Editorial
Order in Lawrence Gonzi's two houses
The House of Representatives sits again today after the Christmas recess and it would be justified to say that it has never been more the case that Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi needs to do something about what his government and the Nationalist Party are going through.
High on the agenda must be how to address the evident discontent among backbenchers that reached its apex in mid-December when two government motions were eventually carried through Parliament only on the strenght of casting votes by the Speaker after amendments by the opposition resulted in a tie, with 32 votes in favour and 32 against. This occurred after government backbencher Franco Debono left Parliament before the vote was taken. He eventually returned and restored the one-seat margin the government enjoys.
At first, Dr Debono preferred not to speak about his action but he eventually suggested that the reasons involved matters of "principle". He felt backbenchers were being ignored; that there were certain aspects of the justice system that, despite a new law having been passed, had still not been reformed; that a law on party financing was too long overdue. His actions, he insisted, were motivated by the desire to represent the people who had elected him. He has vowed loyalty to the party and ruled out ever going so far as to topple the government.
The reasons he mentions are both valid and noteworthy. MPs, whether backbenchers or not, are not only expected but in duty bound to bring to the attention of the government issues they feel merit urgent treatment. Yet, that must happen within the limits of what is permissible in a party structure and, more importantly, in full respect of the country's governability, as per the wishes expressed in an election by the sovereign electorate. This certainly does not seem to have been a case where an MP could be justified in holding a Parliament hostage or risk causing serious governability problems.
Soon afterwards, Dr Gonzi paid a visit on Dr Debono at his house. Presumably, the matter was discussed but no information was forthcoming. That was a mistake because it gave room for speculation, the sort of mistake that both the government and the PN in power seem to now excel in. They are very quick to react to political comments made by their adversaries and in singing their own praises but when the going gets tough they remain mum or, worse, devise ways and means to sweep the problem under the carpet. It is almost as if in, certain instances, the decision is not to make any decisions at all or proceed notwithstanding.
That is why Dr Gonzi must take robust action and move fast to put both his houses - at Castille and Pietà - in order.
There can be absolutely no doubt that Dr Gonzi is trying to do a good job of running the country.
However, at this stage of the government's lifetime - as advanced age sets in and with the country desperately trying to emerge from a deep recession - he needs all the help and support he can get to fulfil his vision of turning Malta into a centre of excellence in a mere five years' time.
Woe betide all of us if credibility in the government continues to be eroded and the Prime Minister appears to be losing his authority.
Addressing the situation and getting to the bottom of what is really bothering backbenchers is just the beginning. Dr Gonzi does have a lot on his plate.
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Anthony Pace Gouder
Jan 12th 2010, 02:55
The least forthcoming is " FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBBLI !" quite a significant ( GON ZI )slogan .
Ronald Zammit
Jan 11th 2010, 22:05
Reading this editorial, one can easily come to the conclusion that the Editor is much more concerned about the instability of the GonziPN Party in power rather than the well being of the Maltese Islands as a whole. The majority of the Maltese are sick and tired of this outdated administration which keeps showing lack of contability and know how when it comes to take major decissions which effects the people in general especially the low and middle class. People are more worried about the high cost of living, the ongoing increase in the water and electricity tarrifs, and many more other things that are effecting our standard and way of living RATHER than the discontent of the PN bankbenchers! We diserve a better Government who can feel the pulse of the people, attend to our needs and truly consult and listen before taking decissions.Nobody can deny that the Global recession had effected us too, but surely, the inefficiency and wrong ( or ) lack of decissions taken by the GonziPN government did not help to improve the situation. What we really need is Labour in the helm led by Joseph Muscat.
Joe Vella
Jan 11th 2010, 21:31
@ Manuel Cuschieri
I think if your statement included the words "On occasion,or on rare Occasions" would have been more accurate as well.
Michael Seychell
Jan 11th 2010, 18:20
All persons have a right to air there opinion, and all persons have the right to agree or differ from opinions presented in the mediia. There was a time when this right was not respected, so much so that there were persons who faced physical or psychological violence for airing their views in public, one of them being myself, and comes to mind also Carmel Cacopardo who is being mentionmed since he is a public figure. Today our rights are protected and this is confirnmed by the comments written by Mr James Grech and Mr Manuel Micallef. One important element is that whilst exercising this rigjht, we keep in mind that such right cannot be used to offend others, including those who may be in miniority. A case in point is the freedom of speech and freedom of expression, which unfortunately have been recently abused by offending the Vergin Mother by a Blasphemy written in a published article by a University student. Whilst he had/has the right to express himself, he has offended the right of other citizens by offending the Virgen Mary in public through his writing. Michael Seychell Tal-Pieta
Muscat. Pat
Jan 11th 2010, 16:01
It is pretty clear that Dr Gonzi has failed to offer the country an honest account of public finances before and after the elections. "Finanzi fis s-sod" developed into "the recession" would not hit us" and Dr Franco Debono's grievances and honest exasperations were simply desribed as "fair tales"; invented by Dr Joseph Muscat. All these whimsey flight of fancy have resulted in the stalling of the national economy; consumers are weary of their monies whilst the entrepreneurs are growing nervous. All this makes a sad country. In the meantime the identity cards suspicion is flourishing, taking its tall in the deepening divisions of the country However, the last straw which will break the camel's back is, without doubt, the astronomical increase in the electricity and water bills. The Constituted Bodies are worried that the social contract, which is already in frays. When election comes, the voters should judge Dr Gonzi on these issues, and remember, who is to blame for the mess we are in.
James Grech
Jan 11th 2010, 13:10
It is true that hope is the last to die, this is what the editor is preaching here. Albeit he is only looking from the Government's and governability perspective. Please Mr. Editor, try to also look from the people's and the country's side. To be seen as fair and unbiased, you should also do this. Let me assure you its a totally different happening that we are hoping for, one in which there is a change. People cannot take it anymore.
Manuel Micallef
Jan 11th 2010, 12:00
Editor, again I don't agree with one of your statements:-
"Yet, that must happen within the limits of what is permissible in a party structure and, more importantly, in full respect of the country's governability, as per the wishes expressed in an election by the sovereign electorate. This certainly does not seem to have been a case where an MP could be justified in holding a Parliament hostage or risk causing serious governability problems."
This is a matter of opinion. Worldwide, governments are voted out in parliament - and it happened in Malta two in the past. It is part of democracy that this happens. If MPs lose trust that their government can govern to the best interest of the country and its people, they have a duty to vote against their own government. That what happens in a democracy.