Government's focused on assisting those in most need - PM
The government preferred spending millions to attract investment rather than to subsidise waste, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning.
He insisted, in a recorded interview on Radio 101, that the Maltese government was focused on helping those in most need and the the country was doing better than others.
The PL, he said, was doing the strategic mistake of giving the people the impression that the government was creating the increases in the cost of fuels and gas.
But oil was bought from an open international market and the government had no control on its price.
Malta and Cyprus, he pointed out, were the only two European countries which exclusively depended on oil exportation.
To help ease the situation, the government had decided to hedge oil. As a result the price of electricity last year remained stable. For this year, it also hedged for a number of months when oil cost $80 a barrel. There would come a time when it would have to buy again and new decisions would then have to be taken. One also had to keep in mind, the Prime Minister said, that the price depended on the strength of the dollar.
The price of gas was also set internationally but the government’s decision to liberalise the market was paying since the competing operators were selling at a price cheaper than that established by the regulator.
Referring to the controversial increases to ministers’ wages, Dr Gonzi insisted that the decision had been taken two-and-a-half years ago when he had also decided on a smaller cabinet.
With the increases ministers were getting, the country was still saving €1.5 million a year.
Dr Gonzi said it was not true that this had not been a public decision. Ministers were obliged to publish their income each year and these figures were all public.
Asked about the restructuring of Air Malta, Dr Gonzi said his indications were that all involved in the discussions were giving a positive contribution.
He hoped they would continue to do so for a decision to be taken in the interest of all.
The Prime Minister said that challenges this year were to keep coming so the government had to keep acting wisely.
The Marsa power station has to be closed down and the new extension had to replace it. The supply would then be consolidated with the cable connecting Malta to the Sicilian pipeline.
The government also had to keep improving Malta’s competitiveness for the sake of employment and the health sector remained a priority.
Dr Gonzi said that 2011 would also see the continuation of the debate on the family and divorce for the best choices to strengthen what was good in society to be made.
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gaffarena joseph
Jan 11th 2011, 10:05
We are all in need expect these people
All those who attend parlament and were given recently a rice in their salary.
All those who were blessed by you in giving them a huge salary in acting as
chairmen/chairwomen,without knoledge to their position.
and those few that in every public activity you will see them on the front in winning
every tender for such public activities.
M.Bezzina
Jan 9th 2011, 23:26
mela jista jibda jghin lil kulhadd ta ghax kulhadd ghandu bzonn!!!!!!
Mario Azzopardi
Jan 9th 2011, 20:59
The big challenge Dr Gonzi is to win back the thousands of disgruntled PN supporters which through your bad decisions you have managed to alienate. We are fed up of you. Call an election now to see if we are bluffing or not!
W. Cauchi
Jan 9th 2011, 20:07
the first sentence ''to attract investment rather than to subsidise waste, Prime Minister said'
Oh yes, he is right, most of us are wasting all the time, ye... leave the water running uselessly, leave the lights on in every room, set the air-conditioner full out at 25 degrees, having endless warm baths....... yes we are living like pachas....
ask around dear Prim........we economise like mad and still we are loosing our battle to pay the utility bills.
John Saliba
Jan 9th 2011, 19:30
Remember that MPs actually got a raise of Euro 601.16. They too are entitled to the COLA adjustment.
Anthony Mizzi
Jan 9th 2011, 19:18
Government's focused on assisting those in most need - PM
With honoraria?
---------
Referring to the controversial increases to ministers’ wages, Dr Gonzi insisted that the decision had been taken two-and-a-half years ago when he had also decided on a smaller cabinet.
At the same time the tax refunds were included with your electoral promises DR GOnzi?
_____________________
Why trhe U-TURN on income tax refunds and no u-turn on the hefty increases to ministers’ wages?
Aren't we all in the same boat ? The lifeboats of the Titanic come to mind.
L Spiteri
Jan 9th 2011, 18:16
Who are "in most need"??? Il-klassi il-baxxa....il-klassi tan-nofs spiccat f'Malta. Taqlaha u tiekola. Biex tghamel kapricc kulhadd jghamel id-dejn. U iva ahjar tiddejjen kemm tiflah forsi jekk imutu fit 2012 tkun gawdejt li ghandek bid-dejn.... ahjar milli xejn
Carmel Cilia
Jan 9th 2011, 17:54
The prime minister said he has downsized the cabinet back in 2008 but he conveniently forgot to tell us that he has appointed new helpers to ministers with enormous salaries to placate those back benchers. When the prime minister says he saved 1.5 million euros I do not believe him. Can he or anybody else (Maybe the opposition) declare what we are paying in increases in the pensions of retired prime ministers, ministers and M.P.s which Dr. Gonzi so conveniently forgot to mention. Here we have to remember that unlike the common pensioner the M.P. pension is adjusted to the present day salaries. Lies and more lies and nothing but lies . That is what we are getting
Charles Massa
Jan 9th 2011, 17:41
MMillions to attract investments?????????????????? Can you name name Gonzi, the number of workers these investments employ, their contribution to the economy et. We wanst facts not bluff. Gonzi said he does not subsidise waste................ but he subsidises his euro 600 weekly increase in salary. Hallina Gonzi
r.camilleri
Jan 9th 2011, 17:35
@Kevin Pisani.
I fully agree with you and for sure you are not going to be the ONLY ONE who is not going to VOTE FOR PN who brought MALTA to its kneels. We are fed up know mostly by the Gonzi administration. We saw only taxes on the most useful items in use and they take the 600 eoro increase per week from the peoples back (Taxes)
N A Grima
Jan 9th 2011, 17:12
Stop politicians taking you for a ride, do not encourage them. They can keep my vote.
Carmel Sammit
Jan 9th 2011, 16:53
The Prime Minister speaks with a vision, strategically and taking into account the international crisis.
The leader of the Malta Labour Party speaks for the platea.
It's crystal clear
leonardo vince
Jan 9th 2011, 16:18
Hawwadni ha nifhmek minn cippitatu u gerfuxi.
Joseph Cutajar
Jan 9th 2011, 16:06
As a businessman, I can say that is Christmas was better than the previous two. Sales were up. Although I respect every opinion, I fail to understand why the Leader of the Opposition speaks so negatively.
Anthony Caruana
Jan 9th 2011, 16:03
Joseph Muscat is being very shallow when he does'nt factor the international financial and economic crisis. A shallow in opposition will be an amateur government. God save us from an amateur government. We've already tried once (Sant Administration) and this country failed miserably.
Joseph Calleja
Jan 9th 2011, 16:03
" Government's focused on assisting those in most need - PM ". Well it is very obvious that the PM practices what he preaches. I mean the politicians are most in need. That explains the hefty pay raise for the politicians. Now doesn't that move you? A very transparent government indeed.
Joan Zammit
Jan 9th 2011, 15:58
Joseph Muscat says that he wants to subsidise our electricity bills with 2%. This means that we get a reduction of €4 for every €200. Simple mathametics.
Government instead is subsidising families to buy solar water heaters and PV panels to reduce consumption and hence pay less eletricity bills. For a solar water heater installed at my house I got €560 from Government. This is the right strategy.
Government is helping families to install solar water heaters to reduce consumption. Joseph Muscat wants to increase compustion, which is the worst strategy for the public finances, for the families and for the envirornment.
J. Formosa
Jan 9th 2011, 15:40
The main difference is one: Gonzi with any mistakes he could have done, knows how to lead the country and this has been proofed since work has always been created even during the international crisis and our country has done well when compared to the rest of the EU countries. Muscat does not have any ideas of how he's going to lead the country and thus if he's ever elected we would have a total rebus and people will start feeling like they felt in 1996 after Labour was elected.
Tommy Santċ
Jan 9th 2011, 16:08
well said. Dr Lawrence Gonzi is truly a safe pair of hands. Have a look at Greece, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy .... Iceland ...the list is endless
r.camilleri
Jan 9th 2011, 17:20
Well said Mr.Formosa !!!!!!!!!, but could you explain to the readers how it comes that The National Dept is sky high as well the Deficit . Year in and Year out always both of them on the increase. And to add salt to the bruise if you want to call it so, Gonzi approves an increase to their salaries of 600 euro per week. Does this not mean that the Dept is more increased by his doings.? I remember very well one of them saying ' halluh ha jghola id-Dejn imbad dan ihallsuh Ulied uliedna' and we are on this exact track.
Victor Vella
Jan 9th 2011, 18:20
Dear Tommy the counties that you mentioned were honest enough to shown the real things and not a smeared image of the "par idejn sodi" of your Gonzi PN regime. The PM always tries to give a postive image of how the economy is getting better, whilst at the same time has loaded the people with taxes, high prices of essential commodities, rampant unemployment, killing people at their homes and on the streets to steal money, and corruption wherever you can look at. How can you dare compare Malta with the countries you mentioned when the sacrifices that the Maltese people are encountering are being exploited by your oppressors, namely Gonzi and his Regime, by taking from your blood and sweat 600 euros a week and you taking a paltry 1 euro 16c?. It seems that your are one of those "bazuzli" who are earning more than 90,000 euros a year and there is no need to go to Valletta next Friday to show your solidarity with the way this ruthless government is treating these people who voted to be used as instruments of destruction in the hands of PAR IDEJN SODI.
MBorg
Jan 9th 2011, 14:50
I have always voted Nationalist because I thought that NP had a social conscience. The facts we are seeing now prove the opposite. That is why I feel so disgusted and betrayed at what is going on in the party.
It is immaterial that the increases were given in 2008 the arrears back dated to March 2008 are being given now. Dr Gonzi should follow the example of Governments in other countries and ask for a vote to cut MPs salaries . If the country can only afford to give €1.16 weekly to workers and pensioners ,MPs should not get an increase of €600 weekly.
It is true that the government does not have any control over the price of gas or oil , however when these prices go up people still have to fork out money to pay higher bills. In what way are the most needed being helped ? Who is helping the poor pensioners ? Some have to live on a pension of €300 monthly , who is helping them ? Which MP has ever asked to up state pensions ? None, MPs know that they have an uncapped pension waiting for them when they retaire.
Maria Muscat
Jan 9th 2011, 14:36
I voted PN most of my life (except, I believe for once in the 70's, when I voted MLP);
But this time round, I will seriously be thinking to either not vote or vote LP; I mean this government is a disgrace!! It is worse then KMB government!! at least at that time it was an extraordinary difficult situation; Today it is stagnation of ideas and no will to do anything apart from raising the cost of living!!
My parents for example - stuanch PN supporter and pensioners, are really suffering to stretch their pension to live. just ot live. They will probably vote PN again, because that is what they always did, but I will not!! enough is enough ...
Marisa Gauci
Jan 9th 2011, 14:04
Waste is the rise of €600 per week given by the PM to a cabinet of incompetent ministers who rendered Malta into a rovina.
Andrew Gatt
Jan 9th 2011, 13:49
Dr Goniz has unquestionalbly lost al credibility now. He is no longer believed. I, as a nationalist party activist suggest the party quickly elects a new leader who can also reshuffle the cabinet. Some of the stories i hear about ministers today make me feel shameful. The latest is the deals made pivately with the two liaquid gas importers. Unless we are to suffer a record defeat I suggest we call for an extraordinary congress and elect a new leader.
Charles Zammit
Jan 9th 2011, 13:28
“The Maltese government was focused on helping those in most need”. It is no joke folks. None less than the Prime Minister is reported to have said these words. I now understand the reason behind the petty increase in the MPs honorarium.
leo attard
Jan 9th 2011, 13:10
PM Gonzi seems to be contradicting himself --- he claimed that the PN govt's had always acted wisely; in fact, he once said they had never done anything wrong. we haave all heard that!...however, he claims that subsidies were removed as he would not subsidize waste! So PN govt's were wasteful in having subsidized waste and , in my opinion, are still wasteful when one bears in mind the Renzo Piano project and MP and minister increases.... Gonzi's idea of waste is any money spent to help the average Joe....!!!!!
CHARLES TANTI
Jan 9th 2011, 13:08
Bil Kliem sabih m int ha taghmel XEJN GONZ this time....darba ohra NO VOTE..
marija falzon
Jan 9th 2011, 13:03
So you and your dearest MPs are amongst those in need? Please cut this crap rethoric.
Andrew Balzan
Jan 9th 2011, 12:49
What sort of fools does the Pm take us for. How can he say all this with a straight face when he delivered to hmself and his minister a whopping big pay rise by stealth two years ago, when his administration continues to squander our hard earned taxes in ways that make us hugely suspicious this government is monopolised by the wealthy.
Kevin Pisani
Jan 9th 2011, 12:41
Dr Gonzi, we've had enough of your excuses. We, the electorate, gave you time to govern our country by re-electing you in 2008. But you have been doing one blunder after another, everyday, unfortunately. Next time, I, and many others I know from the Sliema constituency, will be voting Labour or will not be voting at all.
Christian Ellul
Jan 9th 2011, 12:59
What Labour? The one led by Joseph Muscat, Anglu Farrugia and AD founder, Tony Abela? You're seriously sure??
Marcel Dingli
Jan 9th 2011, 16:42
Yes, i`m sure about it. Next time round its Labour.
A Debattista
Jan 9th 2011, 12:32
"assisting those in most need "
What about Edwin Vassallo's comments on tv yesterday when asked about what can the government do to people whose marriage has broken down?! "I'm sorry, I wish I can do something, but I can't."
And what about Jean Pierre Farrugia's declaration: "'The PN is no longer the party I once knew'?
What about the declaration made by former PN treasurer Peter Darmanin? "PN’s social conscience took a huge blow"
Im sorry to say, but the PM is totally out of synch with the country's problems!
Manuel Micallef
Jan 9th 2011, 12:28
Loads of nice words, and nothing ever happens!!
what strategic investments he is bringing? Smart city was supposed to be up and running by now and employing 6,000 people!!!
what else did he bring? Maybe some miniscule company employing half a dozen people......
hallina Gonz - inti mohhok biss biex tgholi t-taxxi - full stop; dik l'unika haga li taghlimt mil-azzjoni katolika.
R Cassar
Jan 9th 2011, 12:17
Illum hareg bic-car kif jahdem il-gvern ta Gonzi. Malta iffrankat EUR1.5million b'kabinett izghar - imma n-nies f'dal kabinett ha jkunu qalghu EUR160,000 kull wiehed IKTAR f legislatura. Gonzi huwa espert ta kif icekken ic-crieki. L-istess bhal ma hu qed jaghmel fic-crieki tan-negozju. Dejjem icekken ic-cirku u dejjem jieklu l-istess ftit nies.
X'deifferenza minn Eddie!
John Borg
Jan 9th 2011, 12:11
Since Gas has been liberalised and subsidies removed the price went up from approximately E5.00 for a 12kg cylinder to more than E15.00. Then we have the hefty increases in Water and Electricity Bills, diesel at the pump, bread, milk and what else! People are now existing not living, existing from one bill to the next, month after month and the Prime Minister tells us that he does not want to subsidise waste....today even the middle class is finding it hard to live a decent life let alone the poor! But then of course the Prime Minister and his cabinet got a E600 increase per week and we only got E1.16, no wonder as the President said that those falling below the poverty line are increasing and that the gap between the rich and poor is increasing!
jesmond zammit
Jan 9th 2011, 12:10
"iggudikawna fuq dak li naghmlu u mhux fuq li nghidu " lawrence gonzi .
u hekk qed naghmlu sur gonzi ,ghaliex tghidu haga u taghmlu ohra. x insult, inkreddibli. taghmlu l kontra ta dak li tghidu , imma min jaqra forsi dak li gejt irrapurtat, jghid, isa ha qed tara . possibli mhux tindunaw , li hawn barra storja ohra . difficli hux tindunaw , b 600 euro zieda, kif trid tinduna .
Gerard Cassar
Jan 9th 2011, 12:09
With the increases ministers were getting, the country was still saving €1.5 million a year.
Can this be explained. So if this is true then increase the benefits and the country will be saving some millions once the increase to a few caued a saving. Adakadabra Gonzipn is like a sorcerer more he spends the more he saves.
N.Grima
Jan 9th 2011, 14:46
What he meant is that (new number of ministers) x (new remuneration) = (old number of ministers) x (old remuneration) - EUR1.5m
In other words, fewer ministers are doing the same work for more each but less together.
Frans Sammut
Jan 9th 2011, 12:01
One hopes the divorce debate is not just another red herring. The majority of the Maltese are more concerned about their dire economic situation than with any other theme.
a spiteri
Jan 9th 2011, 12:25
Taf tisthi sur prim, u zgur li ma tafx x inhu jhoss il poplu wara li hatt zieda ta Euro 600 kif tista tkun taf . inzel fit toroq u tkellem mal poplu u mhux toqod tistahab wara microphone , imma le m intix ha tinzel ghax taf x qed taghmel u taf kif kissirt lil haddiem u qed tibza turi wiccek fil pubbliku
Josephine Bugeja
Jan 9th 2011, 13:17
What does Mr. Sammut mean by that? I hope he has not joined the army of those trying to derail the divorce issue. Apparently, he is blissfully unaware of the thousands who need divorce legislation. The party he supports, when in power, did nothing about it just as the PN ignored the issue. The fact that many families have other things to worry about does not mean that another generation should go by with this civil right remaining unrecognized and denied. Practically all the world enjoys this right and this, whether the powers that be think so or not, IS one argument militating for divorce. To my mind, it is sheer arrogance for a tiny country like ours to pretend to know better than the rest of the world. I was shocked by one guest at a talk-show on One TV last night. In my personal view, this guest-politician insensitively dismissed the intense human suffering of those who need divorce with a few shallow, puerile arguments. His powers of mature reasoning are, in my opinion, quite absent and it sends chills down my spine to realize that people like him are empowered by voters to play dice with our lives.
john vella
Jan 9th 2011, 16:41
@Josephine Bugeja I do not consider Frans Sammut utter words so bold that one find it difficult to understand. If so let me guide you:
The NP manifest it based on the principle of Patrija, u Knisja in other words Catholic teaching so when you hear them converse of Divorce Frans Sammut is aware that it is only a herring, like the one we are close to find oil, or the doctor of your choice, or 'political leaders say MPs' pension should be part of reform' (TOM Feb.7, 2005) and how, with a raise of 600 euro a week. Do not worry during election time herring will fly to be feed to the mazzuni again.
M.Brincat
Jan 9th 2011, 11:58
You should be helping the Hibs team then hah
Karl von Brockdorff
Jan 9th 2011, 11:50
Actions, not words please Dr. Gonzi.
Please choose the reason of your report below: