Zarb calls on MPs 'not to betray' the people in tariffs vote tomorrow
GWU General Secretary Tony Zarb said today that MPs who tomorrow do not vote to revoke the power tariffs in Parliament do not deserve to be called the people's representatives.
Addressing a protest held in Valletta by the Ghaqda Trade Unions Maltin, Mr Zarb also told those present to go to Valletta tomorrow at 5.15. He said they should meet at City Gate and walk to Palace Square to appeal to MPs to vote for the people.
Parliament is tomorrow due to debate an Opposition motion to revoke the utility tariffs which came into force on January 1.
Mr Zarb said MPs would vote according to their conscience and MPs who were traitors of the people would be remembered.
He also urged the Prime Minister to grant his MPs a free vote.
The tariffs, he said, were a huge burden on the people and on businesses and should be removed.
The protest was also addresed by MUT President John Bencini and MUMN President Paul Pace.
Mr Bencini said the protest was not part of a political agenda but a defence of the people. The people, he said, were suffering because of the high utility rates and, to rub salt in the wound, high interest would be charged on late payment. Were it not for the compensation given by the government half the people would not afford the tariffs. But even so, the compensation was too low, particularly for four-person households. Their compensation would be €130 when their bills would rise to €210.
The eurostat figures issued over the past few days showed how the tariffs had risen steeply compared to other countries, Mr Bencini said.
Mr Pace claimed that the trade unions' organisation had been censored by The Times and other media which backed the government.
He said the international oil price was not as high as to justify the rates charged by Enemalta. The people, he said, were being made to shoulder the burden of inefficiency and wrong decisions by Enemalta.
The union leaders spoke from a stage at Republic Street corner with Pjazza Regina, with their listeners filling Republic Street up to Freedom Square. Some of them carried placards protesting at the high rates and the hardship they were causing.
Those present included the leadership of the Labour Party and Alternattiva Demokratika led by Joseph Muscat and Michael Briguglio respectively.
Before the activity Mr Bencini refused to answer questions by timesofmalta.com in protest over an editorial in The Times yesterday.
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P.Agius
Mar 2nd 2010, 06:25
@C.Farrugia
In the last two years before the election the money WILL be found. What the goverment is doing right now is SAVING MONEY to use at the RIGHT TIME. For now you have to see where you will be getting the money to pay those rocket high bills. Then we will all be FOOLED AGAIN and vote PN.
Mark Galea
Mar 1st 2010, 21:16
@Fenech M D
Naqbel 100% mal-protesta - pero irridu mmorru oltre - Joe Muscat x'se jaghmel meta (forsi) jkun fil-gvern? jghollihom l-kontijiet? irahhashom? jaghmel massimu? Meta Jason Micallef qal gvern laburista irahhas il-kontijiet, taf x'gara hux ...
Aristotle Demicoli
Mar 1st 2010, 17:42
I disagree with this charade!
Now I HOPE that I will be entitled for any reduction in the tariffs like anybody else in this country. I will not accept any preferential treatment (in tariffs) being given to other members of the community on the grounds of income. THIS IS DISCRIMINATION!
Yes, I earn well above €100,000 per year from the business which I set up from nothing but this should have nothing to do with the tariffs imposed on me. I will oppose any from of means testing for the purpose of setting utility rates.
I will insist that the Constitutional Court ensures that my human rights are safeguarded. I expect to be treated like every other citizen in the country - Not better, BUT certainly not worse!
I don't mind that people with low income receive special SEPARATE social assistance. BUT any differences in the actual energy and water tariffs are unacceptable and completely unconstitutional. Having a low income doesn't automatically give anybody the right to balloon their carbon footprint or squander electricity at preferentially low rates.
Joe E Galea
Mar 1st 2010, 16:20
@Ernest Vella: If I am not mistaken teachers pay electricity bills too, correct me if I am wrong. Your partisan reasoning is unbelievable.
What astounds me is that all the PN apologists seem to be very happy to pay hefty bills which go to make good for the inefficiencies and incompetencies of Enemalta and government alike. No wonder we are in such a pathetic state.
Antoine Psaila
Mar 1st 2010, 15:20
Prosit MUT ghax inti l-unika Union li ma zomm ma l-ebda gvern. Hawn min nesa li l-MUT ghenet il-partit nazzjonalista meta harget favur l-ewropa u issa iva hemm bzonn li tkun kontra l-istess gvern.
mario pandolfino
Mar 1st 2010, 15:05
Jien niftakar meta Il GWU ordnat strike ta 7 xhur gewwa id-Dockyard fin 1971 fi zmien il PN .Saret elezzjoni tela MLP u wara kulhadt dahal id-Dockyard u hadt ma ha xejn.Daqsekk saru protesti u strikes mil GWU sakemm damu fil gvern tal MLP.Dik konsistenza.
Anthony Castillo
Mar 1st 2010, 14:47
Tony Zarb where was you in the years 1996 and 1998 answer me please so we could believe you? I believe you was studying the price of the water and electricity bills when the price of oil was only 12 DOLLARS A BARREL not over 80DOLLARS A BARREL.It look like you end up with a very wrong conclusion that you comes up just this time to make a protest in the streets and your partners mainly Mr BENCINI should ask you Mr Zarb to give ONE OF YOUR CHAIRS and in the same time take the challenge that Mr Vince Farrugia makes him and then we might believe what he is saying that its not a political agenda.
Fenech M D
Mar 1st 2010, 14:40
@Mark Galea Nahseb li kieku rajt il video li hemm ma' din l-ahbar, ezattament fil-2:04 u 2:05 kont tara ezatt kemm hemm nies. Mhux bizzejjed ghalik li Strada Rjali kienet mahnuqa minn nies? Hemm ohrajn li qed jghidu li kien hemm bnadar tal-LP. L-unika bandiera tal-LP li kien hemm kienet ta' persuna li hareg jittawwal mill-Kazin tal-LP li hemm fl-istess triq. Hemm ohrajn qed jghidu li kien hemm l-inkwiet. Min ghandu l-interess li jinqala' l-inkwiet meta jkun hemm dawn id-dimostrazzjonijiet? Zgur mhux in-nies li marru jipprotestaw, imma dawn li riedu li din il-protesta ma tilhaqx l-ghan taghha li tkun appuntu protesta pacifika kontra t-tariffi l-godda tal-W&E. U nistaqsi lil dawk in-nies li qed jikkritikaw lil GWU u l-Ghaqda Trade Unions Maltin; x'hinu xoghol l-unions? Mhux li jaqbzu ghal haddiem jew ghal min jirrapprezentaw? Mela zgur ma kienux dawn l-unions li qed jonqsu imma dawk li ma hadux sehem f'din il-protesta. Hafna qed jghidu li l-GWU u l-Ghaqda Trade Unions Maltin misshom marru jinnegozzjaw mal-Gvern madwar il-mejda. Illejla se jittiehed vot biex il-Gvern jirrevoka t-tariffi tad-W&E, jistghu jghiduli dawk l-Unions li ma hadux sehem, x'ftehim lahqu mal-Gvern madwar il-mejda tan-negozjati? Cans kellhom biex jiddiskutu, allura nistenna risposta ta' x'ftehim intlahaq!
Patrick Camilleri
Mar 1st 2010, 14:25
@Anthony Bugeja. I think that GRTU is having an affair with the Nationalist party. I think you forgot that Vince Farrugia less then a year ago was a candidate with the nationalist party. I think that people are sick of this arrogant goverment.
E.cini
Mar 1st 2010, 13:29
@KEVIN BORG Please dont treat us as stupids or dumb and dont try to impress as if you were an economic expert , the only difference will be that as a principle we wont be ARROGANT AND HAPPY TO VOTE AGAINST thats for sure and you must know that we will be paying the most expensive utility tariffs of all eu.we dont want to pay for PN INCOMPETENCE
C. Farrugia
Mar 1st 2010, 13:02
I would just like to know from where the PL and the GWU are proposing to get the money from? increases taxes, reduce social services, reduce unemployment benefits, reduce spendinds on health................There is no extra cash available.
c. borg
Mar 1st 2010, 12:34
donnu hawn hafna nies li komdi jhallsu l-kontijiet bl-gholi. Il-kontijiet ma jirriflettux biss il-prezz taz-zejt, izda qeghdin hemm biex jipprovaw ibaxxu id-deficit...l-istess deficit li sploda l-fuq grazzi ghall-inkompetenza u l-hela ta' dan il-gvern. U dan Tonio fenech qalu u hadd iktar.
Anthony Bugeja
Mar 1st 2010, 11:18
MUT min jinsa l-passat hu ikkundannat jergu jixu. Nsejtu kemm teachers inataw transfers vendikattivi mil-gvern laburista. Qed ikolkom affair mal-labour u ha jiddispjacikom.
E Gatt
Mar 1st 2010, 10:51
There were large crowds in Valletta and probably will be large crowds this evening. The organizers deserve full marks for mobilizing the crowds but the country cannot be governed by the size of demonstrations.
Let us suppose that somebody comes up with the argument that because of the cost of living all food should be free. A huge demonstration is held and the government agrees that food should be free. What will the result be?
• People start consuming more ....and wasting more. m'hux xorta m'hux b'xejn
• People lose their sense of the cost of food.
• People will get accustomed to be looked after by the government and not accept the fact that we are free adults who should look after ourselves whenever possible.
• People will start expecting other things for ‘free’
• Taxpayers get a huge bill and taxes increase.
• Careful taxpayers will pay for other people’s waste.
The government’s decision to remove subsidies may be unpopular but the decision is realistic, brave, and correct.
Ernest Vella
Mar 1st 2010, 10:42
Mr.Bencini attended...many teachers did not for teachers work for children not for partisan political agendas...tal-misthija
Robert Agius
Mar 1st 2010, 10:41
@Joseph E Briffa
Indeed it is a huge and sickening problem how in Malta everything becomes politicized. However there is nothing more annoying than people in an economic situation speaking out for those unfortunate who struggle in a world where the term 'progress' should seriously be questioned. 1euro a day = 365Euro per year. Of course looking at it per day looks nicer doesn't it. Please also not that the utility bill were increased not so long ago so its not really just a 30% increase that people are complaining about is it.
Economic 'crisis' it is a prefect excuse for governments nowadays. Indeed a CRISIS for people on the lower end of the economic spectrum (on which all economies thrive and which make up for the largest part of the population). Of course, some others still can afford their BMWs but are you saying that these make up for the majority? There are people who struggle to make ends meet and work hard, generally under appalling conditions. Most people are existing, not living. If you afford luxuries good for you, but please refrain from thinking that everyone is in your position, or mine for that matter.
Schembri Ray
Mar 1st 2010, 10:37
Can anyone tell us how much it should be the tariffs if Labour goverment is in power at the moment?
S Fenech
Mar 1st 2010, 10:10
Qisu l-GWU u l-PL biss kien hemm il-protesta ... nahseb ghadkom ma rrejalizzajtux li kien hemm aktar Unions u Organizzazjonijiet li hadu sehem?? Mela ghalfejn dan l-attakk biss fuq il-GWU u l-PL? Jew forsi ma jaqblilkomx tattakkaw lill-ohrajn ukoll? Jew forsi ma tridux turu li Bencini kien spalla ma spalla maghkom issa fetah ghajnejh ukoll? ...
K Bonello
Mar 1st 2010, 09:47
In the history of Maltese politics our politicians fought for autonomy, independence, republic state and for the end of a foreign military base. For many decades politicians were renowned for their integrity and maturity.
What we have seen during the past weeks, is an anti thesis of all this.
Today we have a party in government that not only does not accept criticism. It uses its notorious machinery to personally attack and ridicule all persons who criticise it. This is a government that promised us that it will keep its ears on the ground and listen to the people - this will only happen in the last 6 months before the general election.
We have a Prime Minister who refused to meet the Unions and discuss their issues - we have a Resources Authority which refuses to hold meetings - we have a finance minister who goes to the MCESD with a fait-accompli....
Politics in Malta has never been so low in standard. In a country where the government attacks and retaliates against whoever criticizes it, one wonders if this is still the democracy our forefathers have fought for.
J.Cauchi
Mar 1st 2010, 09:45
This was the biggest anti-government protest in modern political history. And that says it all!
@PN apologists---I do understand your preoccupation. trying to defend the indefensible and having to put up with the biggest demostration ever must be quite daunting. Poor souls.
Joseph E Briffa
Mar 1st 2010, 09:43
The comments of labour sympathisers imply that the whole idea is an attempt to bring down the party in government; the moans and groans of Tony Zarb and of Bencini are not convincing. Does Bencini really believe that an extra Eur 250 a year will break the teachers' backs? Even cutting down on cigarettes will more than cover the rise in tariffs. As for the GWU, it seems that the timing is no sheer coincidence. Remember that the last Labour administration with a 1 seat majority had to go to the polls after 22 months? The PN administration is in the same phase. There is a rumour that elections will be held following the Pope's visit This is being circulated by labour sympathisers. Do the GWU and MUT really believe that the people are suffering because of a 30% rise in the utility bills, Eur1 a day.? Don't they see the number of new cars and luxury ones at that appearing on the road every day, as if BMWs and Mercs are being given away for free?. There have never been so much luxuries in Malta and this at a time of the worst economic global recession since 1930s.
G.Portelli
Mar 1st 2010, 09:38
@g.c. forte
PAR IDEJN SODI not TEATRIN. We're not paying for inefficiencies. We're paying for the incredible amount of subsidies that people like you had over the years. We're paying for the large number of years of subsidies that labour governments introduced way back. We're paying for the large number of workers that were given a job at dockyard before the 1987 election when it was already very clear that the situation was hopeless. We're paying for past mistakes g.c. Forte. Subsidies are good but when they are aimed at the vulnerable not when they are given to everyone. And by the way today's most vulnerable are shielded from the increase in bills. THOUSANDS OF HOUSEHOLDS. Maybe Zarb, Bencini and company are not and want to be!!
Jesmond Abela
Mar 1st 2010, 09:31
Mr G C Forte - mandekx ghalfejn tinkwieta sihbi - tahliex dawl uzah bil ghaqal u thallas inqas.Mandekx ghalfejn toqod thallas ghal haddiehor mhux hekk ??! Dik li nghidula gustizzja.. thallas li tahli int BISS !!!! Addio is sussidji li wara kollox kont thallas int u jien stess mit taxxi taghna. Wake Up Mr Forte u thalliex IL GWU titnejjek bin nies iktar. Jien nerga insaqsi LIL Tony Zarb fejn kien Hu, u shabu tal Union bejn 1996 u 1998 meta zejt kien 12 id dollaru il barmil u AS gholla dawl u l-ilma kemm felah. !!! Ping.
BTW vera picnic kien tal birah ghax IL GWU xalata bikhom ghaddiet u mhux bija.
J. Scerri
Mar 1st 2010, 09:31
Making it clear that I don't agree with most of this government policies, One cannot fail to notice how some things never change (GWU is one of them). This Union has a particularity that makes it unique in all the CIVILIZED countries. It's still a SLAVE of a political party.
And if in this argument, they are probably on the right side, one cannot forget all the HNIZRIJIET this Union has done in its' GLORIOUS past. For example this was the ONLY Union in all Europe against the EU accession only to SERVE its' really owner(the MLP). Or when in the budget of 1997, there was that saga of the utility bills under the MLP, the comments one of its' administrators on TV program Xarabank were that he preferred seeing Juventus on TV than follow the debate for his well-known MEMBERS' INTERESTS!!
Tony Zarb should take off the mask & stop playing the part of the workers' knight & shows the real face of the Union he rappresents (the PL2).
About all the other unions of this protest, I think they should be THANKED for their effort to put this government in the RIGHT TRACK. They are CONSISTENT at least...
Kevin Borg
Mar 1st 2010, 09:31
Attn All PL and GWU Supporters.
I think what you should all write in this blog to convince us these protests are not instigated to destabilize the Government is what price for electricity will PL be fixing in three years time when Joseph Muscat will sit on the much sought after 'siggu ta' Kastilja'. I bet none of you will because none of you know. But I can tell you.
If you follow the economic trends and read a couple of economic articles one can decipher that the price of oil in three years time will be well beyond 120 dollars a barrel. What will Joseph Muscat do then? Hold a protest against the prices imposed by Opec?
Labour is at it again. All shouts and no substance. They have embarked on a voyage that leads only to Castille. Whats beyond God knows and they don't care.
As Winston Chuchill once said ' Christoper Columbus was the first socialist: he didn't know where he was going, he didn't know where he was ..... and he did it all at tax payers expense'.
And that wraps up in a nutshell what Joseph Muscat has embarked on.
Mark Galea
Mar 1st 2010, 08:43
Jiena ma mortx il-manifesazzjoni u ghalhekk ma nistax nikkumenta fuq x'gara. Pero nixtieq ikolli ideja ta kemm kien hemm nies. Fil-video ma tantx jidher car, u biex nghid kif nahsibha, immaginajt li ser ikun hemm izjed daqs kemm kien hemm reklami u propaganda. Barra minn hekk, niextieq li jekk PL behsiebu jmexxi l-pajjiz billi jirbah l-elezzjoni li jmiss, jispjega u jaghtina ideja jekk il-kontijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma hux ser ikunu irhas taht gvern immexxi mill-PL.
Alfred Vella
Mar 1st 2010, 08:42
GWU mhux ahjar tippublikaw ir-rapport ta' studju ta meta il-labour gholla l-kontijiet jew ghadkom tistudjaw?
Joseph Borg
Mar 1st 2010, 08:32
Minn huma l-imzazen? Mela l-ewwel qalulna li t tariffi tad dawl gholew ghax iz-zejt ghola.
Issa qed jejdulna li biex ibaxxu iddeficit u biex joholqu l-impjiegi.
Kif tista temmen li minn ghadu record tq gideb. Mazzun minn hemmen li kif nissiehbu flEU
nircievu MITT MILJUN LIRA FIS-SENA.
Muscat. Pat
Mar 1st 2010, 08:25
To all PN apologists" Bit-tariffi gholja jaqbillek"!
S.Scerri
Mar 1st 2010, 08:25
People can't you see or hear!!! After the budget all was ok for Tony Zarb, just a slight change here and there and no critics on the electricity bill according to him. Now he and GWU protest to help lovers PL in making damage to government and especially threatning investment in MALTA,,,,It's your jobs who will be threatned people by these kind of protests. We have an irresponsabile Union and oppostion party who convince others to catch away investment.
When Sant raised the tariffs the oil was 13$ not 80$ like today and the world wide problem of recession and at that time GWU did not call unions to protest. I am ashame of GWU and PL and other unions who are blindfolded after them. Conclusion PL wants the POWER, but has no idea how to govern. For power calls GWU for help. A wedding ring that will never come off!!!
Joe E Galea
Mar 1st 2010, 08:21
What I find really pathetic in the PN aopoligists is that they consider one a traitor and call him/her names of all bad sorts if this person/union rightly voices its opinion against the unjust present government. Yesterday it clearly showed that the real citizens are fed up of this highly incompetent government.
laurence schembri
Mar 1st 2010, 08:15
Tony, don`t you read the papers, they are on a promise.
Joe E Galea
Mar 1st 2010, 08:15
The comments by the usual PN apologists show their sourness as they know that most of Malta is tired of this dictatorial government and all its daily blunders.
@S Depasquale: What you said is exactly what the PN is doing. Jobs for the blue-eyed boys. The environment regulations are already there and we are and will be paying (heftier fines) for them due to the incompetence of this government. Remember that in 6 years time the new Power station extension has to be changed as the one chosen by your GonziPN is totally anti-environment for which we have to start paying heftier bills to finance the dumping of the huge amounts of toxic wastes it produces daily...just to say the least.
M. Cassar: Yes PL supporters have the right to clap vigorously at their leader, at least least they were not wearing T-shirts depicting rude statements as in the last elections during the PN meetings. As far as everyone knows you are lying big time as there were no reported attacks on any media. So please get a life and get real.
g.c.Forte
Mar 1st 2010, 08:01
@ All P.N. apologists...........Kif inthom mahruqin.................It was just a picnic that is all. Today we have the issue regarding the tariffs, it will pass,because no free vote is to be given in a democratic country, tomorrow it will be another day. You and me pay for the stupid efficiency of this government, no big deal. Keep one thing in your minds... A member of parliament take his vows not to "betray the people", his party come second. If there is a member ( which there is ) who is not agreeing with the government he should make himself clear, other wise he should go and redeem himself.
J Formosa
Mar 1st 2010, 07:59
steven Florian - hekk trid tipparalizza l-pajjiz/ Huwa hobzok mahbuz habib u t-torca fuq il-pavru sabieh tilbisha. Ma tafx li l-haddiem ibati jekk inti u l-klikek tieghek bil=-furcina tal-labour tippruvaw taghmlu hsara lill-pajjiz. U ftakar li dal-gvern mhux bhal tal-lejber. Ikissrek bil-lembubui u bil-gass tad-dmugh. Imma jekk biss tazzardaw tiddistabilizzaw il-pajjiz. Ir-responsabilta' hija taghkom. u taghkom biss.
j. cassar
Mar 1st 2010, 07:59
Qatt ma bsart li Malta hawn tant imzazen li qed jahsbu li Joseph ghandu xi soluzzjoni ghal problema tal-prezz taz-zejt. Il-Labour ilu jghaddi iz-zmien bin nies min 1971 u zorta ghandhna corma fidili li jemmnu dak li jghidu tal-labour, xi hsibtu li insenja is-sebajnijiet u it-tmeninijiet, u is-sentejn ta' Sant meta Joseph kien jappoggjah. Jekk hawn min irid ihallas il-kontijiet ta' haddiehor bis-sussidji ihallas hu, jien irrid inhallas biss il-kontijiet tieghi, u jekk ma rridx inhallas ma nzax dawl
laurence schembri
Mar 1st 2010, 07:48
M. Cassar
You can have him.....and the bills.
S Sammut
Mar 1st 2010, 05:21
Yes can Grtu tell us what is going on around the table? Is there something good for us shop owners ? We have been waiting too long now , and we pay our membership and recieve bla, bla , bla ....Remember that we pay your wages Mr Farrugia !
T Borg
Mar 1st 2010, 05:08
@ Lawrence Cutajar , mhux veru li kien hemm nies bl-imkatar tal-pl ! siehbie jiddispjacini imma mhux veru kont hemm ! U nahseb li inthom li taghmlu il-hsara ! Din kienet ghall Maltin kollha biex jipprotestaw fuq kontijiet li ma jistawx ihhalsu ! Familija , negozji ect....u iddahlux politika iktar pls
Stephen Farrugia
Mar 1st 2010, 04:36
The two village party supporters arguing on the blogs, not one answering my post. When the truth hurts and none are ready to face the truth. It is called ' escapism", with a heavy dose of tribalism.
Stephen Farrugia ; Right-wing
K Tabone
Mar 1st 2010, 04:25
Thank You GWU for showing and confirming your true colours.
It is quite appaling to see Paul Pace and especially John Bencini participating and supporting such language.
Frank Scicluna
Mar 1st 2010, 04:21
Following these comments from Australia one fact jumps out and hits you squarely between the eyes...the sheer arrogance of the Nazzionalisti to ignore thousands of people who attended these protests because "They have no idea what they are talking about. Our government is the only one who knows what it's doing"
If, as I suspect, this arrogance is a reflection of their government, then as sure as night follows day it will be blown out of office whenever an election is held.
Mary Ann Borg
Mar 1st 2010, 01:08
Charles Massa wrote: 'Pprotesta success. Jekk il gvern ma jcedix allura hemm bzonn li insahhu l unions. Jekk ikun hemm bzonn ma inhalsux il kontijiet' There was once another great MLP leader who told his supporters to do precisely what you have written. The result? After the election those who listened to their leader had to go and pay the bills anyway, and with interest too!
Malta needs employment and Malta's PM is doing just that. He quickly tackled the looming closure of a number of fatories and helped them financially. These companies not only did'nt close but are now in expansion mode. Having settled those issues, he went on to bring to Malta more investment, both local and foreign and succeeded too. And all this in the middle of a brutal world recession. This is Gonzi. This is PN in government. This is why Labour supporters are always sure of winning the next election only to be let down by their leaders like KMB, Sant and Mintoff who brought Labour down himself. Joseph is no exception and while repeating the words 'modern and progressive' all he's doing is dragging Labour to its past which almost ruined Malta.
Sander Depasquale
Mar 1st 2010, 01:06
The higher electricity bills are due to lack of sound management by the Enemalta. But what is the PL going to do to rectify the situation? Time will tell!
My guess is more jobs for the boys, more beaurocracy and more of the same. But this time there might be different excuses say, the new environmental legislations agreed with the EU by the previous government, the new power station extension, higher charges being levied by Italy if we get the grid connection,
I m sure that the bills will shoot up again. So please vote with a foresight!
G.Schembri
Mar 1st 2010, 01:04
@ MSpiteri "MUT has quickly forgotten what the Labour party did to its members in the 70s and 80s.......if I were a teacher I would resign from the Union immediately."
Since you are not in the teaching profession I suggest you check your facts before you decide who is wrong or right. You are only looking from the Partit Nazzjonalista side.
What happened 30 years ago is over and done with. Do you expect MUT and the teaching profession to be treated unfairly just because 30 years ago they were by your standards treated badly by Mintoff.
If electricity has gone up by an average of 1% in the EU, I cannot understand why in Malta it has gone up by neary 30%. Our Unions know this, while ours are Independent unions yours are what GWU was in the 80s.
As I said earlier better check your facts, then maybe you realise your beloved PN is taking you for a ride. We are being made to pay for their luxury or inefficiency. STOP LIVING IN THE PAST.
Joe Brincat
Mar 1st 2010, 00:06
@ M Cassar
dear Mr/Ms Cassar the independent media is not exempt from being criticised especially when it doesn't behave independently .......
J.Xuereb
Mar 1st 2010, 00:03
I just don't care about these biased comments. All I want to say is a big WELL DONE for the success of this protest. Well done for uniting people together in one voice against a common issue. All those who are biased are finally having what they deserve because the proof is in the thousands of those who attended, meaning that things are not going OK in Malta. And we should ALL be united against all this!
M Saliba
Feb 28th 2010, 23:33
The message of the protest was loud and clear ... Is the prime minister listening , ' Widnejh mal-art'? The repurcussions may be counter-productive on employment and the standard of living. Some people will not have the necessary cash to pay their water amd electricity bill.
Muscat. Pat
Feb 28th 2010, 23:33
A historic day for the people and a cry for help by the thousands of Maltese citizens who have lost hope that tomorrow will be a better day. It was a protest by the people who feel betrayed by the few elite, who promised heaven on earth but who (instead) delivered hell on earth.
CCachia
Feb 28th 2010, 23:26
I guess everyone has a right to say what they want. That's democracy ! But tagging people's actions to a political party is a real long way fom maturity. I hope those who are doing this are also paying the bills and not their parents! If they are then I hope you will enjoy forking out the money for the most expensive energy tariffs in the world, when compared with the income!
V Caruana
Feb 28th 2010, 23:08
Last november we used to pay €38.4 for 300 units of electricity. This February we're going to pay for the same amount €47. Enemalta usedto make PROFITS, now it's experiencing a hundreds millions of € withmore than €130m to give to banks. Reserve money 1992 - +LM51
Reserve money 2007 - -Lm2.3 (negative)
M. Camilleri
Feb 28th 2010, 23:07
The more GWU organises these demos, the more it proves itself to be a pawn in the hands of Joseph Muscat and the PL. The GWU managed to manipulate other unions and in their turn are manipulated by Joseph Muscat. Sahme on these unions whne thye know the international situation and when they know the cost of a barrel of crude oil today when comapred to the 12 dollars at the time of Alfred Sant
R Attard
Feb 28th 2010, 22:58
I still cannot beleive it. As usual people take every opportunity to attack the PL and remind us of past years. It is useless to try to provide facts to these people as they are brainwashed. The subject here should be water and electricity. I know that we have to buy the resources needed for generating electricity but we are forgetting the many renewable resources that Malta should be using by now. Yes we want somting to be done now. Let us not forget that our fresh water reserves are dissappearing.
J Micallef
Feb 28th 2010, 22:53
@ Karmenu Borg
"Teachers are intelligent people...." hekk hu bravu ghalhekk kien hemm mijiet ta' edukaturi ta' kull eta il-Belt. Hadd ma hu se jaqa ghan-nases tieghek u ta' min qed irewwahlek.
Mario Bonnici
Feb 28th 2010, 22:49
Tomorrow is DDay for the PN backbenchers.
If they vote with the government that would mean that all the moaning and criticism done in the past weeks were only part of their personal opportunism.
Today's protest was GREAT. Well done to the 'Ghaqda Unions Maltin'
carmelo briffa
Feb 28th 2010, 22:46
Issa tiehu kontijiet taxxi w weghdi ha jkollhom biex ghax xalar safar u tberbieq.
Karmnu.
Wayne Borg
Feb 28th 2010, 22:44
To Lawrence Cutajar , tipruvax tadi bi zmien bhal ma jamel sihbek li jismu bhalek . Jien kont il-protesta u ma rajt l-ebda glieda , mohhna biex insemmu l-passat , araw il-futur tal-pajjiz . Il-protesta ma kienitx al laburisti biss , imma al poplu kollu li hu imwegga min dal gvern , mhemmx ahmar u blue , il-kontijiet jaslu al kulhadd . Dan il-gvern nesa lin nies tas south bdak in-NAQA trab iswed , prezz tat tankijiet tal-gas dejjem jolew , id-dawl u l-ilma , l-gholi tal-hajja ... come on kunu reali l-ahwa ma nistawx nibqaw insofru , harsu lejn il-but wara li thalsu l-kontijiet u tindunaw kemm mixjin hazin .
Joseph E Briffa
Feb 28th 2010, 22:38
Today's demonstration shows that if one whips up enough enthusiasm, promotes the event, organises transport, and fans the flames of dissent, it is not so difficult to play on people's feelings and convince them to take part. The balmy weather was on the side of the organisers. The pity is that the majority of the demonstrators were not so much aware what they were protesting against; was it the increase in utility tariffs or the party in power? Even MUT do not seem to have get it right; are the teachers so badly hit by an increase of less than Eur1 on energy bills? GWU are aware that the rise in tariffs is only a pretext to take to the streets and make a show of force for Labour. To keep up the pressure they are telling people to meet tomorrow ostensibly to implore MPs not to betray them if Parliament takes a vote on utility tariffs. . It's obvious that the government MPs will vote against JM's motion. Failure to do this will take us the Greece way. But, what comes first for Labour, the interests of the country or the reigns of government?
Mark Ellul
Feb 28th 2010, 22:36
A magnificent speech by Mr.John Bencini he explained everything in 15 minutes. A brilliant speech listen to it and learn the truth about Malta. In short The government is punishing the poor with tariffs while those with broad shoulders the rich are enjoying all the money.
J Galea
Feb 28th 2010, 22:28
perhaps it is about time the GWU make publish the report of the study about the tariffs imposed on the maltese when the oil was bought around $12 a barrel between 1996 & 1998. no protests then, why?
and what about the political alternative the maltese people have? do we have any statement from the labour party that the tariffs would go down if in power....no, ooooops sorry NO a big NO. There will b an evaluation of the situation and see then...they say!!!! sorry once bitten twice shy :)
Stephen Florian
Feb 28th 2010, 22:27
@jbusuttil: In Spain and Greece the right wing is in opposition, enshrined in corrupt practices where they deserve to be. We need changes in Malta and quick, as power tends to go up to people's heads. Thank God for democracy, the will of the people is supreme. Where is all the money from the utility bills going ? Can you try an tell me Mr. Busuttil ?
Tania Saliba
Feb 28th 2010, 22:05
Go ahead and go to Valletta tomorrow, nobody's going to throw tear-gas at you or beat you up.This is a free country ,thanks to the Nationalist Party.
Mario camilleri
Feb 28th 2010, 22:04
Dr Gonzi on the W&E tariffs i am against you. the increases announced should have been more and more. do whats the best for the country and raise them again as soon as possible. dont hear all these people grumbling and raise them again and when the oil prices rise as expected dont take long to raise them again.dont ever think about liberalising the energy sector, since we are a small country and enemalta is more than enough for us.
We should have joined the arab league because we are not much better than arabs in our way of thinking.
Manwel Debattista
Feb 28th 2010, 21:53
Lil Lawrence Cutajar.
Taf x'hinu dizgustanti sur Cutajar li jien u int qeghdin inhallsu ghall-inkompetenza ta' haddiehor. L-ex Ministru Nazzjonalista Michael Falzon qalilna li gholew il-kontijiet minhabba n-nuqqasijiet tal-Enemalta u l-Ministru Fenech qal li gholew minhabba d-deficit tal-Gvern. U tigi int u titkaza ghax kien hemm nies il-belt li wrew li huma Laburisti u 'rajt' xi argumenti bejn xi nies. U dan kien bizzejjed biex gibdek lejn il-PN. Forsi qatt ma rajthom jaghtu bejniethom in-Nazzjonalisti? Forsi lest li taghlaq ghajnejk ghal kull ma jaghmel il-PN imma jekk jaghtas xi Laburist tara l-ahhar tad-dinja?
Jekk il-PN dahak bik darba jmissu jisthi. Jekk il-PN dahak bik darbtejn huwa int li jmissek tisthi.
C.camilleri
Feb 28th 2010, 21:52
@ M.Cassar
It is more than obvious that you were not present for the 'picnic' attended by the thousands, and in your panic you wrote what you probably heard on NET TV ( 4% viewership ).
The truth is that the turn out was a clear warning for the PN candidates ,
that comes next election they wont be trusted again with their usual empty promises.
If the PN candidates want the electorate to believe them that they are working in their interest rather than the party's interest all they have to do on Monday is to stand up and be counted.
Joe E Galea
Feb 28th 2010, 21:52
@Michelle Pirotta & PN Co.: Your comments show your sour grapes as you saw today that the Maltese are fed up by this dictatorial government which is continually taking the worng decisions and crushing on the citizens like a bulldozer and act as if everythins is ok.
@C. Zammit: and your point was?.....actually I don't think you have a point...you just were shocked at the large crowd who gathered to show its anger against your irresponsible government.
One good idea to solve this problem of exaggerated utility bills for those who don't agree, is: Let the PN apologists pay higher utility bills to make up for ours, since they are happy to pay as long as there is the Gonzitler in power. This will not cause a need for any subsidies as the happy PN apologists would be subsidising our bills.
J.Galea
Feb 28th 2010, 21:43
Let cut it out for short. Those in Favour of the knew tarrifs can pay for those who are not. To be in favour of such high tarrifs one has to ither insane or stupid nothing else. But this is a country of boot lickers. Think of what one could do with that money which we have to pay for other's inefficienies.
M. Farrugia
Feb 28th 2010, 21:43
J. Muscat said that the Divorce issue will not be in th PL's manifesto, this is because he belives in a solid marriage, Yes that between the PL and the GWU.
Today it was clear that under a PL goverment the motto will be "li min mhux maghna kontra taghna".
That is being a member in another union will mean intimidation and discrimination, like in the past.
I was considering not to vote PN next election but after today I am convinced that even though the MLP changed name and logo this party will never change.
N. Calleja
Feb 28th 2010, 21:43
Lawrence Cutajar ghandu ragun. Nistageb kif dawn in-nies ma jafux jaghmlu protesta pacifika kif suppost. Ghalkemm jien ma kontx hemm hbieb tieghi li marru qaluli li hafna min-nies li kien hemm prezenti huma ta' karattru li jinstigaw l-inkwiet u l-bicca l-kbira minnhom kienu f'sakra ma jarawx art u li mn'Alla kien hemm pulizija li zamm persuna milli jattakka lill habib tieghi. Appell lill l-MLP li jekk iridu xi darba jittiehdu bis-serjeta ghandhom inehhu certu persuni ta' karattru mhux xieraq minn maghhom ghax ftit ftit qed jergaw itebbaw il-marka sewda fuq il-partit taghhom stess. Bil-glieg mhux ser insolvu xrejn.
sharon cachia
Feb 28th 2010, 21:39
Prosit lill kull min attenda anke lil dawk in nazzjonalsti li ma bezghawx jigu u jitkellmu ghad drittijiet taghhom!
Jennifer Cosaitis
Feb 28th 2010, 21:33
@ Mr L Cutajar - that was to be expected - it was very obvious that the protest was not an "independent" one as was advertised.
Ron Saliba
Feb 28th 2010, 21:30
All this brainwashing cos the bills went up some €10 euros a month!!
With all the fuss being made, i bet more than half the population will be shocked when they receive their bills. They would say,, 'Dan l ghageb kollu!'
john borg
Feb 28th 2010, 21:27
Sur M.Spiteri lanqas nista nemmen li hawn min ghadu jitkellem bhalek. Taf x'inti tghid thallat affarijiet ta l-Mut ma' zmien is-70's u l-80's!! Inkredibbli taf li ghaddew 30sena minn dak iz-zmien u kwart ta' Malta kienu ghadu bil-harqa! Irrelevanti intix cleaner, teacher, bajjad, tabib, laburist, nazzjonalist mhux xorta trid hallashom il-kontijiet!! Mela habib tkunx ghami, ghax int semplicement izzomm ma' partit u jaghmel x'jaghmel tghid li hu tajjeb. Nies bhalek izzommu lil dan il-pajjiz lura. Dak li hu tajjeb tghallem ghidlu tajjeb u dak li hu hazin hazin.
M Cassar
Feb 28th 2010, 21:21
A protest innundated with attacks on the independent media especially The Times with labour party supporters clapping enthusiastically marching behind Joseph Muscat, Anglu Farrugia and Toni Ablea, the 'progressive' (sic) trio LOL
Just imagine these people governing Malta ! Oh my God !
Give me Gonzi and PN anytime!
mcutajar
Feb 28th 2010, 21:21
Mr Cutajar i am sorry that a pacific protest like the one there was today made move closer once again to pn., In this clip we heard only Zarb doing his address, but there were others and they had no agenda against government. I was there but did not see any MLP streamers. Just to let you know getting closer once again to PN does not mean that you are not paying the bill my friend
Joseph Gauci
Feb 28th 2010, 21:11
Id-dahhaqx sur Patrick Pace, il-kontijiet johorgu ghal kullhad l-stess u kullhadd irid jigbed habel wiehed f'dissitwazzjoni. Hadt ma jiehu pjacir bil kontijiet gholjien veru imma fiduccjuz li bi gvern ghaqli bhal PN hi l-ahjar soluzzjoni. Ghadu qatt ma qal LP kif kien igibhom il-kontijiet kieku xi darba jkun hu fil gvern. Tajjeb tkun gallerija u tiprotesta biss hu u siehba tieghu GWU!!
Karmenu Borg
Feb 28th 2010, 21:08
A black day for the MUT. Teachers are intelligent persons. What are they waiting for to give their back to the current union leaders and form a different union which truly represents their interest?
Jesmond Abela
Feb 28th 2010, 20:46
@ Mr Florian " Paralise the country if need be. GONZIPN needs to be taught a good lesson." Go ahead - u xtahseb li se jirbah il pajjiz u ahna. Tafu jew ma tafux li id dinja kollha ghaddiet minn burraxka ekonomika. Inthom qedin tghixu f'dinja jew le. Get a life and get real.
Li Sur Pace ta MUMN tihu hsib il membri tieghek stess ( In Nurses) minflokk tmur tippozza u minghalik tiddefendi lil haddiema. In nurses ghadhom bzonnok lispar u mhux il belt. Sur Pace ahjar tara xinu jigri fid dipartiment ta lemergenza u saqsi li nurses li jahdmu hemm.
Lawrence Cutajar
Feb 28th 2010, 20:27
Dizgustanti. Jien mort ghall protesta ghax hsibt li kienet ghall Maltin izda sibt partitarji Laburisti jgorru l-maktur ta' l-MLP. F'hin minnhom is-securities bdew jordnaw u jinsistu ma dawn in-nies biex inehhu dawn l-imkatar u minflok tawhom bandiera ta' malta jew ta' xi union. Waqt id-dsikors ta' Toni Zarb Laburisti bdew jiggieldu ma xulxin u mas -securities li minflok li bdew jikwitaw l-affarijiet ziedu l-argumenti. meta staqsejt x'kien qed jigri qaluli li glieda bejn il-Laburisti u biex ma nindahalx. Filfatt Toni zarb kif induna qabad u waqqaf id-diskors biex ma jmurx ikun hemm tal-camera u jgib din ix-xena ta' kif jirragunaw dawn in-nies. Din il-protesta regat gabitni f'sensijja ghax jekk kont qed nintbijed mill-PN regat poggietni f'posti u nghid li ahjar taht il-PN ghax ma rridx qatt nerga nkun fiz-zmien is-70 jew 80s taht il-glied u nkwiet Laburist. Xejn hlief tal-misthijja.
Charles Massa
Feb 28th 2010, 20:24
Pprotesta success. Jekk il gvern ma jcedix allura hemm bzonn li insahhu l unions. Jekk ikun hemm bzonn ma inhalsux il kontijiet
Joe Busuttil
Feb 28th 2010, 20:23
The PN apologists got quite a shock this afternoon judging from the comments. Will any die hard apologist tell me if he pays for the electricity he uses?
A Micallef
Feb 28th 2010, 20:20
U ghala il-GRTU mhux parti min din il-protesta ? ghax qeghda tinegozja fuq il-mejda? jista is-Sur Farrugia jghidilna x qed jinegozja ? Ghax ahna tan-negozji iz-zghar qadt ma konna fl-ivell ta falliment daqs illum ! Jekk is-sur Farrugia irrid jiccekja zgur li jaf x'ghandu jaghmel..jitkellem wahda mal-banek u jkun jaf fliema pozzizjoni qeghdin hafna negozji ! Haga nghid li l-PN irnexilu jixtrik Cens u ghalaqlaqlek halqek darba ghall dejjem! U hawn nghid prosit l-istrategija tal-Pn min dik tal PL ....prosit GONZIPN
E Gatt
Feb 28th 2010, 20:18
There were large crowds in Valletta this evening - true.
Nobody likes paying higher bills – true.
However the long-drawn public discussion is now making more people realize that excessive subsidies are not fair on innocent taxpayers. Subsidies mean higher taxes. Subsidies mean waste. Energy subsidies make people act financially and environmentally irresponsible.
The government is right to continue subsidizing water and electricity for the most vulnerable in society but the rest of us should accept to pay our dues. Paying for what you consume is also a matter of pride and freedom, similar to when individuals grow up and leave the cocooned shelter of their parents’ home and learn to fend for themselves.
rhuber
Feb 28th 2010, 20:17
My next water & electricity bill is going to be paid by UHM and/or GRTU. After all they are the ones who do not feel that we the people of this country should protest about the new tariffs!
Hopefully I see Gejtu taking the people to the strees and ask for Lm9.00 (about €50 in to day's cost of living index) wage increas or shall we now forget your actions because now there is the PN?
This government, one way or the other, has to go - if it does not, it means we are back to the time when we were under the British rule!
abuhagiar
Feb 28th 2010, 20:10
To all PN apologetics tomorrow Joseph Muscat will show you what he is worth he will surely be prepared with figures and comparisons about fuel past and present fuel costs. tomorrow he will show the government how prepared he is with solutions to make the tariffs better and pleasing to all. Most of all he will be showing one and all once and for all how employment can be secured most of all how it can be generated. Let’s wait and see then I expect all to pass on their genuine comments
M.Azzopardi
Feb 28th 2010, 20:08
Zarb and Bencini must have had a candle light spicy dinner before their pantomime!They were so furious!! And tomorrow the after pantomime...again in Valletta!!!
A. Borg
Feb 28th 2010, 20:04
James Grima,
Ir-risposta hadha llum. Issa dejjaq lil kullhadd!
Jeremy J Camilleri
Feb 28th 2010, 20:00
Once again..all Pn voices opt for initials rather than names..I wonder why?
ANyways, the crowd today spoke volumes of what is really being felt by the people...of course, all those criticising the unions might think that theyare the super intelligent elite, and all the crowd ignorant rabble....
Must be comfortable for the Pn sympathisers to view it that way....escapism at its best!!!!!See you all tommorrow...
jbusuttil
Feb 28th 2010, 19:56
PL are now 'out sourcing' their activities and subcontracting GWU and co to organise activities for them.
There is already a rift between the teachers themselves who are already considering moving out of the Union all thanks to Mr. Bencini. One last word to Stephen Florian, Greece and Spain need you, be there for them as people like you and your ideas are not needed on our island.
Patrick Pace
Feb 28th 2010, 19:45
@ Michelle Pirotta u kull minn ikkumenta bhalek: Suppost taht dan il-Gvern hawn il-libertà ta' l-espressjoni - allura ghalfejn qed tikkumentaw kontra il-protesta tallum??? jekk jorhsu tariffi, jorhsu ghal kulhadd. Ghandi soluzzjoni ghalikom li qed tghidu kontra l-protesta: 2 Gruppi ta' Tariffi, wiehed ghali kif iridu il-Gvern u iehor irhas u intkom li qed tmaqdru il-protesta morru ghidu lil Gonzi biex intkom tircevuh bil-ghali jew jekk taraw li l-kont giek irhis mur tieh 50 euro izjed mal-kont lill-Gvern. Nixtieq inkun naf is-soluzzjonijiet ta' dan il-Gvern fejn qedin, bit-tariffi lanqas jaf min fejn se jibda, deficit rega' telgha, il-progett tal-belt ilhom jghidu 25 sena li se jsir u ghadhom lanqas jafu xi jridu. Taf x'naf li kieku dan it-tahwid kollu sar taht PL holl xaghrek u gib iz zejt gahx kull gimgha taghmlu il-protesti kif kontu taghmlu.
James Grima
Feb 28th 2010, 19:45
Taqtax qalbek Dr. Gonzi. Ghatijhom risposta ghada lill-oppozizjoni, u let them bark, as much as they like.
C.camilleri
Feb 28th 2010, 19:44
@ PN apologists
No matter how hard you tried to ridicule this protests, the 'picnic' was a success.
Ok nothing will change regarding the utility tariffs, but then what else to expect from a stubborn Prime Minister.
The only weapon left to the people is their vote. No sweet talking before the next election by the PN will make the hardship we are enduring be forgotten.
Stephen Farrugia
Feb 28th 2010, 19:41
To think that we could have it all for free but the Maltese are not looking after their true interests. The huge oil and gas we have got under our own sea. It is all the fault of the people, who have been silent. The same will happen with other issues like immigration, social costs and pensions. You get what you all deserve, bills and more bills.
Stephen Farrugia / Rightwing
Joseph Agius
Feb 28th 2010, 19:38
Thank you for this new style of politics Joseph!...The nationalist party must be really happy with Tony Zarb's actions- chances for a nationalist re election are on again! Lucky PN!
s fenech
Feb 28th 2010, 19:34
so this is what the once valiant mut has come to under bencini. What are the teachers going to do about it? Do they still have the photos at the teachers institute, of how the institute was reduced following a 'spontaneous' demonstration by the labour thugs? these are the new'friends' bencini has & sullying the once proud name of the mut!
c. camilleri
Feb 28th 2010, 19:31
These people never learn. Labour and GWU are using the same people and the same tactics as the days of VAT which is still with us up to this day. The same will happen the utility tariffs if and when labour is in Govt. Protesting in the streets never solved any problems. The socialist's party of Greece used to do a lot of street protesting when in opposition. Look what happened now. He has to face the music. And how.
Joe Brincat
Feb 28th 2010, 19:31
oh come on Marco Spiteri, dahhakx nies!!! Ask the PM to show you his workings and then decide whether the bills are justified or not!!!
David Spiteri
Feb 28th 2010, 19:30
Dear Friends,
Attacking the PL and the GWU is easy but paying the Electricity bills is not believe me! Wait for yours!
Do not be stupid! grow up and stop thinking PL & PN!
See you tomorrow at 17;15!
D. Scerri
Feb 28th 2010, 19:30
Isma milli qed jghidulek il Unions Dr Gonzi u tibqax twebbes rasek..ghax imbghad ara ma jkollokx il wicc iddur fuq il poplu ghal vot. Hares minn dak li kien Fenech Adami u tghallem ghax tidher qisek nanu hdejh!
Stephen Florian
Feb 28th 2010, 19:28
Paralise the country if need be. GONZIPN needs to be taught a good lesson. The people deserve respect and dignity. The back benchers in parliament also deserve some dignity. The ship is sinking because of bad leadership. Malta is becoming a chonic fiasco, extreem capitalist policies are not affordable in tiny Malta and the consquences of this will blow up in your face sooner than you think.Face the facts if you have the guts. it is easy to use the media, but just you try to stop an angry nation if you and culprits like you are at fault.
gschembri
Feb 28th 2010, 19:27
SUR TONY ZARB AHJAR TAGHMEL XI HAGA GHALINA TA EX TARZNARI LI SPICCAJNA TA IPSL ILHNA 7 SNIN BL ISTESS PAGA MELA ISSA INSEJTNA KEMM KONNA INKUNU LESTI KIF TAJTILNA SUR ZARB.
G. Mangion
Feb 28th 2010, 19:27
Mr toni zarb, with your attidude you are Again endangering the business in Valletta Tomorrow.
MSpiteri
Feb 28th 2010, 19:26
MUT has quickly forgotten what the Labour party did to its members in the 70s and 80s.......if I were a teacher I would resign from the Union immediately.
Anthony Mizzi
Feb 28th 2010, 19:25
@Michelle Pirotta
Qabel L-elezzjoni jkunu popolari bil-handouts u l-weghdiet.
Ghandhekk ragun tfittxhom is-soluzzjonijiet ghax il-Gvern tieghek mhux qieghed issibhom bil-medjokrita ta' tmexxija ..jew nuqqas taghha. U KONSULENTI ghandhu mieghu biex jaghtuh il-pariri u jithallsu sew tal-pariri..imma xorta mhux qieghed issib is-soluzzjonijiet!
KULLHADD jf li anki fil-kabinett ma hux juri t-tmexxija, u biex tkun MEXXEJ trid tkun mal-poplu li illum semmgha lehnu. Issa sta ghal Dr. Gonzi li jisma' sew il-messag li qieghed jitwassalu bil - protesti.
Joe Brincat
Feb 28th 2010, 19:24
@ Mario Mercieca.
People like you are so blinkered that they just don't realise that you are being taken for a ride by the PN and its allies. Initially we were told that these exorbitant tariffs were due to the increases in the price of crude, however the price of crude has stopped increasing exponentially and is now relatively stable at 70 - 80 USD per barrel and yet the W&E tariffs in Malta keep on increasing and increasing and should i say .... INCREASING. Then Gonzi, Fenech and Co. thinking that the rest of us are morons, concoct another brilliant stratagem. These W&E tariffs are due to the recession hummm that they will make do for the deficit etc. The facts show that in the EU that Maltese citizens are faced with the heftiest increases... however we can rest assured that Gozi and CO. are doing their best to safeguard jobs!!!! A million and one non sequiturs and they never show us the figures....!!!!!
Simon Cassar
Feb 28th 2010, 19:22
@ M. Pirotta, A borg, C Zammit, N Formosa, M Agius, C Attard, J abela
Unbelievable!!!!! Your comments are similar to those of the Prime Minister. The protest was organised by 11 ELEVEN unions and not by the PL. Are all the teachers, nurses and other workers all with the PL? No. The protest was against the utility bills and are affecting EVERYONE labourites and nationalists
Mario Mercieca
Feb 28th 2010, 19:08
A black day for MUT, how dare you go and ask the giverment for more money and expecting him to earn less from the tariffs? I guess you want less taxes and to improve their pensions as well. I hope you can keep demands for when MLP is in power,since Dr Gonzi will not succumb to your useless protests.
Tony Muscat
Feb 28th 2010, 19:01
We know well enough who the real traitors are!!! and we do not need to experience them again.
Emmanuel Gauci
Feb 28th 2010, 18:56
sewwa ghamlilkom Bencini. U gibuha din mhux hlieg ticcensuraw il-kummenti!
Joe Busuttil
Feb 28th 2010, 18:48
The MUT cannot be said to be in cahoots with the PL as in the past it was one of its strongest critics. That's why I trust Mr Bencini and am of the opinion that he is genuine. I appeal to everybody to be present tomorrow for the rally.
laurence schembri
Feb 28th 2010, 18:20
OK Tony, I`ll be there.
Mike Magri
Feb 28th 2010, 18:19
The so called `Compensation` given by the government, is as far as i am concerned, Nothing Else but a Stinky Shrewd BAIT.. BECAUSE... It is Only given ONCE.. WITH THE INTENTION, that from next year onwards Mr & Mrs Citizen will start paying the GonziPN`s SAVAGE UTILITY TARIFFS, as by then, the `Silly Citizen` would have swollen the bait, all the way down his/her troath, with GonziPN rubbing `his hands` with the joy... IKANTA VITTORJA....!!
IS THAT WHAT YOU ALL WANT.......??!!??!! TKUNUX IMZAZEN...!!!
Jesmond Abela
Feb 28th 2010, 18:15
Mr Tony Zarb - issa ghandek qalbek perzuta ghal haddiema!!!!! Fejn kienet il GWU bejn 96 - 98??? Il kontijiet dak iz zmien ma kinux ukoll ghal hadddiema. ? Allura kif tridna nehduk bis serjeta lilek u il Union tieghek. To top it all .... tomorrow another protest in the streets during business hours, ma tantx se jihdu gost bik tal hwienet Mr Zarb. Please stop the non sense and sit down around table. Malta cannot afford more of this B......t !!!!
Carmel Attard
Feb 28th 2010, 18:13
It seems to me that it is Tony Zarb who is betraying the Maltese people. Instead of sticking to trade unionship, he is acting as the forcina kbira tal-Partit Laburista. But the Government MPs will never vote in favour of MLP motions. This government is strong. And will not give way to those who want to damage the maltese nation.
Matthew Agius
Feb 28th 2010, 18:12
Amazing time to play the political card GWU + PL card!
Pity to note MUT turning into a GWU "subsidiary".
PL is enjoying a gimmick ride on the pains of the people. What are your concrete proposals? Reduce ENEMALTA inefficiencies? What will that result in?
Economists and Management Professionals will find this is as a joke. The energy industry, even in Malta, is like a big business, who's shares and profits are not determined by whether there is one cleaner or two in a corridor.
But who cares about this? Preach to the people that once elected Joseph Muscat will reduce 'inefficiencies' and that he will have fortune-telling skills on knowing (without hindsight!) when best to hedge and so on.
Though I fear say, that the people will be promised heaven on earth.....then we will see how Joseph Muscat will deliver this.....; probably doing nothing and blaming it on the PN government that left him too much to do!
Then I'll say, "Keep up the pace, Dr Progressive".
ASpiteri
Feb 28th 2010, 18:00
so this protest was organized to pressure the disgruntled PN backbenchers in the hope of voting against tomorrow’s bill?!?!
you seriously thought that the backbenchers’ moans and groans were instigated by the people distress to the current situation especially with the new utility rates?!?!
Theirs were simply attention seeking cries directed to their daddy in the hope to hand them some important job, a ministry or the dummy!
N Formosa
Feb 28th 2010, 18:00
Mr Zarb do not keep betraying the people...We all know whom interest you are working for organizing such unneeded demonstration while our economy is heading up, thanks to the good leadership of our Prim Minister...
C.Zammit
Feb 28th 2010, 17:55
Pity I missed this protest! It would have been better than carnival. PL PARTIT TAL MISKIN! Get a life and work my friends rather than moan moan moan moan moan moan moan and MOAN! PL & GWU are the biggest JOKE on this Islands. They expect people to vote for that! Just looking at the crowd says it all!!! Make something out of life and stop moaning as no one in his right mind is going to pity you !!!!!!!!!!!
Antoine Borg
Feb 28th 2010, 17:45
'....MPs who tomorrow do not vote to revoke the power tariffs in Parliament do not deserve to be called the people's representatives....'.
Mr Tony Zarb, so you are appealing to the Government to increase subsidies (for these to go directly to oil producers overseas') instead of investing those millions in this country to create jobs, for the workers and their families, which are supposed to represent.
Mr Zarb, with this attitude, I HOPE YOU DO NOT EXPECT TO DESERVE TO BE CALLED WORKER REPRESENTATIVE
Michelle Pirotta
Feb 28th 2010, 17:43
Protesti, ghajjat, storbju...GWU, PL....fejn huma s-soluzzjonijiet?!
kemm hu facli tkun popolari!!