A budget of responsibility, sustainability and solidarity - Gonzi

adrian aquilina

Nov 3rd 2008, 17:38

its plain that the mlp are weak and gonzi and the majority of his mps do not know how to run a country for the good of all the people in it..tax us then give away our money to friends of the government.its about time people in malta realise that voting for a party is not in the countries best intererest but voting on what mps say and do is.too many lies and going back on promises.i cant think of an mp,especially gonzi and pulliccino (i use the pn as they are in power bt most of labour too)who would be voted in in a modern progressive country..they just wouldnt be.

Mike Magri

Nov 3rd 2008, 14:56

Ooooooooops....... More of the `BUZZZZZZZZZ WORDSSSSSSSSS`.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Says GonziPN... "... A Budget of Reponsibility, Sustainability and Solidarity.."........ WOW....!!!!!!!!

Thus this mean that we FINALLY got a flat rated certificate from the PN itself that after ALL these very long years in governing these poor islands, the PN Administrations FAILED miserably in these very important social fields....??!!??!!??

Because... The Budget for 1996, was also `nicknamed` by Mr. John Dalli.. "A Budget of
Solidarity.."...!!!
And............. The Budget for 2008, was again `nicknamed` by Dr. Gonzi Himself .." The Goal
for Sustainability.."..!!

Unfortunately, the Buzz Word "..Responsibility.." does not show on any of the other PN Budgets... Who knows, maybe because `Responsibility` goes very well with `Accountability`, AND OF WHICH WE HAD ABSOLUTELY NONE.....!!!!

See you tomorrow guys....

M Vella

Nov 3rd 2008, 13:47

These politicians do not even know when to give it a break.

So the spin spins without respite.

responsibility, sustainability and solidarity ... how sweet...

How about a budget of tea and sympathy.

Or perhaps a budget of bells yells and cliches.

C.Sapiano

Nov 3rd 2008, 13:44

Matthew Donalito is right. The left-wing mentality will get us nowhere. Sunday's protest will not mean anything just like when the left-wingers protest in Italy. There will be the usual people in their thousands but other silent thousands will not attend. Many will prefer to go eating out or for a weekend break in Gozo.

Matthew Donalito

Nov 3rd 2008, 12:53

To I Galea

Have a look at the past to understand what the "partit tal-Haddiema" did; Violence, disorder and unco-ordinated effort to stay in government.

PN has been the most successful power on the island - that says it all to whom has the ability and brain power; Perhaps, "partit tal-Haddiema" is destined to stay in opposition for ever... that surely that is a good thing.

Jesmond Saliba

Nov 3rd 2008, 10:46

I may be a simple person with simple logic but this follows: I cannot take back my vote you cannot take back your 10 % income tax reduction promise. High seas were on the cards so no ifs and buts please.

l Galea

Nov 3rd 2008, 07:54

Mathew Donalito
So do you consider the workers and the working class as some children of a lesser God who cannot think do you?

That shows the arrogance typical of your Leaders and your Party. Good job you yourself have brought this out.

Now the working class know why the Nationalist Party fomented such hatred towards the working class especially towards the Dockyards workers.

It's good to remember that the Nationalist Party whose MPs were also against the granting of pensions to the workers because they said that the old people will spend it on wine.

l Galea

Nov 3rd 2008, 07:49

Vince Pace
It's because of the eu that the Government is in dire straits and the people are being milked out of their last cents because the heartless and conscienceless eu does not care what hardships it imposes upon the people as long as the Government balances the budget.

We would have been better off if we were not in the eu because the Government could take the necessary measures according to our needs and not have the dermocrant petty eu dictators breathing down the Prime mnister's neck.

The people are now getting to know what the eu means.
Taxes, taxes and more taxes to sustain the eu dermocrant petty dictators, the destruction of our industries and everything which previous Labour Governments had built for the benefit of the people, the privatization of everything that could be profitable, the destruction of the social services, the invasion of our country by illegal immigrants etc etc. The list is endless

Jeremy J Camilleri

Nov 2nd 2008, 22:04

Matthew Donalito...worker Class??

So you believe that the worker class is in some way inferior?

COuld you kindly share your views with us?

Vince Pace

Nov 2nd 2008, 21:19

Bir-rispett kollu
To all those critical of this government.
Of-course we would all love a ''good'' budget. Of-course we would all like to have tax-cuts as promised, but for goodness sake don't you all watch TV.? Don't you realise what happened to ICELAND. We should all be thankful for all those who contributed to EU membership, and the one and only thing that saved us from a financial disaster i.e joining euroland.
And thank our good Lord the majority did NOT listen to the likes of Sant, Joseph Muscat e bella compania. WE WOULD REALLY HAVE IN DIRE STRAITS. so guys, sit back and watch some tv.

M. Ciantar

Nov 2nd 2008, 21:17

People have the right to vote based on facts without being so nastily betrayed. PN had put Gonzi in front in the time of the election to give an image of someone whose words could be believed, but now we all know what the truth is.

@Mathew Donalito, Whether MLP were fit to govern at that time it is not the argument, but the propaganda Lawrence Gonzi did to make PN win the election by a few votes is a sad argument. Does anyone remember the website www.lawrencegonzi.info where Gonzi used to go online to answer people’s question, and be "nearer" to the people? Where is he now? The website has never been changed since Gonzi PN won the election. The only thing that did change was that forum Database holding all Gonzi’s promises went off line.

M. Ciantar

Nov 2nd 2008, 21:16

@ Karl Abela. I am sure we can’t predict the future, but if you know how to do your job, you should have a plan and a path to reach a destination based on your present and past situations. Gonzi decided to promise a lower income tax rate at that time, saying that it would generate more economy and the government would rather gain, then loose. So he can’t see a couple of months down the line from the promises he makes, yet he is already promising to win the next coming election?

l Galea

Nov 2nd 2008, 21:00

Mathew Donalito
Do you mean incompetence and arrogance power?

Joseph E Briffa (2 hours, 30 minutes ago)
Who owns the pleasure-craft Mr Bezzina? Certainly not the workers and pensioners. People crowd supermarkets to try and find some bargains because they cannot afford most things etc. People can afford a euro a day? Maybe YOU do, but wait till next Sunday and you will have your answer. You must be living in cuckoo land, not in Malta.

laurence schembri

Nov 2nd 2008, 20:45

@ Mathew Donalito
Please do not go around blinkered and generalise.
What brain power?... Where?... Who?
Put them all together you will not generate a 15 watt light bulb.

Mathew Donalito

Nov 2nd 2008, 20:13

Yes, true PN is passing from a bad patch, but rest assured we will win again. Just have a look at MLP - a disbanded organisation. PN represent the most succesful organisation we had on this island with a lot of brain power behind it. MLP don't have a chance with their worker class mentality....

Michael gatt

Nov 2nd 2008, 20:10

I don't believe you

Dusty William

Nov 2nd 2008, 19:56

IVA TAX BANDS WHICH WON YOU THE ELECTION WHERE ARE THEY?

P Debono

Nov 2nd 2008, 19:36

@ Manuel Micallef

"If the oil price is less then half the price it used to be (65$ instead of $140), how come the government is to double the price of electric and water?"

The answer to this question is simple. Basically, the government hedged the supply of oil for the rest of the year at something like$100, which at the time seemed like a bargain. But the so-called "experts" gave the government the advice to buy, buy and buy. They should now be eating humble pie and made responsible for the major gaffe of failing to predict that the oil price will go down. If anything, they should have advised the government to be more prudent as opposed to going on a shopping spree for oil.

People may say that hindsight is 20-20, but this is what these "experts" are paid for, not for costing the taxpayer millions of euros due to their error.

Paul Micallef

Nov 2nd 2008, 19:34

Gonzi has changed his tune.

mario borg

Nov 2nd 2008, 19:01

It is very difficult to a floating voter to entrust this government again whatever the outcome tomorrow as much as it was difficult entrusting Sant again back in 1997.
Is this " finanzi fis sod " or the " Rebbiegha gdida"?

mario borg

Nov 2nd 2008, 18:54

@M Desira
Totally agree with your point. We all have to produce more.
On the other hand the government has to stop the arrogance and injustices people are suffering so that the produce does not go wasted and people do not get tired of producing.

J Zammit

Nov 2nd 2008, 18:31

@ Mr Micallef:

Simple answer! Govt bought forward oil supplies(as the MLP said he should do) till well into 2009. The gamble failed, because the oil price dropped! This is of little consequence to us since the Govt wants to reduce the existing subsidy - hence the increased tariffs.

Having said this, I can't understand why the Govt cannot continue with the subsidy for a bit longer, especially when we look at the economic situation around us. Govts in other countries are pulling out all the stops to put their economies on an even keel again. Just look at the billions being lent to the banks in UK and USA. They have even nationalised some banks or bought shares in them.

Instead, our Govt presses on and washes the economy's wounds with carbolic!

marco desira

Nov 2nd 2008, 18:22

We need to stop moaning and produce more.

Stop moaning and produce more.....
Now mind you produce more does not mean open a shop and start selling sweets....
Produce more means create/produce goods or provide a service which is wanted off our shores....

Ghanda bzonn nqumu fuq taghna.... the situation we're in begs us to react and not moan.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 2nd 2008, 18:18

M Bezzina....If your uncle is comparing today with the 1950s I'm afraid he is not in touch with reality. Maybe he is confined to his home and doesn't see the number of new cars on the road, the number of pleasure -craft owned by the Maltese, the people crowding supermarkets, the people in restaurants and snack bars, the long line of gamblers buying lotto and super-five tickets, theway people discard good shoes and clothing simply because they are no longer in fashion. I'm 71 years old and remember well life in the fifties. There is no comparison. And the new energy rates will not break people's backs; granted everybody resents paying more for a service but an extra euro a day will not affect people's lifestyle. The needy 30 000 will not be affected by the hew rates.

Marco Desira

Nov 2nd 2008, 18:12

I am no expert, yet most probably the prices being charged today are based on the price at which Enemalta purchased the oil way back when the prices were higher ..... i.e. hedged prices.

Most probaly we are still consuming oil which was bought at a hefty price.... which mind you would have seemed worthwhile at that time.

This counrty has to accept the facts that Malta is not a rich country, and thus cannot afford to subsidise. At this point of economic crisis we have to strike a balance whereby
we make people pay the real price for what the power consumed, on the other hand we have to create incentive for the economy to grow.... that might be brought about by tax cuts, lowering of VAT rate.... etc.... we'll wait and see .... but not paying for what we consume is not the solution for us. Were we a strong economy, partly based on oil, that would be a different story. We're a poor country and the government's cofers are empty...

Maria Falzon

Nov 2nd 2008, 17:57

Only now he speaks of responsibility. Where was responsibility when the great fiasco of spending spree at Mater Dei was done? Remember the densits' chairs? thousands of Euros down the drain? Where was this responsibility before the election when we were promised tax cuts? Its always the same with this bunch. when it comes to the common person, we are asked to act responsibly, that we must shoulder the burden.

M.Bezzina

Nov 2nd 2008, 17:41

My Uncle is 80yrs old he told me we are back to 1950s where to have some light it has to be a miracle!!I dont know I was not born that yr!!
But to continue on the comments I am seeing, 8months ago there was a general election held!!So everyone had the right to choose.Now the selection is done so everyone has to abide with the PN decisions.The only thing is that me and my family has to suffer as well.

J. Mifsud

Nov 2nd 2008, 17:41

I would have preferred Dr Gonzi's speech about being reponsible before 8 March,2008, and not now. But, alas, I forgot that Dr Gonzi's ultimate aim is to win the next election.!!!!

I can't wait for the MEP's election in June. Dr Gonzi, let us all hope that the Maltese give you the cold shower which you rightly deserve.

We have been taken for a ride for so long. It is now our turn to take you for one.

Manuel Micallef

Nov 2nd 2008, 17:37

I still have no answer to a basic question which I asked and continue to ask:-

If the oil price is less then half the price it used to be (65$ instead of $140), how come the government is to double the price of electric and water?

either the prices before were calculated wrongly, or the government is using the tariffs to tax us. Either way - the government must answer; Tal - miki mouse!!!

The first budget that will lead PN to another victory?!!!

J Cassar Castaldi

Nov 2nd 2008, 17:18

It always the same.. alot of talk about responsibility to stuff our troats with taxes. Why doesn't the prime minister accept the responsibility of his past actions. Those that have brought this counrty to its' knees.

Last week he charged us million and probably tomorrow he will give a bit back but the overall result would be millions in Gonzi's to make good for his mistakes and bad decisions of the past.
.

Patrick Muscat

Nov 2nd 2008, 17:14

Its clear guys, the party is over, this island is broke!

philip pace

Nov 2nd 2008, 16:41

Another small note to Dr.Gonzi.
Just amaze us tomorrow and carry on with the circus of two parties in one.

philip pace

Nov 2nd 2008, 16:37

Just a small note to Dr.Gonzi.
What about those who live on their own? Any 'sweets' for them?

Jeremy J Camilleri

Nov 2nd 2008, 16:30

E Grech....I do not foresee the future...However..I have the gift of remembering things from the past....something that seems to escape you...

Yes, the situation was clear enough in March when Gonzi was promising the world...and more...Perhaps you would care to browse in international papers of the time...

After all, this was not another era, but. 8 months ago....

I Abela

Nov 2nd 2008, 16:29

@ Michael A Vella - Everyone is keen on commenting on the budget simply because Dr. Gonzi revealed his budget in this article. Quote "So tomorrow’s budget was to be based on - responsibility to strengthen the country and keep making it attractive to foreign investors while promoting measures that safeguarded the environment; sustainability of the economy, education and the environment; and solidarity towards families who needed help.

Dr Gonzi said it was useless to postpone decisions that had to be taken in the interest of the country."

Were in this statement did Dr. Gonzi mention the middle class? In his own words, this budget is aimed at everything except the middle class.

C. Micallef

Nov 2nd 2008, 16:26

FOUR CRUCIAL BUDGET MEASURES:

1. Watch over those illegal immigrants. Even Church authorities lately admitted that we can’t afford to keep them all.
2. Review all cases of boarded-outs. Several cases are not genuine. Heavy penalties should be imposed on the doctors who approve boarded-outs without real justification and on the persons themselves if they are caught working even at home! Either they are fit for work or not. Another problem also exists with people who should not be registering for work. An anti-abuse task force should be set up to take prompt action even upon receiving an anonymous phone call.
3. Reduce amount of EXTRA feasts. I am not referring to the traditional parish feasts that have been with us for centuries. However, we have during the past decade, increased the number of festas, the main one being Notte Bianca. Such celebrations increase tremendously the consumption of electricity and also contribute to more climate change.
4. Freeze unjustified salary demands. As Minister Dalli recently said, any Euro increase in salary has to be linked with productivity. We can’t keep having unions demanding more and more for their members simply on the grounds that their collective agreements have expired.

I Abela

Nov 2nd 2008, 16:26

@ E. Grech - You don't know what you are talking about hux? You couldn't know what would happen in 6 months time, but I and many others knew....How? Because we were eyes wide open looking for signs. You will not find signs in il-Mument jew in-Nazzjon, but signs are everywhere. Why did oil spike? Remember the imminent war with Iran, the 4th largest exporter of oil? Remember the militant attackts on Nigeria's oil pipelines? Remember the Georgia war which hosts pipelines for 1/3 of caspian sea oil? These are called Fundamentals, ie. news and events which determine trends for comodities and currencies. They are everywhere, and free to be seen by everyone. You simply need to look for them. So please stop saying that nobody could see what will happen in the future.

Michael A. Vella

Nov 2nd 2008, 16:05

All.

Why is everyone so keen to comment even before the budget figures and provisions are published, and not wait until then when, at least, the debate would rest on concrete data rather than purely speculative and partisan suppositions?

tony caruana

Nov 2nd 2008, 16:00

Yes I believe you :)

E Grech

Nov 2nd 2008, 15:59

@ JJ Camilleri
If you have the power of seeing 6 month ahead you could have sold you shares on Wall Street a least before it crashed and you could be a billionaire. Nobody could have foresaw the rise & rise of oil and then its crash. Do tell us when to invest next time. Even we want to be rich!!!!

A Bugeja

Nov 2nd 2008, 15:44

"On employment, the Prime Minister said there were genuine cases of people who were unemployed or working a reduced week. His message to these people was to remain strong."

Until they receive their first utilities bill, that is. It would require more than a strong heart not to stop beating as soon as they read the figures!

E.Anastasi

Nov 2nd 2008, 15:40

I seem to recall numerous amounts of bloggers accusing Joseph Muscat months back of how arrogant and big-headed he is when he said "I look forward to being PM at 39" in an interview with this newspaper.

Do they say same thing about Gatt's arrogance? And what do they say about this statement: "It was the first of five budgets that would lead to the next PN victory."? All things being equal I believe that these people should be equally irked by recent actions and statements. But in this country we are made to believe that some people are more equal than others.

"tomorrow’s budget was to be based on - responsibility to strengthen the country "
"it is not a time for scenes, empty talks and useless manifestations”

Therefore, according to our 2nd PM, unilaterally and retroactively imposing scandalous W&E tariffs at the worst possible time against the will of the MCESD amounts to "responsibility", helps to "strengthen the country" and the really lengthy and thoughtful consultation process certainly did not amount to "scenes" and "empty talks".

SAME OLD, SAME OLD!

C Micallef

Nov 2nd 2008, 15:23

WHAT ARE YOU PROPOSING TO CHILDLESS COUPLES? Do you know what it entails to get a baby by medical interventions or to adopt from abroad?

P.Schembri

Nov 2nd 2008, 15:02

Gonzi was reported to have said that this is the first budget of five that will lead to another Nationalist victory. I think here he is mistaken. The maltese are no longer gullible people as he thinks. The last elections demonstrated this. We're used to the first three budgets for tightening the belt, and the last two for giveaways. BUT NO SIR! Not this time. With all the taxes (TARIFFS included) the government is preparing itself for another election in 5 years time so that he'll have plenty of money to spend on his blue-eyed boys, as he did in the last election. But not on me mate!

Anthony Muscat Inglott

Nov 2nd 2008, 15:02

llum hareg dak li vera huwa l iskop ta Dr Gonzi . Hafna kliem sbieh u ta bla sugu laqwa li wara hames snin jerga jitla fil gvern . Dan qal dall precizi kelmiet : IT WAS THE FIRST OF FIVE BUDGETS THAT WOULD LEAD TO THE NEXT PN VICTORY .

Din hija il kuxjenza socjali ta dall gvern . Xjippurtah x qed thoss int l aqwa li jkun fil gvern

Noel Cutajar

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:59

Go and tell it to those workers who have lost their jobs and have a reduced work week...37,000 jobs created!! where are they? who are these workers? Is it not one person moving from one job to another? So why do we have such a number of umeployed persons. Statistics are only useful for those who believe in numbers but others have to suffer the dire consequences of your mismanagement.

'Useless manifestation' - did you know that it was part of a democratic country? So please beware freedom of expression is considered as a useless manifestation...Budget 2009 means a reduction in democracy apart from the burden imposed on us...if there is a 4 Euro increase in wage please send it to Dar tal-Providenza and not to my family!!

P.Schembri

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:55

@K.Abela. Biased? Look who's talking!!! The pot calling the kettle black. If I were in a good mood, probably I'll laugh. But at the moment am too flustered to decide what to do!. Now pull the other one!

N.Azzopardi

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:49

Tomorrow's Budget is earmarked to confront the present finacial instability throughout the world. It seems that many people have forgotten the days when we were scared stiff when Budget day was approaching. Budget full of taxes. Issikar tac-cinturin. Ahleb Guz u sacrifficji. In those dark ages we used to hear about it-tonn taz-zejt u l'iskalora. Come on and be reasonable. The nation have made giant leaps forward. This is a delicate moment in the world's financial history. The government is acting responsibly, and we should remain strong, otherwise we can finish as other nations. And then ???

Jeremy J Camilleri

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:47

E Grech, The international situation was clear enough in March, when Gonzi was promising the world. Was he being irresponsible then?

Do you have to be so blind?

P.Schembri

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:44

@E.Grech. He did it on his own without our help or urge. Has been doing it since 1987. Just look at the deficit and public debt, and you'll know why. We're a penniless country with nothing to defend ourselves with from the oncoming economic crisis. Why do you think these heavy tariffs are for? For partying? Come on be realistic.

Clint E Taliana

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:30

I hope the PM is responsible enough and make the promised tax cuts tomorrow.

Carl Brincat

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:28

Gonzi w il paroli tieghu. Issa drajnieh. Irid jaddina biz zmien meta jghid "this was the first budget of this legislature and the first since Malta joined the Eurozone." Bhallikieku tuna cans halli nirrangaw l affarijiet hziena li hawn. U min dahhalna f'dan il basal? U min qed jippretendi li jsolvi il problemi li holoq min fuq dahrna? XBAJNA b'dawn il weghdiet fierha, qed jipprova jinheba wara il paravendu tal problemi dinjin biex jipprova jaghti xturu.XBAJNA inbatu al l izbalji tieghek..DAQSHEKK

Duncan Sant

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:26

@E Grech
Our financial situation is already worse than that of Iceland!

Karl Abela

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:25

@ All
Unless you are very well versed in world economics you will never be able to understand the tactical moves presented by Dr Gonzi. Perhaps the government should give the people more detailed information about the technicalities involved behind such actions. But even then, I doubt that many would (or even want) to understand the realities as the minority of people are biased such that they prefer to glorify the darker side.
This is like your mum who has taken away your bag of sweets which would have damaged you teeth....but as a child you wouldnt understand.

carmen caruana

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:23

A budget of responsibility, sustainability and solidarity - well if you believe so good luck to you, i don't share the same point of view. I'm sorry for you guys, all those who believed him before the election.

A.Magri

Nov 2nd 2008, 14:18

Thank you for your first budget Dr. Gonzi but I'll be more enthusiastic about the last one.

A Vella

Nov 2nd 2008, 13:52

Echoes of "Nissikkaw ic-cinturin" ??!!

M.Buhagiar

Nov 2nd 2008, 13:26

@ Mr. Par Idejn Sodi

SHAME ON YOU !!!

l Galea

Nov 2nd 2008, 13:24

"...in the past 21 years, the PN has created 37,000 full time employment posts in the private sector."
At reduced Somali wages and not eu wages as the people were led to believe.

E Grech

Nov 2nd 2008, 13:10

@ S cammilleri
what do u want gonzi to do be irresponsible and drive our economy into ruins like Iceland

A Polidano

Nov 2nd 2008, 13:06

"It was the first of five budgets that would lead to the next the PN victory." -Is that all that matters to you Dr. Gonzi?? One of five budgets that will make the PN lead the next election?? How arrogant. How insensitive. How uncaring. How cold hearted. Do you realise that this budget and the new energy tariffs have managed to push down the poverty line like never before? Do you realise that you are managing to wipe out the local missle class? Is winning elections all that you're there for? I dare say that you do not deserve being this nation's primeminister.

Shaun Camilleri

Nov 2nd 2008, 13:03

Back when we did our O levels we used to be given a text and summarize to a shorter text. I think I'm still good at this.

I think I can summarize this article to 13 words.

Tomorrow The Par Idejn sodi will be clutching tightly against the taxpayers' necks!!

So much for the "Il-finanzi jinsabu fis sod" back in February.