country to say what they think and show their opinion.
Do we not do the same thing when we the Maltese comment on or about some prospective candidate in other countries and write in foreign blogs?
Is that not what other prominent leaders are doing regarding the US Democratic race? They all comment on the positive nature of the person who they wish to work with once in office!
Grow up, and embrace Dr. Muscat's new and modern way of thinking!
Given that none of these contestants other than George Abela, stands a chance of beating JM they should unite, swallow their pride and support GA by endorsing him. This would increase the chances of GA being elected and change the current pitiful state of the party.
The party needs a strong leader who can challenge and change the current decision makers in the party. At 34 JM might have succeeded in tackling the red tape and bureaucracy in Brussels, but changing the Labour party is completely different cattle of fish. One needs credibility, clout and experience which come with having a few grey hairs.
JM has been endorsed by his boss because he was a good subordinate - does not equate with being a good leader. Good leaders by definition do not get on well with their bosses as they challenge the status quo - HMMM am I thinking of GA here!
And cut this poodle thing its pathetic! Then with the same argument Gonzi is a poodle of Fenech Adami who in turn made him President! What's that? A super poodle?
Is this the way forward the European style?
Don't we all have our preferences? What's wrong in expressing those preferences - in our own personal capacity?
Joseph Muscat has an influential friend among the PES group. What's wrong about that? Didn't Dom Mintoff (certainly another influential personality) express his preference too?
Well Dr.Abela had a previous labour leader supporting him and Muscat has Shulz. Nothing wrong in both cases, in fact they are the two who are doing the best work and both merit a top post in the Labour party...
Dr.Falzon must stop use this word 'fairness' in his speaches, and realize that there is no such thing as fair in the whole world. We live in a real world. If Dr.Falzon, l-iljun tal-bidla, has no high profile supporters, that's his problem and do not complain about the support of others.
Let's hope for an Muscat and Abela leadership!
I cant understand Falzon's reasoning. Another clear sign that he is not leadership material.
p.s. a good idea i believe would have been that instead of enlarging the voting pool extensively which maybe could have been a logistical nightmare at this stage, why not get at least the Labour MPs to cast their vote and give a 50:50 weighting between them and the delegates? That's a fairly simple process i believe at at the end of the day they should have a very strong say in electing their leader!
The question now is: If common sense were to take over and Joseph Muscat is not elected, what sort of relations would the new leader have with his/her European leader? Would Abela/Coleiro/Bartolo/Falzon simply shake hands with Herr Schultz and agree to let bygones be bygones?
Dear Joseph Muscat, your sycophantic tendencies will only get you so far. (M Falzon, Naxxar)
Well, this story aside, unfortunately this has been a bad day for Dr. Falzon who has been shot down by the party's internal audit on the election defeat. This, paired with the defeat suffered of Dr. Abela's suggstion at the last general conference, points into one direction, MLP will have a poodle controlled by AS at its helm...