Utility tariffs surcharge down from 194 to 185 percent
The government’s revised proposals for the water and electricity tariffs will mean an increase in surcharge to 185, instead of 197 percent, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said this afternoon.
Closing the party’s general conference which approved a new statute for the party, Dr Muscat said the bills were being increased not because of the cost of oil but to make good for the squandering and inefficiency of this government. The increases were aimed at recollecting from the people what had been given in children’s allowance and income tax reductions before the elections.
The government, Dr Muscat said, had to say in detail why the bills were being increased. Had a decision been taken to buy half next year’s supply of oil at an average price of $120 per barrel when for the price of oil for the past month and a half was an average $55 a barrel? Had a decision been taken to dissolve the fuel procurement advisory committee which had changed the way decisions were taken?
The Labour leader spoke on the proposed Għadira road project saying the government had the option building an Irish bridge, a road on a road, instead of what it was proposing. This would upgrade the current road and serve to prevent the erosion of the bay. This option had already been proposed by experts. Why was it not being mentioned?
He also spoke on the proposal for an extension to St John’s CoCathedral Museum saying that he did not believe that underground was the best place to store tapestries. A lot more was being spent on this than for the rehabilitation of the bastions, which were falling down.
Was there conflict of interest between those taking decisions on where money should be spent and by those who were deciding how money should be spent? These, he said, were questions which should be answered.
Labour’s alternative was to do as was done in any other European city and use other buildings including in areas which needed regeneration to attract more tourists to these sites.
Dr Muscat referred to the financial crisis and said that in such matters Malta was always affected a few months later.
Labour was ready to put partisan politics aside and work with the government to prepare for this crisis. The government should also see how to get the best out of the stimulus package being proposed by the EU.
Dr Muscat noted that last year the government only used 60 per cent of the funds it would get from the EU. This year it would only be using 16 per cent. Because of government’s incompetence Malta would be paying the EU more than it was getting.
On the recent court judgment which won a patient over €74,000 after he had to pay for a life saving operation in Pisa, Dr Muscat said that Labour had been appealing to the authorities for a policy on the treatment of Maltese patients needing operations abroad for at least three years.
This compensation decision was a very important precedent which the country needed to think about.
The policy, he said, should also state the maximum waiting time for the different operations and if the state was not capable of providing the operations within that timeframe, it should make alternative arrangements. Although operations cost money, so did being on a waiting list.
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Alyson Mitchell
Dec 2nd 2008, 14:18
POWER CORRUPTS - ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY... when will any of you learn, you are all, including the government, 20 years behind the rest of the Western World just look at what the western governments have done to their countries - leaks, cover-ups, over expenditure, greedy banks, greedy governments - but all the the time taking away from our pockets to cover up their incompetencies, do you really think Malta is any different to the rest of the educated world? Do you? Really? Wake up folks Malta is heading the same way but sadly at the same time and not 20 years down the line - hide what you can because if you don't your government will make sure they will have it - even it you need it more!
Mike Magri
Dec 2nd 2008, 08:54
I would like to refer to the `Headline` of this report, and make my comment, as i strongly beleive that the `Anonimous` author of this report, had his `hidden` GonziPN poltical agenda in mind, and here it is why....
The way it is written, it gives the immediate impression, that Dr. Joseph Muscat is `happy` with the COSMETIC change of the utilities tariffs, WHICH IS NOT THE CASE AT ALL....
I am also sure that a different heading, like..."LABOUR READY TO PUT PARTISIAN POLITICS ASIDE..", would have been MORE APPROPRIATE when one considers the Substance of the whole of his more than two hour long speech...
That`s all..
However, one last remark for Joseph... DR. MUSCAT, A BIG THANK YOU FOR HAVING SO MUCH COURAGE IN CHANGING THE OLD CUSTOMS OF THE POLITICAL SCENE IN MALTA AND OF YOUR NEW IDEAS FOR A BETTER `MACHINE` FOR THE LABOUR PARTY..
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Dec 1st 2008, 21:40
The point about "tar-rahal" reflects the fact that the government is treating issues (EU related) with the same local pettiness, foot dragging and ineffciencies!! The truth is that in Malta many infrastractural projects have exceeded the costs and were ready well after the target set by the government itself. The E.U. does not work like that............if you set a date you have to stick with it and if you budget a cost than you have to abide by it, failing this the country in question, whether tiny Malta or big Germany, will lose the E.U. funds and will have to see for itself where to get the funds from. It's called ACCOUNTABILITY and its exactly what the government seems to think it can wriggle its way around. The audacity would be if the government expects the people to pay (as it is) through the nose for its own incompetence!!!
The E.U. is not flawless but we should only point fingers at it when justified.......if the PN government can't meet the standards required than it can only boast of being European on the face of it and yet still very parochial in its mentality!!
J. Abela
Dec 1st 2008, 18:02
A surcharge of 185 is still UNACCEPTABLE given that fuel is on the decrease and other EU countries are reducing their uility tariffs, starting with Italy.
We all got used to the "sigh of relief trick" - the prices are calculate sky high in the first place and then the prices are favourably reduced after hell is brought. Some people state - at least 185 rather than 195..phew...!
Same tactics used in employment - aim sky-high in order to attain at least mid to low of the initial request.
charles marsh
Dec 1st 2008, 09:56
@ Anthony Briffa
My advice to you is that you should see the whole speech or at least you should read it. Then you can comment. By watching Net News you are only fed half truths or no truths at all. Joseph Muscat showed that he is an exceptional leader and he not only criticized but again he showed what could be done to save our country. And regarding the Statute if you consider the changes as cosmetic, then you should dig a hole in the sand and put your head in it.
Ray Gatt
Dec 1st 2008, 09:49
Anglu Farrugia screamed that the PN govt. will not find PL's help in any way. I say 'Anglu bellu, tell us something new". Your party has been doing exactly that since 1987 (minus 22 months). And which version are we to believe, Joey or Anglu, since Joey is saying the opposite.
@ I Galea - change the cd. We're fed up of hearing the same music.
Abigail Vella
Nov 30th 2008, 22:58
@ Joe Vella
I suggest listening to Dr. Muscat's speech again because clearly you didn't get the point. He was speaking about the way that we Maltese have to look at European affairs in a European context, with no intention to degrade "in-nies tar-rahal". He himself said that he's coming from a village.
Good constructive criticism is very healthy but please note that good critics study well what has been said before posting comments.
lgalea
Nov 30th 2008, 21:13
The little Gonzipn elves who see only cosmetic changes should know that the changes are only a little precursor tremor. The biggest earthquake will come next General Elections when the Gonzipn will be swept aside.
Can the little Gonzipn elves tell us if they are happy that they were given a €4 per week cost of living adjustment by Gonzipn while the Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries had LM125 (€290) per week rise in their pay packet?
anthony muscat inglott
Nov 30th 2008, 20:49
First of all i encourage all those people that are floaters or even if they have any type of political view to follow this speech held by Dr Muscat . In my opinion this was one of the most important speeches held by an MLP ( or PL ) leader which definitely is going to be marked next to those significant speeches done in the past .
I was impressed in the way he delivered it : strong , understandable , precise and not boring .Its content is incredible and the most important were the changes he did in his party's commandments . He managed to gather the whole party with him and none of the other contendents were put on the side . Who managed to follow the points , he inputed also some ideas that his opponents proposed . This are all signs of a good leader .
I urge everybody to listen once and even twice to this speech and try to follow the meaning of it without any political twist .
Good job Dr Muscat ( and is coming from a person that is not labourite bot even nationalist . )
V Fenech
Nov 30th 2008, 20:26
Although the Labour Party is going through a thorough change which is the "earthquake" promised by Joseph Muscat, still the leader is fulfilling his party's duties in making issues clear to those listening out there who are still going to pay the hefty bills, even if they are given some make-up to make Lawrence Gonzi look nice after the whole mess between Austin and Fenech.
Apparently the Nationalists' system is going in this way; something negative - call Austin. Something which may appear as relieving - show Gonzi!
And that is the reason why Lawrence Gonzi is left behind the scenes, because things are coming out negatively and very different from what was promised before the election!
Joe Vella
Nov 30th 2008, 20:25
At all the little Elves and all the Privy ones at the Red Glass Building in Hamrun'
I would honestly like to comment, but I am one of those was born and raised in a Rahal, guess that makee me one of "Tar Rahal"; sorry, I guess that makes me stupid, my apologise.
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Nov 30th 2008, 20:23
I believe that it is not only the PL that needs changes (and quite presto too) but so does the PN!! Many PN stalwarts and officials seem to have completely obliterated from their phyche the fact that they won by a mere 1,500 votes and the message in the last election was crystal clear-----We are fed up of being sidelined and ignored.........We want you to hear our calls, feel our "pains" and understand our ambitions and goals not only individual/familiar but also national!!
I think it is only legitimate to ask: Is the PN listening to our pains?? Is the PN consulting the public before taking some major decisions?? Or are we being sidelined again?? Or are we being totally ignored under the pretext that the government knows best?? Or are we only being given a set of Hobsons choices so that the government has its way with the not so conceited threat of loosing funds or jobs??
Changes are only judged by results and the result at this moment is an ever arrogant PN completely detached from the people, a Party which is for the umpteenth time ignoring its own supporters and running roughshod over everyone!!
Who's cosmetic again???????????
Karl Borg Bartolo
Nov 30th 2008, 20:01
As more time passes, I am even more convinced that this man means business. He did evry well to start by addressing his Party's issues first. The changes in the statute proves this.
With Dr Muscat at the helm, the years to come seem to be positive. We hope that the Labour leader keeps up the change he's leading.
Pat. Muscat
Nov 30th 2008, 19:38
The question is, when oil is at 55$ why should we pay sky high tariffs when it was bombarded to us BEFORE the election, that the price if water and electicity will oscillate according to the price of oil? So when oil went up the prices of electricity and petrol went up too, but now that they are DOWN the prices charged are still at 195%? There is a catch 22 somewhere, and as European citizens, we should be treated fairly, squarely and with the respect and dignity !
giorgio de marco
Nov 30th 2008, 17:08
well done dr muscat . it looks this guy knows what he is doing .
Enzo Caruana
Nov 30th 2008, 17:07
I followed Joseph Muscat's speech live on One TV this morning and came to two conclusions.
a) Labour delegates made the right choice when they elected Dr Muscat as their leader last June and,
b) Joseph Muscat is an asset not just to his Party, but to all Maltese.
His is really and truly the new way of doing politics
Congratulations Labour Party. Congtratulations Dr Muscat!
E. Anastasi
Nov 30th 2008, 17:03
Those that persist in their beliefs that the current LP statute changes are only 'cosmetic' can choose to bask in their ignorance for as long as they wish. But I hope these are not the same people that some months ago pleaded for the LP to make the necessary changes to become an alternative government and strong opposition in the interest of democracy. If these people truly listened and followed what was going on they would realise that today's speech was a FAR cry from mere opposition for opposition's sake. It was a positive call for the restoration of people's political, social and economical dignity and a call for more transparency and accountability in governance which for so many years now has been lacking. They would have realised that the changes the LP is making now is leading to a better choice for our people's sake. LP is taking the initiative. Well done to all involved.
George de Giorgio
Nov 30th 2008, 16:43
@ Anthony Briffa
Sour Grapes
EDWIN DE MARCO
Nov 30th 2008, 16:01
Here we go again! Indeed It seems that the man behind the wheel is most certainly Dr.Austere Gatt and not Dr. L.Gonzi. One can surmise that the W&E tariffs as proposed by Dr. Gatt will only go down by a very small margin. Dr.L.Gonzi is trying to give the impression that negotiations are still being carried out, plus conflicting statements being issued every now & then, even by a particular partisan union. Our PM must accept that it's either the tariffs as they are or else Dr. Gatt will hand in his resignation. Three cheers!
On a lighter note, some of the advice given to save water leaves a lot to be desired, so, speaking for myself, I have found a perfect method of avoiding to use water for flushing purposes & thus avoid paying a lot! Whenever nature calls.... I just go to the local public toilets & leave my foul deposit there. Unfortunately I haven't been given permission yet to shower in the rain as I'm told this constitutes indecent exposure. Most EU countries have nudist beaches so locals can deposit their thing right in the sand.... Now i know why all their beaches carry a blue flag!!
M.Buhagiar
Nov 30th 2008, 15:56
@ Anthony Briffa
I kindly invite you to watch Dr. Muscat`s speech at 21.15 on ONE TV and after, only after, you may come to a conclusion yourself if JOSEPH`s speech was only that of attacking the PN !!
Listening to the whole 1hr15mins speech rather than reading an article on the net, there is a BIG difference Mr. Briffa!!
I M Dingli
Nov 30th 2008, 15:51
Anthony Briffa
What is most important.....
1. Discussing the statute of LP
2. Discussing the ongoing problems of Malta
You choose?!?
Anthony Briffa
Nov 30th 2008, 15:27
In this extraordinary general conference I was expecting that the leadership of the PL would explain the benefits of the changes in the statute of the party to the nation in general and the PL in particular. Instead the speeches concentrated only attacks on the PN government. This implies that the changes are only cosmetic and that there is nothing to elaborate upon, and that the substance of the party remains the same.
M.Buhagiar
Nov 30th 2008, 15:27
Prosit Dr.Muscat.
You are the LEADER that MALTA has been long awaiting for!!
Graham Crocker
Nov 30th 2008, 15:08
@Michael Gatt .
If PL won the election, J.Muscat wouldn't have been running this country, Dr. Sant would.
You mean to say J.Muscat Couldn't be running this country at this time.
Goes to show really, admit it, you forgot Dr Sant was leader of PL only just a few months ago and its not PN's decisions, in reality its the PL's decisions for not running J.Muscat in the first place.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 30th 2008, 14:29
Does this mean than what was 195 will go up to 285? If that is the case this would translate into a 46% increase on the bills that carry a 95% surcharge - which we have not yet received -. or a 90% rise on the bills which carried a 50% surcharge. - those covering the period ending May 2008 for which we have been billed...
Michael Gatt
Nov 30th 2008, 14:15
Proset Dr. Muscat. Its you that should be running this country in this time of crises, but now we have to all suffer with his government and its decisions