I will win again - Gonzi

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday said he was convinced he would win the next general election.

He was being interviewed by RTK's head of news Leonard Callus on the PN-owned station Radio 101.

Mr Callus asked Dr Gonzi if he would win the "war" in four years' time after having lost the smaller electoral battles such as the local council and MEP elections.

"I will win the war again," Dr Gonzi replied immediately.

"Are you convinced?" his interviewer asked.

"Yes, yes. Because whenever you lose in life it helps you to learn," Dr Gonzi continued.

Dr Gonzi assured his listeners that the SmartCity project was on track and that if all went according to plan the actual buildings would soon start taking shape.

He said the same thing about the wind farms, pledging that, just as the rest of the electoral promises had already been fulfilled or were in the process of being implemented, these too would materialise.

He said the recently launched reform of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority would ensure a fairer and more efficient system. But even though it was the fourth reform of its kind, it would not be the last because Mepa had to keep responding to the needs of the public.

Dr Gonzi accused the General Workers' Union of trying to sabotage the government by making public internal and sensitive discussions with the social partners.

Secretary general Tony Zarb last week accused Dr Gonzi of asking the social partners to portray a skewed image of the country's economic situation by emphasising the positive aspects and downplaying the negative ones.

On the proposed Gozo airstrip, which has been met with approval by the Gozitan social partners, Dr Gonzi said he was awaiting a report on the matter and would then take his decision accordingly. He said that every inch of land in Gozo was sacred and the sea-plane was already providing an excellent service, but he understood the need for a more versatile solution.

Asked about swine flu, Dr Gonzi said the country was well-prepared for it and there was no need to panic. However, he was worried about the effect the virus would have on this summer's tourism. He said that so far the tourism figures were similar to those seen in 2007, which, although not as good as those of last year, were still satisfactory.

Dr Gonzi assured listeners that during the next budget the government would not attempt to increase its revenue through higher taxation but would instead strive to reduce its expenditure.

"But we cannot act as if the world is not in a recession, because it is," he warned.

When questioned about the public's reactions to Renzo Piano's designs for the Valletta projects, Dr Gonzi said he did not agree with those who thought they were not a priority.

"I respect everyone's opinion but on this issue I am determined to be the one to do what was not done for 60 years. Well, not me, us...together."

He said he was ashamed that the issue was still being debated after so many years.

cperegin@timesofmalta.com