CNI hits out at 'national humiliation'
The Campaign for National Independence has described comments by the EU Competition Commissioner on the Malta Shipyards privatisation strategy as “a national humiliation”.
The CNI, led by former Prime Minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, pointed out that Neelie Kroes had found the government’s plan unacceptable, and asked it to come up with a new plan by mid-December.
“This disgusting act shows that the government which was democratically elected by the Maltese people is no longer sovereign and able to decide national matters as it deems fit in the interests of the Maltese people.
“The will of the European Union is superior to the will of the majority of the Maltese people. The national interest safeguarded by the Maltese government has to be sacrificed to the EU competition rules.”
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said that independently of how right or wrong the government decision was to write off the shipyard debts, the people should not accept such humiliation by foreign bureaucrats.
Furthermore, the Commissioner’s decision was “stupid” since the Malta Shipyards debt was actually government debt since the government was the shareholder. The money was due to the government, and even if the debt was not written off, the company would still not pay the government.
If whoever bought Malta Shipyards was required to settle the debt, the price he would offer to buy the shipyard would be reduced by the amount due to the government to settle the debt. This meant that the debt would always be a loss to the government.
Even if Malta Shipyards was declared bankrupt, the debt would not be paid to the government.
Therefore, whatever the EU said, it would still be the government which ultimately had to carry the dockyard debt.
The CNI urged workers who wished to continue to work at the dockyard to form a cooperative and take over the dockyard together with a foreign strategic partner. In this way the shipyard would remain Maltese, and not a foreign maritime base, it said.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Petrol price up 6c
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
103 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 19th 2008, 07:28
> what did he do with the Bical money;people are still waiting and have not forgotten
1) Stick to the issue will you please, else we shall sidetrack into the typical housewife (and irrelevant) arguments like:
- why are they still forgotten 25 odd years on even though promised otherwise
- what about Queroz... the "meeting" under the bridge etc etc
>I think it is a good thing that the EU interferes in acountry1s affairs
Again with all due respect, it is not a matter of what you or I think but what the law states:
We are PROTECTED from ANY EU/external interference by our constitution.
That is VERY clear and has not been negated by anyone, thus far.
So, although we are obliged to conform to EU law, we are ONLY obliged to do so IF EU law does not interfere with our NATIONAL law.
And that is the point of this whole thread and KMB's argument.
And so far nobody has brought up any proof (legal/logical not "emotional anti KMB" ones) to prove otherwise.
Why are we therefoe bowing our heads when we have a RIGHT to go with what all (Maltese) parties concerned deem a correct solution?
Josephine Casar
Sep 18th 2008, 18:02
I think it is a good thing that the EU interferes in acountry1s affairs, like this governments have to be careful, not dump everything on the people, after all we have to pay off the debts. after all, what did he do with the Bical money;people are still waiting and have not forgotten.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 18th 2008, 16:32
Hi James!
>Now its a hopeless case.
No it isn't - its NEVER too late even though one is led to believe so... ;)
>Anyway EU regulations are there to be followed.
Asolutely!
...PROVIDED that they do not break national law.
Read the constitution - its all there last time I read it.
And to my knowledge, it has not been changed to accomodate EU regulations .
If anyone can clearly (legally) argue that our more supreme constitution (which came first), yielded power and sovereignity to the EU law, I'd be most grateful for the clarification.
> The Maltese people decided to join the EU and the Gov't in power followed through.
I agree with you 100%. But neither the people nor the government conceded soveriegnity & power to the EU.
Anyone kindly care to correct my thinking?
Without the usual " I don't care cos EU = heaven", "If PN did it then its ok", " KMB= zero" etc etc
This is a powerful tool that we have and one that we should safeguard very well.... rather than let others throw it away.
I hope we'll never need it but you never know when we might SERIOUSLY need it.
James Formosa
Sep 18th 2008, 15:34
@ IGM > "I'm here to say that what KMB is saying is factually correct and that our parliament (both sides!) seem to be fast asleep on an issue of national importance. "
KMB may be correct (didn't ever really bother to listen to him before and won't start now).
The point of the matter is that "both sides seem to be fast asleep" and when they awake they don't do much either!! So when PN played the EU card and said that they had faith in the Maltese people, I voted for the EU because I didn't have faith in the Gov't (and parliament).
May I also remind you that the shipyards is a case in point... how long have they dragged their legs on this? Now its a hopeless case. Anyway EU regulations are there to be followed. The Maltese people decided to join the EU and the Gov't in power followed through.
Joe Vella
Sep 18th 2008, 15:20
@ I.M. Dingli
We are all aware of the kinds of jobs that KMB provided. Workers do not want charity, but good quality jobs that will enhance ones skills and further the knowledge and dignity of the worker.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 18th 2008, 12:23
So ... a Labour regime 'depriving you of overtime' is something you don't forget 21 years on and someone depriving you of the freedom to decide for yourself (as per constitution) TODAY is "utterley ok & no big deal."...
hmmm
Who says propaganda is not effective..?!!
Seriously, I am not here trying to 'attack' PN, glorify MLP etc.
I'm here to say that what KMB is saying is factually correct and that our parliament (both sides!) seem to be fast asleep on an issue of national importance.
No - not just the drydocks, but the right for us to decide for ourselves.
This is NOT demand for special treatment, superiority/ inferiority complex or whatever: it is a basic right (like other EU nations ) guaranteed by our constitution and I fear that if our government ignores this abuse now, the gates will henceforth be open for even bigger abuse later...
This is a great opportunity for Malta to show the EU that it cannot treat us like rubbish and IMPOSE on us - which is what other countries do to the EU.
We should obey regulations etc of our own will, only if they conform to our highest national law.
I. M. Dingli
Sep 18th 2008, 11:28
Mr. Grech Mintoff, and if you read carefully Mr. Attard is angry at KMB because he was deprived of the right to work Overtime and not deprived of the right to have a Job!!
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 18th 2008, 10:50
So...
- You fought a 'regime' that 'deprived' you of your 'human rights',
- your dream came true in 87... and
- you are now enjoying the "fruits of your sacrifices"....
Reality - and you have NOT disagreed so far (apart from emotionally which is simply dismissed) - is that the 'present regime' (GonziPN + EU is....
- taking away your 'human rights'
- with your blessing no less, as you are accepting it like a lamb to the slaughter.
- Shattering your 87 dream in the process...
And the only voice who is standing up for you is..... your 'enemy' (sic!) of 87.
How ironic!
How sad....
If I was in your shoes, I would have preferred to go fishing instead of all those 'sacrifices' that you had to go through, if it meant ending up back to square one
Or worse if its foreigners who now IMPOSE (their words) their will on you...
But I guess that some only fight depending on who is in front of them rather than for what is actually GOOD for them.
Even if 87 etc were the 'dark ages' (sic!) etc .... I ask again:
Why is it ok now....?
francis Attard
Sep 18th 2008, 10:29
Dr.Mifsud Bonnici didn't take any action, when he was Prime Minister, when I was deprived of my human right to work overtime at the Drydocks because I wasn't a member of the GWU. I fought for that right at the Drydocks then, but it was all in vain. Therefore, I engaged myself to try to get rid of that administration and in 1987 my dreams came true and I am still enjoying the results of my sacrifices. And I have a strong feeling that, if I will be fortunate enough to live longer, I will enjoy the fruit of my sacrifices even in many more years to come. And this comment is my last on this article. I feel that there is no need to go on.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 18th 2008, 10:04
It gets worse!!
" we will not IMPOSE it on the government AS LONG AS the privatisation process does not involve further state aid."...
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080918/local/brussels-wants-liquidation-of-malta-shipyards
And what's our exacting reply ??
"A senior government official said that talks with the Commission were ongoing ... However, he admitted that the position adopted by the Commission "is not being taken lightly"."
What exactly does that mean?!
That we take their postion as a rigid one or have we told them not to interfere , or mere wordplay?
Now look at how seriously things are done in other EU states:
1) Brittain's economy in serious difficulty?
Attitude: To hell with (EU) regulations: OUR people/economy come first!
Ref- Lloyds/HBOS takeover
2) " Meanwhile, Polish shipyard workers are facing THE SAME DIFFICULT SITUATION as their Maltese counterparts.
HUNDREDS of dockers PROTESTED outside Ms Kroes's office in Brussels last Tuesday ...
...Polish workers fear that their shipyards in Gdansk, Gdynia and Szczecin will be forced to close down IF the European Commission RULES that they must repay the state aid given to them illegally (?!!!) over the past years by the Polish government."
Anyone wish to wager on the outcome of the Polish yards.??
And ours...??
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 18th 2008, 07:00
> I do not need anyone like Karmenu to fight for my rights.
1) He is not doing it so for you (alone) but for ALL of us as...
2) Nobody else (including yourself) seems to be doing so
3) If someone else was doing so (as is wanting by their office and oath) then he wouldn't have to
>Whenever I felt the need to fight for my rights ...., I did that without any fear.... and ... I never gave up.
4) With all due respect, that is exactly what you seem to be doing right now....
This is not aboutthe drydocks (only) but about :
- losing our rights
- not respecting the law (This time its the docks. Next time, as they can get away with it, what will it be...?)
- not PROTECTING our soveriegnity (=your & my fundamental maltese rights)
-people like you (not KMB) who are KNOWINGLY CONDONINGsuch abuse of power and lack of action leading to others telling us what to do.
Remember when "efa & gang" were a truly strong opposition? Would they for one moment have allowed something like this to happen on their watch?!
So why is it ok now....?
J Martinelli
Sep 17th 2008, 23:57
Oh! How convenient - "Dr. Muscat DID NOT SIGN the present agreement. Exactly which agreement is A Daley talking about?
The Accession Treaty? The Lisbon Constitution? Of course he didn't - he was not the Prime Minister in either case.
Regarding the Accession Treaty, the MLP ( the leader's name is immaterial) was dead against joining the EU although it was revealed later that they had mislead the public with their anti-EU campaign. But that said, the same MLP in Dr. Muscat's own words made a U turn and now is in favour of the EU. But to add a bit of spice, Dr. Muscat opened his arms and welcomed back KMB ! Now, how about that for pure unadulterated logic?
With regards to the Lisbon Treaty, did the MLP (Dr. Sant ,Leader) not vote in its favour in our Parliament?
So, A Daley, please don't contradict yourself and make us laugh. Your ideas are now becoming a bit embarrassing even to your own preferred party, the MLP, unless, of course, they really are not for the EU - they are just telling us so.
I would not be the least bit surprised with AST back in the fold!
A Daley
Sep 17th 2008, 22:10
Whenever I felt the need to fight for my rights during my whole life, I did that without any fear whatsoever and although I sometimes suffered the consequences, I never gave up.
On that bomb shell, I have to agree with Francis Attard.
I fought for all the following, and although I sometimes suffered the consequences, I never gave up.
Voting rights for women
40 hour week
Voting right at 18 years
Children's Allowance
Decent pension scheme for all
Old age pensions
Free Health Care
Free Education
Free medicine
Minimum Wage
Disability living allowance
Incapacity benefits
Democratic Constitution with all the rights of the free world
FREE ELECTIONS
I did that without any fear whatsoever!
Francis Attard
Sep 17th 2008, 19:51
I do not need anyone like Karmenu to fight for my rights. Whenever I felt the need to fight for my rights during my whole life, I did that without any fear whatsoever and although I sometimes suffered the consequences, I never gave up.
Francis Attard
Sep 17th 2008, 19:29
The CNI statement stated that: 'Even if Malta Shipyards was declared bankrupt the debt would not be paid to the government' (To Gonzi and his ministers? - No, to the tax payers).
'Therefore, whatever the EU said, it would still be the Government (THE TAX PAYERS) which ultimately had to carry the Dockyard Dept'.
A Daley
Sep 17th 2008, 18:24
With regards to the EU powers, Britain's leader of the opposition David Cameron thinks the same way as KMB. Does this mean that they share same political ideology, or that Cameron is coming from a bygone era?
If the Conservatives win in 2 years time, they will turn the EU upside down to rid the EU from gaining any more powers. If not they will be out. Once they're out, bye bye EU.
There's turmoil looming for the EU!
Does Dr. Muscat agree with KMB? At this stage this argument is irrelevant.
Dr. Muscat DID NOT SIGN the present agreement.
PN were bending over to get in and enjoying it.
Now they are suffering the consequences.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 17th 2008, 17:54
No matter what the blue eyed zombies say from the comfort of far off lands, the facts here are simple..
The Government took a decision, a decision, which, despite the lies before the last election had been in the pipeline for quite some time, and, despite it having been the PN to have negotiated our entry treaty,and despite having a good number of EU experts living off our taxes, and despite the fact that some Pn MEp's were experts BEFORE our accession, the EU decided that the Maltese Government should be treated like an idiot.
I think it is very plain, and no matter how long we argue, and how faithful to the subject we are, even going as far as calling each other names, there is nothing much to argue about......
If any common Joe had taken such a wrong desicion, his head would be rolling down the street...
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 17th 2008, 17:35
>...under no foreign rule had the curia been attacked. Under the administration of Dr.Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici it was.
A most topically irrelevant statement to what we are trying to establish here.
Instead of seeing the SENSE in what KMB is saying, we have to revert to silly playground comments and raspberry noises.....
You should be GLAD that SOMEONE is fighting your corner rather than dropping the pants and bending over...
If GonziPN or someone else would come up with this kind of thinking, I would not blow raspberries but actually be GLAD that someone is standing up for my rights rather than bending head and knee.... for a mere bag of silver.
Isn't it time we grew up a little when it comes to our National foriegn policy and National sovereignity..?
We go on and on about the 'Black invasion' (sic!) on rubber sinking dinghies(sic!), yet still as motionless as a rabbit in the glare of the bright headlights belonging to the "Juggernaut from the North", whilst trying to persuade ourselves that its the best thing that ever happened to this little speck of rock we call OUR home.... since time began.
Francis Attard
Sep 17th 2008, 16:25
To draw a conclusion, it is now a known fact that all the political forces (except CNI of course), agree that our place is within the EU. If, for some reason or another, there are people who do not agree with this important policy, I feel that their membership in any of these political forces is insane.
Finally, I wish to add that under no foreign rule had the curia been attacked. Under the administration of Dr.Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici it was.
A Daley
Sep 17th 2008, 16:05
Dear Ivan Grech Mintoff, it is no use trying to convince with PN apologists.
They speak from their livid heart because they inherited their own biblical financial mess, we ever had in Malta.
One may not agree with what KMB believes, but HE IS CORRECT in saying that Malta has become the puppet of the big brothers in the EU, namely France, Spain, Germany, and even Britain albeit to say that Britain is the most Euro skeptic amongst them all, and they are entitled to be skeptical!
The other question to these gullible EU puppets, is this.
Britain (the most democratic country) had punched hundreds of bullet holes in the Lisbon Treaty as they acknowledged the fact that it would take most of their powers away. Had it been for the Conservatives the Treaty would not even be discussed, let alone accepting it with opt-outs.
Financially Martinelli? America goes down, Europe goes down and the rest of the world follows.
Would you know the consequences for Malta, especially with the biblical DEBT of 3.6 BILLION Euros and 250 million to service it every year, and counting, Martinelli?
GUH!
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 17th 2008, 15:14
>Who are the others?
Germany, France Italy etc all of whom use Euro &who will look after their own interest first, having much better voting rights than us...
>the massive interventions by their Central Bank in order to shore up AIG ...
The point is that US can do that!
They have that luxury of choice. Do we.....?
Ref Drydocks ,all involved parties, Govt, Opposition, Workers, Shareholders (you and I ) all seem to have come to a mutually beneficial agreement.
Yet we have direct foreign interference telling us that we cannot do what we all agree is best..... because THEY say so.
So who is better off? The US or us?
> Are you suggesting that Constitutions should be changed every few years?
No. I'm suggesting that laws should be CHANGED, NOT broken if you don't like them.
What's wrong with that suggestion?
Would Poland, UK, France Ireland etc allow someone supremacy over their soveriegnity??
>Most constitutions....written centuries ago when the world was much different ......
Ah... ! So some of us (not all just some") can just 'ignore'the law?
Is that what you condone?
Now can we stop digressing and find legal fault with KMB's statements.. if possible?
I. M. Dingli
Sep 17th 2008, 14:49
@ J Martinelli
Come again please, who dosen't want to let go of the past? MLP?
M Vella
Sep 17th 2008, 13:29
Of course it is a national humiliation, but is that not the nature of the beast?
Hope breeds eternal and it was easy to poison islanders with bright-light toxin...when the light is a mere mirage.
Whenever I hear individuals stating how bully it was for us to joing the EU I ask why...the standard reply is silence...followed by 800,000,000 ... when I say that this is gross of our contributions that we have to pay on the dot, that it is spread of a good number of years, and that no country has ever managed to lap up the full amount, the mention roads financed by the Italian protocol!...
Remember the great benefit of clearing passports from EU Nationals queue. The last time at heathrow, the queue was longer than the non-EU nationals queue. How is that for irony?
KMB for Europe? if that includes a focused imigration policy, he will simply fly...
J Martinelli
Sep 17th 2008, 12:29
Ivan Grech Mintoff: "The very fact that Malta's currency is NOW the EURO, means that we can only drift in the tide whilst others who (will no doubt and quite rightly) think of their economy first decide what is best for them".
Funny statement indeed, especially the part 'whilst others who (will no doubt and quite rightly) think of their economy first decide what is best for them'. Who are the others? Could it be that one of them is the United States? Look at the value of their currency, the bankruptcies of major banks and the massive interventions by their Central Bank in order to shore up AIG ? Are these the results of the American government's past 'decisions which were best for them'?
Hallina Ivan - qed thallat il-hass mal-b..s.
With regard to the Constitution, you tell me which country does not have the same clauses regarding sovereignty? Are you suggesting that Constitutions should be changed every few years? Most constitutions were written centuries ago when the world was much different and far simpler than what it is today.
But then KMB and CNI and regrettably many in MLP do not want to let go of the past!
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 17th 2008, 12:22
Without making toomuch of a point out of it but merely clarify:
Third Schedule - Section 124(1) - Oath of allegiance
"I ... solemnly swear/affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the people and the Republic of Malta and its Constitution. (So help me God)."
Please note that nowhere is the EU mentioned.
That is NOT to say that we should not respect the EU, or should be AGAINST the EU, but that:
1) The Maltese Constitution is STILL above EU law no matter what anyone tries to say (even if there are those who have knowingly signed documents declaring otherwise!)
2) That constitution gives US the right to decide for ourselves and not have others impose their will on us.
3) This is a powerful tool that should not be ignored, broken and eventually discarded.
4) If, by rare & mutual consent, we have found a solution to a national problem and the EU does not agree... its their tough luck not ours!
Such a tool should therefore be used to NEGOTIATE for the BEST interest of the Maltese. We should never be made to bend knee on issues of national importance.
We're in the right!!
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 17th 2008, 12:10
Ok Chris Grech - I respect your views (and agree with most but not all of them).
Ignoring the fact, that KMB is stating them, you seem to agree with him, namely that our soveriegnity is being trampled on.
I do too.
And what makes it worse (for me) is that it is being allowed by those, whose first oath in office is : " I solemly swear to defend the constitution..." etc etc Please note I'm referring to BOTH sides.
No one here has actually come up with a legal and legitimate response to what KMB is saying.
De facto, that means that what he is saying... is correct.
And before the hairs on the back of your necks stand up and the automatic rantings against KMB come out, it really is ok for someone like KMB to say something correct and - dare I say it? - stand up for YOUR rights and be counted.
Even if, it seems that CNI is the only, singular voice on the matter....
I do not believe that this should be 'brushed under the carpet' like many other equally important issues, as seems to be the modern, nay daily trend...
I. M. Dingli
Sep 17th 2008, 12:00
Mr. Grech, your first statement says it all I presume.
Christopher Grech
Sep 17th 2008, 11:14
I have never voted labour and never will. But facts are facts, and will stick to them.
The concept that the Shipyards under Dom Mintoff are to be run by a workers committee, proved disasterous. The spineless PN, kept quiet on changing anything, because they did not want any disturbances in life. Who suffers, the people paying taxes. Then Alfred Sant, did something good (for a change) and abolished the majority rule of the working committee and the government who is paying them had finally the ownership of the Shipyard.
So now what are we going to do? True our national sovreignity is trampled on, big time. Worse still, the labour did not protest when Dr. Gonzi signed the Lisbon treaty! Wait a minuite? A government signing off the last of our freedoms? Do the general people know what we are up against? WE are in a honeymoon period with the EU, funds coming in. When this is over, the EU laws trample all over us.
Enviornment issues? A law favouring soft drink companies doing less with glass and now making mountains of plastic, since this year.
Why do we treat yardworkers better than private companies, they never get fired!
eric saliba
Sep 17th 2008, 10:54
@ w hewitt.
i see my questions got you hot under the collar. yr statements that it is us the taxpayers who foot the bills should have been made prior to the elections when gonzipn lied to the dock workers to steal their votes.
but apparently then it suited you to remain silent???
Ray Gatt
Sep 17th 2008, 10:06
KMB was not elected MLP leader. It was just Mintoff who decided that KMB should be leader of the party and Prime Minister of the country. That's why he's a ZERO. Zero then and Zero now.
May I ask JM what he thinks about the EU? Should we leave the EU? Does he agree with CNI? Will one of you doom mongers do me a favour and ask him the first time he's in front of you.
Ray Gatt
Sep 17th 2008, 09:52
@ Brian Smith - do you think that in the eventuality that we did not join the EU these illegal immigrants would not have crossed over anymore? And if we did not join the EU, do you think that we would have let them fend for themselves if they found themselves in difficulties on their way to mainland Europe. What is your solution Mr. Smith? Maybe that to become a British colony once again so your nationals take over half the island, and put up signs 'No entry to Maltese'. Or maybe our wealth, the same as you did in other colonial countries before. Who are you to judge us? You owe us big.
Wayne Hewitt
Sep 17th 2008, 08:41
@ eric saliba
The PN is not paying for the shipyards. The people are!! so let's get rid of the shipyards once and for all, and we won't have anymore false promises, lies or who cares what you call them
Is the answer 100% clear now??
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 17th 2008, 07:54
"The global financial system is going into systematic meltdown which will have wide ranging effects for everyone including little Malta and you waste ink on KMB?"
An unbelievable statement !!
The very fact that Malta's currency is NOW the EURO, means that we can only drift in the tide whilst others who (will no doubt and quite rightly) think of their economy first decide what is best for them. We are at their mercy, up the proverbial creek without the much needed paddle.
If we had control over our coinage (and therefore our economy) we would have at least had the opportunity to adjust, devalue, inflate our money to MINIMISE the effects of the world recession.
As we are we can do... nothing.
Persuade us that this is a good position to be in?
"He is a complete moron, who seems to think that Malta is some big world player, he needs to go quietly to the asylum"
As useful as something like "Prince Charles is a moron and should be lockep u in a dungeon and forgotten"
Sigh!!
Pure emotion: where is your logical/legal answer to his statement...
(I can see me asking this question all week....)
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 17th 2008, 07:45
@ Nigel Lawrence
"Since when has it been the interest of the Maltese people to pour millions into this sink-hole?"
Simple answer : Never!!!
Does your question (that does NOT give legal/logical argument to KMBs statement) therefore justify that one can break the law?
If so, then there is nothing wrong with me stealing/murdering for money/selling drugs etc if I find myself in financial trouble, right? Especially since "that law is old, antiquated, unfashionable, obsolete in today's world" etc etc
No change needed... just... ignore it.
That make sense, I wonder?
The WHOLE argument being putforward is simple:
Do not give emotional reasons but legal reasons that KMBs statements are wrong.
Once again I see too many emotional 'arguments' (purely because its KMB stating something!!) but no one has come up with a logical counterargument that is backed up legally to contradict what he is saying.
So far, one can only conclude that there ISN't one and that what KMB is saying IS actually logically and legally sound and correct.
And before you answer, if you are emotionally against everything KMB, please first immagine some 'white knight in shining armour' having said it and find a sound argument against it.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 17th 2008, 07:35
@A Gauci Cunningham
"I see that the usual people with their usual agendas are standing up to be counted in favour of KMB's statement that our Independence is lost and that we are not sovereign anymore"
And I see the usual people NOT defending our rights but rather conveniently condoning those who (knowingly) break the law for their usual agendas...
hmmm
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 17th 2008, 07:24
@ J Martinelli
Thanks for the reply but again I do not see any legal argument as to what he is saying being wrong. only emotional arguments that do not make valid sense:
- ...an isolated island mentality and a hidden desire to be king of his own little obscure domain
- no such thing as a sovereign government/nation (ITS IN THE CONSTITUTION : the highest law of the land. Should we know ignore our own laws?? That's a pretty dangerous suggestion that can only lead to anarchy..)
- KMB seems to infer that Malta can ignore rulings (No - quite the opposite. That we should respect all laws including our own and not run over them if we don't like them.
- what would he (The PM) have done? (in my eyes, simple: he shoul not knowingly break the law even if he does not like it)
- Can KMB, for once, share his brilliant ideas with us common dumb folk?
He just did: that we should not break the law if we do not like it. Change it, yes but not break it hoping that no one will notice...
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 16th 2008, 23:23
Wayne hewitt--It seems that in whilst in your opinion, jien hallatt il hass mal bass...In your case, you don't know the difference between the two..so your problem is worse than mine....
The issue here is simple, the government has taken a course of action, and the EU has rubbished the Government's proposal...so its either the Government has no idea what the EU is about, or, and for your benefit I shall repeat, the paid EU advisors are getting paid for nothing....now...I quote your own statement....
'We, normal people.. work hard for our money you know.... we don't get forcefully paid from your own wages, like the shipyward workers do, from our OWN wages '
Does that have anything to do with this article? didn't think so, so my comment, even if deemed out of point, is just an answer to your earlier comment....
You can write in Capital letters all you want..but well...you still have no idea....
A GaucHi Cunningham.. For one who comments so often, I am surprised that you have not read KMB's recent comments regarding the Labour party, and how he is totally against its new policies....Selective reading problem is it?
Nigel Lawrence
Sep 16th 2008, 21:06
“This disgusting act shows that the government which was democratically elected by the Maltese people is no longer sovereign and able to decide national matters as it deems fit in the interests of the Maltese people."
Since when has it been the interest of the Maltese people to pour millions into this sink-hole?
Stephen Farrugia
Sep 16th 2008, 20:28
Granny giving orders to our government, HU LE!!!
A real nationalist would tell her to take a walk but all we have are a bunch of cowards, "yes" men who kiss ass.
Allow me- Dear EU, ****** ******* ******** ********** ********** back home.
A Gauci Cunningham
Sep 16th 2008, 19:46
I see that the usual people with their usual agendas are standing up to be counted in favour of KMB's statement that our Independence is lost and that we are not sovereign anymore and yet what baffles me is that these same people on the morrow of J.Muscat's election were trumpeting horns about how pro-EU Muscat is who in turn was saying (and is still saying!!) how pro-EU the MLP has become! If you believe that the EU is bad and we shouldn't have joined and if you feel a strange and fulfilled apetite when you blog to arrogantly remind us that your fudged nonsesnse called Partnership was better and how stupid we were for voting to join the EU remember that your place is not within the pro-EU MLP anymore!!!!!!
Why doesn't KMB tell us what he thinks of "his" "new" Party?? Or doesn't he consider it his Party anymore??? Has he been abadoned by "his" Party too?? Is he still incensed at Joseph Muscat as he said to The Sunday Times??
eric saliba
Sep 16th 2008, 19:43
@ wayne hewitt.
was the letter sent to dock workers prior to the elections by gonzipn also a big mistake or another blatant lie??
you forgot to comment on this bit !!
and wot about the heavy losses sustained by the dockyard bcoz of bad costings by the foreign expert brought over by the nationalist govt?? or are we blaming the welders and the electricians for that as well??
just admit that the nationalist govt were totally at fault in the last 20 years and lied through their teeth to the workers in order not to lose their votes!!!
Paul Smith
Sep 16th 2008, 19:36
The global financial system is going into systematic meltdown which will have wide ranging effects for everyone including little Malta and you waste ink on KMB?
He is a complete moron, who seems to think that Malta is some big world player, he needs to go quietly to the asylum.
J Martinelli
Sep 16th 2008, 19:35
@ Ivan Grech Mintoff
KMB is wrong if only because he still has an isolated island mentality and a hidden desire to be king of his own little obscure domain.
KMB knows very well that there is no such thing as a sovereign government/nation. The world has grown into a cross-nation dependency and as such no one nation can make decisions without regard to their effect on others.
KMB seems to infer that Malta can ignore rulings by the United Nations, World Trade Organization, E.U. and a host of other regulating bodies which help in no small way in keeping order among nations. Breaking such rules often lead to wars, be they ideological or economical.
It is OK for KMB to crtiticize but heaven forbid, had he been the Prime Minister, what would he have done?
Not join the EU ?
Join the Arab League?
Stand alone?
Make secret deals in return for charity?
How would he have created jobs?
Would he have continued mass emigration?
Continued to subsidize the shipyards and maintain an unproductive work force?
Freeze low wages in order to stay competitive?
Can KMB, for once, share his brilliant ideas with us common dumb folk?
joe azzopardi
Sep 16th 2008, 19:10
but who are the CNI that KMB is leading ? it looks like a one man band, it's always KMB no one else that issue statements, i must say there was a time that the new PL international secretary used to be seen in the crowd at CNI gatherings and yes the MLP2 member founder Anna Mallia was spotted at times with other disgruntled MLP members at there corner meetings
E. Azzopardi
Sep 16th 2008, 18:58
To: Mr Ivan Grech Mintoff.
Whatever you, I and all the others say, we shall not change anything. In fact, we, as Maltese are getting at each other but the EU does not care. I too am quite disillusioned (and I voted for) about the EU, but I do not believe it is their fault!!!! Having said that, I am still convinced that overall we are better off being members.
Wayne Hewitt
Sep 16th 2008, 18:58
@Jeremy J Camilleri
Why are you trying to justify a problem with another problem? We are discussing the shipyards here and not the money spent on the EU experts. Thallatx il hass mal bass
It's like saying the shipyards shouldn't be privatized because the government is spending money on the roads... bla sens
We can discuss as much as you want government spending, how well it is being done etc etc BUT THE POINT WE'RE DISCUSSING HERE IS THE SHIPYARDS. THE SHIPYARDS, HAVE BEEN, ARE and WILL CONTINUE TO BE A BIG THROW AWAY OF OUR MONEY, unless they are privatized or closed ASAP... FULL STOP
Do you agree that the shipyards should be privatized, yes or no?
and again @ emily vella
You call 50 years plus of subsidizing the livelihood of a failed company from our wages, heartless??? holy smokes!! get a reality check!!
Andrew Cumbo
Sep 16th 2008, 18:25
Fully agree with Dr.Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, that it is a humiliation. But I disagree that it is a National Humiliation. Why I shall be compared with all those, stubborn to get our country as an E.U. member state. When we predicted what is in the above article, many said that Labour is trying to terrify people. And now we have a clear result.
To put the cherry on the cake, in few days time we are going to celebrate Independence Day. I ask all those that are going to be present for these celebrations. Is this the way that our country is Independent? Dictated from Brussels?
But now it’s a point of no return. We must stand to our big brothers decisions. And make our utmost to get the best, from the bigger countries leftovers.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 16th 2008, 17:04
Part 2 of 2:
KMB's statement is clear that this is :
a) humiliating
b) against the law of the land
"This disgusting act shows that the government which was democratically elected by the Maltese people is NO LONGER SOVEREIGN and able national matters as IT DEEMS FIT in the INTERESTS of the Maltese people."
"The will of the European Union IS SUPERIOR to the will of the majority of the Maltese people. "
"The national interest safeguarded by the Maltese government has to be SACRIFIED to the EU competition rules.”
and
"Dr Mifsud Bonnici said that independently of how right or wrong the government decision was to write off the shipyard debts, the people should not accept such humiliation by foreign bureaucrats."
Can someone please explain to me what is wrong with what KMB is stating?
Once again, not emotion but pure law & logic please. Is he right or wrong?
And IF he is right (and therefore we do not NEED to accept this kind of statement and demand) then why/ will this government bow its head or fight for our soveriegn rights like Poland, Britain, France etc would do?
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 16th 2008, 16:47
Part 1 of 2:
Ok ... we've had all the emotional reaction to this kind of report, from
"You stand alone now",
"CNI lives in the past",
"attack on the curia ",
"a reminder of the days of the man in the once upon a time",
"those days remind me of when introducing a computer was???",
" when the National Bank of Malta and Bank of BICAL were plundered in Mintoff's and KMB's time"
"The PN made a big mistake."
Thugs on trucks ...
etc etc
But no one seems to have offered a logical/legal answer to KMB's statements namely that when an outsider tells the govt what they expect from it..
"Neelie Kroes had found the government’s plan unacceptable, and asked it to come up with a new plan by mid-December."
Francis Attard
Sep 16th 2008, 16:14
How is it that you, Dr.Mifsud Bonnici, are a member of the CNI (no one knows how many members there are) , which is totally against EU membership and at the same time you are a member of the MLP, whose leader is now a committed pro-EU? Do you beleive in principles or not?
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 16th 2008, 16:09
Wayne Hewitt,
Sending a letter on the eve of election with promises meant to be broken is not a mistake, but a lie.
As for your clamour for tax money being well spent...well...you didn't read my question did you....
Hope you're not an EU expert...if you are...sorry..didn't mean to get personal...
Dr. John Zammit
Sep 16th 2008, 16:03
The last time I met Dr. Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, I told him to contest the European Parliament Election of next year 2009. I told him from here by giving media conferences he is going to do nothing. I suggested that CNI go to Brussels both for lobbying directly from the European Parliament and the most important thing to have at least one candidate for the European Parliament Election and if elected (I am sure he will get alot of support) he will fight for Malta's rights from there. I hope he will take my suggestion and the challenge. I have done alot of lobbying for divorce, gay rights, decriminalization of abortion, against censorship etc. and we are succeeding. Dr. John Zammit - Leader, Alleanza Liberal-Demokratika Malta
- www.john-zammit.eu
A Daley
Sep 16th 2008, 15:40
@Dr. K. Mifsud.
Dot. our Central Bank used to decide the value of the Lm and dance according to our own music not someone else’s.
The base rate used to be decided by the CBM according to what was right and in the interest of the country at any particular time.
NOW, Brussels decide these things and the players that dictate are France, and Germany. The big economies. Jew blajta wkoll int?
You shot yourself in the foot Dot.
At any one time the ECB can devalue or otherwise, AND WE HAVE TO ACCEPT IT!
Economics confirms that it is impossible for a central bank to control both the exchange rate of a currency and internal inflation at the same time within an open economy. Countries must chose. Previously we controlled the exchange rate - grazzi. Again, you shot yourself in the foot. And before the Euro?
Before the Euro, it was a basket of currencies and CBM could devalue or otherwise at any time!
We've lost that control!
Can you tell one who decides the base rate to control inflation in UK!
Today, Malta is one of the equal votes deciding the base rate for – issa tkomplix bil-hmerijiet!
Charles Camilleri
Sep 16th 2008, 15:26
@ KMB. You had a chance to save the Dockyard when you were P.M. but you rejected the advice of Afred Mifsud who on your own request presented you a report for the solution of the dockyard problem. Instead you and your party used the aristocracy of the workers for your political ends. Now let the Govt settle this huge monster round the taxpayer's neck for ever. Your past as PM does not provide you with credentials to advice the Govt on the problem. The least we hear from you the better.
Lawrence Martinelli
Sep 16th 2008, 15:24
Let's stick to facts : Remember the Bad/Good old days when Malta had its own banknotes
(starting from KGVI) ?
Now Malta is up-stairs (ahhh modernity !) great new banknotes complete with Bridges,Arches & brick-works of all sorts ? = In poor words "monopoly" money......
sorry my mistake.....Euro currency.
The EU is fine for "free trade" but (old stupid me), join the big-fish pond game ?
Maltese people are not stupid they'll wake up to reality.
By the way.....what was wrong with the ML ? Malta views not attractive enough ?
Best wishes to Malta.
LM.
eric saliba
Sep 16th 2008, 15:22
@ j martinelli.
yeah great comment as usual. and maybe if we were in the EU in the sixties there wouldn't have been the mortal sin against those voting for the labour party !!!
Mario Camilleri
Sep 16th 2008, 15:19
Who is going to pay the 3.5billion of national debts? no one of you ever tried to answer this simple question.
Wayne Hewitt
Sep 16th 2008, 14:14
@ eric saliba
You are right. The PN made a big mistake. They should have closed the shipyards 20 years ago!! and now there is no more time to lose!!
I'm already counting the days...
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 16th 2008, 14:05
@ Mark Bonello:
>Corrections from someone like you are a reminder of the days of the man in the once upon a time
I am not trying to 'correct' you: only you can do that. I am however trying to get you to:
- switch off emotions
- put your point (referring to the subject matter!) forward in a clear logical and debateable manner.
>Oh and i forgot, those days remind me of when introducing a computer was????????,
You are using emotion.
You are not sticking to subject matter.
> probably you will remind me :-) or rather instruct me, thank you.
I tried. Its up to you whether you accept my suggestion as positive in nature or negative. Choice is yours.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 16th 2008, 14:00
>You stand alone now, everbody is realizing that our country cannot remain isolated and that its place is within the EU.
1) Correction! 49% (that's HALF) of the population voted against joining the EU (and not against being European as some wish to have us believe).
2) I am all for Malta having joined the EU (albeit with a MUCH better package)... the present one is far too one sided and is harmful to Malta.
3) The argument that KMB puts forward logically/clearly is:
-not whether we should have joined or not
-but that Malta - against the highest law of the land - loses its sovereign right when someone outside the government dictates to our government as to what to do or not...
4) Again, the argument is:
-not whether what 'she' is saying is good or bad for you/I/Malta.
-but whether it infringes our soveriegn rights or not.....
5) If you do not like the law, you have NO right to break it (else I have an equal right to break the laws that I do not like!).
There is a democratic mechanism to CHANGE it. And that has NOT thus far been done.
For obvious reasons!
Dr. K. Mifsud
Sep 16th 2008, 13:47
@ A. Daley
Indeed you write about things you obviously know nothing about. You ask:
"Who decides the value of our currency?"
- The value of our currency is determined by financial markets as the euro is a floating currency. Economics confirms that it is impossible for a central bank to control both the exchange rate of a currency and internal inflation at the same time within an open economy. Countries must chose. Previously we controlled the exchange rate (by pegging to the euro), but this meant that we had no control over the base rate as it had to be set to mirror the ECB's rate.
"Who decides the base rate in Malta?"
Today, Malta is one of the equal votes deciding the base rate for THE WHOLE OF THE EUROZONE and our CBM has an equal vote to the Bundesbank. Before Jan 1 we could decide nothing. If we decided freely upon our base rate without squarely mirroring the euro, it would have torn our currency peg apart (study basic macoeconomics to understand why).
So we have gone from deciding ziltch and mirroring the ECB (and previously the BoE), to having global impact.
K.Saliba
Sep 16th 2008, 13:46
CNI lives in the past. Malta cannot just so whatever it likes and write of debt willy nilly.
The shipyards have been open for far too long. The loss are unbelievable and the waste of money is disgusting. To add insult to injury, the govt is going to have to pay more tax money to close it off.
I work in a private firm and if it decides to close down, nobody will offer me a retirement fund or scheme....Drydock workers have had it far too easy for far too long. I have only 2 words to say to them...EVERYBODY OUT!
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 16th 2008, 13:45
eh...anyone want to try to answer my simple questions..thought not.....
So...taxes are wasted on our EU experts...who were supposed to advise the government....
How much is spent annually on EU staff and advisors?
Anyone one complaining about wasted taxes in their regard?
TONY FORMOSA
Sep 16th 2008, 13:40
"Babs, as you were so euroseptic during the famous referendum debate,could you tell us what CNI stands for? With appreciated thanks."
By the way, Babs is certainly a wizard.
TONY FORMOSA
TONY FORMOSA
Francis Attard
Sep 16th 2008, 13:37
Humiliating was the attack on the curia under your administration, Dr.Mifsud Bonnici. You stand alone now, everbody is realizing that our country cannot remain isolated and that its place is within the EU.
Mark Bonello
Sep 16th 2008, 13:37
@ Mr.Grech Mintoff
The present democracy in the country allows me to write what i choose to, here for all to read.
Corrections from someone like you are a reminder of the days of the man in the once upon a time.
Oh and i forgot, those days remind me of when introducing a computer was????????, probably you will remind me :-) or rather instruct me, thank you.
C.Caruana
Sep 16th 2008, 13:12
"Yes exactly. Too true!" - I mean I agree perfectly with CNI. The EU should not sent a she or he to interfere with the running of our country. This is similar to the period under the English reign.
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 16th 2008, 13:07
@ J Martinelli - Offer mature argument & you might be taken seriously (with all due respect of course)!
@ Mark Bonello - "But then for whatever reason this man, still, will not have it."
I think you might understand his (quite correct) message if you 'ignored the piper & listened to the tune'...
Try it! Pretend the words came from RCC or some other person you might 'admire' and you will understand it better.
Use logic not emotion...
Mark Bonello
Sep 16th 2008, 12:57
Once upon a time there was a man on a big truck with lots of hooligans on board slamming metal rods, there were more trucks,hooligans and slamming.The common citizen was terrified and bewildered and made sure his kin was safe at home indoors away from the raging mayhem.Could a small boy ever make this motley group of hooligans with their proud leader holding their frightening banner in their midst stop and reason, and go back home? No!
Now let us compare this motley crowd with its proud leader to the present situation of global economies and unscrupulous giant companies, and also countries around us. Could little Malta with all its single handed leverage ever convince anyone to be fair in regards to Malta's own interest ?No! But i believe that, being a part of something much bigger that us which incidentally regulates us for our own good and in the meantime offers huge financial help towards our economy in the process, nothing else but a blessing!
But then for whatever reason this man, still, will not have it.
Maybe he still thinks the boy could have stopped him then!
A zahra
Sep 16th 2008, 12:56
Definitely the status of the Malta Shipyards makes them definitely not viable in todays competitive world. However i think that this is only the tip of the iceberg for our country and if we want to tackle efficiency truly and wholy we are looking at double digit figures for unemployment in our country .
J Martinelli
Sep 16th 2008, 12:52
If only we were members of the European Union when the National Bank of Malta and Bank of BICAL were plundered in Mintoff's and KMB's time!
Ivan Grech Mintoff
Sep 16th 2008, 12:45
>Those who had some common sense , knew deep down in their heart ( whatever the >politicians said) that this was going to happen...
>However, the people chose and the people are supreme, aren't they?
In theory, yes, in practice, nice words, however we ALL have to abide by the law right?
What KMB is saying is very simple - and I'm sure that many here are reasoning emotionally rather than logically: if it was someone else saying it (Gonzi?) many would, I'm sure agree:
1) The HIGHEST LAW of the land is the Constitution - even above EU law & regulation. Its very clear about that. It does NOT share its supremacy with anything else.
2) Therefore no law (even EU law) can impose on us.
3) THAT IS LAW - whether you like it or not.
4) If you do not like it, you can CHANGE it but until you do, you cannot BREAK it.
Therefore it IS an insult that someone else dictates to us what our government has LEGALLY decided.
Will the Maltese Govt will therefore stand up to OUR rights (as it has SWORN to do) or be
show it subserviency to Big (EU)Mummy... ??
eric saliba
Sep 16th 2008, 12:41
@ wayne hewitt.
just a small reminder that the docks are in dire straits in spite of having had the nationalist party in power for the last 20 years and the repeated boasting by fenech adami that a PN govt poured more subsidies into the yards than a labour govt.
and wot about the letter sent to the workers prior to the elections that their jobs are guaranteed?? or was this a lie by gonzipn??
btw dr KMB has a right to an opinion even if certain people do not agree with it.
Wayne Hewitt
Sep 16th 2008, 12:39
@ Emily Vella for "do you think you will pay less tax once it's closed?
Don't be so stupid and heartless!"
What argument is this?? LOL .... I'm sure you would want your tax money to be better spent rather then being thrown down the sea, literally!!
We, normal people.. work hard for our money you know.... we don't get forcefully paid from your own wages, like the shipyward workers do, from our OWN wages
Charles Micallef
Sep 16th 2008, 12:38
@Emily Vella
Some of my best friends work at the Malta Shipyards, and as for your extremely naive comment that we will not pay less tax WHEN the shipyards are sold on, just sit and think before you make such a statement, what any Government could have done with some 400 million in old currency to the benefit of the nation as a whole and not just subsidies to the shipyards workforce from the hard earned money that we the bona fide taxpayers pay every year.
Why do you think that there is national concensus between all the political parties, unions, employers federations that the shipyards must be privatised, and why do you think that buyers will be found that can manage the shipyard profitable? Is it because that ALL shipyard workers will have to contribute for their daily bread and not just clock in and out of work?
D.MANGION
Sep 16th 2008, 12:32
Nellie Kroes has said something which KMB and his merrymen seem to be purposely ignoring. She stated that the privatisation of the Shipyards can only be accepted as is, if it is approved in a democratic way.
So in simple language, the government can only approve to use or waste such huge sums of our money, if he consults us via a referendum. But everybody knows that the result would be obvious. I would say that 85% of the population would not appove the writing off of such an enourmous amount of money from our national piggybank. This is not about the sale of a crane or a tender for organizing a fireworks festival...this is about writing off hundreds of millions of our own money, to a seller who is willing to start a new venture at the docks.
Thank EU that there is someone who can stop the government, any government, from wasting our taxes in such a way.
KMB and his bunch of merrymen only sound like old nostalgics which become more and more irrelevant day by day.
Rita Spiteri
Sep 16th 2008, 12:29
All you people going on about hard earned taxpayers money ,do you ever think about our hard eared money going to our President (who ever he\she may be) chauffeur,chefs,maids gardeners,handymen parties airline tickets etc etc etc now thats what iI call money going down the drain not to mention all the waist of money that goes to the parliamentarians and their buddies
Wayne Hewitt
Sep 16th 2008, 12:27
@All... I am not affiliated to any party thank you very much. I speak out of my pocket because I am one of those paying part of the shipyards debts through my tax contributions.
@A Daley... your ignorance preceeds your arrogance. It's the UN that governs the issue of repatriation through the Geneva convention and not the EU!!! Without the EU we would be worse off, because we would need to absorb them all WITHOUT TURNING TO NOONE FOR HELP.
Now that we are in the EU, we can at least brag with right for support to a bloc that has dwarfing lobbying power compared to us!
E. Azzopardi
Sep 16th 2008, 12:23
Those who had some common sense , knew deep down in their heart ( whatever the politicians said) that this was going to happen once we joined the club. However, the people chose and the people are supreme, aren't they?
Having said that, I think that Malta was actually greatly humiliated during certain periods of the 70's and 80's and not now.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 16th 2008, 11:51
as for Malcolm Tortell...Kmb was not elected as a leader by the people, but only got elected AFTER he was appoionted leader...
Doesn't that remind you of anyone else?
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 16th 2008, 11:50
Whilst many may argue that we are now EU members and that is to be expected, one simple question arises.
Does our government know we are in the EU? does its know the rules that regulate Eu Member states?
If yes, why do they keep insisting upon plans that the EU will not approve?
If on the other hand the answer is negative, who are these EU experts, paid by the Government, and why did they fail so miserably on this one?
I thought all the people harping about the taxpayers money would ask this one....
Emily Vella
Sep 16th 2008, 11:21
All of you shipyard haters who complain that you are paying for the yard with your taxes, do you think you will pay less tax once it's closed?
Don't be so stupid and heartless!
NB. I do not work at Malta shipyards or do I know anyone who does before the comments roll in!!
Charles Micallef
Sep 16th 2008, 11:07
The interest of the Maltese people is, for the present administration to stand up for the interests of the whole nation and not just the chosen few who work at the shipyards be it on their own will or with the pushing and shoving from our EU partners, who cares how, as long as we get rid of this millstone from around our necks!
The Maltese Taxpayers have forked enough money to cover their wages over many years, money that could have otherwise been used for the benefit of all the Taxpayers and not the chosen few!.
Can KMB please try to understand that the nation could'nt give a monkey as to what he thinks, and can the Malta Times also stop giving so much prominence to what he has to say!
L Galea
Sep 16th 2008, 11:07
@Andrew Vella
We can stop this EU misery and leave the EU as we have every right to do. Did you notice that the dermocrants are no longer saying that we cannot leave the EU but have now changed to it is not in our interest?
They are speaking the truth because it is not in THEIR interest that we leave, but in OUR interest.
@simon sullivan, Wayne Hewitt
The years of Nationalist Party preaching hatred against the Shipyard workers can be seen in your comments.
Simon, if we cannot afford the Shipyard workers roaming our streets collecting the dole, can we afford the thousands of illegal immigrants who are doing exactly the same?
@malcolm tortell
I am sure that you remember that Dr KMB got more votes than you would have ever got?
Are you now going to say the same thing to Joseph Muscat because he is going to be co-opted to Parliament?
@Anthony Mercieca
Do you not find the €420 million we are paying the EU in the next 7 years apart from customs duty, levies and a share in VAT humiliating?
@Carmel Garcia
Ever heard of national interest?
A Daley
Sep 16th 2008, 11:01
Dear wayne hewitt, whether one agrees with KMB or not he is correct and right in all he's saying.
Let's see how bright you are?
Who decides the value of our currency?
Who decides the base rate in Malta?
Who decides wayne?
That is only one subject, now come on, who?
Don't say that all the EU are in the same situation, because only 15 out of 27 adopted the Euro.
Now try stopping or take unilateral decisions regarding illegal immigrants.
Who decides wayne?
In short my dear wayne, you have no idea of what your pathetic party signed for before joining this bureaucratic club!
Come on, tell us!
Wayne Hewitt
Sep 16th 2008, 10:57
I also smile at KMB's guts to comment, when the shipyards problem is a legacy of his party's past (and present?) communist attitude.
May I remind everyone that the shipyards losses and debt are being funded by each of our daily HARD EARNED money.
J Oatmon
Sep 16th 2008, 10:52
This sort of muddled 'set in the past' thinking, proves to me that joining the EU was the right thing to do for Malta.
The EU is the future and this sort of 'prehistoric' thinking is the past - you do not drive a car by looking out the back window and wishing things were the same as when you were a kid - you have to look to the future.
No nation can 'go it alone' in the world, especially a very small one, we need friends and the more friends we have the better - the EU means we have lots of friends.
The future is where we will spend the rest of our lives - not the past!
K Xuereb
Sep 16th 2008, 10:47
The humiliation lies in that time when an ineffectual Prime Minister let this country be run by thugs on the streets and ministers were viewed as having made corruption the order of the day.
Obviously Dr KMB is as out of touch with the will of the majority of the Maltese people as he was in the 80's, which for all these years has been to stop the financial haemorrhage.
Any further comments from someone who famously said EU Membership will bring an explosion of the AIDS epidemic should be taken with a bucketful of salt.
Brian Smith
Sep 16th 2008, 10:47
This is what happens when you join the EU, they give you money and you do as they say it's just the same in the UK.
You have no say on all the illegal immigrants and any punishment dealt out to criminals by your judiical system can be challenged and overturned by the EU court.
Wayne Hewitt
Sep 16th 2008, 10:43
Zzzzzz.... the usual anti-EU paranoia. The EU comments negatively on any state subsidies, in any country, and Malta is NO EXCEPTION. If anyone needs a wakeup call, please follow the Alitalia privatization process currently going on. Truth be it, that every maltese outside the shipyards, i.e. 99% of the population is looking forward to the shipyards closure or otherwise a privatization that doesn't unjustly tax but contributes to the country's economy.
malcolm tortell
Sep 16th 2008, 10:08
KMB has obviously redefined his definition of democracy since his days as a voteless prime minister!
Michael Catania
Sep 16th 2008, 09:56
I fully concur with the the above article. Malta is now a subservient colony of the powers within the EU.Not a whimper from the conservative camp about the disgraceful behaviour of the E.U commissioner. How daring is she to come and tell us how to deal with our affairs. Does she not know that we have a pair of "strong hands" leading the country, or maybe she knows something that we socialists know and to which the conservatives are deaf and blind to it.
simon sullivan
Sep 16th 2008, 09:49
Deos KMB not realise that we as tax payers are the true shareholders and we DO NOT want to further subsidise this wound that is the Malta Shipyards.
Far be it from me to assume that he would grab this concept but I will nevertheless put my point forward: When in the normal world, a company is no longer financially viable the firm is put into administration and the staff are made redundant.
The only reason the staff of the shipyards are not being kicked to the curb is that we as a country cannot aford to have them all roaming our streets collecting the dole. Not to mention the uncouth way with which they'd react. something tells me -on being fired - they wouldnt simply leave work with their box of belongings to start their search for a new job.
J Farr
Sep 16th 2008, 09:40
Calm down KMB. Your time has been up too far now. Why not take a long long rest. In our national interest. You have nothing new to offer us. You're obsolete like the rest of the aristocrats.
C.Caruana
Sep 16th 2008, 09:36
Yes exactly. Too true!
Joseph Bonello
Sep 16th 2008, 09:23
On the contrary - the EU is acting in the interest of the Maltese taxpayer. It will not accept that Maltese taxpayers keep pumping funds into the shipyards unless they are convinced that any future plans (privatisation) will indeed make the shipyard sustainable. That is one of the reasons why I voted Yes for the EU.
Ramon Casha
Sep 16th 2008, 09:03
Ah yes - KMB, the greatest source of national humiliation our country has suffered.
Anthony Mercieca
Sep 16th 2008, 08:58
I bet my life that CNI finds also humiliating the funds coming from EU (Some Euro 800 million) which definitely are going to ameliorate our disasterous ( not humiliating) environment.
It is true there are two sides to coin, however CNI's view is more than pathetic
Joseph Agius
Sep 16th 2008, 08:56
Is Joseph Muscat going to respond to this statement?
Andrew Vella
Sep 16th 2008, 08:53
Was there ever any doubt that Malta would lose its voice joining the EU? It was always going to be a small fish in a big pond. What I find strangely amusing now is that the Maltese people are complaining about it now it's too late. It really shows that many voters do not think for themselves and believe what their respective party leaders tell them and don't make an informed decision for themselves. Now there is no use crying over spilled milk, we Maltese made our bed, now we must lie in it. It's a pity the minority who voted NO have to suffer too.
L Galea
Sep 16th 2008, 08:47
Can anyone expect anything else than a stupid decision by an unelected EU dictator?
Carmel Garcia
Sep 16th 2008, 08:42
Why does Dr. C Mifsud Bonnici not leave us the younger apoeple nd the future of our country free to choose whatever we like?
D Vella
Sep 16th 2008, 08:34
I would have thought that any fool would see that once this Island joined Brussels the independence it had would be lost . We are no longer masters of our own destiny. Tbih darba!
What is unforgivable, is the deceit ,and the lying by omission by our politicians during the campaign to join the EU.