PL's behaviour on bailout fund vote not acceptable - PM
The Labour Party's strategy was to make Malta look weak with its European counterparts and this was why it had allowed former leader Alfred Sant to force a parliamentary delay in the vote of the European bailout fund, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning
Dr Sant raised a number of technical issues in Parliament during the debate that caused the vote on Malta's guarantee to the European bailout fund, which had to be taken on October 5, to be postponed to last Monday.
Speaking in Swieqi, Dr Gonzi said: "What happened in the past 10 days was greatly irresponsible and the Labour leader should have shouldered the responsibility the national interest required.
"This had been an opportunity for the country to send a message of stability but instead the PL continued to cast doubts on Malta's European Policy," Dr Gonzi said.
He said that what had happened was not acceptable and had been very damaging to Malta and its reputation.
All eyes had been on the eurozone member states which had to approve the agreement reached in July to bolster the fund and stave off a fresh round of uncertainty.
The government had prior to the Parliamentary debate contacted the opposition, including Dr Muscat, Karmenu Vella and Charles Mangion and there had been agreement with the opposition that there would be anonymous approval.
But the opposition seemed to have had a hidden agenda and Dr Sant lengthened the debate until it had to be postponed to the following Monday.
On Monday, Dr Sant had again tried to lengthen the process and the vote was only taken on the government's insistence, the Prime Minister said.
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lilly vella
Oct 17th 2011, 13:59
ma fadallekx xi tghid sur gonzi, kellu dritt jaghmle dak li ghamel alfred sant , nispera li int mhux kontra dan id dritt.
John Zammit
Oct 17th 2011, 12:51
How arrogant GonziPN is what DR, Sant did in parliament was in our interest not to allow the Government to throw money down the drain
John Zammit
Oct 17th 2011, 12:51
How arrogant GonziPN is what DR, Sant did in parliament was in our interest not to allow the Government to throw money down the drain
P Micallef
Oct 17th 2011, 08:33
It was Dr. Gonzi's and Tonio Fenech's stand that was irresponsioble when they first said Malta would ask for collateral before giving another loan t o Greece only to make a U-turn and dropping their claim. That was very embarassing for our country. Moreover, it seems that the PM is not aware of the criticism levelled against the bailout fund in other EU countries. In Germany Angela Merkel risked losing her majority in the Bundestag because of the opposition to the EFSF within her coalition. Were the German MPs also irresponsible? The PL said from the very beginning that it would vote in favour of the bill but would would not approve a haphazaroulsy prepared document which would really have put us to shame if it were to be challenged in court and found to be wanting. The PL's and Dr. Sant's stand in Parliament saved Malta from looking ridiculous in the eyes of the other member states. Dr. Gonzi should be thankful for this.
E. Azzopardi
Oct 17th 2011, 08:33
Yes, this was unacceptable, but probably we wanted to make some noises. But, let us be honest with ourselves now. There are so many other things which are NOT acceptable in this country.
Mr M Spiteri
Oct 17th 2011, 07:00
What happened in parliament was embarrassing, not for Malta but for GonziPN. Alfred Sant has exposed this government’s incapability, in front of all Malta and Europe, of doing things the way they should be done.
Carmel Cilia
Oct 17th 2011, 06:45
Il-prim ministru veru qaghad wiccu. Fejn jaqbel lilu irid l-ghaqda nazzjonali imbaghad lil- oppozizzjoni ma jdahhala f'xejn jew jekk idahhala biex juzgha. Dr. Gonzi kif ma ghidt xejn fuq il collateral. Int u siehbeh sthajtu titolbuh dan ghal gid ta pajjizna. Ara tahseb li jekk dawn il-flus jintilfu mhux lilek il-poplu se jzomm risponsabble anke wara ghoxrin sena. 700 milljun ewro u ma ridx lanqas li jitkellmu fil parlament. Mela dawn flusek jew: x,garanzija ghandna li nohduhom lura jekk il-Grecja tfalli. Issib xi skuza ohra ghax ghal dawn biss tajjeb int.
Jurgen Farrugia
Oct 16th 2011, 21:27
If Malta needed money,don't you all wanted that other contries helps us?By right and by law other EU members will help us,so that's what we will do to other contries.And no one here is discussing that greece can have severe repercussions on all euro zone states.We are passed that time being isolated and selfish.Thankyou.
Henry Mifsud
Oct 16th 2011, 21:13
I agree with the PM's statement that "PL's behaviour on bailout fund vote not acceptable". This because the opposition should not have voted in favour of such a motion which clearly goes against our interests. Perhaps it is about time too that they would start dealing with such issues by using the same tactics that the PN is so famous for like boycotting Parliament as the nationalist opposition did in the past.
The PM must really have a cheek to state that the vote was only taken on the government's insistence. What is he insinuating that he is now manipulating the opposition and after they agree with government, he goes and try to disparage them. It is more than evident that he is continuously being manipulated like a puppet in the hands of the EU.
Ian Vella
Oct 16th 2011, 20:08
@everyone who is saying we are giving the money to Greece - This is totally wrong, Malta is not giving money nor is loaning any sum to Greece. We are only 'making good' for the loans. Meaning that a third party bank will be issuing the funds and Malta will be 'guaranteeing' part of that. Malta will have to fork out that money in case Greece does not pay back it's loans (+interests).
Gordon Farrugia
Oct 16th 2011, 21:11
That's the problem it is guaranteeing money to a lost cause!!!!!!! And yes these are loans taken on the Maltese government whichever way you put it.
charles tabone
Oct 16th 2011, 20:04
So, Mr Prime Minister wanted PL to blindfoldedly accept what it was concocting. Maybe Dr Gonzi is so much at ease with his YES men. Harm to Malta? Yes, the wild taxation, rampant corruption. all round inefficiencies and lack of control on public spending are really harming malta with ever increasing DEBTS.. We have not heard anything from EC regarding the 2 day delay. What should EC say to the other EU country that is still procrastinating?
Wally Vella-Zarb
Oct 16th 2011, 20:01
Sewwa qal is-Sur Ernest Vella li ″fl'Ewropa maghquda il-pajjizi li ghandhom iridu jaghtu lil min m'ghandux”. Il-problema hi li KIEKU veru għandna ma kienx ikollna għalfejn nisselfu flus li qatt m’aħna se nerġgħu naraw!
m. borg
Oct 16th 2011, 18:48
Why is the prime minister incensed at the opposition for looking after Malta's interests, after all it is our money not Dr Gonzi's.
R Axisa
Oct 16th 2011, 18:44
Veru l-ispizjar milli jkolli jtik - It's the PN's behaviour that is no longer acceptable!
R ferriggi
Oct 16th 2011, 17:46
il priom ministru irid jifhem li ghalkemm naqblu li il greccja tigi mghejjuna,,,, il proceduri kollha iridu jigu klarifikati.
ejja nghiduha kif inhi............DAWN IL FLUS LI QIEGHDIN NAGHTUHOM NISTGHEW NINSEWHOM......
MHUX SE NARAWHOM LURA QATT.
FORSI KULHADD QED JIBZA JGHIDHA DIN.
Rodnick Abdilla
Oct 16th 2011, 17:36
Xoghol ir-rapprezentanti tal-poplu Malti hu li jiehdu hsieb l-interessi tal-Maltin u mhux li jilaqu il barrani, il yes sir mal barani Gonz ma tghamlinix GID
Noel Abela
Oct 16th 2011, 17:29
Had the minister of finance tabled what he did not table in the very first place, Dr Sant would not have had to resort to such action. But then Tonio Fenech seems to think that everyone is a fool. The saying "it takes one to know one" is very approproate in this case.
Mario Grima
Oct 16th 2011, 17:17
Dr. Gonzi, please remember that after your your repeated gaffes your credibility ratio is below zero and anything you utter is taken with a pinch of salt.
A. Mizzi
Oct 16th 2011, 17:05
It is acceptable Dear Prime Minister, to put the National Interest First as Labour Leaders have ALWAYS done!
DR. SANT , is looking after the country's interests , Malta's interests and not leghtening the process!
There is no shortage of talent from the PL pool, and what at the end of the day really matters for the Maltese tax-payer is that we get value and services for taxes paid .... with with your coterie of Ministers with limited talents and unlimited perks, WEA RE NOT GETTING IT!
victor caruana
Oct 16th 2011, 16:24
Dr. Sant has no power to delay the vote on the bail out. Gonzi seems to forget that he has the majority and can pass a bill any time and at any speed. Gonzi and the government had to dance to Dr. Sant tune because they were making a mess in ratifying the bail out. Mhux kulhadd mazzun Gonzi.
Peppi Borg
Oct 16th 2011, 16:23
I would like to know about the extent of damages Malta would suffer if it's not paid back the money we are lending to Greece! GonziPN, you are using the tax payers hard earned money! But your arrogance has no limits. You think you can do whatever you want in Parliament just because you have half a seat majority ( or not????)
With regards, to Dr. Sant, shame on you to attack him for doing his job as a representative of the people in the highest institution! Parliament is not Piano's building but the level of work done there! And don't forget as representatives of the people your priority is the interests of the Maltese people and not to please foreigners!
Dear Gonzi, did you watch Bondi + of last Thursday? What a difference between you and EFA!!!!
Jeffrey Mallia
Oct 16th 2011, 16:14
Whe're talking about 700 million here not friggen peanuts Wenz.
A. Cachia
Oct 16th 2011, 15:49
Is the PM telling me that all jargon and paperwork is not required when filling forms ?
Carmel Zammit
Oct 16th 2011, 15:31
Dr. Gonzi has surely mastered the art of projecting his own shortcomings and failures on others. Pity he is not consistent as otherwise he would have been incredibly credible.
FRANS H SAID
Oct 16th 2011, 15:19
I have hardly ever agreed with Dr Sant, but at least he has shown that he is no puppet. Did Dr Gonzi want that parialemnt approves blindfoldedly without noticing the gaps, lapses and mistakes?
Dominic Micallef
Oct 16th 2011, 17:35
Well said.
After all this is tnot the first time we have to help out Greece for the sake of keeping the € stable !
It is not peanuts that are at stake, so someone has to start asking serious questions and not just say yes sir, jawohl !
FRANS H SAID
Oct 16th 2011, 15:17
What is not acceptavble if the expense of 400 million euro on the Piano monstrosity without any approval from parliament. I hope that some day legal action will be taken against those that rode roughshod on the people.
James Tyrrell
Oct 16th 2011, 15:15
Are you and your MP's going to forego your 500 Euro per week pay increase in order to help pay for the latest in a long line of bailouts? No of course not, that will be down to the people to pay through their taxes! How long are these bailouts going to continue? First it was handouts in millions, then it became billions and now it has become trillions. Even countries like the UK who had the good sense not to join the Euro are having to bail out the idiots who did. Enough is enough!
George Mifsud
Oct 16th 2011, 21:23
Mr.Tyrell, have you forgotten where you come from?
James Tyrrell
Oct 17th 2011, 00:15
No George I haven't forgotten that I come from the UK which is why I'm so bloody mad that we are having to bailout every idiot country in the world that joined the Euro!
George Mifsud
Oct 17th 2011, 16:52
MISTER Tyrell - In my original reply I intimated that you are a fine one to talk when you are from Ireland which happens to be one of the largest ever net receivers of EU funds.
As for your comment regarding idiot countries who joined the Euro - why do you choose to live here? Get a life.
James Tyrrell
Oct 17th 2011, 20:06
@George Mifsud. Get a few lessons in Geography George before you start telling people to get a life. First off I don't live there as you say, I live in N. Ireland. By the way N. Ireland is distinct from Ireland and is part of the UK. Ireland as in Southern Ireland uses the Euro, we use the British Pound.
A. Cachia
Oct 16th 2011, 15:13
Is the PM telling me that all jargon and paperwork is not required when filling forms ?
Anthony Paris
Oct 16th 2011, 15:13
It would have been useful if the PM said specifically how Malta's reputation was damaged, or how Malta's European policies were put in doubt. Or is this just mud slinging from the PM in lieu of having nothing to say. How does the PM feel about the claim by Tonio Fenech that our exports shot up by 54%, only to be shot down by the EU as a false claim. What do ridiculuos claims like this do to Malta's reputation? Does it not put us in the league of the Greeks who misrepresented their reporting to the EU?
Mark Piscopo
Oct 16th 2011, 15:07
The PL noted mistakes in the text made by the government that needed to be corrected so as not to shame the country. Then when the mistakes were arranged the PL voted with the government to authorise the government to issue funds to Greece in terms of the EU bailout agreement.. Now that Dr Gonzi is in Desperation mode he is trying to throw mud on Dr Muscat.
Dear Gonzi Do you think that the majority of the people believe you when you say that Joseph Muscat is damaging Malta's reputation for requesting that technical legalities are addressed before the ratification procedure ? Hope that you will reveal who made the drastic mistakes in the text not blaming the innocent!
Joseph E Briffa
Oct 16th 2011, 16:36
JM can hardly be blamed as, if I remember right, he wasn't even in the House when AS was making his points about the text of the motion presented to MPs.
Charles Cremona
Oct 16th 2011, 14:55
Dr Sant was lambasted by Gonzi PN when he warned the country that Malta should not join the Euro, what he said then is all coming true now, and for Malta to commit 700 million Euros it does no have, is not a very good idea not only that, but the Eurozone will be asking members to increase the fund even further shortly, we cannot go on like this because if this money is ever used how are we going to raise such hugh sums, it will surely bankrupt our economy in the end. I am glad someone like Dr Sant is asking questions in parliament about these issues that is his right as a member of parliament and if it upsets other Eurozone members so be it.
M Sciberras
Oct 16th 2011, 14:54
This has nothing to do with 'weakness'. What France and Germany are doing to prop up the euro little malta can little influence and that is the hard truth but debate was needed, to make sure we are at least aware of what is being done in our name and with over €400 million of our guarantees, we the common people of malta! At the end of the day labour and nationalists both voted in favour, including sant. What does gonzi expect? Self- censorship? Or does his cabinet need lessons in parliamentary democracy? Should France and Germany propose treaty changes to have common taxes in the eurozone, or push through a tax on financial transactions (all measures not in malta's interests) will malta vote in favour 'not to show weakness' too?
Joseph Ellul
Oct 16th 2011, 14:37
It seems that the whole world is being governed by idiots and the oppositions are no better. Now that the baby boomers are retiring we are getting hit hard by the fast lane salesmen who represent only themselves and are as greedy as Mr Geko. I think that we have lost the case of "lead us not into temptation' and we are now in a state of " Deliver us from evil".
Tony Dalli
Oct 16th 2011, 15:01
According to the government we the people is a bunch of Cwiec you say Idiots and Gonzi has been quoted as saying he has a feeble group and cannot really put a good pro active cabinet.
A very good state of affairs.
Antoine Grech
Oct 16th 2011, 14:33
What is not acceptable, Dr. Gonzi, is the EUR500 raise you gave yourself and your lackeys! Shame on you and all those that back you! Disgusting way of treating your own people with all your arrogance in every single project your government has embarked upon.
Tony Dalli
Oct 16th 2011, 14:06
PL should be commended for it showed that things have to be seriously executed. More so when some Euro 700m has to be paid out from our taxes.
How could they have voted without having the proper documentation at hand? No wonder Malta is in such a mess. Yes sir Yes sir three bags full – is not the way forward.
Victor Laiviera
Oct 16th 2011, 13:58
It was not Alfred Sant who delayed the approval of the bill - it was a combination of incompetence and arrogance on the part of the government side which failed to follow correct procedure.
Sant was right to object to parliament being used a a rubber-stamp. It should give an example to the rest of the nation by following procedures scrupulously - not take dangerous short-cuts.
Henry Mifsud
Oct 16th 2011, 13:38
Hypocrisy at its best. First the PM states that Dr. Alfred Sant was acting on his own without consulting with the PL thus giving the impression that he was not being controlled by Dr. Joseph Muscat. Now he is insinuating that this was a cheap delay action orchestrated by Dr. Muscat. Will our PM kindly make up his mind?
Dear Dr. Gonzi, why don't you admit it that the BIG EU has come of you like a ton of bricks (in private of course) because you failed in doing your homework right which in turn led to such unnecessary delays.
m. borg
Oct 16th 2011, 13:32
Very bold Mr Prime Minister especially since it is not your money you are offering but the people's taxes on hard earned money.
Mr Ernest Vella
Oct 16th 2011, 14:03
Sur Borg, f'Ewropa maghquda il-pajjizi li ghandhom iridu jaghtu lil min m'ghandux...Ahna m'ahniex qeghdin fil-qaghda ta pajjizi Ewropej ohra, u ghalhekk ahna wkoll irridu naghtu sehemna. Din hija l-istess EU li Joseph Muscat suppost tant jaqbel...almenu bi kliemu hekk qal
j brincat
Oct 16th 2011, 13:32
@M Mamo
"some things never change ... same old Labour!"
An old and worn out government which is suffering from extensive government fatigue is more fitting!
Not to mention the bullets coming its way from its own!
(jb)
j brincat
Oct 16th 2011, 13:28
And what about the collateral which Tonio Fenech said would be requested to back Malta's loan?
Were we made to eat humble pie again and withdraw the request?
Doesn't Dr Sant have a right, as an MP, to ask all the relevant questions he deems fit? Why all the fuss? Because the Government was caught on the wrong foot again?
Quote: "But the opposition seemed to have had a hidden agenda and Dr Sant lengthened the debate until it had to be postponed to the following Monday"
What's wrong with the PM, his ministers and parliamentary secretaries working some overtime considering that they gave themselves a weekly increase of €500 behind the people's back.
Thought the PM would say something about Arriva and Dr Debono's statement that he would abstain!
(jb)
Joseph E Briffa
Oct 16th 2011, 15:49
As usual J Brincat is mixing things up and is utterly oblivious to what goes on around him. His mind seems to be focused on trivial matters which have no bearing on the economy. In what way may I ask is J Brincat 's or anyone's quality of life affected by MPs salaries? If the salaraies of the Judiciary were to be revised upward, how would it affect Brincat's life style; would he be better off? The Arriva bus service is being tackled by the ministry concerned with transport; again he seems to be oblivious to that. In his world, there is no such thing as differentiation of labour which exists in all natural species. As long as he blurts out something, even if it's not the brightest comment, against the present administration, Brincat satisfies his ego.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Oct 16th 2011, 13:23
Gonzi is PL's best asset. Bhalissa l-laburisti qed jitolbu li jibqa Gonzi kap, bhal ma nazzjonalisti kienu jitolbu li jibqa Sant. X'jippretendi l- prim ministru li jibqa jiddejjen bl-addocc ghall haddiehor. Isthu ghidu li inthom partit nazzjonalista.
neville pace
Oct 16th 2011, 12:55
Where was Joseph muscat? Economic and European labour policy seems to have been shifted to alfred sant. What a pity.....there is no new labour. Theree is just labour...
Peter Murray
Oct 16th 2011, 12:55
Perhaps the PN should ensure that all due diligence mechanisms are provided and readily accessible to all votes presented to Parliament .If Dr.Gonzi is making allegations of disreputable or illegal references to so-called "technical issues"(which in fact were an aberration of correct procedure and protocol provided by the PN)then Dr.Gonzi should take the appropriate remedial action to seek accountability and not issue unsubstantiated allegations and insinuations .Just check out what happened in Slovakia reagrding this bailout loan approval vote to see precisely what dirty-tricks politics is all about!
Ramon Casha
Oct 16th 2011, 12:50
So, parliamentary records get "lost" and the PM thinks people should have just shrugged and pretend it's not a problem?
Mario allison
Oct 16th 2011, 12:47
The PL should have insisted for an early election in return for their vote .they missed the bus once again
Mr leo attard
Oct 16th 2011, 13:14
of course yoiu miss the bus, the Arriva are never on time
m. borg
Oct 16th 2011, 13:34
Seems you know something that not even gonzi knows, how very interesting.
Mario allison
Oct 16th 2011, 16:30
common sense mr borg,for those who have it. An early election would show bothe parties where they stand
Gordon Farrugia
Oct 16th 2011, 12:43
keep it up Labour that's the way to go - we can't continue piling our debt like this - our country is not in a much better situation than Greece as far as debt goes and we are not in a position to pay other countries' debts!!
This irresponsible administration can't continue spending money it doesn't have because it is you and me who will end up paying for each single euro in debt - not the prim minister, not the ministers, not the EU, not Greece, not the church - no one but us. I don't care if we don't appear in good light in the EU's eyes, we have to look after our own survival here.
M Mamo
Oct 16th 2011, 12:34
some things never change ... same old Labour!
Gordon Farrugia
Oct 16th 2011, 13:06
same old 'money no problem' administration you mean.
mark borg
Oct 16th 2011, 15:13
What Old labour are you referring to ?? yes thank god to that old labour that build a solid country that Malta is not yet in shambles today, after 22 years or ransacking and rife corruption plus incompetence of your so called nationalists !!!!!! Thank god to that old labour and we have nothing but to be proud of that labour you are referring to –that old labour brought free healthcare and social justice to a country that your PN of the 60’s had left to the DOGS . So you are honouring us by telling us that we have not changed as we are proud of what we had achieved, even though the continuous derailing of the opposition at the time !!!
FRANS H SAID
Oct 16th 2011, 15:22
some things never change - the same ancient arrogant PN
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