Muscat: Budget ignores country's major problems
Labour leader Joseph Muscat said today that the Budget ignored the country's major problems and offered a few minor solutions.
The problems which were ignored, he said, included the €80m growth in government debt and the water and electricity bills.
Dr Muscat said the government had given Standard and Poors and the EU the impression that it would raise power tariffs. Its announcement today that the tariffs would not be changed smacked more of political convenience than anything else.
The government announced in the Budget speech that although oil purchase costs were well above the level at which the tariffs had been set, there will not be any increases since there will be efficiency gains through the commissioning of the power station extension.
Asked for his reaction on the maternity leave, Dr Muscat said this appeared to be a case of 'lip service'. Instead of taking a decision to extend maternity lease, the government had reverted the issue to the MCESD, where there was currently no agreement on this issue, Dr Muscat said. Furthermore, the government's proposal to extend maternity leave was diametrically opposed to the government's statements in EU fora against such an extension.
The Labour leader said he hoped the government's projections on deficit reduction were correct, but they may not be. The government, for example had said it would not introduce an amnesty on penalties on VAT arrears, but had now done so.
Dr Muscat said the tax cut for parents appeared welcome, at first glance, but this was far short of the tax cuts promised at the last election and which would have saved taxpayers €160 million by now.
Dr Muscat insisted that a new Labour government would give priority to reducing the water and electricity tariffs because they were the millstone holding down families and the economy.
The Labour leader said he could not understand how the Budget showed that the government next year expected to recoup the €52m it loaned Air Malta this year. The PL wanted to see Air Malta to succeed, but it was being left out of the process, he said.
Dr Muscat welcomed schemes for urban regeneration but said such schemes had been promised for years.
Also welcome were plans for a sports school, but the €100,000 allocated to it were inadequate.
A Labour governemnt, he said, would focus its spending on families, The government, he said, would have spent as much on the breakwater bridge as much as the increase in children's allowance.
The people, he said, were still not being given a clear explanation of how the city gate project would be paid, although, clearly, they would ultimately foot the bill.
109 Comments
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Jonathan Caruana
Nov 16th 2011, 15:53
Taf min qed jitlef il-kredibilta ghalija? Min jaghti zieda lilu nnifsu u lil ministri tieghu ta` 500 euro fil-gimgha...u dawn ghandhom nuqqas ta` talent. Min m`ghamilx nofs il-weghdi elettorali li weghdna. Min wieghed hafna u ghamel ftit. U l-poplu bahnan ikompli jivvutalu. F`hiex laqat lin-nies tal-middle class dan il-budget? hafna loghob tal-figuri u l-figuri ma jfissru xejn.Biex jigbed lejh zieda lix-xjuh li ma jmorrux go home. Familji li ghandhom 2 genituri jahdmu se tonqsilhom l-income tax u min ghandu genitur wiehed ghala le? Mela bilfors trid tibghat lil martek tahdem jekk ghandek tfal zghar? U jekk mhux possibbli? Tahseb li pjacir ta` dak li jkun li martu ma tahdimx minhabba t-tfal zghar u jkollu inqas income? U x`ma semmiex li se joghola dal-budget? Gass, fjuwil, gholi tal-hajja...dawk joghlew kull xahar. Imma s-Sur Fenech u shabu hadu z-zieda biex ipattu ghal dan l-gholi fil-hajja u lilna tana racanc. U s-Sur Muscat kien ragel u rriffjutahom u ma ha xejn. Hemm l-irgulija. Mhux jghidlek kienu zball imma se nzommhom. Prosit Dr Muscat keep up the good work.U l-gahan jifrah ghax ghollielu c-children`s allowance u tah 4 euros zieda fil-gimgha meta huma hadu 496 fix-xahar iktar minnu. Iddefenduh hawn 4 minnkom ghax ghandkom ghalfejn. ISTHI U ISTHU JEKK TAFU!!!
Frans Aguis
Nov 15th 2011, 11:14
I think people give the credit to this government for our current contextual economic stability. And yes this government has taken measures which do throw us into the fire.But let us realize that the only reason we are this stable is that we have all been paying high taxes and NI that were introduced under our socialist government.I remember the old saying "Il-bolla balla".That "balla" is the reason we have managed to stay afloat during this crash and they seem to have now forgotten all about that and more than doubled it for some.
So please while we all clap and cheer for our respective party let us not forget that if we were to go too far to the right we would end up like America and if we stray too far to the left we would slow down economic growth.But take not of the countries that have fared best during these tough times
Jurgen Farrugia
Nov 15th 2011, 11:01
It was a positive budget. I am really glad that this budget tackled problems of familes especially with children. We cant ignore whats going on around us. If we see other budgets in other EU countries we notice that other countries are implementing austerity measures and increasing taxes. So taking into consideration the economy climate around us, it was a budget that adressed family problems.
John Zammit
Nov 15th 2011, 10:57
The Government presented it's budget yesterday and all constituted bodies came out with their reaction.but the reaction of the man in the street and of economist in the open or behind closed doors are all saying that this budget is one of wait and see for the economist and another mess by the people Our nation should be treated with a good sense of stability and what is black should be called black.Most families have lost not gained.What about the debt Malta have we can't ignore it
Godfrey Camilleri
Nov 15th 2011, 10:46
What pathetic comments; all they do is keep harping on the water and electricity tariffs when we know that water is grossly undercharged and nowadays we pay more for tv/internet/telephone/mobile than we do for water and electricity.
Gordon Swain
Nov 15th 2011, 13:25
nispera li kuntent thallashom mela hux!!!! x'ghandu x'jaqsam qisek qieghed tghid ic-cikkulata tiswa iktar min pakkett crisps. meta tikkumpara pls bejn zewg affarijiet l-istess.
John Zammit
Nov 15th 2011, 10:27
The Government presented it's budget yesterday and all constituted bodies came out with their reaction.but the reaction of the man in the street and of economist in the open or behind closed doors are all saying that this budget is one of wait and see for the economist and another mess by the people Our nation should be treated with a good sense of stability and what is black should be called black.Most families have lost not gained.What about the debt Malta have we can't ignore it
Alex Falzon
Nov 15th 2011, 10:14
PL ibqghu sejrin hekk... fil-bidu tat-tmexxija JM ta l-impressjoni li se jkun kap denju ghal partit laburista... pero aktar ma jghaddi z-zmien aktar qed jidher bic-car kemm hu kap dilettant imdawwar b'aktar dilettanti
Gordon Swain
Nov 15th 2011, 13:27
bir-rispett kollu dak inti qieghed tghidu, imma fil-verita il-kbir taghkom qalilkhom li ma ghandux biex jahdem, btw m'ghandux nies kompetenti u irrigalalhom €500 zieda fil-gimgha.
Charlene Zahra
Nov 15th 2011, 09:21
What is the proposal anyway for reducing the water and electricity tariffs? Would love to hear of a way how this shall be done without the govt debt increasing further!
Mark Galea
Nov 15th 2011, 09:12
Ma nafx, pero Joseph kien ftit irritat mhux hazin waqt il-press conference, araw wiccu u idejh, specjalment idejh.
R. Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 10:29
Se nibdew nistudjaw id-difetti fizici tal-bniedem kif kontu taghmlu ma Alfred Sant? Isthu!!
Mark Galea
Nov 15th 2011, 12:43
Le siehbi. Mhux difetti fizici ... Muscat kien qisu skantat 'l bierah - bhal min ikun gie imqajjem b'hasda waqt naghsa helwa. Arah sewwa, ara kif jirrispondi aktar tard, ara kif igib ruhu b'mod irritat ghall-ahhar - tahseb li ghandu kontrol tas-sitwazzjoni? Kien qabillu ma ghamel l-press conference xejn
Gordon Swain
Nov 15th 2011, 13:42
Ma nahsibix bhalek jiena, imma ghandek dritt tahseb u tghid li trid. Pero kulhadd stenna li mhux se jkun budget kiefer jew arroganti bhal tas-sena l-ohra meta zied lilu u lil shabu dak l-ammont kollu.
J. Debono
Nov 15th 2011, 09:10
Dr. Joseph Muscat is losing his credibility very fast.
In the past 3 years, Europe, and the world in general, has been going through very difficult economic times.
Austerity measures have been included in almost all countries, i.e. except for Malta.
We had 3 previous decent budgets, and this budget is a quite good one, with an increase in investment, and decrease in income tax, where many other countries increased it. (Yes, it is true Gonzi promised a decrease from 35% to 25%, but seeing the global picture, it is a decrease, not an increase)
The only proposal Dr. Muscat is proposing, is a decrease in water and electricity tariffs, which in the current global situation, is an empty promise.
I don't know on which criteria the PL are choosing their leaders, which are at best highly educated, but lacking in planning, they have no agenda except criticizing everyone and everything, and only have a negative propaganda!!
John Zammit
Nov 15th 2011, 10:34
Dr.muscat is more credible than many people think A measure JUST proposed in the budget speech (the raising of the maternity leave) was just vetoed by the prime minister in the EU summit only a few months ago and now proposing to start studying it in MSESD
T Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 10:44
"Austerity measures have been included in almost all countries, i.e. except for Malta."
That's a blatant false statement, just because 3 debt ridden EU countries took austerity measures it doesn't mean the rest did the same.
Gordon Swain
Nov 15th 2011, 13:31
lanqas tidher li int nazzjonalist. jekk fl-opinjoni tieghek Joseph qieghed jitlef il-kredibilta, Is-sur Gonzi x'qieghed jaghmel. ma jistax immexxi il-partit tieghu ghax dejjem bl-inkwiet. kif nista nafdah biex immexxi pajjiz.
NB Robert Arrigo
Jeffrey Pulicino Orlando
Jesmond Mugliette
Franco Debono
Austin Gatt
Tonio Fenech
sry insejt li l-ahhar tnejn huma immexxu kollox
H. Psaila
Nov 15th 2011, 20:18
@ Gordon Swain - ghalinqas id-deputati tan-Nazzjonalisti huma liberali li jghidu l'irridu u anke jivvutaw kif rridu. Ara il-Lejber ghax Ms. Coleiro Preca kienet kontra id-divorzju sabet hafna tgheddid ghall-familja taghha u JM ma fetahx halqu. Dik problem tieghek jekk ma tistax tavda lill-Gonzi u tal-partit tieghek ghaliex m'ghandu l'ebda vizzjoni cara ghall-futur tal-pajjiz. Kieku bhalissa konna taht JM konna nispiccaw bhall Grecja.
B Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2011, 09:08
Sometimes I just wonder whether this so called JM has an interest in our country. All he wants is just power so that he can do what he want. Does he even know what all the world is going through? He suggests that the gov should lower electricity bills...fair enough....how? All the world is telling you that the fuel price has increased but yet you keep saying that the gov should reduce the price. Jew andek xi mohba taz zejt! I can't imagine JM leading our country...God forbid he'll be elected in this global economic crisis coz Malta would end up back in the 1970s.
Gordon Swain
Nov 15th 2011, 13:39
Mr. Azzopardi Jekk ma jimpurtax, tista issemili il-pajjizi li qed isemmi , ghax ma nafx imma nahseb ghalik id-dinja hija maghmula min tlieta-erbgha pajjizi.
Imma ghalfejn tibqghu issemmu is-70's, ahna ghalhekk tellajna Nazzjonalisti ghax dak iz-zmien deherilna li Labour ma kienx miexi sew. imma issa iridu nammettu li pn lanqas jaf x'laqtu ta.
U biex nghid kollox allahares ma kienx Mintoff, mhux fuq bicca cikkulata ta imma fuq:
id-dritt tal-vot lin-nisa
pensjoni
children allowance
id-drittijiet socjali kollha.
adrian attard
Nov 15th 2011, 09:04
Infact it's ignoring you JM!
Juan Kalot
Nov 15th 2011, 08:43
As expected, this is a budget designed to avoid controversy, so it's hardly surprising that JM had nothing new to moan about. However, he did raise one valid point (albeit right at the end of his statement) when he asked how the farsically named 'City Gate' project is to be paid for ?
Gonzi bulldozed his way through any supposed public consultation and then imposed his personal vison of Valletta on the Taxpayer, but he hasn't yet stated how much we will ultimately have to pay for his grandiose scheme. ( €M80 ? €M100? €M200? ). More importantly, he has been tight-lipped about where the money is coming from. What other services/projects will suffer as a result of this vanity ? - No wonder the Opera House isn't getting a roof !
We are footing the bill, so we are entitled to know what's going on. Press him for answers Joseph, or else get Franco Debono to ask him :)
Rodnick Abdilla
Nov 15th 2011, 08:32
Pajjizna jixraqlu Gvern bil-ghaqal li jassigura stabilita', li jkun onest mall-familji, u li jghin lill-familji, middle class, haddiema, pensjonanti u zghazagh
Alex Falzon
Nov 15th 2011, 10:09
Ma qed tghid xejn gdid... hafna kliem sabih bla sustanza.... nisma partit politiku jitkellem l-istess
Mr Tommy Vella
Nov 15th 2011, 08:20
The problems which were ignored, he said, included the €80m growth in government debt and the water and electricity bills.
Dr Muscat said the government had given Standard and Poors and the EU the impression that it would raise power tariffs. Its announcement today that the tariffs would not be changed smacked more of political convenience than anything else.
Do I understand correrctly? First he's grumbling because the tariffs were not lowered while in the second paragraph he's grumbling because they were not raised?
Mr Neville A Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 08:26
My thoughts exactly ! Joseph Muscat doesnt even read his own speeches, after copy/pasting a few keywords he's got on his word document.
How can the government be in check, if the opposition isnt even capable of being credible?
Mr Stephen Borg
Nov 15th 2011, 08:26
Your reasonong is very very poor. The problem here is that we are showing the EU that as always we are the best in everything while in reality we are not the best at all. No one wants the W&E tariffs to increase but the government might have committed to their increase.
Mr Tommy Vella
Nov 15th 2011, 08:42
@ Mr Stepehen Borg
"No one wants the W&E tariffs to increase."
I think you are wrong. From the above it seems as if JM wants them to be increased. Maybe as someone suggested below, so that he will be able to lower them himself, later on? It doesn't seem as if he has the consumers' wellebeing at heart, but he is only looking for a chance to maybe get elected.
pat muscat
Nov 15th 2011, 08:58
If you can't understand whats between the lines its your problem! Dr Muscat is saying that according to the credit rating agencies, GonziPN is hiding a future energy rise. Tonio is already hiding the Governments bank guarantees which would make our debt sky high, whilst the EU does not believe that yesterday's budget is for real; the numbers do not add up! Hiding debt reality, like Greece and Italy did,is at our own peril! Then it is useless to cry or to protest . Nationalists glee at the yesterday's budget is dangerously naive.
H. Psaila
Nov 15th 2011, 09:04
Well said Mr. T. Vella because Joseph Muscat had the impression that power tariffs will be increased and this will give him more political gain. He sounded confused and doesn't know what to say and had no issues whatsoever to complain about. He is living on a land of he own maybe another Switzerland in the Med.
Philip Hili
Nov 15th 2011, 09:35
@ Mr Stephen Borg
"No one wants the W&E tariffs to increase " Off course my dear!!!!!! Who told you that you, I and the man in the street want bills, not only bill of Water & Electricity but any bill where tax is concerned.
Up to yesterday, when Dr. Emails had a good opportunity to enlighten the public and tell us how and from where he is going to fund these utilities, failed to do so. Now if you have a solution to this question, please let the public know. Maybe even I vote labour!!!!! so that I do not pay such bills.
U halluna!!! Jekk ma tibdlux triqtkom, Austin qalilkom 20 sena OHRA fil-gvern pero' kif diga' ghidt drabi ohra, LANQAS IXXOMMUH IS-SIGGU TA' KASTIJA!!!!!!!
Mr Tommy Vella
Nov 15th 2011, 12:11
@ Pat Muscat.
"Dr Muscat is saying that according to the credit rating agencies, GonziPN is hiding a future energy rise." When the rise comes, if it comes, then maybe we can say that JM is right, but till then he has to decide what he wants, whether to raise the tariffs or to reduce them. He says that he is going to reduce them, so if he has found a way to reduce them why is he maoning because the government has found a way of keeping them stable?
H. Psaila
Nov 15th 2011, 20:29
@Pat Muscat - so whatever JM or the Labour party says then it is bible for you. I think you are the one that is naive believing everything that JM is saying without any credibility and without any vision for his future plans. I cannot see JM as a prime minister or we will end up worse than Greece and other european countries with hard austerity measures. Then I will see what your comments will be by then.
K. Vella
Nov 15th 2011, 08:19
I think that Joseph Muscat is ignoring the country's major problems....
Bhala cittadin nispera li jkolli serhan tal mohh u mhux paroli biss. Hlief paroli miniex nisma, hsibt li ghandu vizjoni dan Muscat imma bil paroli ma tmexxiex siehbi.
Jien miniex nara taxxi, anzi rajt serjeta u ghaqal. U hallina Joseph.....
Paul Micallef
Nov 15th 2011, 08:37
Hallina int K vella, le ma rajtx taxxi? Ghalhekk qeghdin sew f din il gzira ghax hawn hafna qeghdin fl ispazju bhalek!
Jonathan Scerri
Nov 15th 2011, 08:44
Jien l-elezzjoni vicin qed nara.
pat muscat
Nov 15th 2011, 14:52
I am getting the impression that a PN robot is sending all these comments on TOM. Mela sur T. Vella budget hekk jitlob bhal ma tghid int....imbaghad naraw? Budget suppost ismu mieghu tipjana fil-futur fejn tridt tmur. Bid-dejn ikompli jisplodi u l-interessi ta dan id-dejn se jirdoppja sal 2012, se naslu 'to a point of no return'. La jaqbel lilek u l-anqas lil hafna nies bhalna. Bil-qatra il-qatra timtela il-garra ahseb jekk il-vit tad -dejn u sparparlar ta flus jinfetah berah!
Ivan Scicluna
Nov 15th 2011, 08:03
Why does the Labour government always talk about distributing fish to the people so they can eat? The way forward is to teach them how to fish so they can eat. ie: education and job opportunities! This will stop people being lazy and expecting to be fed without doing something substantial for the country in return.
Mark Abela
Nov 15th 2011, 13:59
I couldn't agree more
Mr Neville A Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 07:55
So Joseph Muscat wants the goverment to raise the power tariffs .... so that then he can lower them ? Is that all he's got ?
He's not even capable of running an opposition.... let alone a government !
Jay Oatmon
Nov 15th 2011, 07:42
In my view a major failing is the 'justice system' which is not fit for purpose way too slow and fails to protect the public from violent criminals, and prefers suspended sentences over justice for the victims.
We need new much larger courts with the capacity to handle three times the present caseload to reduce the massive delays in justice.
We also need a new prison, and proper sentencing guidelines - for the public to regain faith in the justice system.
Mr Steve Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 07:42
"Dr Muscat insisted that a new Labour government would give priority to reducing the water and electricity tariffs because they were the millstone holding down families and the economy"
Of coarse JM! easy words to win votes ... But can you tell us from where you're getting the money lost?
Can you tell us from where you're going to get the money for enemalta to but the fuel???
You know that fuel is not cheap any more like before!
Easy words! The most important thing is to get the Government the rest we'll see!
Paul Micallef
Nov 15th 2011, 08:39
Sur Cassar, af li Malta l aktar wahda li qed tixtri l fuel bl gholi! U pajjizi ohra jixrtuh irhas!!!! Tort tal gvern li int tant taqbez ghalih!
Mr Steve Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 10:50
Sur Micallef,
Jekk minghalik li l-fuel ha tiehdu irhas taht JM sejjer zball!
H. Psaila
Nov 15th 2011, 20:24
@Paul Micallef - nahseb ghandek memorja qasira hafna ghaliex Mintoff kien l'ewwel prim ministru li gholla il-fuel minn 46c 5m ghall LM1 kull gallun u dan meta kien qieghed jixtrieh mil-Libja ghall 23c il-barmil. Nahseb veru kif jghidu - kieku il-gemel jara hotobtu jaqa u mmut zobtu.
B Grech
Nov 15th 2011, 07:34
For the next two years Labour's plans should not be made public, otherwise Muscat will be giving the nationalists one hell of an advantage i.e. two years of incessant attacks and dismantling of said proposals. Said proposals should be given in detail to the electorate in the run up to the election. What Labour's plans are for now atleast, irrelevant. What is relevant, is how this government will satisfy its EU obligations to deficit reduction in an environment of increasing uncertainty. I very much doubt that the next calender year will be as rosy as the government is projecting. Projected growth at 2.3%? Whilst the incentives are very much welcome, are we missing the real picture here, i.e. how to avoid our very own "Greek Tragedy".
Mr Andrew Grech
Nov 15th 2011, 13:21
Dear B Grech,
There are many ways to gain political advantage, however should PL go public with their plans on how to lower the utility bills without further burdening the coffers and stay in line with current regulations, if so they succeed, wouldn't the people remember from where the idea originated, who cares under which government were the changes made, the people will surely remember who came up with the plan just as much as they remember Einstein or Marie Curie.
These tactics of keeping everything hidden doesn't go down well with me and i'm sure many others, since common sense tells me that the revenue that would be lost by lowering the prices of utility bills will eventually be recovered from somewhere else. Remember the CET, i for one was sure that instead of VAT another tax would be levied because no government may permit the loss of such revenue, and that's what happened, i pitied the people who starting trashing their cash registers since they would surely have to buy new ones in the end.
Should his plans really work without upsetting government finances, it would grant the people two years of lowered utility rates and we would surely remember who made that possible, and Dr. Muscat would be held in high esteem. Staying mum may actually be counter productive for the PL.
Noel Damato
Nov 15th 2011, 07:21
We need to compare our country with Germany and other countries who are better than us. What about the electrical and water bills. Did our good hearted government reduced our expenses.We need a government who will be honest with his citizens. What about their 500 euro increase now plus 4.66 for the cost of living.
H. Psaila
Nov 15th 2011, 09:08
Well Joseph Muscat pretended that the power tariffs will be increased and not reduced and he was left with his mouth agape by the initiative that the government took not to increase it. Do you think that Labour government will be honest with people when so far he has nothing concrete to offer.
Richard Caruana
Nov 15th 2011, 09:34
OK Noel Damato, you want us to pay the same water and electricity bills like Germany?
Stephen Casha
Nov 15th 2011, 07:20
Ma jistaw isibu lil had sura dan -nies Joker iehor ........welldone speedygonzalez
Andrea Giallombardo
Nov 15th 2011, 02:05
that's a surprising statement coming from Muscat! He's been saying it since he became head of the party..
Philip Hili
Nov 15th 2011, 02:01
Hsibtni qieghed go xi pajjiz dittatorjali!!
Fil-waqt li t-toroq kollha kienu BAHH, forsi ghax il-publiku kien jinteressah dak li kien ser iressaq il-ministru Tonio Fenech dwar il-budget; u filwaqt li Surper One TV kellu kull facilita' biex jittrasmetti d-diskors tal-budget "live" bhal ma ghamel in-Net, il-PL ghazel li jcahhad lit-telespettaturi Laburisti milli jisimghu id-diskors tal-budget u ghazel li waqt it-trasmessjoni jpoggi lill-Profs. Scicluna jikkumenta kif jaqbillu u fejn HADD ma jista' jmerieh!! Oh!! x'insult!!
Pero' is-sabieha ghadu gejja. Fil-waqt li s-Super one kien qieghed jahbi l-verita' lil niesu, il-Laburisti fil-Kazin laburista ta' H'Attard kienu qeghdin isegwu it-trasmissjoni diretta fuq l-istazzjon tal-PBS dwar id-diskors tal-budget!!! Ommi Ma!! Ma ridtx nemmen. Sthajjiltni qieghed gol-Pjazza l-Hadra nisma' BILFORS dak li jrid jitmani r-Regim (bl-ebda disprezz lejn il-Poplu Libjan) Imma dawn ix-xeni fi zmien Gaddafi kont tarahhom!! Jew taht Bahir Al Assad, jew taht ir-regim tal-Jemen.!!!! Kif ma tisthux?
Philip Hili
Nov 15th 2011, 09:23
Onorevoli Dr Franco Debono,
Imissek wasal wasla sa H'Attard il-bierah waqt li kien qieghed jinqara' l-Budget, hekk jew hekk ma kienx hemm bzionnok fil-Parlament il-bierah ghal xi "division"; u ghaddejt minn wara l-knisja ta' H'Attard fejn hemm il-kazin Laburista tal-lokal halli kont tkun taf kif kien IX-XANDIR FI ZMIEN IT-TMENINIJIET (1980)!!! Jitimghek dak li jaqbel lillu u xejn izjed...u hallina!!! Ikber l-ewwel u mbaghad ohrog quddiem in-nies!
Ara ma tahsibx li t-tejatrin li ghamilt ser jintesa' minn min ghandu ghal qalbu l-Partit Nazzjonalita ta!!! Minni zgur li LE u l-ebda apologija ----jekk tasal biex taghmel ma hi ser tnessini dawk il-kummidji li ghamilt ghax sal l-qabra jibqghu gejjin mieghi.
Philip Hili
Nov 15th 2011, 01:45
Matthew Tanti
Mattew, ara vera tkejjel b'xibrek!!
Il-PL jiggedded?
Jekk thares biss lejn il-komposizzjoni tal-PL ma' l-ewwel tinduna min jiggedded.
Intant, lil mibki George Bonello DuPuis ser issemmi. Insejt kemm kien xewka ghal MLP (dak iz-zmien) jew
ghadek titwieled il-bierah?
Karl Consiglio
Nov 15th 2011, 01:10
The title suggests a projection of how JM feels about his own party, onto the Government.
Michael Mercieca
Nov 15th 2011, 00:27
The same old non productive gloom and doom PL view. It's sad that they have nothing to offer after 25 years of sitting around.
Stephen Grech
Nov 15th 2011, 09:30
Ye and after 25 years leading this country Gonzi compares Malta to Greece and Spain. What about comparing us to the other countries who are far more better then us.?
When I was young the buzz phrase was to compare myself with who is better then myself and not who is worse.!!!!!
R. Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 00:26
Il-Budget skond il-PN, sena jehodlok mill-but; oghla dawl, ilma, gass, hobz, halib, bolla, petrol, diesel u ma nafx x'aktar imbaghad fil-budget iroxx cucata. Vera esperti fil-psikologija u kif jimmanipulaw il-mohh dawn in-nies.
Mr Neville A Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 08:24
Bil-kliem tieghek kwazi nista nassumi li qatt ma rajt kont tad-dawl u l-ilma ta' dar, barra minn Malta. Issa jekk dawn jitrahhsu.... x'ser taghmel bihom il-flus? Terga tonfoqhom fuq xi mobile gdid?
Paul Micallef
Nov 15th 2011, 08:42
Sur Cassar, meta tikkompara, ikkompara l pagi ukoll li huma ERBA DARBIET oghla minn taghna, mhux tikkumpara li jaqbel lilek biss. Barra minn hekk, l EU stess qalet li ghandna FOST L OGHLA kontijiet tad dawl fl Ewropa! Biex inpatptu fil vojt ninqalghu qisna sur Cassar!
A Cuschieri
Nov 15th 2011, 09:37
@ Paul Micallef
Insejt issemmi li biex tikri dar barra minn malta tigik HAFNA ghola minn Malta, filwaqt li tixtri dar hija kwazi impossibli (u llum il-gvern jghinek jekk ha tixtri dar ghall-ewwel darba).
Biex ma nsemmux li barra minn Malta, thallas talli jigbrulek iz-zibel (over and above it-taxxa normali etc.).
Biex ma nsemmux li trid taghmel HAFNA aktar vjaggar biex tmur ix-xoghol u lura, li jiswik HAFNA aktar minn kemm jiswik Malta ghax id-distanzi iktar qosra.
L-income tax ta Malta hija ferm aktar baxxa minn ta barra - vera l-pagi wkoll, pero l-ispejjez li ghandna Malta huma hafna inqas minn dawk li ghandhom barra. Minghajr ma natu kas ir-rati ta qaghad li hemm barra mentri Malta hemm biss 6,500 ruh jirregisraw ghax xoghol (li minnhom mhux kollha onesti).
Issa Muscat la jitla jnaqsilna d-dawl u l-ilma, j'Alla. Pero nispera ma jamilx bhal Sant meta wieghed li jnehhi l-VAT u hekk ghamel pero dahhal il-flus minn band'ohra. U l-ikbar problema hi, li hafna minn nies li kienu wara Sant dak iz-zmien, ghadhom wara Muscat llum. Mentalita li ma tinbidilx.
Issa jekk trid tghid li qed inpatpat fil-vojt bhal ma ghedt lil Cassar, be my guest - pero taf daqsi li dan il-budget kien budget ghaqli u meta tqis ic-cirkostanzi li hemm f'pajjizi ohra ewropej tara kemm vera l-pajjiz qed jitmexxa b'ghaqal.
R. Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 10:33
Ha nghidlek x'naghmel bihom Sur Cassar, forsi fl-ahhar nixtri kcina ghall-post ghax mindu waqfet il-mara tahdem u jnaqqarli min hemm u min hawn anqas kcina m'ghandi, ninqeda kif nista. Fuq mobile, Nokia tal-35 ewro ghandi kollu mibrux. Jekk tahseb qed nghaddik min ghajn il-labra nawtorizza The Times jaghtuk id-dettalji tieghi, cempilli u niehdok tara b'ghajnejk.
KUN RAGEL LA TFAJT IT-TAJN ISSA, ACCETTA L-ISFIDA SUR NEVILLE A CASSAR
R. Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 10:38
Mela Sur Cuschieri kif kullhadd sejjer jahdem barra specjalment il-yuppies Nazzjonalisti? Fejnhom l-opportunitajiet Malta? XI tghidli ghall-jobs prekarji specjalment f'postijiet mal-kuntrattur go l-isptar jew l-ajruport? U fil-hwienet u l-fabbriki fejn ghadek issib tfajliet li wara 10 snin servizz ghadom jiehdu l-paga minima. Mela ghax tajjeb int tajjeb kullhadd??
Gianluca Falzon
Nov 14th 2011, 23:51
Why am I not impressed that the Labour Leader is saying "Budget ignores country's major problems"? That's what politics in Malta are like. The two major parties just hate each other and they contradict one another on EVERYTHING instead of trying to agree on something. And I doubt Muscat said what he said because there are these unaddressed major problems but rather to have said something against PN and PM Gonzi. If you'd look at foreign parties they actually try to agree even if in the end they don't. Instead the parties we have here are fighting each other like children without even publicly stating that they try to agree on something. Even though the well being of the Maltese People (they say) is a personal interest of both.
M. Zammit
Nov 14th 2011, 23:20
If taxes were increased, who knows how much you would have complained. One can never please you, can one?
Alex Ellul
Nov 14th 2011, 23:19
It';s so true.The budegt has completely ignored Malta's main problem; it has completely ignored a certain Joseph Muscat and his party of sorts.
Silvio Farrugia
Nov 14th 2011, 23:14
Maybe Dr.Muscat will revert to abondened roundabouts and street sides,the old horrible entrance to Valletta ,as with these people all is 'lussu' ,and then he will put down the price of utilities.They keep harping that the brakewater bridge is a waste.These people who have no visions and ideas do they not realise that we depend on tourism ? Oh yes I remember now...the price of pilchards went down in one of their budgets.They always had contempt for the workers and 'bicca habz biz-zejt' for them the workers are happy.
Paul Micallef
Nov 15th 2011, 08:44
Mela sur Farrugia, ghax bhal dak li qallu il leave, sick leave, bonus, il gvern tieghek ghamilhom mhux partit Laburista fil gvern! Insejt qisek li intom ivvutajtu KONTRA dawn l affarijiet!
I Micallef
Nov 15th 2011, 09:35
:) .. Enough said ..
Jane Bartolo
Nov 14th 2011, 23:05
you couldn't have said it better
Jane Mizzi
Nov 14th 2011, 22:57
The author of the Labour Manifest Proposal - karmenu vella - is as enticing as a sleeping pill - ahseb u ara his manifest how exciting it is going to be
M.Dolores Vassallo
Nov 15th 2011, 06:56
Bhal ma kien meta kien Ministru tat-Turizmu ghax qatt f'istorja ta Malta ma kien tajjeb daqsekk it-turizmu, barra min hekk l'Air Malta kienet thalli l-qlieh u mhux telf bhal ma qeda tamghel issa.
8 Ministri f'daqqa li hemm bhal issa jekk tasarhom ma johrog wiehed tajjeb daqsu.
Joe Grech
Nov 14th 2011, 22:56
I would like to know how many families look after an 80 + year old relative in their home. The measure Tonio Fenech mentioned in his budget speech concerning this issue and government's supposed benevolence can be seen as a real topsy-turvy mistake on his part. You just cannot fool people like that!
Also does he imagine what looking after an 80 year old in your home entails dear Minister? The carers are shattered soon enough. As for the aged, there is no possibility for a home to look after real old timers properly. They end up face upwards in bed soon enough even with all the good intentions of the host family.
M. Zammit
Nov 14th 2011, 23:06
Until last March, when my grandfather passed away, he still lived with us. He was 97 and took care of all his needs. He was on his own during the day, while my parents were at work and he was able to do everything for himself. And yes, there are 12,000 people who are over 80 and live on their own or with their families
Joe Vella
Nov 15th 2011, 00:19
Joe Grech, there are 12,000 individuals over 80 that still live in the community. So each one of them is going to receive 300 Euros. In case of couples that amounts to 600 Euros; which perhaps it is enough to pay for the Water and Electricity bill for the whole year for that couple.
R. Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 00:32
Joe din fakkritini f'tabella li rajt f'hanut m'ilux, kienet taqra 'Credit will only be given to couples who are both over 80 and accompanied by parents', illuzjonisti primi dan-nies. Ahjar naqqas id-dawl u l-ilma ghax kien jolqot lill-kullhadd u hemm kien zgur jghin l-ekonomija.
Philip Hili
Nov 15th 2011, 01:39
Joe Grech
Is this the way you are going to look after your aged? What an insult not only to your aged but also to others. This is they type of politics you and Dr. Emails propose to the Maltese!! What a shame!
Jane Mizzi
Nov 14th 2011, 22:47
Sena wara sena, l-Gvern jibqa gej b'mizuri u incentivi li jirrispondu l-bzonnijiet ta' pajjizna; l-oppozizzjoni tibqa' mwahhla bla ideat.
L-ideat tfittxhom biss l-oppozizzjoni biex tipprova tara x'ha tghid kontra.
Joe Grech
Nov 14th 2011, 23:07
Dear Ms. Mizzi, what measures have been announced to bring down the cost of living; to reduce the Utility Rates; to control the everspiralling government borrowing; to stop widespread fiscal collection inefficiency not to mention the abuse of social services policies? There is so much to correct in different Ministries - to assure people that our national water won't continue being literally stolen right in front of this administration's eyes, for example or to address the filthy state of tourist areas like Qawra, Bugibba, etc, or the continuing ruin of our seas through fish farms. These are topics which though not quite Budgetary in content do serve to turn the opinion of people against this fumbling administration.
But then you will probably not care about such issues!
R. Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 00:29
Taf x'ideat tajba ghandhom il-PN Jane, dak li hareg bl-idea li biex tinganna bil-poplu fil-budget issemmi xejn u gholli kollox tul is-sena u jkollha naqas impatt u tgergir. Taf li s-sena d-diehla se nhallsu kwazi 50 miljun aktar f'bolla? Fil-budget ma ssemma xejn ovvja, kif ma ssemma xejn fl-ahhar budget fuq zidiet fil-prezz tal-gass, ilma, dawl, hobz, halib, petrol .......
Matthew Tanti
Nov 14th 2011, 22:40
il pn ma jiggeddidx fl ideat tieghu.gonzi u shabu ghadhom bl istess idea ta depuis, li niddejnu imbaghad ihllsuh ta warajna. Uliedna jixirqilhom ahjar minn hekk!
G. Portelli
Nov 15th 2011, 06:59
Veru ta nahseb gfhandek ragun. Tal PN ghadhom l-istess kif kienu fi zmien Depuis ibellhu l-oppozizzjoni bl-ideat li joholgu l-gid f'dan il-pajjiz. Uliedna qatt ma kienu ahjar milli huma llum.
Mr Stephen Borg
Nov 15th 2011, 08:33
@G.Portelli.
Get real and have a closer look at the whole picture and not only at the side they want you to see. As other European countries hit the dirt we will follow in their wake because we are small country and our economy depends on theirs. This was never mentioned by your beloved government.
Christine Bajada
Nov 14th 2011, 22:37
Muscat has NO plans for our future!! Why am I not surprised ??
r spiteri
Nov 14th 2011, 22:36
During today's press conference, Muscat clearly showed his limitations.....very weak indeed...qas taqfel il-lazz ta' Gonzi
Matthew Tanti
Nov 14th 2011, 22:31
il pn ma jiggeddidx fl ideat tieghu. gonzi u shabu ghandhom l istess idea ta depuis, li niddejnu imbaghad ihallsuh ta warajna. uliedna jixirqilhom ahjar minn hekk!
M. Zammit
Nov 14th 2011, 22:30
Sour grapes Guz. While many countries are spending less and less, our country under the PN is going from strong to stronger
Julian Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 22:29
Joe Muscat declared that the whole economy revolves around the electricity tariffs. Now is the time to tell us the quantum of the decrease he is planning - if he really does have it planned!! You only had to see Anglu Farrugia squirming on Bondi+ to realise that they have NO plan.
daniel farrugia
Nov 15th 2011, 07:28
they will obviously inform you when the time is right ! and please stop this propoganda of labour party without proposals, name one opposition in the world that gives its proposals to the government???? when the election time comes read the manifesto ( do not read the PN manifesto since many promises remain only on the manifesto! ex. income tax redusction).
Ms Maria Vella
Nov 14th 2011, 22:29
ok fine - but what are the PL's concrete proposals?
Jeffrey Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 22:28
Gonzi wahhalulek bil-GHAQAL Guz!
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 14th 2011, 22:27
One can't blame the poor guy....he has to say something......
Karl Consiglio
Nov 15th 2011, 01:15
Then he should say something clever, informative, or at least honest, but he's a phoney, get it? A fake...a fugazi!!
Peppi Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 22:21
The government took more than he gave at the end. The nation merits a government which creates stability, which is honest, careful, diligent and which helps families, middleclass, working class, youths, pensioners, self employed, businessmen. It is not a consolation to compare our country with those which are in a worse situation. This type of propoganda insults the citizens' intelligence. Debt was not addressed in this budget even though the eu commission showed us the yellow card. Another thing fuel charges remained the same heavy burden on Maltese families.
Paul Giordimaina
Nov 15th 2011, 07:26
Crocodile tears Pep
lilly vella
Nov 14th 2011, 22:15
mela mhix cara l problema huma l kontijiet tad dawl , imma l gvern ghogbu jibqa ghaddej qisu mhux hu . cara li dal pajjiz mill aktar fis irid gvern responsabbli , gvern li ma joqodx jibghat gurnalisti barra biex jghidulna kemm hawn min hu ghar minna, ahna irridu nkun bhal min hu ahjar.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 15th 2011, 00:17
Il-kontijiet tad-dawl Lily Vella huma anqas minn pakett sigaretti kuljum,,,,,,,,
H. Psaila
Nov 15th 2011, 09:13
Iva ghandek ragun, allura il-gvern responsabbli tieghek huwa Joseph Muscat hux? Lanqas ghandu vizzjoni ta xiex rrid, johlom biss. JM kien mistaggheb kif il-gvern m'gholliex id-dawl u l'ilma, ara veru ma kellhux xi jghid. Mur ara kemm ghamel plejtu JM kieku ghollewhom. Veru m'ghandu l'ebda vizzjoni u dan ghadu fl'oposizzjoni ahseb u ara ikun fil-gvern (Allahares).
Jane Bartolo
Nov 14th 2011, 22:09
you're lost in a world of your own cowboy!
Liam Caruana
Nov 14th 2011, 22:07
Joseph Muscat qabad fuq il-konijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma, qisu f'hames snin dik biss tista taghmel. Meta gie affacjat b'mistoqsija x'jaghmel differenti li kieku hemm hu fil-Gvern harab mil-mistoqsija. Nemmen li l-Pajjiz ghandu jigi muri min xiex pajjzii ikbar minnha qieghdin jigu affacjati. Il-pajjzii kollha ser ikollhom tnaqqis fl-ekonomija taghhom enka pajjizi li semma hu stess bhal Germanja, Lithuania u pajjizi ohra. Filwaqt li f'dan il-pajjiz qieghdin jitnaqqsu l-pizijiet min fuq il-poplu u dan Muscat jahrab minnha kontinwament.
Mario Pisani
Nov 14th 2011, 22:06
It is very evident that Joe Muscat is just trying to please every one...filli kien jghidilna bl-Islanda, imbaghad b'Cipru, imbaghad b'Zapatero...issa biddilha d-diska u beda jghidilna li jhares lejn il-Germanja. Imnalla l-Germanja qatt ma talbu xi parir minghandu!
Paul Mallia
Nov 15th 2011, 07:18
Sur Pisani,
Sejjer zball jien jew le meta nghid li Germaniz taghna l-parir li naghmlu Malta kollha "one-lane roadway"?
Jekk mhux zbaljat nahseb li ghaxxaqniha meta hadna l-parir taghhom, imma insomma xi haga trid tghid hux? Jien inhoss, wara li qrajt dawn il-kummenti kollha (mhux tieghek biss tafx), li n-nies tinsa jew trid tinheba wara l-verita - Dik li hawn hafna poverta' u din gejja minn x'imkien - Kulhadd jaf ghaliex qieghda tikber il-poverta imma hadd ma' jixtieq jipprova jindirizzaha. Il-Budget forsi jidher li qieghed jghin lill-poplu, imma nispera li wara li jghaddi dan il-budget ma' johorgux ruxmata rumizolji ohra ta' gholi ta' prezzijiet (kif dejjem gara') biex tal-inqas il-budget ikun jidher nadif, imma xorta wahda naghmlu dak li ghandna naghmlu u nwahhluh dejjem lill-poplu Malti. Forsi minhabba l-elezzjoni dan jista jittawwal ftit u jitrazzan kemm jiflah mill-Gvern, imma dejjem hekk gara. Issa dan mhux politikament qieghed nitkellem, izda storikament ghaliex dejjem hekk gara. Allura mhux ahjar inharsu l-Quddiem u nipprovaw nikritikaw sabiex naraw affarijiet isbah milli hemm? Inselli ghalik u napprezza l-Kummenti tieghek.
Christine Bajada
Nov 14th 2011, 22:05
Funny how Muscat gave NO solutions
Paul Giordimaina
Nov 15th 2011, 07:31
Fejn qeda il poverta hlif fmohhok jie kont Malta xarejn illu u in nies hemm jejxu ahjar minna ta L Awstralja.Jien gid nixtieqilom.
Mark Fenech
Nov 14th 2011, 22:04
Muscat said he would make reductions in a 'sustainable and realistic manner'... Is he already starting to admit that he can't really make reductions when the price of oil is increasing?
Martin Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 22:03
Is this guy for real? He has completely lost touch with what is going on in the rest of the world.
Christine Bajada
Nov 14th 2011, 22:02
Labour haven't got a clue !! They are still in limbo ... surprised maybe ??