Gonzi and Muscat cross swords in TV debate

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday said that permits are currently being sought for Malta’s first offshore wind farm at Is-Sikka L-Bajda.

Speaking during a debate with Labour leader Joseph Muscat during the television programme Xarabank, the Prime Minister also spoke on the proposed utility bills saying these will not necessarily be introduced retroactively from October 1, and he expressed confidence that a solution would be found on this issue.

The newly proposed rates were criticised by Dr Muscat who accused Dr Gonzi of instigating a financial crisis in Malta. He said that the last time the social partners were so united over something as they are against the utility bills was when they supported membership into the EU.

Dr Gonzi also announced that an expensive drug that can help cure breast cancer, Herceptin, will be introduced on the government’s formulary and tenders for it will be issued next week.

Dr Muscat spoke on illegal migration saying he expected more from the government and that the provisions of the Migration Pact should have been obligatory.

The Labour leader questioned the prime minister on his views about divorce. Dr Gonzi said that while he personally did not agree with divorce he did not necessarily want to impose his views on others.

He said he wanted a debate as Dr Muscat had first demanded, but by calling for a vote in parliament, Dr Muscat was killing such as discussion.