Updated: MLP organised "national manifestation of courage" on Sunday
(Dr Muscat's full address added)
The “national manifestation of courage” called by the Labour Party when the government announced new water and electricity rates is being held next Sunday at 3.30 p.m. in Valletta.
Labour leader Joseph Muscat told supporters in Msida this morning that this was not a protest but a manifestation because Labour was not just saying no but was also giving its vision for the future.
It was not a party but a national activity and it was a manifestation of courage because Labour did not want people to lose hope.
The invitation was open to everyone and rather than party flags, participants should carry the country’s national flag which united the people, he said.
“If you see people who are not our supporters welcome them... We will not let anyone provoke us... This will be a peaceful manifestation as the MLP’s have been in the past years,” Dr Muscat said.
The Labour leader said that the country had been shocked by the government’s proposals in the past days so the budget tomorrow would be sweet.
“But budgetary gimmicks will not affect us.”
Labour would judge the government’s budget on three points - the withdrawal of the proposed water and electricity rates; no introduction of new taxes; and the implementation of all income tax reductions promised before the election.
Dr Muscat said that the government had already said there was no way it would withdraw proposed tariffs. However, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had also said that the new rates would not be backdated to last October 1.
But Prime Minister Austin Gatt, Malta’s second PM, was of a different opinion. After Dr Gatt confirmed that the rates would be backdated to October 1, the government issued a statement saying that this had been agreed with representatives of industry.
But when these people, who in the government’s statement were mentioned by name, were approached by journalists, they denied they had agreed that tariffs should be backdated.
Dr Gonzi, Dr Muscat said, had a lot of explanations to do. He either did not know what was happening or he was not saying the truth.
Dr Muscat also referred to last week's court ruling that former prison warder Anthony Mifsud had been tortured by two former police superintendents during interrogation. He said that on being elected leader of the MLP, he had said that the political parties had to shoulder the burden of their past.
The Nationalist Party had a lot to shoulder, as did Labour, which had paid a big political price for the irresponsible behaviour of some.
Dr Muscat said that it was on behalf of these persons as well that he had asked to be forgiven by all the people the party had hurt. But explanations were still needed from those who had promoted someone who was this week found guilty of breaching human rights. This same person was now the head of security at Mater Dei.
Earlier in his address, Dr Muscat paid tribute to George Borg Olivier, who had the 28th anniversary of his death celebrated last week. All who contribute to the country, whatever their beliefs, should be respected, he said.
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V Fenech
Nov 9th 2008, 11:47
Same old thing,
They speak about Gonzi having his full five years to honour his promises while they ctiticise Muscat's positions when he's in office for only some months.
SoLeave Joseph to deal with his five years! The main difference between Gonzi and Muscat at these difficult moments is that Labour is really dealing with what the people are feeling now. This is something very important when considering that Gonzi's period to honour his promises would last for the last year before the election.
Remember budget 2008?? This year we do not have the opportunity to consult and phone Castille. Apparently no election is coming!
Mike Magri
Nov 4th 2008, 18:29
I sincerely appeal to all those of good will, that next sunday WE ALL go to Valletta to participate in this national peaceful protest.. This way we ALL show that we still have some `FIBRA` in our blood, and something else, somewhere else too....!!!!!
VIVA....IL-GVERN....TAL-BOZOZ.....!!!!!! Woooowwwwww.........!!!!!!!!
KEEP....UP....THE....GOOD....WORK.... JOSEPH....
PJ Mifsud
Nov 4th 2008, 18:22
In a recent "Sunday Times" interview Dr Muscat boasted about his capabilities to produce a 15-year plan to boost Malta's economy on becoming Prime Minister (assuming he wins the electorate's trust in the 2013 elections).
In addressing the "National manifestation of courage" demonstration, I'll expect JM to outline a brief plan how he proposes to tackle the shortfall in EneMalta's fuel bill to produce Malta's electricity and water requirements. Such a plan should prove chicken-feed compared to his complex 15-year proposed plan !
According to JM's above-reported statement, the NP Government has honoured its pre-election promises for implementing a marginal income tax cut and not introducing any new taxes in this year's budget. JM's appeal for government to withdraw its proposed new water and electricity rates is as pie-in-the-sky as his predecessor's pre-election promise to halve the fuel surcharge !
Asked whether he regards himself in Dr Gonzi's mould, whose charm and charisma appeals to some labourites, JM was humble enough to describe himself as a young, charismatic leader who will not shy from direct confrontations with Gonzi, thereby giving the lie that his real intention is to play to the gallery instead of behaving like a credible Opposition leader.
V.Micallef
Nov 4th 2008, 14:37
@Michael A. Vella
You're such a bore. I wouldn't like to sound like you, yet I must repeat and invite to wait till Sunday: then, you'll get your reply. Hang on, now, hang on.
deb bugeja
Nov 4th 2008, 14:35
@ Michael Vella
It seems that you are not affected with the cost of living.
I am trying to make ends meet to feed my family so please don't tell me what to say.
Maria Dolores Fenech
Nov 4th 2008, 13:39
Michael A Vella, Watch out for your electricity bill!
You sure love GonziPN!!
@ All
Do not blame Mr Martinelli from writing from Canada, he has an interest in this country's politics since he has the right to vote like all of us.
The people who said that they voted PN before and are seriously thinking otherwise, will they attend next Sunday's National Manifestation of Courage? It is the only way to show the govt that enough is enough.
I doubt it.
Charles Zammit
Nov 3rd 2008, 21:27
after nagging dr joseph muscat on various sites for seemingly being inactive on the question of exorbitant energy bills, the least i can do now is to attend next sunday demo. our numbers in valletta should be one of solidarity with each other. we will be airing our disapproval to the government's steamrolling over the maltese people. we will be manifesting against the government's pre-election promises. we will be reminding the government that we cannot be held responsible for wrong decisions carried out by enemalta and whoever though that he can opt out for a solution where the loss in the hedging exercise should be borne by the consumer and not the one taking the gamble.
M. AZZOPARDI
Nov 3rd 2008, 19:33
I HOPE EVERYONE PARTICIPATES NOW.THIS IS THE TIME TO SHOW THE GOVERMENT
THAT HE IS BEING ARROGANT. THE PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE SCAPEGOATS
FOR EVER MISTAKE THEY DO
NOEL DARMANIN
Nov 3rd 2008, 16:27
Michael.A Vella , nahseb li inti wihed miin dawk li taht il gvern tieghek qed tpappija tajjeb,jew xi wiehed minn dawk il hbieb tal hbieb.ikolli nghid inti ma tircevix kontijiet tad dawl u ilma ux?tista pls tfakkarni meta kienet il gurnata qabel l elezzjoni li gvern tieghek Gonzi Pn, weghedna li ha jgholli il kontijiet??isma minni man u inzel fit toroq u idhol gol hwienet u isma l poplu xqed jghid.
Corinne Vella
Nov 3rd 2008, 15:46
I. Galea: Which EU wages did you have in mind? The wage of a secretary in Rumania, which includes fringe benefits for the boss to ensure her job security? That of a street cleaner in the seedier parts of Naples? Or do you just expect everyone to earn a top end salary without the accompanying work ethic, risks and inconvenience that justifies it?
J Martinelli
Nov 3rd 2008, 15:42
Sur C Busuttil
Let's assume that the government is wrong regarding the new rates.
Are you right expecting Enemalta to deliver electricity to your home at less that it cots to generate it?
I don't care whether you are a greater Nazzjonalist, Lejburist jew ahdar, the fact remains that if it were for you and (many) others, you would rather have the government continue to cook the books rather than put the house in order, and let you waste by thinking that the real cost of energy is the subsidized cost? Bravu ghalik!
Labour continuously asks for transparency. How more transparent can the government be by letting you know, each month, what the cost of energy is?
C.sapiano
Nov 3rd 2008, 15:39
This manifestation is a wrong move and will simply antagonise the floating voters and obviously the nationalists against the MLP. There will be the usual thousands but as we know even parties which have thousands in their mass meetings go on to lose an election.
The PN government is there to stay 5 years, and thats right. Then the people will judge again.
Corinne Vella
Nov 3rd 2008, 15:17
I Galea: If the current government RESIGNS what will you get INSTEAD, aside from plenty of opportunity for free use of CAPITAL LETTERS where none are reqUIRED?
I (and you) have yet to hear Joseph Muscat say how he would finance the shortfall between the cost of supplying electricity and water and the revenue earned from selling those services other than by charging appropriate rates. Muscat talks of delaying the introduction of new rates, but doesn't bother telling his acolytes that someone, somewhere, will have to make up the difference instead. Alternative finance would cut deeper than expecting people to pay for what they use, a situation over which they have some control.
Maybe he knows something we don't but somehow I don't think that Joseph Muscat will be revealing any miraculous solution at all at next Sunday's 'manifestation'.
D Attard
Nov 3rd 2008, 14:05
Michael A Vella has bent over backwards in this blog in order to excuse the Govt's attitude and to shoot down the national manifestation.
Mr Vella, don't attend if you believe you shouldn't. Others have every right to attend and to feel cheated by the current administration.
G. Curmi
Nov 3rd 2008, 13:29
What a brainwave! Dr. Muscat calls it a "national manifestation of courage". More like a great waste of time, energy, and productivity.
Just what Malta needs Dr. Muscat. The loss to Malta's economy of at least one day's worth of productivity. In addition, just what Maltese families need to deal with the poor economic situation that has spread like wildfire across the globe - the loss of a day's wages so that they’ll have less income to pay for good and services like electricity. To achieve what? To emphasise the obvious - that people would rather not pay the cost of electrical power they consume. If the economy were a sick person, one would feed and nurture that person back to health; one certainly wouldn’t beat the sick person back into health.
Dr. Muscat, if you can't bring yourself to provide true leadership at this critical juncture by rising above petty partisan rabble-rousing, then you are unworthy of being the Leader of the Opposition, and certainly unworthy of being a future Prime Minister. Politika tat-tfal.
J Martinelli
Nov 3rd 2008, 13:26
@ C Busuttil, I Galea et al
Mr. Busuttil, when you go to the butcher, do you expect your pork chop to be subsidized? Do you expect the butcher to lower the price for you and then go begging to the government so he can be reimbursed the difference? So, why do you expect to flip that switch on without restraint and pay less than the energy generation costs?
I Galea, energy prices have gone up around the world and hurts my pocket just as much as it hurts yours. The only difference is that my costs have gone up substantially while you still don't know the impact of the new rates. I used to pay my W&E bill every two months. The rates went up so much that the utility company now bills me every month. Now I am paying EACH MONTH almost as much as I used to pay every TWO months.
Mark Piscopo
Nov 3rd 2008, 13:17
@Micheal A Vella
We hope that your government will not continue to pass on us like a bull dozer.
G. Curmi
Nov 3rd 2008, 13:01
Joseph Muscat's "national manifestation of courage" - logħob ta' t-tfal.
K Xuereb
Nov 3rd 2008, 12:40
I had some hopes that Joseph Muscat had more substance than his predecessors.
But this 'courageous manifestation' is no different than last year's "Gonzi jidhak bik" billboards being plastered all over Malta and in the kazini facades even before the budget speech was read out in Parliament.
I don't like what's happening around us as much as the next man but I won't be used as a prop for cheap political tricks with no tangible result.
I want to see criticism that is factual and to the point. I want to see how Labour can do a better job at running the country. I do not like the way things are shaping up but a throng of criecer shouting 'Viva l-Labour' is not the answer.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 3rd 2008, 12:25
deb bugeja: "...The government is not hearing the people's cry and plea."
Oh, for goodness sake! Cut it out.
The only picture being conveyed by this sort of phraseology is that the writers have absolutely no clue as to what a real crisis and genuine hardship are.
it also shows that they have been having it too good for the past quarter-century or so ...issa l'icken ponta qed jarawa muntanja.
Bottom line still unchanged. This is reality, adapt to it, and get on with the rest of your life.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 3rd 2008, 12:04
U. Galea.
The basis of your comments is very obviously partisan, it is not about tariffs, but the sum total of long years of frustration brought about by supporting a failed party, failed through its gross incompetence and abuse when it was in government, and failed for the parody it is in the greater number of years that it has been in opposition.
It is not a question of anyone wanting people to lower their standard of living, it is a question of pointing out that this so-called crisis allegedly caused by a minor change in utility tariffs can be very easily countered by desisting from eating a greasy unhealthy hamburger or two every now and then. Your budget and your health will be the better for it.
"...next Sunday will show the world.." Yeah, sure. Next thing we shall be hearing that adverse developments in the Congo were engineered by the PN to divert attention from the adjustment to utility tariffs.
One crucial aspect here is that, while the lot of you bang on and on about the tariffs, not one of you has quoted any actual figures to shown to what extent these will affect your family budget.
N Tabone
Nov 3rd 2008, 11:54
@Micheal A Vella
It must be a hard job for you defending a declining govt. I don't know jekk ghandix nithassrek jew nammirak! you will only make me and all my family (which mind you its a huge one) go to the protest next sunday!
Michael A. Vella
Nov 3rd 2008, 11:48
Anne Buttigieg:"...li ma nistghux nissiehbu f' union u kif ukoll li jiena impjegata mal gvern."
OK. Allura tista toqghod mohhok kwiet ghallanqas li ma hemmx cans li sejra titkecca mix-xoghol minhabba ir-'recession' u, ghaldaqstant, il-qaghda tieghek f'dan ir-rigward hija ferm ahjar min ohrajn li jahdmu f'xi fabbriki.
Jekk il-kundizzjonijiet tax-xoghol tieghek dejjem kienu li tahdem gimgha ta' aktar min 40 siegha, allura wiehed jassjumi li dawn huma riflessi fil-paga w allura ma inti mcahhda minn xejn. Min nahha l'ohra, jekk inti ghandek id-dritt li tithallas ghas-sighat mahduma zejda il-fuq min 40 siegha, huwa d-dritt kollu tieghek li inti tiehu l-passi mehtiega biex dawn il-flus jithallsu lilek ghaliex huma tieghek u mhux ta minn qed jimpjegat. Anke jekk inti fl'aramat jew fil korp tal-pulizia, dan id-dritt jibqa jsehh - jekk ma tisghax tidhol f'xi union, dejjem tista tkellem avukat u tiehu il-passi mehtiega biex tiehu dak li huwa tieghek. - Pero, ifem ukoll li dan inti biss tista tghamlu.
Dan huwa kaz iehor fejn kullhadd ghandhu jitghallem jieqaf fuf saqajh, u mhux minflok jistenna sussidji fuq il-kontijiet tad-dawl w tal-ilma.
deb bugeja
Nov 3rd 2008, 08:49
I have voted for PN last election but I think the government is being arrogant towards the people.I think the goverment should see what the citiizens are feeling with all this rise in cost of living which includes electricity and water tariffs.
The government is not hearing the people's cry and plea. i would though have been more pleased though if someone else rather that the MLP organised this manifestation. this should be a national and not a party thing.
The government is putting all the burden on the maltese 's shoulders to pay taxes for others.
What about illegal immigrants? Who is paying for them? How many of them shall we get next year? Isn't it us out of our taxes who are paying for them?
In my opinion the government is not levelling with the average earning worker.
E.Anastasi
Nov 3rd 2008, 08:30
Michael:
You're right., our banks were not hard hit (but not totally immune). But, our economy is not completely shielded from the ripple effects the global economic recession has caused. Look at Toly, Trelleborg and Methode to name but a few. To well versed economists it would be sheer madness to introduce these tariffs now - not so for the government it seems.
And you know what? A person who has worked his ass off, 60 hours a week ought to be entitled to a pizza with his family in the weekend. With your attitude the government would have a free card to do what the heck he wants with workers' well-being.
MDD - as far I know PN policies have been running MDD for the past 20 years.
Risks...I don't want my government to be a businessman that takes risks with its socially oppressive and demeaning calculator.
l Galea
Nov 3rd 2008, 08:06
Michael A. Vella(9 hours, 4 minutes ago)
With your comments you have been unmasked that you want the people to lower their standard of living. Good show
As to MDD the root of the problem was the INCOMPETENT management appointed by your Nationalist Government for the last 10 years, so much so that the MINORITY Gonzipn Government did not want to hold a PUBLIC INDEPENDENT inquiry into the Fairmount contract because it was afraid that the inquiry will uncover the Management and the Government incompetence.
Whatever you say or do, next Sunday will show the world that your Nationalist Government is really a MINORITY Government that has lost the support of the people.
A RESPECTABLE Government in such a situation will only have one option before it. TO RESIGN.
anne buttigieg
Nov 3rd 2008, 08:02
Michael A. Vella
skuzani ta imma dawk l affarijiet li ghedtli diga nafhom.
pero inzertajt li jiena wahda minn dawk l-impjegati li ma nistghux nissiehbu f' union u kif ukoll li jiena impjegata mal gvern.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 23:25
Bianca cardona: "All the rest - the great majority of Maltese, irrespective of their political colour, will show that national solidarity by attending the manifestation.."
...except, perhaps, if it rains - as one 'courageous' would-be attendee stated.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 23:23
V Micallef: "In case you're too intent on defending the GGG to see what this paper's read think about the issue, "
it is not what the readers think that is important here, but what it is that affects their basis of thought. JM is obfuscating the issue at public level for cheap political gain by infering the existence of a comfortable and viable solution to the matter when he well knows that there is none. That in anyone's book is irresponsible, and much more so when pursued by a man who aspires to the premiership.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 23:17
P Schembri "As for alternatives, didn't Joseph offer the Government to delay the tariffs until the economy regains its footing? "
But he also left out the vitally important bit, namely, where is the money coming from to fund the millions of Euro that delaying introduction of the new tariffs would entail?
JM has never replied to that question, and neither has anyone else. So why not just face the new reality, adjust to that, and get on with the rest of your life.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 23:10
V Micallef: "why not leave the issue till Sunday and see how many people agree with the undersigned and how many stay away (unless it is raining heavily, of course). "
the "unless it is raining heavily" bit says it all - so much for all the reference to maltese flags, being true maltese [whatever that is], defending those that claim to be hard up, and being there on a matter of principle.
Now, THAT would be a true 'manifestazzjoni ta' kuragg' with all the scaredy pants keeping away for fear of getting wet. Yes, indeed, one should love to see that.
But, not that the number of persons attending would make any difference to the bottom line. Whatever the case, the bottom line remains the same, price of oil goes up, electricity and water tariffs go up...and users must pay up. There are no two ways about this. Like it or lump it, that is the present and also the forseeable future.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 23:00
E Anastasi: "And yes, it takes courage to do so. "
Why?
As to demonstrations, their effect centres on the realities that underline the cause. Fluctuations in power tariffs, indeed on all oil dependent services and supplies, are now the norm. Utility tariffs are not 'taxes' they are payments made for services taken. There is no justification for blanket subsidies in the same way that there is none for subsidising rent or any other item in the household budget.
All that is needed is for people to adjust and shift their priorities within the household budget and cut this drama queen stuff that is not going to get anyone anywhere - except perhaps to Valletta next Sunday, unnecessarily spending money of vehicle fuel the participants say they can no longer afford.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 22:49
Mark Piscopo: "He must see thousands of families who cannot afford the new tarrifs of water and electricity. "
Good, now how about coming up with actual facts and figures as to the true extent that the new tariffs will encroach into the overall average family budget and to what extent that encroachment may be neutralised by shifting priorities away from statues in the parapett, weekly bulk purchases of soft drinks, snacks consumed on weekly outings, weekend meals in restaurants, and other items that one could do very well without, and possibly end up healthier.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 22:43
A. Attard: The sunday picnic as you call it will the the beginning of the end of your arrogance."
Why is your comment a fair opinion, while that of A Camilleri is an expression of arrogance?
What is the problem with you lot?
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 22:34
E. Anastasi:
What governments in other countries did was to save the entire, practically world-wide, banking system from total collapse. On the other hand, the economy and financial structure in Malta was strong enough to absorb the worst effects of that blow. But all this has nothing to do with electricity tariffs and bills.
As to hedging, one is pretty certain that the likes of you were bellyaching about the failure by the competent authority to hedge on its oil purchases - it is a risk that can go both ways. Somehow, one cannot presume to have seen you praising govt here had the oil price now stood at considerably more than $120 per barrel.
As to MDD the root of the problem lies with defective mlp policy that saw 33% of the national debt attributable to drive-in take-away MDD funding policy sanctioned by the mlp govt through Mid-Med bank, millions of Euro for which the maltese taxpayer still stands surety.
Anthony A. Mifsud
Nov 2nd 2008, 22:19
I will be there.
The Gonzi PN is hurting deep now. He should GO
Tony
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 22:15
E. Anastasi:
What governments in other countries did was to save the entire, practically world-wide, banking system from total collapse. On the other hand, the economy and financial structure in Malta was strong enough to absorb the worst effects of that blow. But all this has nothing to do with electricity tariffs and bills.
As to hedging, one is pretty certain that the likes of you were bellyaching about the failure by the competent authority to hedge on its oil purchases - it is a risk that can go both ways. Somehow, one cannot presume to have seen you praising govt here had the oil price now stood at considerably more than $120 per barrel.
As to MDD the root of the problem lies with defective mlp policy that saw 33% of the national debt attributable to drive-in take-away MDD funding policy sanctioned by the mlp govt through Mid-Med bank, millions of Euro for which the maltese taxpayer still stands surety.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 22:04
Noel Cutajar: "I wonder what kind of job you have to live in such an aura..."
The 'aura' that I live in is one of reality - it is an 'aura' experienced and polished over years of adversity inflicted upon me and others during 16 years of mlp government abuse, during which someone in the 'gvern hanin' of those bad old days had apparently decided that I should no longer exercise my right to earn a living or to support my large family. No, I do not live with my parents, the departure of my father and at least one uncle from this world was to an extent hastened by that showering of love that characteristed mlp government. But I asked for no subsidy, I just clawed my way up again.
There is no way that I am going to be impressed by the infantile reaction of adults who cannot manage their own household budget, then purport to dictate how the national economy should be run. Much less am I going to be impressed by seeing Joseph Muscat, Tony Zarb and the usual suspects parading a banner down Republic Street.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 21:46
Joseph A. Borg: "...I am sure that more people will attend."
Do not kid yourself. Whatever the real or perceived shortcomings of the present government, mlp has never provided a credible, let alone competent, alternative.
The 'manifestazzjoni ta kuragg' is just a re-hash of the outdated and unimaginitive leadership that continues to prevail with mlp. So much for 'terremod' and 'constructive politics'.
l Galea
Nov 2nd 2008, 21:42
J Mrtinelli
Sometimes you say there is an international crisis, now that Dr Joseph Muscat is going to organize a NATIONAL protest you are saying it's a perceived crisis. Can you decide which is it?
Re people from all political spectrum attending being called Labourites, when OUR (not yours because you are in far-away Canada) pockets are being hard-hit, they are hard-it whether you are a Labour, Nationalist, or AD supporter.
Why are all MINORITY Nationalist Government elves so afraid of protests? Are you afraid that the world will know that your MINORITY Gonzipn does not enjoy the support of the majority? Is that why you are already laying the ground because you know that people of all political shades will make next Sunday protest one of the biggest ever held in Malta?
Michael A. Vella
Quit listening to One News?
To what shall we listen, to the PN Goebbels propaganda machine?
"... but while achieving nothing else."
Do you mean that your Government is so arrogant that it will disregard all the people, organizations and experts and keep burying its head in the sand?
Re comment on subsidies, how about giving us eu wages?
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 21:40
Anne Buttigieg: "....ix xoghol taghna jirrikjedi li naqbzu 40 siegha u ma ahniex nithallsu taghhom. "
Ta min jikkumpatik, izda dan ma ghandhu x'jaqsam xejn mat-tariffi tad-dawl.
Jekk qed tigu sfruttati min min qed ihaddimkom, kellmu lil-tal 'Labour Office'.
Jekk mhux qed tithallsu l-pagi dovuti, hudu parir ta' avukat jew ta' xi 'Union'.
Pero', ftakar ukoll li jekk tasal li ser titlef l'impieg hemm medda wiesgha ta servizzi li qed jigu provduti mil-gvern u li, allura, ghandek fuq hiex taqa' viz. Unemployment Benefit, Social Support Payments, edukazzjoni sa livell terzjarju, centri tas-sahha, sptar, medicini w affarijiet ohra li min jibbenifika ma jhallas xejn. Jekk id-dawl u l'ilma jibqghu sussidjati, allura il-flus biex isir dan iridu jigu min tnaqqis tas-servizzi l'ohra.
Il-flus li jonfoq il-gvern huma flus li jingabru mil-poplu, ma jighux mix-xejn. Dan ifisser li sussidju li wiehed jiehu min naha, jissarraf fi tnaqqis min xi nahha ohra.
Din mhiex dejjem sitwazzjoni sabiha, izda hija realta' li mhix ser tinbidel u li trid tigi ffaccata minghajr tlaqliq.
Manifestazzjonijiet huma biss bzar fl'ghajnejn biex xi hadd minghalieh ser jirbah xi vot jew tnejn - JM jghamel ferm ahjar billi jikkonoxxi publikament il-verita' tas-sitwazzjoni biex il-poplu ma jibqghax aktar jistenna manna mis-sema.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 21:21
J Cassar castaldi:" that first Gonzi collects millions and than gives us back a small portion. "
...and where, pray, would the rest of money so collected have gone, if not to the benefit of the community as a whole and from which J Cassar Castaldi also benefits.
"...Maltese first before anything else..." No guesses for JCC's political affiliation. [Hint: Translate that phrase into maltese.]
C. Busuttil
Nov 2nd 2008, 21:11
Sur Martinelli,
"Jien nazzjonalist daqshekk u aktar minnek, gej minn familja nazzjonalista, familja li dejjem kienet lejali lejn il-partit anke meta kulhadd kien jisthi/jibza jghid li huwa nazzjonalist u dan mhux fi zmien Mintoff dak peanuts hdejn minn dak li ghaddejna fil-gwerra"
However I have the decency to admit that on this particular issue the gov is wrong. Whatever the pm or the ministers say. Don't tell me or anybody else including the mlp to come out with alternatives for these tariffs. We elected a gov. to listen to what the people say, instead we are having the opposite. I would expect this kind of attitude from the Mintoff administration and not from the PN. Either the PN makes drastic changes to the attitude of some of its ministers or else it would face a massive fallout with the electorate. They are taking for granted our vote. I voted Pn all my life but there is always a first time nor will I not vote mlp, I will not vote at all. After all, It can't get any worst even from a labour gov.
Alfred Camilleri
Nov 2nd 2008, 21:10
@A. Attard
Joseph will put a stop to my (our) arrogance, I suppose? Old Labour once more. Plus ce change..........
V.Micallef
Nov 2nd 2008, 20:13
@Jason Borg In case you're too intent on defending the GGG to see what this paper's read think about the issue, kindly have a look:
Has the government tackled the utility tariffs issue in a satisfactory manner?
no 83.4%
yes 11.4%
don't know 4.1%
don't care 1.1%
P.Schembri
Nov 2nd 2008, 20:03
@Jason Borg. Alfred Sant's honesty brought his downfall. The advice given him, was by the same people that advised the preceding administration, because Alfred Sant didn't want to give transfers. But, what Alfred Sant tried to do, when the going was not tough, is the same what the PM today is trying to do when there is an economic crisis on the horizon. But for political mileage, the PN in 1997 were against what Alfred Sant was proposing. Now, 10 years later, the same problem is facing us, but in a different situation. The world is undergoing an economic slowdown, and other governments are pumping more money into the public's pockets so that the effects won't be disastrous. Here, the government is doing the opposite. It's taxing the people more. Do you think, that it's wise? For none of the social partners, and economists agree with the government. And for the government to plough ahead regardless, is arrogance at its peak. As for alternatives, didn't Joseph offer the Government to delay the tariffs until the economy regains its footing?
V.Micallef
Nov 2nd 2008, 19:27
@Michael A. Vella
You are (wittingly or unwittingly) the type of voter the Gonzi-Gatt Government (GGG) bank on when embarking on insane exercises coming to a point tomorrow. You are (knowingly or not) the stuff some people are made of who do not budge no matter what the budget turns out to be: a moderate, well-worked out, attempt at improving the lives of citizens or simply a weird attempt at making the poor pay for the upkeep of the rich and the privileged. Mr Michael A. Vella, why not leave the issue till Sunday and see how many people agree with the undersigned and how many stay away (unless it is raining heavily, of course). With people like you, methinks 'tis the best way to deal. Otherwise we'll spend all week going back and forth since you seem to be bent on defending the indefensible, i.e. the GGG.
E. Anastasi
Nov 2nd 2008, 19:22
Michael Vella:
"Yep. Go for it Mac. We had had more than enough lies and deciet from successive mlp government and party leaders. Question is whether mlp will take any notice of you."
Rest assured I will not attend for personal gain. I will attend out of principle. I believe that what government is doing in these circumstances is wrong and the means it used to justify the end is appalling. In Malta we are made to believe (by the government itself) that even civil and peaceful manifestations for a just cause are lowly and degrading. Some of us prefer to believe that and are willingly submissive and apologetic to the administration. I vehemently disagree with this mode of thinking and believe that we should stand up and be counted and truly show that we will no longer accept lies, deceit, arrogance, hypocrisy and incompetence which have become the order of the day under the present administration. And yes, it takes courage to do so.
Jason Borg
Nov 2nd 2008, 19:17
I am wondering if this is the same Joseph Muscat that when his then leader Alfred Sant doubled the Water and Electricity bills when the oil price was $12 a barrel .. he referred to that budget as a couragous.
At that time he did not protest, the only thing he did was writing on the paper how couragous was Alfred Sant to take such decisions.
Joseph , this is cheap politics, that continues to prove that nothing has changed in labour with your leadership. Politics is made of decision taking, responsabilities, vision.
when you spoke about the Stagun politiku gdid, I pretended that as you wrote on the Times on September the 8th, you were going to offer alternatives..two months passed from the promise you made about providing an alternative to the W & E tarrifs - we are still waiting.. and I am sure that we will remain waiting...
Mark Piscopo
Nov 2nd 2008, 18:58
Everyone no matter if he supports labour or the nationalist must be at Valletta next Sunday.We cannot stand all these high taxes and must show to our dear prime minister that we are existing. He must see thousands of families who cannot afford the new tarrifs of water and electricity. If we do not attend we will give way to more new taxes
A. Attard
Nov 2nd 2008, 18:55
@ Alfred Camilleri
The sunday picnic as you call it will the the beginning of the end of your arrogance.
E.Anastasi
Nov 2nd 2008, 18:54
Michael Vella:
"E. Anastasi:"but we are an EU nation and we must compare ourselves with our counterparts."
Yes, and a very good way to do that is by paying our utility bills ourselves and not expect government to subsidise them by using other people's money."
Last I heard the majority of European governments of whatever ideology are going as far as nationalizing banks in order to save the economy regardless of whatever deficit they are bound to incur in the future. Circumstances and indeed common sense seem to dictate that it is not the time fore shoring up the budget deficit but to stimulate the economy by increasing confidence and putting money back into people's pockets.
The major difference is as follows:
• Responsible governments abroad are delving deep into their own pockets to bail out the irresponsible and greedy corporations that made a mockery out of laissez-faire capitalism. Not pleasant but necessary.
• An irresponsible government in Malta is delving deep into the pockets of the people to bail out the shortcomings, miscalculations and mismanagement of its policies (hedging agreements when oil was 120$ a barrel) and public corporations (MDD, Enemalta)
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 2nd 2008, 18:54
Does anybody believe that paying an extra euro a day per household is the end of the world? Has anybody come up with an alternative? Maybe some people would like to kid themselves by retaining the existing tariffs + 95% surcharge and pay more taxes in some other form to fund the government 'subsidy' for the utilities. Don't goverment subsidies come from the taxpayers' pocket? Or they are paid by Father Xmas? So wouldn't retaining the status quo amount to the same thing? Indeed it will be worse, as people would not feel the need to economise on energy or find alternative sources of renewable energy in the mistaken belief that there is no need to bother. The cost of production of a unit of energy needs to be met in full by the user. We are told that Enemalta cannot carry on like this any longer. Besides the cost of fuel oil and gas oil which I believe comes to about 13 cents per unit, Enemalta has to meet labour costs, amortisation of loans etc. It's useless to keep kidding ourselves. We must be responsible and face harsh realities. Manifestations will not make them disappear .
Noel Cutajar
Nov 2nd 2008, 18:51
@MA Vella - I wonder what kind of job you have to live in such an aura...you can always go Delimara and admire your governments response to safeguard the environment - one last word, when you receive the utility bill pay it and enjoy it unless you still live with your parents - further comments are superfluous at this stage...sleep in peace until the next bill.
Alfred Camilleri
Nov 2nd 2008, 18:41
Joseph, you're just following in the footsteps of your predecessors in creating gimmicks. There is nothing new about you. Holding a Sunday picnic for Labourites in Valletta won't impress many.
P. Schembri. You are right, 145,000 voters didn't want the PN in government. The good thing is tjhat enough of them didn't want Labour in power either. So the majority that counts is still Nationalist. Elementary, no, my Dear Watson?
Labour Elves et al. I 'll bet my bottom euro you will be spending good money on trash food in Sunday's outing, albeit you'd be at your wits ends trying to work out how you are going to meet the new W/E tariffs.
Joseph A Borg
Nov 2nd 2008, 17:57
I think the title "manifestation of courage" is psycologically wrong. Person who do not support labour but neither the nationalist party will be very cautious whether to attend. It makes me remember when I used to participate in manifestation of courage and, many times used to be met by very nasty situations. change the title to say ' Peaceful protest against the hike in cost of living' or against the downgrading of our living standards. I am sure that more people will attend.
Maria Falzon
Nov 2nd 2008, 17:46
Maybe there are those who are happy to pay more for the utility bills, because they financially can. In ideal world, that's how it should be. But here, I know at least 2 people with a family and children who just had their income reduced by 25%. from a 40hour week to a 30 hour week. now they see that their utility bill is going to basically double. Its easy to stay there in front of your desk and speaking rubbish how right the government is handling the utility tariffs. just look at the times survey, with over 83% of respondents saying that the PN govt is mishandling this utility tariffs issue. The government is there to take care of its people, its nation, and right now it is behaving without social concience. Gvern tal-calculator.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 17:42
M Farrugia:" You're gonna have quite a chore to silence all of us Mr. Vella!"
I am a firm believer in the free exchange of opinion, so do be assured that you have nothing to fear on that score. On a more mundane level, it has been a reasonably good way to utilise this Sunday afternoon.
Your speaking up is all well and good, but bottom line still remains in place, electricity and water cost money to produce and someone must meet the cost if provison of these services is to be sustained - logically, then, it is those who utilise said services.
anne buttigieg
Nov 2nd 2008, 17:36
m hemmx ghalfejn tikkonsla ,minn qieghed jara li u komdu jhallas sewwa jaghmel jibqa d dar jiena m iiniex komda u ghalhekk jiena u l familja tieghi kollha zgur li nhar il hadd inkun hemm ha nsemmaw lehinna..
bhalissa qeghdin nithallsu paga biss u mhux qeghdin nithallsu ta dawk is sighat li qeghdin naqbzu ,tahsbux li sighat zejda huma zejda huma wkoll parti mix xift taghna pero ilna ma nithallsu ta sighat zejda minn april li ghadda .ix xoghol taghna jirrikjedi li naqbzu 40 siegha u ma ahniex nithallsu taghhom.
Kif trid tlahhaq ma dawn il prezzijiet ....
qallullna li il prezzijiet taghna u fost l orhos fl unjoni ewropeja imma dwar il pagi ma jghidulna xejn ?
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 17:35
Noel Cutajar "But Sunday there will be light..."
Ah! Silly me! So that is what the 'manifestation' next Sunday is all about. Well, at least, that could be one good way of reducing electricity bills. Why not organise a series of -hour demos at Delimara? Should even help reduce Malta's oil import bill.
J Cassar Castaldi
Nov 2nd 2008, 17:31
Next Sunday all those who are really Maltese first before anything else should be in Valletta to take part in the national manifestation. a message should be sent to Dr Gonzi that his game is over. it is always the same and people should realise that first Gonzi collects millions and than gives us back a small portion.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 17:28
Noel Cutajar "Michael A. Vella - maybe you can hide somewhere else on Sunday instead of flying the Maltese flag. How about going to your PM and explain to him that you are one of the lucky one's that have no problem in paying the bills..."
One fails to understand how the Maltese flag need figure at all in regard to a fully justified amendment to utility bills, which bills at the end of the day are generated by the complainants own consumption and so over which they have an element of control. Govt itself does not generate the money for utility subsidies, it is money that is provided by somebody else and/or even by the complainants themselves. To expect one's bills to be subsidised by government is unjust in the case of the former, and so is unacceptable, and plain idiocy in the case of the latter.
Incidentally, he is your PM as well; and I come from a culture that has always adjusted its life style to whatever may happen to be its income, and that never expected or expects other people to make good for its own needs. Luck does not figure at all in that equation.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 17:15
V. Micallef: "Yes, those of you who can pluck enough courage to come to Valletta today week will deserve to be counted among the courageous. The fearful and the dastardly will do well to stay at home."
All this in regard to fully justified changes in utility bills. What these hysterical comments convey is that we live in a nation where there are no really serious problems, except for the need of some people to grow up and to learn that one is expected to make one's own way in life.
mlp subscribes to the socialist concept 'from the cradle to the grave '- unfortunately, things seem to have got stuck at the toddler stage - with far too many not even having made it that far, as these whining nature of their comments amply demonstrates.
In retrospect, there may have been more than met the eye to the extra kindergarten year promoted by Alfred Sant.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:27
A, Attard: "Labour is growing day by day"
Dejjem jikkunslaw dawn tal-labour.
Noel Cutajar
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:27
Michael A. Vella - maybe you can hide somewhere else on Sunday instead of flying the Maltese flag. How about going to your PM and explain to him that you are one of the lucky one's that have no problem in paying the bills...as for logic it is quite easy - if you have money you can pay the utility bills, if not like the rest of us, suffer in darkness. But Sunday there will be light...even though people like you see only one thing BLUE with no vision and cut off from people's reality and suffering...wait until you see the first bills and perhaps you can teach us a few tricks on how to save money. It is a pity that you do not form part of a cabinet so that we can place your ideas in a drawer for future use...
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:25
E Anastasi "Next Sunday should be a manifestation wherein we express we have had enough of all the lies and deceit."
Yep. Go for it Mac. We had had more than enough lies and deciet from successive mlp government and party leaders. Question is whether mlp will take any notice of you.
M. Farrugia
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:22
It seems that Michael A. Vella does not mind paying high prices. Suits me fine as long as he pays the high price himself but as long as the price affects me, us and all around, we are going to speak up. You're gonna have quite a chore to silence all of us Mr. Vella!
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:22
E Anastasi "Michael Vella, your pathetic attempts in trying to equate poor standards of living in Malta to the Congo amount to nothing but folly. "
My comment was addressed at concept of hardship as expressed by people here - the need for them to pay the odd Euro 5 for services they themselves utilise, being put on a par with, or even above, genuine hardship which the same people have so obviously never experienced and, one hopes, they never shall.
E. Anastasi, you are correct, people who resort to such comparisons in furtherance of their selfish ends are pathetic.
E. Anastasi:"but we are an EU nation and we must compare ourselves with our counterparts."
Yes, and a very good way to do that is by paying our utility bills ourselves and not expect government to subsidise them by using other people's money.
N Sultana
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:21
How apt for Dr Muscat to make his prouncements during Halloween weekend - Maaaaa Im sure the PN are really really scared.
It is so typical of someone who cannot quite read the mood to call for a 'manifestation' even before seeing the detail in the budget. It reminds us all of Dr Sant and his pre-prepared cliches after every budget.
Dr Muscat promised much when he was elected but day after day he is proving that there is littel to distinguish him and his party from what we have been used to all these years. It is time for Dr Muscat to grow up and start acting like a leader instead of a street brawler.
Give us YOUR alternatives Dr Muscat!
Frank Cachia
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:20
@V. Micallef
'manifestation of courage because we are living under an incipient dictatorship'
I think you're still living in the '80s. That's when you needed courage to walk down Republic Street trying to celebrate Independence day: ask Gorg Borg Olivier and the famous MLP supporters throwing 'flowers' from the Valletta MLP club.
c.camilleri
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:16
Are we again to the old way that labour used to follow in the past? What did the country gain by those useless protests of the past? Just nothing. Like all other countries certain measures have to be taken in the interest all, irrespective of the party in Govt. Joseph knows this but it seems that he has to bow to the will of the old militants around him. Is this part of tremor that Joseph promised, the old labour method of doing things. This is just a copycat of what left wing parties are doing in some countries. It just failed to change anything there and will fail to change anything here.
Bianca Cardona
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:15
Any mention of Dr Muscat or the MLP is bound to bring out all the blue cockroaches, both local ones and those living abroad. On Sunday it will be a national manifestation and anybody who, in their blinkered political opinion, think that the Government was justified in imposing the new tariffs, are expected to stay at home watching NET television or reading Il-Mument. All the rest - the great majority of Maltese, irrespective of their political colour, will show that national solidarity by attending the manifestation..
Gerard Cassar
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:04
Mr. Martinelli, of Canada. You let the truth escape you.
The PN will send a huge crowd to give the false impression that the MLP has a huge support.
Good to admit how the P.N. acted and acts. You spilled the beans.
Thanks for your disclosure. You will henceforth start condemning the attitude of the P.N. in Malta while the MLP governed.
V.Micallef
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:04
I would like to clarify two points. (1) The majority of the Maltese living in Malta (i.e.excluding those living abroad who do not carry any of the burden we are being hoisted with by the Gonzi-Gatt Administration, voted Labour; (2) It is going to be a manifestation of courage because we are living under an incipient dictatorship, and it needs courage to oppose such a regime. I am convinced that the people rallying round Dr Muscat on Sunday will be showing a courage. Who says Austin Gatt won't be watching the cameras to take note of those who dare oppose him? Who says there will be no repercussions? PN Governments are known for their subtle way of punishing those who oppose them. Now they can only become more repressive since they are visibly losing ground among commoners (or in Dr Borg Cardona's words, the Great Unwashed) and basing their strengths on the fortresses of the rich and the privileged, like Bidnija and similar enclaves. Yes, those of you who can pluck enough courage to come to Valletta today week will deserve to be counted among the courageous. The fearful and the dastardly will do well to stay at home.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 16:00
Noel Cutajar;" Hiding behind the Maltese flag would apply only to those who feel ashamed to be called Maltese..."
Now, one wonders how that works out; surely that would be the last place where they should seek to hide. - in fact, they would go nowhere near it.
Or maybe that is just another example of mlp elfin logic.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:54
M. Farrugia;"We ar known to form one common front to help those in need like the tsunami victims in Indonesia and Thailand. This time, charity is at home. Charity is ourselves. Lets help each other in this crisis. "
One cannot but agree; how can anyone compare the death of some 350,000 innocent people, the wiping out of thousands of communities, hundreds of villages, the wrecking of entire national infrastructures by a tsunami, with the unprecedented crisis we here face at home.
When the whole of the Maltese nation [less, of course, some 30,000 famiy groups] are now faced with the potential loss of the ability to go out every week for a Saturday pizza to make good for the extra Euro 5.- odd needed to pay for public utilities that they themselves are using.
What is the world coming to.
A. Attard
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:48
Labour is growing day by day
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:37
V. Micallef:" "Next Sunday's manifestation of courage "
Where does 'courage' figure in all this? what is so courageous about forming part of a group of persons walking down Republic Street in Valletta?
Would anyone please explain?
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:34
I. Galea: "The people now know that it was very unfortunate that the 1996 Labour Government didn't last long enough."
Yeah, right. Had the mlp govt lasted longer, THAT would have really shown 'the people' what inept and incompetent government is. Indeed, it would have 'learned them real good'.
It might even have spared us all from now being exposed to inane comments such as that by I. Galea as quoted above, and which he and his ilk are so keen to ventilate at every conceivable opportunity, while consistently ignoring the gathering speed at which the economy was then going down the slope...a slide fortunately halted through the mlp govt 'not lasting long enough'.
g.c.Forte
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:32
@ david farrugia ...........Unfortunately we have a government that listen to nobody. It is useless and waste of time to try to convince GONZI P.N.or WISTINU P.N. you can ask all the members of the M.C.E.S.D. And how you pretend that the M.L.P.will solve the problems that this and other P.N. governments have committed for all these years. Mela issa money is a problem.Halluna.
E. Anastasi
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:26
Michael Vella, your pathetic attempts in trying to equate poor standards of living in Malta to the Congo amount to nothing but folly. The situation in the Congo is extremely unfortunate but we are an EU nation and we must compare ourselves with our counterparts. Unfortunately we do not fare so well. People like you even try to portray collective expression and solidarity as something shallow and pedantic when our European counterparts uphold it as a democratic right of the highest order.
To others: The current head(s) of government is not Muscat but an oligarchy consisting of Gatt, Gonzi and Fenech. They are the ones who were given the mandate to administer the country responsibly and not Muscat. They are the ones who should be delivering what they so bravely predicted and promised in last year's budget and the more recent electoral manifesto. Unfortunately they failed miserably in both. The gimmicks exist when you use budgets and manifestos as fancy and lengthy PR mechanisms of how great you are when you are in fact the complete opposite.
Next Sunday should be a manifestation wherein we express we have had enough of all the lies and deceit.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:20
Frank Cachia; "Which [mlp] majority are you talking about? "
That would be the same as that which claimed victory for Partnership in the referendum...or, as they say, it is all in the mind. Hard facts are only so much clutter to be ignored.
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:14
Kenneth Galea: " It is time for Dr Muscat to take the lead and save Malta."
But it would be better for him - and more so for us - if JM were to come up with some workable solutions before then, and also for him to let us know what those solutions are.
So far, all that we have had from JM is just so much hot air that achieves little else than help to aggravate global warming.
Joseph Borg
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:12
I never voted for MLP and honestly I voted PN twice. Last election I stayed at home.
NEXT SUNDAY I'WILL BE THERE because now this government is being ridiculous and very very arrogant indeed!!!
P.Schembri
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:06
@Frank Cachia. The Majority of Maltese People who are against a PN Government. Your are living under the delusion that the Government has got the majority. There's where you are wrong. The PN has got only the relative majority. If you know how to count, there are over 145,000 who didn't want the PN in government, compared to the 141,000 voters. So the statement the Majority of Maltese holds.
malcolm seychell
Nov 2nd 2008, 15:05
The manifestation is at the right time. Oil prices now are around 65 dollars a barrel. Much less then the 140 dollars it was few months ago. Yet our prices are still the same.
There has been a mismanagement for 20 years in Enemalta, and now Gonzi is asking us to carry the burden.
I am ready to pay my fair share, but I am not ready to subsidize large industries and other families who claim they are poor and live a better life then me.
Noel Cutajar
Nov 2nd 2008, 14:07
@ J. Mrtinelli (sorry your mistake)...carrying a Maltese flag - the crisis effects all US Maltese and not persons living abroad. Hiding behind the Maltese flag would apply only to those who feel ashamed to be called Maltese...the rest who have to shoulder the burden of this GOnziPN or GATTPN maladministration are not afraid to wave the Maltese flag as this is our national interest and not Canadian or whatever you are from.
M. Farrugia
Nov 2nd 2008, 14:00
The Maltese people are known to unite for a good cause. We ar known to form one common front to help those in need like the tsunami victims in Indonesia and Thailand. This time, charity is at home. Charity is ourselves. Lets help each other in this crisis. This is something that should go beyond political beliefs and partisan politics. Let us all meet in Valletta next Sunday and hammer the message through. After all everyone's pocket is at stake here not Nationalist, Labourites aor whatever.
Emmanuel Cachia
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:52
Mr Martinelli. Please try something else. It is not you who is going to pay out of your nose but we.
david farrugia
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:41
Could all these people who commented in favour of this manifestation inform me what are proposals of the labour party vis a vis the energy problem.
l Galea
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:31
J Mrtinelli
You always smell a rat in everything that Labour does or having anything to do with Labour. Do you think that the people will do like you when you retreated to Canada?
Whether you like it or not the people of Malta are going to unite and protest against your Nationalist Government because of its incompetence, arrogance and lack of social conscience.
The people now know that it was very unfortunate that the 1996 Labour Government didn't last long enough.
Frank Cachia
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:30
@ V. Micallef
"Next Sunday's manifestation of courage should not be attended only by the majority that voted Labour"
Which majority are you talking about?
Sandro Galea
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:27
“But budgetary gimmicks will not affect us.”
...neither will political ones, Dr. Muscat! Or should that be 'Joseph'?
Michael A. Vella
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:25
Maria Falzon: "...He continue crushing our families, and demolish our standard of living,..."
Quit listening to ONE NEWS bulletins; try the international media. Any clue as to what is going on in the Congo, for example? THAT is what crushing families and demolishing of standard of living is all about.
The adverse effects of the global crisis have been well absorbed here in Malta so far. The so-called crushing tariffs only add up to the price of the odd weekly ice-cream or a pizza or two - all things one can do without.
So much for the commitment to 'new politics' by Joseph Muscat; it is more of the same 'ninzlu fit-toroq' non-solutions to whatever the problem, whether real or perceived, may be. Nothing like walking down Republic Street behind a hand-held street-wide banner with a fake expression of concern or a crass insipid smile on one's face to brush u one's ego... but while achieving nothing else.
It is patently evident that JM is not a leader, but that he is being lead by the very same forces that have brought the mlp into disrepute and are intent on keeping it that way. Now, where did that elephant go?
Kenneth Galea
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:18
What a remarkable difference you are already bringing to the Labour Party, keep it up Dr Muscat. In the past I was too reluctant to read articles about speeches made by previous Labour leaders. Often these speehces twisted the real facts. Dr Muscat is very much a cut above the rest though, he talks sense without inciting hatred to those who do not support his beliefs. It is time for Dr Muscat to take the lead and save Malta.
J Mrtinelli
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:12
There is nothing that can unite the country than a perceived crisis. Joseph is calling for a 'manifestation' next Sunday with instructions that the participants carry Maltese flags only. I smell a rat here but one which will retreat to its little hole fast.
By hiding behind the National flag, Joseph is counting on the lack of identity of the participants and he will arguably say that all those were Laburisti or about to become so since they found it necessary to demonstrate against a government's measure.
On the other hand, it could be argued that the Nationalists sent hordes of supporters to give Labour a false reading on how many are supporting the postponement of W & E rates increases. Labour fails to point out that the fairest way of paying the real cost of energy should be shared by all and depending on their choice of lifestyle.
User pays is the norm, subsidies are not. Subsidies are for emergency purposes, but then, Labour, no matter what, always tries to cling to the core by declaring 'emergencies' all the time except of course when they govern.
Fortunately the last Labour government lasted only 22 months.
carmen caruana
Nov 2nd 2008, 13:08
I'm not a supporter of either parties but I think this manifestation is realy important to show this government that he's surpassing the limit.
People unite!!!
V.Micallef
Nov 2nd 2008, 12:43
There is only one way to stop the Gonzi-Gatt onslaught on the Maltese people: to gather near City Gate next Sunday and show (1) Austin Gatt that his arrogance is not paying dividends to his own Government and Party, (2) Lawrence Gonzi that his ploy to hide behind Dr Gatt is not working. Both are being accused by the nation of trying to take everybody for a ride. Next Sunday's manifestation of courage should not be attended only by the majority that voted Labour but by all Maltese who are fed up, sick and tired, exasperated by this bankrupt Government that can only resort to silly tricks to try and survive despite all odds, to turn the PROBLEM NO MONEY back to MONEY NO PROBLEM spin. Only the privileged can emerge unscathed from the financial problems created by GonziPN . The privileged are NOT being invited for next Sunday's manifestation They may remain in their homes (or swimming pools, really, unless the weather suddenly changes) and enjoy their afternoon ignoring the utility bills that have been taken to crazy heights simply to help GonziPN solve the spectacular fiasco it built over the past two decades.
Joseoh Dalli
Nov 2nd 2008, 12:35
Manifestazzjoni ta’ kuragg nazzjonali.
Importanti li jingiebu bnadar Maltin :)
Maria Falzon
Nov 2nd 2008, 12:31
The government must get the message that we the people of this country can no longer be treated like idiots. He cannot continue crushing our families, and demolish our standard of living, always under the pretense that "circumstances are changing". Circumstances always change, and a good government prepares for the bad times during the good times. The government has been claiming that "il-finanzi qieghdin fis-sod" for quite some time, so now he should be cushioning these international adverse effect, not the other way round. The people can no longer make good for the huge financial wastage and mismanagement. The govt must stop fooling us.
A Polidano
Nov 2nd 2008, 12:01
I am not one for protesting - but now this government is being ridiculous. He does not seem to care about what the people are feeling. When Dr. Gonzi presented his cabinet i really believed that he wanted to change things within his government. But now i've lost all hope .4 and half more years of this arrogant bunch of people leading us. More of the same.
c.catania
Nov 2nd 2008, 11:52
Maltin ta rieda tajba... il-boghod minn kuluri u twemmin.. il-hadd li gej kulhadd ghal belt!!!