Muscat holds PM responsible for 'web of espionage'
Ghadira Road plan is 'a red herring'
Labour leader Joseph Muscat insisted this morning that Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was ultimately responsible for the ‘web of espionage’ weaved by the Nationalist Party, and no attempts to find a sacrificial lamb would hide this fact.
Speaking at a political conference at Paola PL club, Dr Muscat first referred to the proposals for City Gate and the Opera House site, saying the project should have been completed a long time ago. However, the PL felt there should be proper public consultation on the plans, and the process should embrace all of civil society within determined time frames.
One had to wonder, however, why no mention was made about the project in the budget. Where would the money needed for it, between €60m and €80m come from, at least the amount for the first year?
The Opposition, he said, also agreed on the need for a reform of public transport. The PL’s top priority was the consumer. Here again, however, the Public Transport Association had complained that it was not consulted before the plans were unveiled on Friday. Dr Muscat said he hoped this situation would not escalate again because it would be the workers who suffered, not whoever went to work in a Jaguar.
The bus owners should have an open mind on the reforms and the government should sit around a table with them to discuss the future. The PL was only on the side of commuters and wanted to see an efficient and affordable service. Indeed, the document published by the government on Friday made no mention of what the fare in the future would be. The same thing had happened when the gas division was privatised. Clearly, the people should be shown the full picture.
Dr Muscat noted that the international oil price had now dropped to $42 per barrel. The last time oil prices were at this level, Malta did not even have a surcharge. Yet now the government would retroactively raise bills from a surcharge of 95% to 185%. Given the current oil prices, the surcharge should disappear completely. The PL early next year would publish what the proper costings should be.
Clearly, however, the new bills were not being introduced because of high oil prices, but to cover inefficiencies and the government’s waste. How else could one explain that whereas all over Europe, fuel prices were falling, in Malta a new tax on fuel was being imposed? The people were demanding a drop in petrol and diesel prices.
The leader of the opposition said the Prime Minister had practically disappeared, save for his announcement on City Gate. His attitude, he said, was fuelling uncertainty to the detriment of the economy.
“We have a situation where the prime minister is not in command, and does not know what is happening” Dr Muscat said.
He said that when he had talks with the trade unions on the utility tariffs, Dr Gonzi said one thing, but when the proposal was made in writing, different figures were given on how many families would benefit from lower tariffs. The mistake had been made because the costings, rather than being based on households, were based on accounts, which included summer houses and garages. This issue, Dr Muscat, would not go away, even if no bills were issued before Christmas.
Dr Muscat renewed his accusations of a network of spying by the Nationalist Party.
The PN, he said, was not believed when it said that no information was flowing from Castille to the PN. Decency demanded that the PN should at least admit its mistake. Instead, the PN was threatening to sue because its e-mail had been published. They could go ahead.
Furthermore, it was now known that 15 public officers paid from public funds had, during office hours, gone to PN headquarters to take instructions from the PN general secretary. That too was also very worrying.
And, following Dr Paul Borg Olivier’s admission that Dr Gonzi knew what was going on, the Prime Minister was ultimately responsible for all this, despite attempts to find a sacrificial lamb.
Dr Muscat said the people would not be distracted by red herrings, such as the proposed Ghadira Road. Plans were afoot, he said, for the Prime Minister to eventually show himself as a knight in shining armour by stopping this project. But it should never even have been considered. The country had higher road priorities, such as the congested Kappara Junction.
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Saviour Scerri
Dec 9th 2008, 21:50
Incredible to hear some of the comments.................. why are you so afraid to your data seen into. by whoever needs to for any known reason? ............. Alas. only those who cowardly enough as not to want to show their names or claims. As that which regards the issue cannot you PL supporters see that you are being fed with misinformation cause there doesn't seem to be anything else to grumble about? ........... What about the sensitive data retrieved from the Central Bank and shown on the PL web site.??????????........ Are we to expect that Joseph resigns? DO YOU PL SUPPORTS expect Joseph to resign? Cause if it hasn't crossed your mind The Data Protection Act doesn't stop at names. there is more vital data to protect..........
Mike Magri
Dec 8th 2008, 18:42
@..Mak Tanti... Re your last sentence.."..The MLP has been keeping our personal data since back in the 80`s, that is why many nationalists could not have a telephone/promotion job/building permit/housing/colour TV stc.. etc.. X 100 times.."
Sur Tanti... Let me assure that the PN were, and STILL are NOT MUCH better off you know...!!!!!
You mentioned the 80`s, and i can easily mention the late 50`s, the 60`s and since `87... All of what you said, and much much more, (less colour TV and telephone..!!!), happened ABUNDANTLY during all of these years, under the PN regime, and they STILL ARE...!!!
In the 50`s and 60`s, a big percentage of those that HAD to emigrate, (accompanied by a band for those who went by ship), were Labour Supporters indicated by a RED CROSS in front of their name on the PN Lists, and which sometimes were also assisted by the `Kappillan` of the village.. I WAS ONE OF THEM my Friend.. That was one of their ways to `cut down` the labour votes..!!!!
Mark the PN is NO ANGEL on Earth when it comes to building permits,housing, jobs and promotions etc.. etc...for the Labourites.. You know it... WE ALL KNOW IT...!!!
James De Giorgio
Dec 8th 2008, 15:34
Muscat is already acting a bit wierdly. In a few months' time he'll be a carbon copy of Alfred Sant.
As we were all warned earlier.
Muscat. Pat
Dec 8th 2008, 01:15
What a mess we are in! European values and European traditions in the breach of privacy and data confidentiality ? P.L should petition the E.U. to press ahead with charges against this spying against Maltese citizens. We want our data Protection back!
mark tanti
Dec 7th 2008, 22:26
Simon Amato, I do not think that Dr Muscat has no Vision for Malta now that he accepted after his big U turn Malta's member ship in the EU. His vision is to make Malta the best in the EU. If we did not join the EU (as Dr.Muscat wanted) what would have been Dr Muscat Vision ? The problem with Dr Muscat to reach his vision is that he must first win the next general election. After so many years of Nationalist govt. this should not be a very difficult task for him but the MLP delegates made it difficult for him by electing T.Abela and A.Farrugia AST, by re-electing J.Micallef as party general secretry and by allowing M.Cushieri and C.Gouder to dominate the party media. Many floating voters and other nationalist who wish to vote for the LP are afraid to vote for the LP not because of Dr Muscat but because of the people whom I previously mentioned.
The MLP has been keeping our personal data since back in the 80's that is why many nationalist could not have a telephone/promotion/job/builing permits/housing/colour TV etc. etc. X 100 times
J. Schembri
Dec 7th 2008, 20:51
Can our " Joseph with a vision" tell us WHEN should EneMalta buy its oil for the next year , should it buy oil on a monthly basis or use hedging ?
We have been hearing the same mantras from the opposition leaders for years now , " should have done it earlier" , "should have used hedging ", "should not have used hedging" , "too little too late" etc etc
Our yearly oil needs will only last for a couple of days for a medium sized EU country.
Joseph Agius
Dec 7th 2008, 17:31
@simon amatoExactly last year someone told me to grow up cause MLP was going to win the election. I did grow up but MLP did not win. Unfortunately I could anticipate all labour defeats for the past twenty years including referendum. I am praying I will not have to anticipate another PL defeat now. But no, simon, moderates are not happy with Charlon, Manuel and Jason and Alex!
(Does not mean I do not think that Dr Paul Borg Olivier isn't also crappy!!...i've written it on the other blog!)
Adrian Buckle
Dec 7th 2008, 17:22
Dusty Williams
I would expect Joe Muscat to condemn the PM's plans in no uncertain terms. I would expect him to state clearly that he does not agree that a House of Parliament is built instead of the old Opera House. I woulld expect him to say clearly that he believes in the Arts as a means to regenerate the economy. All he has done is say that the PM should have consulted people on the matter. Fair but not enough. Where does he stand? Does he favour the PM's proposal or is he against it? When it goes down to the vote, how will he be voting? As a representative of the people, we deserve to know. Or is Parliament realy an obsolete institution?
I am not pointing fingers, neither at the PM, nor at the Leader of the Opposition. If I am, please forgive my language. I just want answers.
simon amato
Dec 7th 2008, 16:57
THIS MORNING JOSEPH MUSCAT WAS VERY WELCOMED IN PAOLA. THIS MAN HAS A GOOD VISION FOR THIS COUNTRY. NO BIPARTISANS! TO JOSEPH AGUIS AND ALL PN BLOGGERS IN HERE....TODAY I WAS HAVING A BEER WITH 2 PN SUPPORTERS LIKE YOU. THEY ARE MODERATES AND PRAISE D JOSEPH ABOUT HIS VISION AND STRATEGY. COME ON GROW UP GUYS!
Dusty William
Dec 7th 2008, 16:39
Adrian Buckle
I am pretty sure that the Labour leader would love to see the opera house transformed into another Opera House and not the houses of parliament. I dont think you are aware but Joseph Muscat called for everybody's view on this case and said it should have been ready ages ago and thats 100% democratic and the way it should be. But as usual its up to GonziPn to have the final say on everything in their own style of imposing.
What do expect JM to do more than he's already done?
tony caruana
Dec 7th 2008, 14:49
In the mean the Police commisioner keeps quiet as well. Has the Law been broken or not ?
Will the Police take action or not ?
Adrian Buckle
Dec 7th 2008, 14:40
I have a question for the Labour Leader. Does he and his party approve of the plans to transform the opera house site into a parliament or not? It is all very well to hide in shadows but we expect more of a leader who expects to be voted PM in a few years' time. What is the PL's position on the issue?
David Zarb
Dec 7th 2008, 14:18
Good Joseph. It's useless that Dr. Gonzi is trying to keep away from all this. We know how Dr. Gonzi reacts in front of similar situations, just as he reacted about the JPO - Mistra case. He tries to leave it up to the persons involved in this wrong-doing to deal with the problem. But Dr.Gonzi can't take off his responsibility as a party leader!!! Well done Joseph.
charles zammit
Dec 7th 2008, 13:45
dr p borg olivier stated that dr gonzi was kept abreast of what was happening. moreover the two officials that this information is to be directed are posted at the office of the prime minister. therefore dr muscat's reasoning is correct and fair. if it is found that this way of collecting data goes against the data protection act than the prime minister should also be held responsible irrespective of what mr joseph agius says
a.dalli
Dec 7th 2008, 13:23
I had already expressed my views vis a vis the Ghadira project - nothing less than what we have been continuously fed - distorted facts and half truths and other hidden agendas perhaps to kill another socialist oriented project - such as the Mellieha Holiday Complex.
Re Web Austingate scandal - yes ultimately it is the PM who is responsible - unless of course he accepts Dr. A. Gatt resignation.
And for the likes of Joseph Agius - yes we have blood running through our veins and not blue indelible ink.
Muscat.Pat
Dec 7th 2008, 13:13
People who voted for Europe expect Dr Gonzi to respect European values; all those responsible for breaking or conniving in breaking the DATA PR0TECTION LAW, should resign. European values demand accountability and NOT excuses.
Joe Gerada
Dec 7th 2008, 12:49
@ Joseph Agius
Yes I agree with you some things never change. The PN remained the same ARROGANT party in goverment. Well done Joseph you are being credible and objective.
Clint Taliana
Dec 7th 2008, 12:39
Il-verita' twegga hux Joseph Agius?
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Dec 7th 2008, 12:38
What "web of espionage"? Check out my blog - I couldn't be bothered to repeat myself.
George Cremona
Dec 7th 2008, 12:33
To say you are on the commuters/customers side and in the same instance insist on having the bus owners consulted about the public transport reform is, to say the least, tantamount to pleasing God and the devil at the same time. When had the Bus Owners been so keen or supportive as to render a good service to or been polite towards the commuters/customers? It's time to decide, Dr. Muscat, on which side of the fence you are. The Government decided to pull the ropes in favour of the commuters/customers.
M.Buhagiar
Dec 7th 2008, 11:50
Why don`t you read the Sunday Times Editorial , Joseph Agius and maybe after you will undersand on which SIDE is the REAL CRAP!!
It was a real scene last friday on XARABANK watching Poor Borg Olivier trying to defend his Colossal FROGA!! The more he spoke , the more Qassatat were coming out from his mouth!!- And this scandal is not yet over .
Really and Truly, Mr. Joseph Agius , you should be ashamed of the Party you are trying to defend!!
BY THE WAY!! Do you by any chance know something about the whereabout of Mr. Par Idejn Sodi?? He seems like Vanished in thin air!!
D. Micallef
Dec 7th 2008, 11:44
@ Joseph Agius.
Why are you parrotting 'il-Mument's' headlines?
Speak your own mind.
Maria Falzon
Dec 7th 2008, 11:41
@Joseph Agius - X'ghandu x'jaqsam l-appointment ta Charlon Gouder, ma dawn l-issues? Just point to one of these issue where Joseph Muscat is wrong and Lawrence Gonzi is right? So far we have only heard an "acting prime minister" pronouncing his own ideas, irritating people from his own side of the parliament.
B. Glanville
Dec 7th 2008, 11:40
@Joseph Agius, if you ask me Muscat's criticism is well founded. The government has been trying to make a fool of us all for far too long.
Maria Falzon
Dec 7th 2008, 11:31
one looming question remains. why is the PM playing hide and seek when so many issues are awaiting definite responsibilities and answers!
Joseph Agius
Dec 7th 2008, 11:21
What crap! is this the new style of politics!! ... no wonder Dr Joseph Muscat personally promoted once again Charlon Gouder and Manwel Cushieri. Some things never change...and it is so unfortunate to the country that the PL just changes the name!
DUSTY WILLIAM
Dec 7th 2008, 11:21
EEEEEE DAK TAL MUSEW TA! KULL MA JAGHMEL KOLLOX SEW!