Kurt Sansone
Healthcare reform after June - Muscat
Labour leader Joseph Muscat claimed yesterday that a government memo proposing a reform of the primary healthcare system effectively meant that medical services would not remain free for everyone.
The claim was immediately denied by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi who, in turn, accused the Opposition Leader of wanting to disrupt the agreement reached with doctors on Friday.
Dr Muscat pointed out that the memo was presented to Cabinet by Social Policy Minister John Dalli in what seemed to be a repeat of a similar move made before the last election and which had caused a big stir during the campaign.
"Gonzi's biggest lie has been exposed and healthcare will not remain free after June 6," Dr Muscat said. The Labour Party (PL) would oppose such a move, he strongly insisted.
Dr Muscat was addressing PL supporters gathered under the tent at Ta' Qali for the only mass meeting held in this European Parliament electoral campaign.
Taking a leaf out of his party's latest billboard campaign, Dr Muscat accused the Prime Minister of losing control of his party, public finances and the country.
People were working more but earning less and Dr Gonzi's solution was to send higher water and electricity bills, he said.
Referring to official statistics Dr Muscat said that, over six months, unemployment had increased by 31 per cent. This situation not only caused problems for people who lost their jobs but also to those who had a job because they were being asked to accept lower working conditions.
Referring to police investigations into allegations of corruption at the VAT Department, Dr Muscat reiterated the call he had been making since the beginning of the campaign for the government to openly say how extensive the corruption was and who would shoulder political responsibility.
On illegal immigration he said the PL's stand last year asking the government not to sign the EU pact on immigration because it only spoke of burden sharing on a voluntary basis had been vindicated.
He spoke of the "unacceptable" situation in Marsa where, on a daily basis, immigrants loitered in the streets waiting for someone to offer them a job, which many a times turned out to be illegal, cheap labour.
He again referred to the last boat of illegal immigrants that landed in Marsalforn and asked the government to explain how a boat coming from the south ended up entering Malta's northern shores.
Dr Muscat criticised the government's decision to purchase new turbines for the Delimara power station that used heavy fuel oil instead of the cleaner gas alternative. "Not only will Dr Gonzi be forking out more money to purchase old technology but he will also be polluting the air. At this rate we should not be amazed with statistics that show how the south has the highest rates of asthma and cancer," he said.
Dr Muscat insisted this was not the Malta people had voted for when they chose EU membership.
"Dr Gonzi expressed surprise because neither BirdLife nor the hunters trusted him. Indeed, nobody trusts him anymore because he misled a lot of people," Dr Muscat said.
Turning to the Labour grassroots, Dr Muscat said they should welcome with open arms those who showed an interest in the party because a new coalition of people from various walks of life was being born.
Nonetheless, he reiterated that the European Parliament election was a difficult one for the PL and asked his supporters to turn out in droves on June 6. "Give us the strength to send a message to the country that a new dawn is possible," he said, concluding his speech as red, blue and white balloons were released.
The Nationalist Party accused Dr Muscat of being unethical in trying to gain political mileage out of national concerns such as health and illegal immigration. It insisted that in the energy sector, had the government gone for the technology proposed by Dr Muscat, electricity bills would have had to increase by between 30 and 75 per cent.
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Mark Piscopo
May 25th 2009, 19:45
@Frans Borg
Honestly why do you keep attacking Dr Muscat.!!!
grace cassar
May 25th 2009, 15:26
Dear Mr. Galea,
May I ask how to get rid of these imigrants, are you going to call the pied piper or use your magic wand. You do believe in fairytales. Well, I suppose you do if you believe what Mr. Muscat is telling you. Good Luck!!!!!
J Martinelli
May 25th 2009, 15:20
@ Kenneth Galea
"He (Dr. Muscat) does not mince his word"
No he doesn't, but he should learn to chew properly since, very often has to swallow his own words and not chewing properly can give him indegestion.
Joe Grech
May 25th 2009, 14:46
I personally am of the opinion that NOW is the best possible time to bring up NATIONAL issues - health, immigration, the environment, corruption, inefficiency and unaccountability, etc. etc. for the simple reason that people have been clamouring on these issues IN VAIN since the last election (and indeed prior to that) with the authoriites promising changes for the better that never materialised. I also believe that the E.U. listens carefully to what citizens have to say at this time. If the present authorities would prefer to sweep justified complaints beneath the carpet than that is its responsibility. Hopefully it will have bitter cause for regret if it just continues to do that! Unfortunately there are so many VERY SERIOUS problems in Malta that have just lain there unaddressed that the way ahead, despite assurances to the contrary, may not look that convincing.
M Bezzina
May 25th 2009, 14:35
love the photo!!! ; )
Muscat.Pat
May 25th 2009, 13:22
@Frans Borg.
So according to you the European Parliament is a mere decoration, a garland ! The European Parliament reflects our aspirations and what happens there effects us deeply! Of course this election is a national issue, especially so when from the EU we get millions of Euro which we never see, and when what is legislated there on illegal immigration will CONTINUE to be felt on this small rocky island! Its about time that the Gonzi wakes up, and feels our concern; but alas he is already beyond redemption.
Raymond Buhagiar
May 25th 2009, 12:43
Patients are already paying for the 'FREE' Health services.
1. We pay 3% VAT
2. We Pay Social Contributions
3. Visit the Conultant in a Private Clinic, do the diagnostic tests Free at Mater Dei, visit the consultant again in private clinic to get the results and then decide where you would like to have the treatment.
J Spiteri
May 25th 2009, 12:00
Frans Borg,
"He should know better that this election is not about the national issues, but how to choose the best team for the maltese people to be represented in the European Parliament."
Hallloooo??? Won't the team chosen be representing us in EU in line with our "national issues"? Otherwise, what will their duty be .. just keeping their chair warm??
And about your comment "Dr Muscat has not learnt anything from his 4 years spent in Brussels" ...
This only proves what channel you watch. May all MEPs be as loyal, hardworking, efficient and well-informed just as Dr Muscat was while being an MEP himself! This I can vow as I needed his service and he was the ONLY person coming back with an informative reply, just 2 hours after sending him my queries!!!
So before commenting, get informed.
J Spiteri
May 25th 2009, 12:00
Frans Borg,
"He should know better that this election is not about the national issues, but how to choose the best team for the maltese people to be represented in the European Parliament."
Hallloooo??? Won't the team chosen be representing us in EU in line with our "national issues"? Otherwise, what will their duty be .. just keeping their chair warm??
And about your comment "Dr Muscat has not learnt anything from his 4 years spent in Brussels" ...
This only proves what channel you watch. May all MEPs be as loyal, hardworking, efficient and well-informed just as Dr Muscat was while being an MEP himself! This I can vow as I needed his service and he was the ONLY person coming back with an informative reply, just 2 hours after sending him my queries!!!
So before commenting, get informed.
edwin formosa
May 25th 2009, 11:52
Muscat qatt ma jghidilna xejn dwar il-hidma tieghu fl-UE dwar il-problema tal immigrazzjoni . Ghaliex ? Ma hemmx wisq xi tghid ? Ordni ta Shultz ? Jibza li taqbizlu xi haga milli kien jghidilna fi zmien ir-referendum ??
Frans Borg
May 25th 2009, 11:48
Mr Xerri,
you have all the right not to agree with me. But can you please highllight what the discussion on Healthcare reforms has to do with a European Parliament Election??? What does the Police investigations in the VAT case, have to do with the EP elections???
These are just tactics by the MLP to create a negative feeling in the country and to win votes in the next elections. That is all it is.
For your information. The 2004 elections in 25 Member States, in 23 out of 25 Member States, the opposition actually won the elections. As was the case for Malta.
Lets vote for a track record on consistency and not on national issues..
Galea. L
May 25th 2009, 11:24
Let's send a message to Gonzi on 6 June that the people are fed up with him and his arrogance.
The PN has proved time and time again that they will accept anything that the EU dictates and not question anything.
You need fighters not lackeys in the EU.
Anthony Magri
May 25th 2009, 11:22
Reading the short comment by gonzipn in reaction to Dr.J.Muscat reference to paying for health services that the Prime Minister qualifies as unethical, it would appear that one has to consult with Dr. Gonzi before referring to anything about health.
Of course gonzipn need no consultation for his own utterances, he is the leader. Others, not to be considered as unethical have to get his consent.!Tell it to the marines!
Vincent Xerri
May 25th 2009, 10:51
I beg to differ from Mr Borg's opinion. The place to fight for our rights in the EU is the EU. Since it is in our National Interest, it will always be a battle between our Political Parties. In my opinion, what is good for Goliath may not be good for David. Illegal immagration is only the tip of the Iceberg. In the end, we (The People) suffer when our leaders make a mistake. Is there suffering now? You (The People) know the truth.
Kenneth Galea
May 25th 2009, 10:24
I take my hat off to Joseph Muscat. He does not mince his words and say things as they are. On the illegal immigration problem he is right to voice his concerns, he is representing the majority of the Maltese people. Yes people should vote on June the 6th and send a clear message to DR Gonzi that the Maltese people have had enough of the current government. All illegal immigrants who did not qualify for asylum must be driven OUT after the 6th of June. PL is going to win these elections and the majority of us want these illegals out.
Frans Borg
May 25th 2009, 09:55
Dr Muscat has not learnt anything from his 4 years spent in Brussels. He should know better that this election is not about the national issues, but how to choose the best team for the maltese people to be represented in the European Parliament. Dr Muscat is trying to tackle this election as if it is a national one.
Sorry to say, but the PL are still trying to win votes by misleading people. The PL has never been credible on the EU issue. Wonder why now, they are all for winning this election, except for the fact that they are POWER hungry...