Government 'fully focused' on country's needs - PM
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning referred to the case involving Nationalist MP Franco Debono and said that the government and the party were fully focused on the needs of the country.
He was speaking in a radio interview at the same time as Opposition leader Joseph Muscat was accusing the government of being distracted by its internal problems, and the uncertainty was impacting on the country.
Dr Gonzi said the Franco Debono case was a clear example of spin by the Labour media.
He noted that the Nationalist MP had explained his absence from part of the parliamentary sitting on Monday and he had publicly declared his loyalty to the government and the party. Indeed, Dr Gonzi said, Dr Debono had not needed to do so because on Monday he had voted with the government when the vote was taken on the motion before the House.
Labour's spin did not matter because the whole government, the party and the parliamentary group were fully focused on the country's future in a time of challenges and opportunities, Dr Gonzi said.
Turning to the climate change conference, Dr Gonzi said he was disappointed at the outcome and had expected much better. The EU countries had been ready to raise their commitment to an emissions cut of 30 percent from 20 percent, as long as other countries also cut their emissions, Dr Gonzi said. But that had not come about.
He said that Malta would reduce its emissions once it commissioned the power cable linking it to Sicily and once new equipment was installed as part of the power station extension.
Dr Gonzi said 2010 would be year of promise and challenges which could include the reforms of Mepa and of public transport. This was the year when Malta could turn the recession into opportunity, he said, and the people should therefore take courage and not be disheartened by certain stories placed in the media.
The Prime Minister also referred to the new water and electricity tariffs, and said that the high international oil price was a reality ad local prices had to flucuate in the same way as the oil price fluctuated.
Dr Gonzi expressed his best wishes to President Abela.
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Henry J Bonet
Dec 21st 2009, 10:03
Mepa reform???? Mepa reform??? Havn't we heard that before and before that? Should we laugh or cry?
J Farrugia
Dec 21st 2009, 09:35
WHAT will you achive by a national strike? Nothing the bills will remain the same, the oil purchased will have to be paid. Do you want the government to throw out all the enemalta and wsc employees? Is this what you want? Nada. The Government will continue in its way. That' is why the people voted for the PN Government and not Labour. That is the will of the people and that will remain.
Mark Agius
Dec 21st 2009, 09:09
@G Camilleri
It's a pity these same unions have not looked at the massively austere measures taken by other countries...tax increases, pay cuts, energy increases...
in our case energy tariffs have increased, but an allowance has been given to (partly) counter.
in which world do these people live in?
Roderick Micallef
Dec 21st 2009, 08:20
Dear Dr.Gonzi, I will be extremely honest and I will explain exactly why last election I voted for your government but now I know for sure that my next vote will be going for the Labour Party.
You said that your government is focused on the needs of the country, however the only things you mentioned are :-
1. The power cable to Sicily and upgrade to power station (which you will have to do as otherwise the EU will start slapping fines due to the high emissions Malta emits mainly from the outdated power station)
2. You mentioned the climate change conference which Malta has absolutely no say in, so to be honest I really can't understand why you mentioned this point (maybe to fill in the gaps) I don't think the leaders of China,South Africa or America will change their opinion just because you are not happy with the conference outcome.
3. Reforms at MEPA and transport, can you tell us what are you waiting for exactly?
4. The cherry on the cake, the utilities tariffs, 'local prices had to fluctuate' oh yeah sure but only towards one direction, SKY HIGH! The price has actually gone down internationally!
Anthony Pace Gouder
Dec 20th 2009, 20:42
We had been LED TO BELIEVE that the adjustments in the tarrifs , were fixed to absorb and reflect OIL PRICES fluctuations , distribution losses and production costs etc.
The Hon. PM stating that " the high international oil price WAS , repeat W A S a reality , and local prices (((((OF WHAT ?))))) had to fluctuate in the same way " , is hollow and sheer hypocrisy .
Apparently and conveniently , the price is being FIXED on the highest price , no matter how low it goes. The price of Crude has been relatively at its lower levels for quite a long period now ! So where is the fluctuation he's talking about ? This PM is really crude and unique to utter such impertinent statements !
Moreover . lately a Minister even justified the proposed increases , forcasting prices would soar again , to new hights in 2010 ! ( the prophesy )
Besides this , we ( consumers ) will also be making good for the EURO 11 Million Loss sustained by the sole Provider ! .....Hekk sew ....... where is the E U ?
Joseph E Briffa
Dec 20th 2009, 20:24
Everytime there is a change in the utility tariffs, some people think about a change of administration. There was a strong reaction when the Labour government announced its intention in 1997 to increase the energy tariffs. That was understandable, given the hefty rise announced when the price of a barrel of oil was a mere $12; even so, the GWU weren't shocked and did not act rushly; they announced their intention to commission a study of the social impact before taking any action. Because Labour did not last their term of office, some people associate increases in energy tariffs with the fall of an administration, blissfully unaware that the original tariffs were never implemented and that the fall of that Labour administration was due to other causes. Due to this wrong perception, we have reached a situation where increases in energy tariffs - even if marginal - conjure up thoughts of an early election. . It happened in October 2008 and again now. The Debono incident has contributed to this situation; but Debono is not Mintoff. If Debono gives up his seat - which I very much doubt - another PN candidate will step in.
Alexander Brincat
Dec 20th 2009, 19:51
200 million for the power station. Another 100 for the Valletta project. Another 200 (at least) for the underwater cable. Just from where are you going to get the money Dear Prime Minister?
Our European friends are saying that the finances are becoming unsustainable, considering the earning power of the country. End result: These are becoming fairytale projects that will lead us to bankruptcy. Good job GonziPN!!! Maltageddon is here!!!
Joe Grima
Dec 20th 2009, 19:06
@E Vassallo: "Why should he (Dr Gonzi) call an election?" Because the Prime Minister has lost control, because he has lost the plot, because Malta's floating voters have deserted him and because the majority that elected him by a few votes is gone. Re 1981: I will repeat ad nauseam to PN blocked ears that the 1981 election was won constitutionally. No emotional spin by the PN will change the facts.
@J Martinelli:"Your comment here sounds like 'sour grapes' to me" Sour grapes for what? Do you think I miss being Minister? Gat a life! Twist and turn as you may, you cannot deny that Dr Gonzi has made no impact on European Leaders on any issue whatsoever, Climate Change, which was a Malta creation, included
"The NP may encounter an occasional hiccup". You must be really blinkered to judge the Debono affair as a hiccup, Your Party's problems are much more serious. The demise of this Government is wriiten on the wall "either at the next election or before" (EFA) Retirement? Not allowed in my case. Meet me on my new show INKONTRI on One TV January 5 at 8.20pm. Be my guest if you're in Malta.
".
G. Camilleri
Dec 20th 2009, 18:01
All constituted bodies, unions (except UHM) are urgently calling for an urgent MCESD meeting to discuss the hefty unprecedented increase in the Water and Electricity Tariffs. The time for discussions are over. The Maltese workers expect action from all not just from FOR.U.M and GWU. Unions should call a national strike.
emmanuel zammit
Dec 20th 2009, 17:38
I think Mr gonzi is living in another island!!
We need not talks we need facts!!So that the people feel the real trust and start spending again
Eric Gahn
Dec 20th 2009, 17:06
Is it April 1st already?
Joseph borg
Dec 20th 2009, 15:52
Yes Dr Gonzi, i believe what you desire most, but i cannot believe what you're doing to achieve it! Pity is that all the apparent holiness is hindered by what you actually albeit unknowingly represent - hypocrisy at its best!
Pity Dr Gonzi.. you were such a good and credible man before the guy at San Anton anointed you some years ago! You wre destined to inherit his team and spirit, or whatever one may call it.
Pity!! Real pity!!!!
N.Cortis
Dec 20th 2009, 15:11
Who do you think you are fooling????Do us a favour and stop treating the public like Kindergarten students please!!!!!!!!
C.camilleri
Dec 20th 2009, 14:48
Government 'fully focused' on country's needs- PM
What about the peoples's needs?
Every social partner is calling on you to reconsider the madness of your government regarding the new HIGHER utility tariffs, and you turn your face the other way.
Farraktna.
J Oatmon
Dec 20th 2009, 14:15
Surely only a few die-hard supporters agree with the statement: - "...the party and the parliamentary group were fully focused on the country's future in a time of challenges and opportunities.."
The dysfunctional justice system (with daft 'slap on the wrist' sentencing for multiple offences) is carefully ignored, along with the VAT sentencing fiasco, as well as the Malta car tax plus VAT, which is also unfair and arrogant, the bus pollution situation, the fireworks safety violations/fiasco's, and so on.
d.attard
Dec 20th 2009, 14:08
It saddens me that at such a period of intense challenge to our way of life by matters environmental, economic, social, in the face of which Government is seen to be overwhelmed, Government seems to prefer playing at ‘politics’ in a way that may have become embarrassing not only to the party in government but to our nation.
Government obviously has no answer (nor does opposition for that matter) because challenges have now become awesome. Yet, instead of seeking to recruit national potential to address these issues with purpose, vision and the maximum energy possible.
government seems to centime to embarrassingly throw spin at the state of our affairs.
J Martinelli
Dec 20th 2009, 13:57
@ Joe Grima
Your comment here sounds like 'sour grapes' to me. Recollections of the 70s glory flashing in front of your eyes?
Referring to Dr.Gonzi's contribution to the Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen as 'miniscule' you echo Labour's reference to our people as 'makku'. There is a Maltese saying which the Moderator may object to, but a distant equivalent would be, 'You can take the boy out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the boy'. Your sentiments of the 70s and 80s are surfacing again but people are wiser and will not tolerate that kind of arrogance again.
Make up your mind. If the government hands out 'goodies' you criticize because you say that they are to shore it up whilst your party criticizes the government for not doing enough! Which is it going to be, Joe?
The NP may encounter an occasional hiccup , but it resolves its problems without displacing Secretary Generals who, in turn call their President a 'liar', screws up a golden opportunity and discarded an honourable gentleman to lead them and who became President of the Republic...
Have you considered an honourable retirement, Joe? Maybe you should!
E. Vassallo
Dec 20th 2009, 13:41
@Joe Grima
Why should he call an election? DID the MLP government which ruled against the majority of the people in the post 1981 years call an election? You formed part of that government right (if you are Joe Grima the former minister)?
m.vassallo.
Dec 20th 2009, 13:20
Tells us more jokes Dr.Gonzi!!!
Michael Formosa
Dec 20th 2009, 13:08
Dr Gonzi - you persist in thinking that all Maltese are either Nationalists or complete idiots. Nowadays a minority are pro-PN and the great majority have a mind of their own and can distinguish right from wrong, corrupt from uncorrupted, truth from lies, unethical from ethical conduct, honest politics from insidious and deceitful governing. You have failed the test - big time.
Adrian Camilleri
Dec 20th 2009, 13:07
GonziPN is falling down,
Falling down, Falling down.
GonziPN is falling down,
Dear Mr President.
Make a move and send the country to the polls,
Just right now, just right now.
Send the country to the polls,
My dear George.
How will we build it up,
Build it up, Build it up?
Just leave it in the hands of Joseph Muscat
Build it up with work and courage,
transparency and great will
Joe Grima
Dec 20th 2009, 12:56
Prime Minister, stop the cover-up if you know how and call an election. Even without the Debono debacle, you are so often out of the country that you have been running Malta by remote control for years. It is evident that you don't even have the physical time to " focus on the running of the country". So stop the talk talk. You are not credible. You were ill-prepared to meet your commitments in Europe. You have shrunk your cabinet instead of adding posts that look after our interests in Europe. You have preferred your miniscule role among the European greats to that of running a country populated by a majority who have told you quite often that they have have had enough of you. Surely you do not belong to the PN school that believes that all is already lost. Take a chance, now that you still have some goodies to dish out at election time, and send the country to the polls for a reality check on your administration. In your dreams, Castille will always beckon you to return.
John Schembri
Dec 20th 2009, 12:54
You fool me not Dr. Gonzi. Count me among those who believed in you who will definitely vote against you next time around.