Muscat asks supporters not to ignore EP elections
Calls for inquiry into dangerous gases reports at Marsa
Labour leader Joseph Muscat this morning acknowledged that many in the party still doubted Malta's achievements in the EU.
Speaking during a discussion meeting in Rabat, he spoke on the forthcoming European Parliament elections saying that these would not be easy for Labour.
“We are starting from a position of defeat. We lost the last general election and we have to face the fact that many Labour supporters are disillusioned and believe their vote will not make a difference."
There were still Labour supporters who doubted Malta's achievements in the EU. "We have to convince them that we have made a difference with our work in the union,” Dr Muscat said adding that his party was committed to Malta in the EU.
Dr Muscat returned to the St John’s CoCathedral’s museum extension saga saying that last week he visited the Police Commissioner giving him details about an internal meeting within the Nationalist Party during which two ministers made worrying declarations.
One had said that funds for the project had been promised because there were those who knew how to play the game and another had said undue pressure was made regarding the project.
The Labour leader said he gave the commissioner the names of the two courageous ministers. He hoped they would show more courage than they had already shown and tell the commissioner who knew how to play the game and who had pressured public officials.
He said he would not give any further details about the case in public so as not to hinder investigations.
Dr Muscat also referred to the Hexagon House saga, which saw Mepa employees being hospitalised because of dangerous gases in this building. He said that following this incident he was shocked to learn that the Marsa mayor had been reporting that these gases were bothering neighbours for ages and being told that a problem did not exist.
The Labour leader called for an inquiry to find out who had come to this decision and to see whether any Marsa residents had been taken ill as a result of the gases. Such matters, he said were not acceptable and the people had to be treated equally.
Earlier, Dr Muscat congratulated President George Abela saying that he was a president of all Maltese and Gozitans.
His presidency, Dr Muscat said, would bring about several challenges. One such challenge was unity - at particular moments people wanted unity, they wanted politicians to do politics without politics. Other challenges were employment, the laity of the state for it to respect the beliefs of the majority and minorities and a reform of the Community Chest Fund.
He said that the best thing for the moment was to let President and Mrs Abela settle and develop the Presidency away from politics.
Dr Muscat thanked the thousands who gathered at Vittoriosa last Monday for the Freedom Day celebrations.
“We never expected such massive participation... I felt overwhelmed.”
Dr Muscat said that the occasion filled Labour with courage and showed that this progressive movement had really taken ground.
But: “We cannot stop here and we have to go for other important appointments. Our first appointment is May 1 and we will be there in our thousands,” he said.
Dr Muscat promised he would continue to praise positive developments in the country. Such was the new investment leading to the expansion of Lufthansa Technik, an investment embarked upon during the Labour administration of 1997.
He pointed out that although the Prime Minister boasted that 7,000 new jobs had been created, these were of the kind where people work more and earn less. It was a shame that state contracts were still being given to contractors paying their workers less than the minimum wage, he pointed out.
The Labour leader spoke about the recent 35 per cent increase in gas prices and said that the government had plans to further increase the rates after the EP elections.
Dr Muscat said that after spending months saying that subsidies incentivised waste, the government was now saying that although the Malta Resources Authority had approved higher gas rates, it was to continue partly subsidising gas because it had a social conscience.
But where was the government’s social conscience in the water and electricity rates, he asked.
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R. Caruana
Apr 6th 2009, 07:08
@ Charles J Buttigieg By your reasoning Jum il-Helsien is a by-product of Indepence, a by-product of self-government, a by-product of Sette Giugno, a by-product of........ Stop this ridiculous way of re-writing history, please, for the sake of those who come after us if not for our own sake.
Peter Bonnici
Apr 6th 2009, 00:43
Well, if he goes on record as saying Malta is paying out more than its receiveing from the EU then its no wonder that the achievements appear dubious to some.
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Apr 5th 2009, 22:58
G.Mangion---- Your unbiased and very clearly-stated comments are a veritable breath of fresh air to The Times comments section!! Thank God we have you to rave and rant about something none of us quite gather after we read your comments!!!!!! About David casa might you be so kind to tell us what exactly did Mr.casa do to deserve anyone's vote?? (apart from organising that odd coffee morning for a couple of people I'm sure you'd fit perfectly with!!!)
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 21:26
@ Alexander Genius: Sir, i will not equate your lack of cybermanners and use caps in order to garner attention at my words. However, you are wrong in stating that Air Malta was created from scratch. Nothing that Mintoff built was created from scratch. Before Air Malta, I believe there was Malta Airlines. Before Bank of Valletta, there was the National Bank and other banks. Before Mid-Med, there was Barclays and the list goes on and on and on.
mario azzopardi
Apr 5th 2009, 21:23
@ Charles J Buttigieg Substantiate your claim: saying it is the brainchild is not enough. Show us your proof
Charles J Buttigieg
Apr 5th 2009, 20:13
@ Patrick Vella.
You are a gentleman.
ALEXANDER GENUIS
Apr 5th 2009, 19:33
REFERENDUM???THEY VOTED AGAINST MALTA BECOMING REPUBLIC!!!!!!DR.MUSCAT AGAINST E.U.????WELL,WELL,PL WON THE M.E.P. ELECTIONS,IMAGINE BEING IN FAVOUR!!!!!!!THE PEOPLE DID NOT VOTE TO WHOM THINKS IS THE GOD OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY!!!!VOTE BILQALB,YOU SURELY MUST,THAT WAY MAYBE YOU WILL OBTAIN THE THIRD SEAT!!!!!!!!NOW LETS ALL LAUGH,HE,HE,HE,HE,HE!!!!
Jeremy J Camilleri
Apr 5th 2009, 19:22
WHat are Joe Vella's views regarding the integration referendum in Malta and the Pn's position at the time?
As for referendi, what is his opinion regarding the Irish referendum regarding enlargment, and how the decision was changed in 6 months and why.
Patrick Vella
Apr 5th 2009, 19:05
@ Charles J Buttigieg
I apoligise with no reserves for my comment about Dr. Sant if he is in London for his treatment. I wish him a speedy recovery.
Charles J Buttigieg
Apr 5th 2009, 18:32
@ Mario Azzopardi
Did I say that Lufthansa Technik started in 1997? I said that it was the brainchild of Louis Grech MEP.
Louis Grech was appointed Chairman of Air Malta in October 1996 and initiated the idea of a subsidiary company with Lufthansa using the highly qualified engineers from Air Malta. In 2003 Louis Grech was still the Chairman of Air Malta.
G. Mangion
Apr 5th 2009, 17:56
@ j.m
Do you know the meaning of , Shame ?? Mela......
You have and Still are an Anti E.U hehe, better laugh,
and now you are begging you suppoters to vote for the E.U elections ?
You sure have a Problem here, No ? Ask the red eyed glasses at you corner meetings !
My vote , for David Casa BIL - QALB .
Anthony Grech
Apr 5th 2009, 17:37
To all Gonzipn bloggers who are fast to condemn Dr. Sant and Dr. Vella for not attending Parliament (and so did not vote either in favour or against the New President’s nomination.)
1. Is Gonzipn going to take any action against Hon. J. Pullicino Orlando?
2. What action did the Partito Nazzionalista take against its M.Ps who voted AGAINST Malta becoming a Republic in 1974? Oh yes, by the way they did. They kicked out Dr.Giorgio Borg Oliver from their party. That makes one think…….you better watch it Hon. J. Pullicino Orlando!
Mario Azzopardi
Apr 5th 2009, 17:36
Mr Buttigieg substantiate your claim: the following is an excerpt from LT AG website:
"The setting up by Lufthansa Technik AG of a joint venture with Air Malta plc in 2003 was very much in line with the expansion strategy of the Lufthansa Technik Group and its strategic vision. Based at Malta International Airport, Lufthansa Technik Malta – as this joint venture is known – is in fact the 23rd member of the Group’s continually evolving global network.
In fact the relationship between Lufthansa Technik and Air Malta plc had started even before the joint venture was formed.
From the Initial Tests to a Joint Venture
As far back as 2001, Lufthansa Technik had offered Air Malta plc the opportunity of carrying out a number of aircraft checks on its B737s in order to monitor its performance. "
Nowhere does it claim that LT started in 1997.
Mario Azzopardi
Apr 5th 2009, 16:56
Good now Dr Muscat is agreeing with Dr Simon Busuttil that it is difficult for both parties to win the 3rd or 2nd seat. Wow as if we are going to believe you.
Charles J Buttigieg
Apr 5th 2009, 16:41
@ R. Caruana
Lufthansa Teknik ,a bi-product of Air Malta plc, is the brain child of Louis Grech MEP.
Joe Vella (Mellieha.)
Apr 5th 2009, 16:25
@ Joseph Muscat
"“Many still do not believe that Labour is committed to Malta in the EU and we have to convince them that we have made a difference with our work in the EU,” Dr Muscat said."
Joseph Muscat, you should have started by the kind of candidates that your party have chosen to represent it. Also, your votes and that of your Party's ME P'S on immigration leaves lots to be desired.
@ Jeremy J camilleri
"MFarrugia..Very simple..The Pl respected the Democratic process of an election."
Mr. Camilleri, unfortunately it didn't take just an election but also a referendum. It only speaks of MLP/Pl hardheadedness.
Charles J Buttigieg
Apr 5th 2009, 16:09
@ Patrick Vella
Dr.Sant was and still is in London undergoing medical treatment.
ALEXANDER GENUIS
Apr 5th 2009, 15:57
WELL,WELL,NOW ATTACKING JOSEPH FOR NOT BEING FAVOUR E.U!!!!EH??PN WAS AGAINST WHAT???LIBYA,AIR MALTA,WOMEN'S VOTE,PENSIONS FOR ALL,CAUSE MEN WILL GO AND GET DRUNK,REPUBLIC,CILDREN'S ALLOWANCE,FREEDOM DAY???REMEMBER?THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING???THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING???THAT WE WILL STARVE WITHOUT THE BRITISH?????PN WAS AGAINST EDUCATION FREE FOR ALL!!!NOW WE ARE IN THE E.U.,LP RESPECT REOPLE'S CHOICE!!!SOME OF YOU LOT WERE AGAINST DR,ABELA AS PRESIDENT!!!!!!GROW UP,LOOK FORWARD!!!
ALEXANDER GENUIS
Apr 5th 2009, 15:48
CAN ANYONE OF YOU PN FOLLOWERS REMEBER THAT AIR MALTA WAS CREATED FROM SCRATCH BY THAT MAN YOU ALL HATED,PLUS,PLUS YOU PN FOLLOWERES CALLED THE PLANES "GHASAFAR TAC-COMB"!!!!!U REMEBER THAT???TOO YOUNG TOO??NOT TOLD ABOUT???ONE THING FOR SURE,IT'S HAD BEEN THERE FOR 25 YEARS,NOT LIKE YOU MELITA AIRWAYS!!!!!!STRANGE,BUT "GHASAFAR TAC-COMB" CAN FLY AND FLY WELL,FOR LONG YEARS!!!!!!!!
G.Bonnici
Apr 5th 2009, 15:03
When Air Malta and Lufthansa Technik signed an agreement in 2003, it was a result of previous groundwork which started in 1997 when Louis Grech was Air Malta's chairman. Even twinning agreements betwen 2 councils takes years to materialise, let alone a strategic partnership of this kind.
J Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 14:55
The Partit Labursitacan never be taken seriously about the EU. Not that I am a big fan of it neither. But reading all the banters written by MLP exponents and the daily programmes of CNI against the EU, how can the members of the Malta labour party accept the u turn committed by the Labour party about the EU. First they hear them saying that Europe is the gravest thing which ever fell on earth then seeeing them contesting for the gravy train and the perks. Sharon Ellul Bonici is a case in point. First she attacks EU and all those who happen to have faith in the EU, and Now she wants to earn more from the gravy train. Isn't this hypocrisy at its worst? Or can anyone stomach the candidature of Joe Debono Grech for the first EP elections? When everyone knows the hatred he harbours for Europe? As for the present MEPs everyone knows who worked for Malta and who didn't or who took the 'last train to Yuma' to avoid attending sessions.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Apr 5th 2009, 14:19
S Schembri, you seem to have absolutely NO knowledge as to how the European parliament is formed and what that constitutes. Pity.
You also fail to comment as to other points raised. Surprising? Not really.
Patrick Vella...You mention Geroge Vella and Alfred Sant. Why did you fail to mention JPO? Talk about tunnel vision!!!
Ps.Look up the meaning of the word democracy.
Joseph Agius
Apr 5th 2009, 14:13
Hey Joseph, you always remind me of those 'Made in Brussels' programmes which I used to enjoy so much watching. I was becoming very aware that those anti-Europe programmes actually made people more pro-Europe. So in a way, thanks Joseph for making it easier for PN to win Malta's place in Europe.
R. Caruana
Apr 5th 2009, 13:55
What is Joseph dreaming about Lufthansa Teknik??
The company was set up as a joint venture between Air Malta and Lufthansa in 2003. I wonder who was in government then? Seems like most Labourites, Joseph has forgotten how long the MLP/PL has been out of government!!
J.Borg
Apr 5th 2009, 13:40
How is it that bloggers here mention the Pl members absent........how about those from the PN side.......
wally vella-zarb
Apr 5th 2009, 13:22
Patrick Vella, why should any action be taken against Dr Sant and Dr Vella - or Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, for that matter? Don't you believe in democracy? They have every right to show their disapproval; if anything, they deserve admiration, all three of them, for not being double-faced and 'kissing the hand that they would like to see severed' (literal translation of a Maltese saying), as was the case with several others, especially from the PN benches. Accepting the will of the majority is one thing; applauding it is a totally different matter.
Wistin Schembri
Apr 5th 2009, 13:18
Can Dr Muscat please supply the evidence to prove that the Lufthansa Technick is related the Labour administration in 1997?
Sandro Galea
Apr 5th 2009, 13:16
If Dr. Joseph Muscat really said that the Lufthansa Technik investment was embarked upon during the Labour administration of 1997 then he was either given the wrong information or he is economical on the truth as he has been in many other occasions. Such statements continue to cast doubt on the Leader of the Opposition’s credibility.
Ingrid Jones-cameron
Apr 5th 2009, 13:14
When Mr Mintoff did not turn up to vote according to Sant's parliamentary whip he (sant) furiously attacked Mintoff and demanded he resign his seat to allow a "loyal" to take his seat. Now Sant did exactly what mintoff did....will Joseph Muscat ask for his (and Vella's ) resignation? This man (sant) seems to have personal grudges and is light years away from the image projected as a kind statesmen that we were all fed like goats during his bid to replace Mintoff as an Iconic figure of the MLP.
s schembri
Apr 5th 2009, 12:54
@Jeremy J Camilleri
Yes, it is a pity that those who did not believe in Europe, (and are still not convinced), will be getting most seats, but sometimes life is a bit ironic. You simply missed the point put forward by Mr M.Farrugia.
Patrick Vella
Apr 5th 2009, 12:49
In his speech Dr Muscat congratulated President George Abela saying that he was a president of all Maltese and Gozitans.
But what action Dr. Muscat is going to take against Dr. Alfred Sant and Dr. George Vella for not attending parlament during the vote for the new President ?
During last year election for the MLP leadership everyone knows the game that Dr. Sant and Dr. Vella played against the runner-up leader.
I fear that Dr. Muscat can't take any actions.........................but lets wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeremy J camilleri
Apr 5th 2009, 12:26
MFarrugia..Very simple..The Pl respected the Democratic process of an election.
Now that the decision has been taken, PL's responsability is to help get the best out of EU Membership. Simple really.
Now imagine what people like you would be saying if the PL continued its anti EU stand....
Imagine your PL anti Democracy ravings! hehe. People like you make me smile.
As to then and now, I guess you don't really like history do you....Read some books my friend, and you would notice the multitude of times that the Pn changed stance.....
Of course, if you do need some help, I would be willing to point out some of them.
As for the EU, well, Maltese politics is ironic.
The party that opposed membership is doing its best to reap the benefits, whilst the party that managed to obtain membership is clearly uncomfortable with the changes needed due to the EU.
Doesn't that bother you?
Albert Zammit
Apr 5th 2009, 12:08
@M. Faruggia
it`s so easy. all they need to do is to log in the official website of the European Parliament, have a look at the profiles of our Maltese MEPs and there will be the answer. They can easily see that the Labour MEPs actually did by far more work in the EP compared to the `pro-EU` Nationalist MEPs
M.Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 11:51
How can your supporters believe in the EU when you in the first place militated against the EU for endless hours on the mlp media and then was the first one to go running to Brussels. Remember phrases like george vella's it talibani ta lewropa and alfred sant's nigdimlu ilsienu? Li tizra tahsad, now it's too difficult for the people to forget this mess.
The PN is the only party who always believed and toiled hard for Malta to become a member of the EU. Thanks Eddie. See you next June at the polls, Joseph.