Updated - Gonzi puts 10 questions to Joseph Muscat
Updated - adds PL reaction - Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this afternoon put 10 questions to Opposition leader Joseph Muscat and said the people expected clear and honest replied when he rises to deliver his two-hour reply to the Budget tomorrow.
Concluding the meeting of the PN general council, Dr Gonzi asked Dr Muscat the following questions:
Would he change anything of the current government's financial and economic policies in current circumstances?
Would he respect the financial targets, including keeping the deficit below 3% of GDP?
How will he reduce debt without raising taxes? This, Dr Gonzi said, was not about stopping once-only capital expenditure, such as City Gate, but about recurrent expenditure. If Dr Muscat wanted to stop capital projects, which would they be, and what would be tell the workers engaged there?
If a Labour government planned to raise taxes, as MEP Edward Scicluna had said, which taxes would they be? It had also been said that taxes would be transferred to industry. Would Dr Muscat explain which taxes he intended to impose on investors and businessmen?
Would Dr Muscat explain by how much he intended to reduce the water and electricity tariffs, once he had said he had a plan? The people in 1996 were told that VAT would be removed and then they found a government which had no alternative and the result was a tax which was actually higher. How would Enemalta be compensated for the losses it would suffer?
Would tariffs be reduced to everyone, or would it be just for families. What about SMEs or bigger employers?
Would Dr Muscat reduce tariffs even if oil prices rose? And if he still reduced the tariffs, how would the difference be bridged?
What did Dr Muscat mean that a Labour government would take controversial decisions on capital projects? Did he mean ignoring Mepa and acting like Lorry Sant had done?
Was it true that Dr Muscat had recently told contractors that he would issue permits to them within days of taking office? Dr Gonzi said he did not want to believe this, but one remembered how the PL had sent a delegation of contractors to Dubai. And was it true that Dr Muscat had told environmentalists the exact opposite?
Lastly, was it true that Dr Muscat had communicated by e-mail with heads of departments and other people in sensitive posts, effectively asking them to spy in the same way as he had asked an RTK journalists?
Dr Gonzi said Dr Muscat had two hours on television tomorrow, and the people expected answers.
Earlier in his address, Dr Gonzi said this had been a successful meeting of the PN general council,but one should not be distracted from the storm raging all around Malta.
Malta, Dr Gonzi said to applause, had been able to weather the storm over the past year and he wished to thank all constituted bodies for what had been achieved so far. The cyclone, Dr Gonzi said, would continue to rage well into the future, and would also affect Malta. To try to hide reality from the people would be an act of irresponsibility. But once Malta had been successful so far, there was no reason why it could not press on.
The PN, Dr Gonzi said, did not have an automatic right for the people's confidence, That was something which had to be achieved every day. But, he would tell young people, this was a party which never closed any school, Mcast or opportunity to enter the university. This was the party which always presented new opportunities.
He would tell families that the PM had constantly put families at the top of its priorities. It was safeguarding jobs and providing a high standard, free medical service which was the envy of much richer countries.
The PN would have to work to win the next general election, not for the sake of power, but to serve, Dr Gonzi said. At the core of the PN's actions would be the phrase - 'judge us by what we do, not just by what we say.'
He would therefore ask the people to see what they and the country had been through and how they had emerged. The PN was clear in what it said and what it promised - a case of patti chiari amicizia lunga.
In 25 years - since the PN issued its first manifesto of beliefs - the PN had changed the country, Dr Gonzi said. 25 years ago was the time when the Labour government which had a minority of votes violently stopped the PN from holding a mass meeting in Zejtun, Raymond Caruana was shot and Peter Paul Busuttil was framed.
Since them democracy had been solidified and the economy had been transformed.
The PL was trying to hide the country's achievements and the situation of the region. The PL even objected that PBS had sent reporters to Greece and Spain. Which political party in the world objected to the reporting of the truth? 25 years ago, under Labour, one could not name Eddie Fenech Adami. No they did not want a mention of Greece and Spain! This Labour strategy was a danger to Malta, Dr Gonzi said.
But for Labour, the problem for the country was not the international economic turmoil, but GonziPN.
The achievements which the PN governments achieved should not be forgotten, but the world had also changed, and therefore the PN's beliefs needed to be updated, Dr Gonzi said.
He stressed that society needed to be inclusive. In Malta, divorce was now a reality which demanded an adjustment of policies. But the family remained the most important unit for the country. The PN had promised a law on cohabitation and would deliver. This was a sector which currently was unregulated. There were no duties and responsibilities, and this needed to be addressed.
The issue of IVF - assisted procreation - also needed to be addressed. As a lawyer he had seen the anguish of couples who were prepared to spend thousands to adopt a child. Since then medical technology had improved, giving new hope for couples, but this area was still unregulated in Malta and there was also the possibility of abuse.
MATERNITY LEAVE EXTENSION
Another reality which had changed was that more women were now working. The scenario of the family had changed. The childbirth rate was falling while people were living longer. This meant issues such as maternity leave - currently 14 weeks at full pay. The government had now decided, and was telling the MCESD that it understood that adding a further four weeks of maternity leave over a period of two years could be a burden on employers. Therefore the new four weeks extension would not be at full pay but on the basis of an allowance given by the government. Employees could take that additional leave or return to work.
THE BUDGET
Turning to the Budget, Dr Gonzi said that the people, tomorrow, expected to hear a reaction from the Opposition, including alternative policies. The Opposition had criticised everything that the government had done. Last year Dr Muscat drew comparisons with Cyprus, but one now only needed to see the state Cyprus is in.
Dr Gonzi said he therefore expected that Dr Muscat would withdraw the declaration he made last year. The situation in Cyprus was not caused solely by an explosion it had suffered at a power station, Dr Gonzi said. But that, in itself, should also show Dr Muscat how right the PN was to ensure that Malta had more than one source of energy. But Labour had also objected to the power station in Malta.
Dr Gonzi cautioned that in the Budget, the government was saying that more storms were on the horizon. It was not hiding reality. The Budget, therefore, had focused on the motor of the economy, such as SMEs but also large firms. The government was mindful that next year could see another international recession.
This Budget would channel funds for infrastructural projects including the rebuilding of roads.
This was a Budget which also catered for tourism, which was seeing record numbers. It was giving further assistance for farmers, including reduced social security.
The Budget, Dr Gonzi said, was not just about the creation of wealth, but about putting the family at the heart of the country. There were tax cuts for parents, higher children's allowances, an allowance for octogenarians living at home or with their family, and increased funding for health.
Concluding, Dr Gonzi said he would again tell the people to judge the government by what it did, and not just by what it said. He would also ask the people to judge the government by its results.
Results this month showed that in the year to June, the gainfully occupied rose by 3,112 full timers, and the vast majority were in the private sector.
Another hugely significant result, Dr Gonzi said, was the take-up for government bonds this year. While other countries struggled to borrow and only did so at high interest rates, Malta needed to roll over borrowing of €100 million in two tranches for five years and for 20 years. The applications were for €300 million, that Gonzi said to applause. This was an even bigger vote of confidence that the vote of confidence in Parliament, Dr Gonzi said.
The people knew what the government was doing and what it was achieving, Dr Gonzi said. But the people tomorrow expected clarify and honesty from Joseph Muscat when he rose to speak in Parliament. They expected to hear how he would lead the country in the current storm.
PL REACTION
The Labour Party said Dr Gonzi and his government had given up on trying to solve the problems they had created, and they were instead asking Dr Muscat for his solutions.
This, the Labour Party said, was a vote of confidence for the party.
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Lawrence Fenech
Apr 12th, 12:50
Go in front of the mirror Gonz and give us the answers.
Claris Galea
Jan 8th, 21:13
Kieku taghtini $£500 fil gimgha zieda , nghidlek jien , imma jien spiccajt bla xoghol ghax fallejtu l-Airmalta !
mark borg
Nov 21st 2011, 19:43
Tajba wkoll din ,f pajjiz ta sold demokrazija hija l-opposizzjoni li isaqsi il gvern u mhux vici versa,specjalment meta jkun l-istess gvern li faqa il -kaxxa tal -pajjiz fost bizibilju ta decizjonijiet perversi !!!!
John Schembri
Nov 21st 2011, 18:26
Several contributors here are giving the impression that the prime minister does not have a right to ask questions. Since when?
Are we that gullible to believe anything anyone says in the political arena? Dr Muscat is spreading the idea that he has a viable solution for cheaper service bills. This idea has already been banded about before and after the last elections by Dr Sant and Jason Michallef who was Secretary General of the new re-branded PL headed by Dr Muscat himself, were the most vociferous about this 50% cut in our bills.
People would be more than glad if our bills will cost 50% less than now without paying more taxes , and Dr Muscat would be perceived as a capable leader and Salvatur for our country.
Dr Gonzi is calling his bluff, we will see today if Dr Muscat will come up with his viable solutions or the usual beating about the bush and same rhetoric about the rise the PM had and which he would surely take when he becomes PM by default.
People should encourage questions ,not suppress or censure the one who is questioning something which can our standard of living better .
We should be like the Nabucco choir asking to have answers from all our politicians, not trying to prevent “our” party leaders from being exposed to what they really are up to!
George Azzopardi
Nov 22nd 2011, 14:07
I think that before Dr.Gonzi starts asking questions to solve problems which this government has been accumulating for years, he must answer the questions which Times of Malta has asked him. This is not PL asking questions but an independent news paper which we all know where it sides most!!!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111118/local/12-questions-that-still-need-to-be-answered.394436
John Schembri
Nov 21st 2011, 18:25
Several contributors here are giving the impression that the prime minister does not have a right to ask questions. Since when?
Are we that gullible to believe anything anyone says in the political arena? Dr Muscat is spreading the idea that he has a viable solution for cheaper service bills. This idea has already been banded about before and after the last elections by Dr Sant and Jason Michallef who was Secretary General of the new re-branded PL headed by Dr Muscat himself, were the most vociferous about this 50% cut in our bills.
People would be more than glad if our bills will cost 50% less than now without paying more taxes , and Dr Muscat would be perceived as a capable leader and Salvatur for our country.
Dr Gonzi is calling his bluff, we will see today if Dr Muscat will come up with his viable solutions or the usual beating about the bush and same rhetoric about the rise the PM had and which he would surely take when he becomes PM by default.
People should encourage questions ,not suppress or censure the one who is questioning something which can our standard of living better .
We should be like the Nabucco choir asking to have answers from all our politicians, not trying to prevent “our” party leaders from being exposed to what they really are up to!
Michael Pule
Nov 21st 2011, 16:26
A very clear difference between Dr Gonzi & Dr Muscat is that while the Prime Minister speaks of facts, the Opposition leader mentions rhetoric, hearsay, and is ashamed to look at what is happening around us in other countries. It is very easy to play with words but when you have to decide, then it will another story. The PL in gov was ALWAYS a disaster for the Maltese people - going to such extremes as ending up fighting to gain freedom...No thanks.
joyce darmanin
Nov 21st 2011, 15:25
jein nixtieq nistaqsi mhux ghaxar mistoqsijiet il priministru imma aktar imma ha nistaqsih ftit forsi iwegeb
1.ghala INT hadt €500 u jien le?
2.ghala kif inqum u mur nixtri insib li hajja dejjem tghola,u paga tieghi le?
3.ghala sakart id dockyard meta kont bghatilna karta li mhux se tghalaq.?
4.ghala gholejt il licenzja tal karozza ghax ghandha ftit taz zmien meta jien mhux bhalek u bhal ministri b'xi Jag?
5.ghala ghamelt hafna taxxi ?jekk nibda insemmi ma niqafx passaport gholi etc...
6.ghala se thadem il power station bil HFO?
7.ghala il pajjiz ghandu dejn kbir u qeda inbaghtu ahna?
8.ghala behejt dak kollu li kien tanna il maltin?
9.ghala min ghandu is sahha fil pajizz jghamel li ried?
10.ghala trid risposta min ghand Joseph jekk li gib b'idejk?
8.ghala dawn il kontijiet kollha gholjin ta dawl u ilma?
Mark Spiteri
Nov 21st 2011, 13:09
KIEKU QIEGHED IX XOGHOL, GHADU KIF ZIEDNI EUR 500 FIL GIMGHA U MMUR FUQ KOLLEGA TIEGHI BIEX JGHIDLI X GHANDI X NAGHMEL, NITKECCA!
INKOMPETENTI!
Mr R Rizzo
Nov 21st 2011, 12:29
Lil PM nawguralu li jkompli l-hidma tieghu filwaqt li niproponilu li jdahhal taxxa fuq in-nuqqas ta IQ... dawk li ghandhom IQ iktar baxx minn 100 li hi l-medja iridu ihallsu tariffa talli huma stupidi (u dan m'ghandux x'jaqsam mal-livell ta edukazzjoni ghax bazikament IQ test juri min hu stupidu u min mhuwiex), dawk ta IQ medju ma jhallsu xejn fil-waqt dawk ta IQ gholi jigu esentati mil-income tax ghax il-fatt li qed jahdmu ghal pajjiz diga hu bizzejjed bhala kontribut. Dawk li jsegwu l-One tv ha jikkontribwixxu billi jhallsu l-belliliri f'din it-taxxa l-gdida halli jpattu ghal istupidita` li wiehed irid ihallas biex ikun laborist. Probabli jemmnu bil-Christmas Father ukoll ghax jilbes l-ahmar.... ahjar jaggornaw ftit ruhom b'dak li qed isehh madwarhom flok ikomplu jidrogaw ruhom bl-ossessjoni one tv
Samuel Camilleri
Nov 21st 2011, 11:21
From the comments below
I am certian it would be an easy walk for PL NO DOUT
Mario Camilleri
Nov 21st 2011, 10:31
One question for Gonzi;
Could he put his right hand on his heart and solemnly swear that what he did in the past 7 years was was done with a clan conscience and in the greatest of interest towards the Maltese people and that he has no regrets for any of his actions.
That I would sincerely like to hear.
Mario Camilleri
Nov 21st 2011, 10:28
One question for Gonzi;
Could he put his right hand on his heart and solemnly swear that what he did in the past 7 years was was done with a clan conscience and in the greatest of interest towards the Maltese people and that he has no regrets for any of his actions.
That I would sincerely like to hear.
pat muscat
Nov 21st 2011, 10:24
Gonzi raqad mikxuf, holom fuq il-programm tat-TVM 'Kwizzun' u ikkonkluda li b'ghaxar mistoqsijiet jista jitghallem kif se iholl l-ghoqiedi li rabat hu u shabu ma ghonq il- Maltin! Oh that sinking feeling!
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Nov 21st 2011, 10:23
Why are so many of the “commenters” in this column so upset by the 10 questions that the Prime Minister has posed to Joseph Muscat?
Are they not legitimate and honest questions?
No matter what, if ever Joseph Muscat answers the questions or not, the Maltese citizen will weigh the situation and pass judgment accordingly.
Every decent voter has the right to know the answers to these questions, because these answers will give an indication to where our country will be heading after the next elections.
However, it is irrespective of whether Joseph Muscat answers or not, because the die-hards of both political parties will still vote according to their allegiances; but what about the FLOATING VOTER?
It is a known fact, that elections in Malta are won by the floating voters, who make up to 10-15% of the electorate; and therefore if Joseph Muscat fails to answer all these 10 questions, then he will be signing his own political death warrant, as no floating voter would ever trust him!
It is the FLOATING VOTER that decides elections!
Bill Clinton: “It is the economy, stupid”!
Change the word “economy” to “floating-voter”, and you’ll get the drift!
JC.
Paul Micallef
Nov 21st 2011, 11:37
Sur Cauchi senior, minn dejjem kont gharef int! Min hu l prim ministru attwali, Gonzi jew Muscat? Min ghandu r resoponsabbilta li jsolvi l problemi (li hu stess wara kollox holoq!)? Fi zmien EFA ma kienux jigru dac cucati li siehbek Gonzi qed jaghmel! Il floating voters ghal informazzjoni tieghek qed jaraw gvern immexxi minn siehbek Gonzi li tilef ir rotta u ma jafx fejn hu sejjer! Ara biex ha l 500 euro zieda ma kellux ghalfejn isaqsih lil Muscat! Cwiec bhalek biss jibqghu jimxu warajh bhal pupazzi sur Cauchi!
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 21st 2011, 16:22
@Cauchi.
Anki Berlusconi dejjem johlom bin-numri, u in-numri irrangawh ghal-frisk.
emmanuel scicluna
Nov 21st 2011, 10:18
What has Lorry Sant got to do with it?
d. attard
Nov 21st 2011, 09:20
The Prime Minister's ploy is another instance that gives us cause to worry about the quality of our democracy. In the wake of a campaign to drum it in heads that the labour party, despite its wealth of knowledge and people, is no alternative to Government, we now have Mr Prime Minister trying to write the leader of the opposition's budget speach in parliament. Instead of having the space to discuss and bring forward debate, Mr Prime minister is not 'just' happy to occupy the considerable space he already does but would also ant to influence and dictate the limited space the opposition has in the democratic process. Indeed when the chairman of GC demands the immediate return of a ferry that had left the port so that he can immediately proceed to Malta is not an incident but a reflection of a forma mentis. We will ignore this at our collective cost. The state of our Public broadcaster is another significant sign that things are not well with the health of our democracy.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 21st 2011, 09:18
10 questions to which you yourself have no answers to. Patience and you will get the answers from Joseph after the elections.
Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina
Nov 21st 2011, 11:13
@Sur Lawrence Fenech,
Dawk huma għaxar mistoqsijiet lil il-poplu Malti U għawdxi qed jagħmel lill-JM kontinwament.
Il-poplu Malti u Għawdxi għandu dritt sagrasant jkollu r-risposti!
Għax il-poplu Malti u Għawdxi huwa inteliġenti u ma jixtriex ħut fil-baħar!, bħal ma jriedu jagħmel JM.
Għalhekk JM għandu jkun responsabli u jirrispondi dawk l-għaxar mistoqsijiet fid-dettal kollu tagħhom, il-lejla!
Poplu Malti u Għawdxi ħaddem l-inteliġenza tiegħek u tħalliex lill JM jidħaq bik, ir-risposti irriduhom il-lejla.
A Cuschieri
Nov 21st 2011, 16:16
What would you expect? That he can justify the castles in the sky that Joseph is proposing?
Not even Muscat has the answers to what he's proposing, let alone someone else. Lets see if tonight JM will prove me wrong.
ALBERT FENECH
Nov 21st 2011, 09:03
2nd Posting
The PN policy-makers just love the numbers game. Back in time they came out with the famous 20 Points, many promises and proposals many of which never materialised anyway and then elicited the amusing joke that a 21st Point had been written which stated that all the aforegoing 20 should be forgotten! Now we are being bombarded with a set of 10 Questions. To round off this numbers games, there are also the 5,000 Smart City jobs promised but which have never materialised and of course the most famous of all - the 500euros weekly salary rise for the PM and friends! All these figures are in digits of 10s and all end in a big, round ZERO - except for the 500euros rise which naturally materialised.
ALBERT FENECH
Qawra
S. BONAVIA
Nov 21st 2011, 09:01
Ha 500 euro fil-gimgha biex joqghod isaqsi lil haddiehor kif se jmexxi mur ghamel hekk ahna fuq xogholna!!!!!!
mark borg
Nov 21st 2011, 11:47
u barra min hekk,bil wicc tost kollhu,jsaqsi lil Joseph x'se jghamel meta jitla u jsib id dizastru li ikrea gvern li ilu jigverna 22 sena b'hela,xalar u spalpaljar ma min jaqbillu.
Vincent Cassar
Nov 21st 2011, 09:00
Sur Gonzi, la taf illi se tkun hemm 20 sena ohra, x'tambihom ir-risposti ta' JM? U ohra: inti dejjem tghid illi c-cirkostanzi jinbidlu u certi decizzjonijiet iridu jinbidlu. Int ghax ic-cirkostanzi inbiddlu f'hames gimghat wara il-weghda / gidba tieghek tat-tax bands minhabba maltemp, mewg u paroli iehor, kif tippretendi illi l-Opposizzjoni tghidlek x'se taghmel 18-il xahar iehor? Mela ma tahsibx illi c-cirkostanzi jinbidlu fi 18-il xahar? Ara int, il-500 hadthom irrespetivament mill-maltemp. Tridx thallina u ahseb biex iddabbar! Il-cliches, analogiji u ftahir zejjed zommhom ghalik biex tikteb il-memoirs: Semmih "Gonzi's bed time fairy tale memoirs: BWSC and other mysteries"
Peter Bonello
Nov 21st 2011, 08:59
iddahhaqx gonz, la mintiex kapaci wegibhom wahda, warrab minn hemm!!
Carmel Grima
Nov 21st 2011, 08:57
Jien naghamel mistoqsija wahda lill-Onor. Dr. Gonzi: meta se taghamel l-Att dwar il-freedom of information li int wieghdt snin ilu, imma biex ma jinkixfux rjus kbar imdahhla fil-frame up ta' missieri, Karm Grima, zammejtha ghar-rdoss? L-Inkjesta Muscat Azzoppardi, li EFA zammha mohbija biex insterqet wara minn Dr.A.Sant , tikxef kollox.
J Borg
Nov 21st 2011, 08:52
Can you for a minute change the title to " Cameron puts 10 questions to Miliband" ? In any democratic country with a strong Government its the Opposition who asks the questions!
mario gellel
Nov 21st 2011, 08:44
MALTA ASKS ONLY ONE . WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING AS PRIME MINISTER ??????
Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina
Nov 21st 2011, 11:49
@Sur Ġellel,
BIEX INTI TGĦIX PAXXUT, U STMAT MAD-DINJA KOLLHA SUE ĠELLEL.
IBQA TPAXXA SUR ĠELLEL BĦAL POPLU MALTI U GĦAWDXI TAĦT GONZI PN.
j brincat
Nov 21st 2011, 08:16
Dr Gonzi is trying to steal the centre stage from Dr Muscat and set his own agenda.
Will he succeed?
We would all know tonight!
9jb)
Mr Antoine Zammit
Nov 21st 2011, 08:12
Jien ma nixtrix hut fil-bahar!!
Ftakar habib tieghi li fl-1996 Alfred Sant qallek: " Inehhi l-VAT u l-Cash Registers" minn xtara l-hut fil-bahar dak z-zmien... baqa bil-guh!
Jekk il-PL irrid il-vot tieghi, l-ewwel ghidli ezatt u bis-serjeta' kif ser trahhas l-kontijiet!!
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. After being tricked once, one should be wary, so that the person cannot trick you again
Mr John Borg
Nov 21st 2011, 09:52
... and yet you are happy to be fooled for 24 years by the PN!!
Anthony Mifsud Bonnici Giordani
Nov 21st 2011, 10:21
Hafna mit-tbassir ta Alfred Sant gejna fihom illum habib.
mark borg
Nov 21st 2011, 11:56
Alfred Sant kien qed jiprova inehhi TAXXA LI GAB IL PN go Malta biex nidhlu f'LEU xi ghaxar snin qabel ma thalna....umbghad telgha u sab djun tremendi li ma kinux irapurtati min tal Pn qabel nizlu....Jigifieri ma setghax jghamel mod iehor umbghat..... GHALLURA tipruvawx b argumenti bazwijin tipruvaw thawdu l imhuh ghax kollu ghalxejn ghax il maggoranzi kbira taf ezatt illum xi issarfu !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Il -vot tieghek jhekk int kuntent ibqa tih il Pn halli mhux hut fil bahar tkun qed tixtri,imma ilma mielah !!!!!!!!!
Jonathan Scerri
Nov 21st 2011, 08:01
Does this man know that HE is the PM and HE is the one to answer questions?
George Azzopardi
Nov 21st 2011, 07:59
I think that before Dr.Gonzi starts asking questions to solve problems which this government has been accumulating for years, he must answer the questions which Times of Malta has asked him. This is not PL asking questions but an independent news paper which we all know where it sides most!!!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111118/local/12-questions-that-still-need-to-be-answered.394436
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 21st 2011, 09:14
@Alex.
This what you call amateur won the " IVA " for divorce, 4 out of 6 MEPs and a majority in the councils.
Also a sfiducja for Austin Gatt.
And uncovered the Euro 500 per week form 2008 scandal. Reference auditor.
This is the last waltz for Gonzi.
Alex Falzon
Nov 21st 2011, 07:45
Do you really think... that the PN needs the advice from an amateur like the PL? I don't think so... look at all the progress done in the last 25 years... is all merit to great leaders from the PN side... The PN in government made history for Malta... history to be remembered for the good done.... the PL in government have a continuous negative history...
Whatever the mistakes done by the PN especially in this legislature still they are the ideal party to govern the country...
It is useless to have a party leader like JM expressing himself with negatively, criticizing whatever is done and/or achieved... speaking nice words but no substance.
Mr R Rizzo
Nov 21st 2011, 12:38
At school we're thought that it's useless to beat around the bush but you need to be concise and concrete. JM needs to repeat his classes because he's still beating around the bush since day 1. If he meets the PM's challenge he might even get an edge over the PN, however he doesn't have any substance neither in his thoughts nor in his words, so how can he expect to be elected to make actions out of his words when he has absolutely none? He's a bench warmer like all his team. They can't even be a decent opposition because they can't think, they know only how to oppose by saying "NO" by default. Labourites are embarred on media because they can't even answer simple questions. There needs to be a change, yes, not a new government but a new opposition!
Noel Damato
Nov 21st 2011, 07:42
GonziPN and his unskilled members of parliament are now in a corner. Gonzi is pretending that Dr Muscat will come out with solutions that will solve the problems that GonziPN had created to our families. It is the responsibility of Dr Gonzi and his group who got the 500euro weekly to solve the problems..
Anthony Mifsud Bonnici Giordani
Nov 21st 2011, 07:31
What is the 11th. question Mr. Prime Minister? One should ask Joseph Muscat about who put the debts far above 3% of GDP? I remember that in 1987 Malta had a surplus of more than 500 million LIRI ( 1160,000,000 euro) being a spending spree for the 87's PN government who spent them like crazy. Or maybe the Prime Minister could put light on who killed poor Raymond Caruana and Karin Grech too. Maybe the name of poor Karin does not fit in the PN agenda? As we all recall the ex prime minister, then leader of the opposition promised that he knew who killed these victims and would do justice when in government, a vow that the PN did not keep.
Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina
Nov 21st 2011, 07:26
Jiena ngħid li l-lejla JM jeħel mill-eżami għax ma jkunx kapaċi jirrispondi mistoqsija waħda minn dawk l-għaxar mistoqsijiet sempliċi li għamillu il-Gonzi PN, Sinjuri tal-kor dedjanti Laborista.
U lill dak li qal li għandi nitlob lill San Nikola, ngħidlu li lill San Nikola ma jiċċajtax miegħu, u li meta tasal biex tibda issemmi il-qaddisin fejn ma mhux suppost tkun wasalt fil-punt ta' inkapaċita.
Jekk imbgħad xi darba verament tiġi bżonnu lill-San Nikola tkun taf kemm jiswa San Nikola!
Qed taraw poplu Malti il-kapaċita ta' dawn in-nies fejn twassalom?
Mela għoqod attent Poplu Malti u Għawdxi, u li dawn in-nies tafdahom qatt, għax jipqa jiddispjaċik!
David Bezzina
Nov 21st 2011, 14:20
JEKK HU KAPACI,JIRRISPONDIHOM GONZI DAWK IL-MISTOQSIJIET ?
FL-AHHAR MILL-AHHAR,MIN HU L-PRIM MINISTRU ?
John Scerri
Nov 21st 2011, 07:25
Quote 'The Labour Party said Dr Gonzi and his government had given up on trying to solve the problems they had created, and they were instead asking Dr Muscat for his solutions.'
Tell it to the marines MLP!!....
............Political escapism where no alternative concrete response is available. Poor MLP.
MLP = Lack of plan 'B' in response to Dr.Gonzi's questions ....On the other hand ...How can MLP have plan 'B' if Plan 'A' does not exist yet !!!!!
As a lesson MLP should go watch and monitor a yacht race sometime and stay to observe that the boat might shift ot one side and battle the waves, high waves , but in the end it's the skipper who returns the yacht safe and sound to celebrate a success in achieving the ultimate goal of winning not withstanding all the adverse conditions ..
MLP seem not to accept that there exist show stoppers in what ever one does in life, and are promising heaven on earth without even giving a clue on HOW their strategy will materialise .
Mark Spiteri
Nov 21st 2011, 10:09
You seem to be well-informed dear John, although I reckon yours are just presumptions!
George Azzopardi
Nov 21st 2011, 10:17
it seems more like a poor PN .. who is in power to solve these issues but has been lagging behind ... too little too late is the main point ... perhaps the PM will be willing to answer some questions himself .. this is not PL who is asking .. but your partner the Times of Malta!!!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111118/local/12-questions-that-still-need-to-be-answered.394436
ALBERT FENECH
Nov 21st 2011, 07:08
The PN policy-makers just love the numbers game. Back in time they came out with the famous 20 Points, many promises and proposals many of which never materialised anyway and then elicited the amusing joke that a 21st Point had been written which stated that all the aforegoing 20 should be forgotten! Now we are being bombarded with a set of 10 Questions. To round off this numbers games, there are also the 5,000 Smart City jobs promised but which have never materialised and of course the most famous of all - the 500euros weekly salary rise for the PM and friends! All these figures are in digits of 10s and all end in a big, round ZERO - except for the 500euros rise which naturally materialised.
ALBERT FENECH
Qawra
jesmond zammit
Nov 21st 2011, 06:22
ma qal xejn fuq e mails ipprintjati anonimi li qed jibghatu ?
M. Bezzina
Nov 21st 2011, 05:53
Mhux ajar twigeb int kif qed tghola il hajja u il pagi mhumiex iservuna??Ahna ma hadniex il 500Euro fil gima bhalkom!!x tippretendi iwegiba JM ukoll??
Alfred Grech
Nov 21st 2011, 01:23
Once the Prime Minister of Canada asked the then leader of the Opposition, Pierre Trudeau similar questions. Trudeau replied: "Call an election and I'll show you how I'll manage the country".
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 21st 2011, 09:15
@Alfred.
This one I like.
James Tyrrell
Nov 21st 2011, 01:01
The PL summed it up in 44 words. Well done.
N. Bill Camilleri
Nov 21st 2011, 00:49
Why don't you ask Tonio Fenech these questions? I guess you might as well ask Muscat because neither one of you have a clue on what any of these answers might be.
David Bezzina
Nov 21st 2011, 00:32
HE SHOULD HAVE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS TO HIS ILL-TALENTED POOL OF MINISTERS.
WHY IS HE ASKING JM QUESTIONS THAT HE HIMSELF SHOULD ANSWER.AFTER ALL,HE IS THE ONE GOVERNING MALTA.
OR MAYBE,HE HAS GIVEN UP !
J. Attard
Nov 21st 2011, 00:27
Dawn il-mistoqsijiet bla sens jigu indirizzati lil Joseph Muscat meta il-Gvern qieghed f' idejk Prim Ministru! Facli tipruvaw taljenaw lil dawk li japogjawkhom b' dan it-tip ta ategament! Ghas soluzzjonijiet staqsi lilek inifsek u lil dawk kollha li gawdew miz-zieda ta 500 fil- gimgha moghtija sfaccatament fiz-zmien tal-maltemp li ninsabu fih!! Jien twelidt nazjonalista pero ninsab dizappuntata hafna ghal mod kif qed tmexxu!
Hossam Helwani
Nov 20th 2011, 23:40
The Prime Minister is a respected Man because he does face the realities of politics. Dr Gonzi is a gentleman even when things go wrong and we hear him apologise. We never hear labour apologise especially for the horror of the 80's. They always declare it as the past long gone forgotten.
I hope the leader of the opposition muscat will have the decency to answer these highly sensitive questions and face realities. I feel very insecure with a very cocky young man in his 30's telling everyone else how easy it is , when experienced people shrug to be so optimistic!
I think the leader of the opposition needs to go back to political school and learn some basics.
A Cardona
Nov 20th 2011, 23:37
Two words that caught my attention "CLEAR and HONEST".
How can these words be even mentioned at all? Last May we see an aggressive attack on divorce and preaching on solid values and beliefs. Sad faces after the loss.Now its the exact opposite. All of a sudden the conservative voices turn progressives and liberals. The church and religious factions all silent. Are they still alive?
I suggest all to check the European Debt Map on CNN and see in what crap we are. Accordingly we were at 68% in 2010. I wonder how much this scenario changed.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/BUSINESS/06/19/europe.debt.explainer/index.html
Alistair Busuttil
Nov 20th 2011, 23:32
mela mhux 20 ghoxrin sena ohra ghandkom fil-gvern kif qal austin gatt?
Ray Spiteri
Nov 20th 2011, 23:10
Sir can i leave the classroom. mela l prim ministru ta malta downgraded himself to a teacher/journalist. normalment il paga tinzel mhux tizdied b 500 euro fil gimgha. Dear Prim Minister, if you think that you have the support of the majority just call an election. Your heading for the biggest ever defeat in maltese elections. ex pn.
Mario J Spiteri
Nov 20th 2011, 22:29
Meta kont qed nisma lilek On PM, xtaqt nistaqsik dwar; il-maltemp li bassart ghalina u tajt zieda ta 500 ewro lilek u lil ta madwarek fil-kabinett ha tixxuttaw l-gharaq bla ma tajtuna kont ta kif jintefqu FLUSNA li nhallsu f'taxxi bhal nghidu ahna l-isptar li dam jinbena snin, il-kontijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma gholew, bilhaqq biex ma nahlux a/c u ninvestu fil-panelli qalulna, l-eghluq tat-tarzna u issa jmiss l-Air Malta, minghandna jrid sagrificcju filwaqt li gabu BRAVI barranin jithallsu l-eluf ta ewro ghax ma jridux CWIEC Maltin imexxuha forsi ssalva, it-trasport pubbliku li thallsu minn flusna biex gabu rotot rovina u ma tikkalkulax hin 5 tibdiliet saru f'4 xhur! Il-pont il-gdid li ma jwassal ghal imkien On PM u l-parlament il-gdid bil-kumpless tat-teatru bla saqaf u d-dahla sfigurata tal-belt, ma kienx maltemp On PM ghall-Renzo Piano hux? Taghmilha /taghmluha l-arja bi FLUSNA On PM! Bilhaqq it-tax band ma naqqastiex minn 35% ghal 25% minhabba l-maltemp hux On PM? U l-progett ghira ta' Bormla bilhaqq, meta ha jahdmu biex ikun lest? Nhar it-8/12 waqt li tkun qed tigi ccelebrata l-festa? Ahjar flok ghamiltha ta gurnalista tlabt mahfra LILNA u ddikkjarajt FALLIMENT tal-gvern tieghek! INT min tahseb li int On PM? Ftakar li l-poter mhux dritt tieghek imma misluf ghandek, ghax bhal dawk li kkundannajt u tnehhew mill-poter qed taghmel!
R. Gauci
Nov 20th 2011, 22:23
Jahseb li kullhadd bhalu Gonzi, cioe li jwieghed u ma jwettaqx.
M. Bezzina
Nov 20th 2011, 21:56
Li nissorprendi ruhi go din in nitfa ta gzira huwa kif naraw aw qisu il PL amlu l budget eh!U jekk jigri xi haga tort tal PL!!!unbelievable
Mr Emanuel Farrugia
Nov 20th 2011, 21:56
Qieghed jidher li zmien l-elezzjoni jinsab fil-qrib b'dawn 'l hafna 'statements'. Il-Prim Ministru Gonzi qieghed jahseb li hu BISS jaf imexxi lil din 'l gzira? Il-poter kulhadd isibu komdu basta EUROS EUROS.
Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Nov 20th 2011, 21:48
Dear Prim Minister. By insisting that you must know how a new administration will solve the problems that our country is facing after years under your administrations. You are sending a message that you want to know because you have no idea how to solve the problems that your administrations created.
You are the captain of the ship and the sailors on board the ship wants to know how you will be handling the difficulties that the ship is facing. But you as the captain, you are insisting that one of the sailors tells you what to do or how he will handle the situation if he were the captain.
If, as a captain of the ship you are confused, weak, tired of solving the problems. Then resign and let the ship or at the hands of the second in commend. Or if you don't have faith in the second in command. Let one of the most able sailors sail the ship save to port.
The most acute financial problem in a number of countries in the Eurozone without any doubt is the debt. During this morning PN Council the PM did not mentioned once this problem that our country is facing. Why? Because it is clear that GonziPN has no solution for this acute financial problem at the moment or it is not in the best interest of the PN to give a hint what the PM will do to solve the problem at the moment.
So for the good of the country the PM should resign at once. If the PM do not want to call an early election than he must call another member from his party to be the new PM. How about John Dalli?
It is clear that the country needs a new PM. A young and energetic PM like Joseph Muscat. Or some one like John Dalli or may be someone else. For it is crystal clear that GonziPartitNegattiv is a total failure.
Joseph Scerri
Nov 20th 2011, 21:06
Il-Prim Ministru jippretendi li jaghmel l'agenda hu x'jejdt Dr. Joseph Muscat. Imlebbleb biex ikun jaf x'ser jamghel il-Labour biex il-haddiem ma jitkasbarx kif qieghed jaghmel Gonzi pn. Dr.Muscat diga wera bil-fatti x'ser jaghmel. Irrifjuta iz-zieda u ghax qal li dawk il-flus ser jaghtihom lil min hu fil-bzonn il-gvern ma tahomlux. 2,000 euro fix-xahar zieda ghalih u ghall shabu mar-rifjuthomx. Ezatt bhal ma qedin jaghmlu gvernijiet ohra. Meta gonzi pn bassar il-maltemp li ma qalillniex kien li l'maltemp kien ghalina u ghall-uliedna u mhux ghalihom ghal-uliedhom
mark borg
Nov 20th 2011, 20:44
Quote from Dr Gonzi's speech : Dr Gonzi said to applause, had been able to weather the storm over the past year and he wished to thank all constituted bodies for what had been achieved so far.
LOL, you could say that again Dr Gonzi ,you weathered the storm pretty well ,especially with that 500 Euro weekly pay rise you gave yourself, served as an excellent cushion to ensure you and your buddies do not get too much effected by the swell .
A. Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 20:15
One question not 10 Dr. Gonzi, where are the 5000 jobs at Smart City ? That is one answer that hundreds of students wish to hear!
sergio darmanin
Nov 20th 2011, 20:09
The prim minister knows that he is in government leadership in malta?????
Christine Bajada
Nov 21st 2011, 01:33
Sure the PM knows that he is "in government leadership in malta" ... however, you seem to have forgotten that the opposition is led by Joseph Muscat
V Caruana
Nov 20th 2011, 20:08
X'għamilt int Prim nistgħu ngħidu bħal Malta Drydocks . Wara li l-PN falla u qata' qiesu li MDD tieħu r-ruħ u mlieha tilja telf li QATT ma setgħet tirkupra għalaqha u taha lil Polumbo. Issa għandna lil Air Malta. Tefa l-ballun f'saqajn il-ħaddiema. Tal-mistħija. U lest li jgħalaqa imma qabel jieħu dan il-pass irid iwettaq strateħija biex jara f'min iwaħħal. U kemm ġiet tiswa lil poplu Malti l-qalba tal-karozzi tal-linja? Kellek għalfejn tidħol int bħala l-qaddis protettur? Tal-mistħija jekk il-PL jimxi bħalek.
U rigward id-defecit budget wara budget dejjem mort żmerċ!
Le il-PL mhux se jwaqqaf il-poġetti kapitali. Issa jwaqqafhom ma tarax meta l-investiment privat nixef u wieqaf. Iżda ma jonfoqx xi €3m biex isir pont. Aħjar tonfoqhom biex twaqqa' u tibni mill-ġdid il-klinika tal-Furjana.
Il-permessi tal-Mepa la jkollhom joħorġu, iva jinħarġu malajr. Ma tafx li Smart City Waqaf minħabba l-Mepa ( skont AG) jew insejt x'qal? Mela waqt diskorsok ftakart f'Tal-Barrani u din Ħarbitlek. Istma lil dawk li kellek quddiemek aħjar. Anke Polombo gerger fuq dewmien tal permessi.
Skantajt kif il-fiera tal-PL Kwalita'Malta ma spiċċatx fil-mira tal-PN.
U grazzi Prim għax biex tgawdi mill-IT trid tibgħat lil mara taħdem.
A Cuschieri
Nov 20th 2011, 19:30
"The Labour Party said Dr Gonzi and his government had given up on trying to solve the problems they had created, and they were instead asking Dr Muscat for his solutions."
A person asks questions to someone who's better than him/her in order to learn from their advice. Joseph Muscat gave the wrong advice to Iceland and told the Government to take Cyprus as an example - and we all know what happened to these two countries.
As a Maltese citizen I sincerely hope that Joseph Muscat has a good answer to all the questions that Lawrence Gonzi put forward - and to add to it, I hope that the PL has justifications/plans/clarifications for their answers otherwise it will be a repeat of the 1996 election - with the difference that the public now knows what PL's promises mean ...
Peppi Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 19:28
PN have really lost it !! Ten questions !! Ha Ha Haj !! GonziPN should ask the ministers around him responsible for the issues in such questions to give him the answers - or maybe their well paid blue-eyed consultants.
Robert Calafato
Nov 20th 2011, 19:26
Politics is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen.
Winston Churchill
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/politics.html#ixzz1eGtHK700
Charles Massa
Nov 20th 2011, 19:24
Gonzi ma jafx isolvi l problemi li ghandu l pajjiz, allura irrid lil Dr Muscat isolvijomlu.
David Farrugia
Nov 20th 2011, 19:24
mela nesa li suppost fadallu sena u nofs fil gvern? jew qata qalbu?
joseph gellel
Nov 20th 2011, 19:17
ghal fuq kontra il hin tajjeb prim fuq tvm. mhux lil jm ghandek taghmel il mistoqsijiet imma lil poplu. mistoqsija wahda irripondini lili. jin nahdem dasq bal biex inzomm il familja u bilkemm naddu u ghandek 4 madwarrek sarru sinjuri kemm ilhom fuq is siggu tal poter. miskin min hu bhali.
Mr James Rizzo
Nov 20th 2011, 18:55
It-twegiba tas socjalisti u il wirja patetika taghhom waqt xarabank sfortunatament turi li mhumiex ippreparati ghal gvern. La jahsbu li jien deficenti bizzejjed ghal twegiba bhal din ta hawn fuq , ma nahisbx li ghada ghandi nahli hini nisma lill labour.
A. Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 20:05
Mela oqghod isma lil dak li ha l-500 euro fil-gimgha u jkollu lilhek quddiemu capcaplu!
Victor Calleja
Nov 20th 2011, 18:48
Sur prim ministru stenna sa l'elezzjoni hu pacenzja. Min hu dak il hmar li se jghidlek kif behsibu jmexxi il pajjiz meta jkun fil gvern?
irrispetta linteligenza ta kullhadd jekk jghogbok.
Ahjar tghidilna kemm behsibek tghamel taxxi int sa elezzjoni ohra. Issa drajnik it taxxi jigu max xghur u mhux mal budget.
lilly vella
Nov 20th 2011, 18:32
mike buongiorno!
Michael Magri
Nov 20th 2011, 18:24
"...Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this afternoon put 10 questions to Opposition leader Joseph Muscat and said the people expected clear and honest replied when he rises to deliver his two-hour reply to the Budget tomorrow..."
Dear Mr Prime Minister
This kind of childish political attitudes will only render you, your government and your party politicaly UNCAPABLE in all respects. You should know darn well by now that Dr. Joseph Muscat is not that kind of an `Easy Political Prey` my friend..
Just BE PATIENT... And rest assured that when the RIGHT time comes, Dr. Muscat and the Labour Party will present answers to not only those 10 silly questions, but strong and professional measures and solutions of HOW to seriously better the living standards of the Maltese and Gozitan FAMILIES alike.. Mainly by curbing down your pn governments` habbits of the squandering of tax-payers money and corruption ..
However, Dear Prime Minister, if you do not have such a `patience`, then all you have to do is to pluck up some courage and tomorrow call a general election and you will not only THEN, have your desired answers fulfilled but the whole Electoral Programme of the Labour Party..
How`s That For A Choice Mr. Prime Minister...!!!
Carmel Xuereb
Nov 20th 2011, 18:21
Issa sewwa wkoll tigi inti sur Gonzi u tiddetta x'ghandu xi jghid Jospeh Muscat ghada fir-risposta ghal Budget bazwi li ghamilt. Mela hekk imissu jaghmel Joseph jisma minnek u jghidli kollox halli jiftahlek ghajnejk mid-dlam li tinsab fih. Prosit hej fettex warrab minn hemm, ghajjat ELEZZJONI issa halli nehilsu minnek u minn shabek ghax lil Malta farraktuha u tallabtha.
A Dimech
Nov 20th 2011, 18:20
u issa mistoqsija numru sitta......... u issa mistoqsija numru tmienja...... u issa l'ahhar mistoqsija!!
kif spiccajna - qiesu li-Labour huwa fil-gvern u jried ikun accountable ta dak li qed jamel!!!
R. Gauci
Nov 20th 2011, 18:19
X'arroganza ta` Prim Ministru! Ahna wkoll staqsejna qabel l-ahhar elezzjoni jekk jinqala xi haga xorta jaghtix it-tnaqqis fit-taxxa li wieghed imma xorta baqa ghaddej, SERAQ l-elezzjoni b'dik il-weghda u bqajna b'xejn anzi gholla l-bolla minn fuq.
M.Dolores Vassallo
Nov 20th 2011, 18:10
Il PM taghna sab xoghol part timer bhala gurnalista jistaqsi l-mistoqsijiet. Hilu tliet snin Joseph jaghtik il Pariri tajbin u lanqas biss tikkalkulah issa trid tiehu l-pariri ghax risqa l'ellezjoni.
Joseph ibqa sosni dak li ghed u l-hidma thabbara meta tibda il-kampanja elettorali.
Carmel Zammit
Nov 20th 2011, 18:08
Having run out of solutions and with his back to the wall poor Dr. Gonzi wants to set the agenda for Dr. Muscat's speech. As Dr. Gonzi has suggested people are judging him by his deeds not by his words. His deeds speak disaster and failure.
As for MEPA may be Dr. Gonzi would enlighten us whether his government cared to wiat for all MEPA approvals for the power station extension? Actions speak louder than words.
Jeffrey Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 18:42
Actions speak louder than words indeed , and results even louder.
There’s no match for this government , unless tomorrow Dr Joseph Muscat comes up with a viable solution for lower utility rates ,that is.
Olaf Mc Kay
Nov 20th 2011, 18:03
... And one question goes to you Dr. Gonzi. Who is running the country ? come on show some leadership....
D. Xerri
Nov 20th 2011, 17:54
The Maltese citizens have more than 10 questions for you dear Prime minister !
Like where are the 5000 jobs at Smart City ?
How is it you and your colleagues get 500 Euro a week pay rise when allover Europe everyone is on austerity measures ?
Why do we need a new parliament when we already have one ?
We were taken away public holidays that occur on a weekend or a Sunday - it was a measure when done for 4 years - When will they be given back to all employees ?
How is it that Minister Austin Gatt made a Total Failure in our Transport System and he is still there fully backed by You ?
Will your GonziPN party still put billboards next election re-assuring everyone with Finanzi Fis-Sod ? or maybe the famous one Ghalina u Ghall-Uliedna which afterwards seemed more likely to mean Ghalikom u Ghall Uliedkom !
Well we have see everything from you Dr Gonzi EXCEPT your Par Idejn Sodi in very important decisions !
John Zammit
Nov 20th 2011, 17:46
Seeing the Prime Minister in the GonziPN general conference I tough of a program I use to watch named Fawlty Towers why not repeating the show at least every week Hearing the speech I kept looking at my calendar as I thought we were still in late 80s early 90s not in 2011 I want to ask Dr Gonzi why the person responsible for the frame up of P P Busutill was promoted to ass Commissionaire
Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina
Nov 20th 2011, 17:44
@ maħbub Sur Prim Ministru,
Prosit lill organizzaturi u kull minn kien responsabli ta' l-organizzazzjoni perfetta ta' dan l-istoriku kunsill Ġenerali 2011.
Imma l-akbar prositt tmur lejk bravu sur Prim Ministru Dr lawrence Gonzi, tad-diskors memorabli mimli sinċerita, rispet u tama lejn il-poplu Malti u Għawdxi.
Sur Prim Ministru, milli jidher id-diskors elaborat u minsuġ bl-akbar kapaċita tiegħek, ħawwadhom sew lill-Laboristi!
Għax is-soltu kor laborista li ta' kuljum ikanta l-istess għanja dedjanti, reġa il-lejla fetaħ ħanġra daqssiex ikanta dik l-għanja dedjanti ta' qried, tgergir, tinwieħ u krieb imqanżaħ minn kif spaċċajt id-diskors sabieħ tiegħek.
Mid-dehra diġa qatgħu qalbom li JM ikun kapaċi jirrispondi l-għaxar mistoqsijiet tiegħek, għax bdew ħerġien l-iskużi tal-biża!
Msieken, qed jibżgħu li jekk JM jirrispondi dawk il-mistoqsijiet ikun qed jikxef is-sigriet tal-partit, Gonzi jikkupjahom u jagħmilhom qablu, bil-prosit jieħdu Gonzi!
X' faqar ta' inteliġenza!
Dr Gonzi, ara ma jfettillekx tikkopja lill-JM, għax hemmhekk żgur iddalna fil-ħajt, bħal ma jiġrilna kieku Alla ħares qatt kellu jkolna gvern laborista!
U lill dan il-kor dedjanti ngħidilhom komplu kantaw din l-għanja ta' qried, tgergir,tinwieħ u krieb, ħalli l-Gonzi PN jkompli jżied fil-voti f'kull ġurnata!
Intom hija l-garanzija ta' 5 snin oħra ta' gvern ta' GONZI PN.
Poplu Malti u għawdxi ibqgħu ftakru l-passat ikraħ tal-gvernijiet Laboristi, ħalli lill dawn in-nies ma dafdhom qatt, u tgħix b'moħħok mistrieħ mal-par idejn sodi ta' Gonzi PN.
A Dimech
Nov 20th 2011, 18:14
grazzi Nenu.
Mr mario aquilina
Nov 20th 2011, 18:43
Itlob lil San Nikola ghal ghajnuna u ghal xi miraclu ghax elezzjoni ohra il partit tieghek se jispicca gallerija.
Il faqar ta l-inteligenza qeda f'nies blinkered bhalek.
Stephen Magri
Nov 20th 2011, 18:44
1. m hemm xejn perfett fid dinja
2. Laburisti mhux Laboristi
3. Mur kejjel ilsienek....tilaghqu sew il gelat siehbi
M.Dolores Vassallo
Nov 20th 2011, 18:52
Inmorru aktar gol hajt jonqosna siehbi mhux bizzejjed teghfana GonziPN, jekk int daqsekk fiducjuz sejhu elezzjoni bikrija, pero ahjar f'zmiena ghax ma jdum hemm akbar tikber it-tkaxkira li jrid jiehu l-PN.
A Dimech
Nov 20th 2011, 17:43
Saqsini ghaxra!!
M.Dolores Vassallo
Nov 20th 2011, 18:20
LIKE
Alan Brincat
Nov 20th 2011, 17:29
A politically immature reaction from the Labour Party!
They won't be winning any new votes with this primitive attitude.
Knowing what the opposotion's position is on such important issues is in our National Interest at the end of the day.
Especially considering that realistically it is the only alternative to the party in government.
The only thing that seems to have changed in the PL in the past 20 years is the face of its leader.
This is the same old mentality; i'm sure the electorate won't be voting blindly in the next election and
you won't be convincing us by your last minute election campaigns and promises Dr. Muscat.
Better the devil you know, than the one we don't...
David Magro
Nov 20th 2011, 18:16
What do expect Alan, that the PL gives its ideas to GonziPN....come on you must be joking, when time comes, before the elections Joseph will explain how the PL will act if people vote him in...remember the PN promised us many promises that he did not kept example, guanteed various workmen that their place would remain, free doctor for all, a reduction in income tax from 35% to 25%. Please remember what happened top the following sectors: SeaMalta, Enamalta gas distribution, BSWS, Water Services, Arriva...all disasters following intervention from GONZIPN and these were not mentioned in their electoral manifesto. So whay is Gonzi asking Joseph what is he going to do, Gonzi is in power and he should impliment his manifesto...sorry my friend but I believe that Joseph is not oblidged to tell Gonzi what is he going to do....by the way, did Lawrenec Gozi tell you that he was going that he was giving himself an increase of Euro500@week...this was not mentioned in GONZIPN manifesto!
Michael Magri
Nov 20th 2011, 18:52
Mr Brincat hi.. That PL reaction, for all those that have some salt in their heads, has a LOT of food for thought habib. It`s the right answer for Gonzi`s curiosity and impatience. Well then.. How about your `old` this and your `old` that has become very tedious and OLD fashioned by now..!!!
Alan Brincat
Nov 20th 2011, 23:45
Mr. Magri..food for thought? It doesn't seem like it takes much food to feed your thought then. Grow up!
This is not some secret kids game wer are playing here. Your country, your children and your own future is at stake here!
Everyone can promise this and promise that, but I find it hard to find them credible without a feasible plan before, let alone after.
All I want to know is how differently the PL would have handled these situations had it been in power;
to take an informed decision in the next election.
Alan Brincat
Nov 21st 2011, 00:12
Mr. Magro I agree that the promises made should have been kept, however consider that things have changed drastically due to unforseen circumstances since those promises were made.
Say you planned to buy a Ferrari next year and there is a risk of losing your job now because something you weren't expecting came up; would you rather still risk buying the Ferrari or wait a bit longer to buy it and ensure the wellbeing of your family first!
You think I wouldn't have been happier like you and all the rest of us with a 10% cut in the income tax I pay...
however it would have been irresponsible and too risky to do it now, have a look at whats happening around us- Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Spain... you should be proud that we are not facing a similar fate and embarassment, not to mention losing what we have been working so hard for and having to start from square one again!
Compare your current situation to the austerity measures people in Greece are facing- salary cuts , more taxes, less money for healthcare and education...
What would you rather chose?
J.C. Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 17:25
"The Labour Party said Dr Gonzi and his government had given up on trying to solve the problems they had created, and they were instead asking Dr Muscat for his solutions".
Yes, that is what examination papers do. They ask you questions for which they do not know the answers themselves.
U halluna, tghaddu z-zmien b'ta' madwarkom biss.
George Smith
Nov 20th 2011, 17:13
I thing the election campaign is all ready start it from Dr Gonzi. Why does he want answers to his questions because he does not have answers himself, so he wants suggestions so that he will have to change his tactics to challenge Dr. J.Muscat.
Christine Bajada
Nov 20th 2011, 17:29
If we were to listen to Muscat's suggestion last year, Malta's economy would flop, just like that of Cyprus (who he quoted over and over in last year's answer to the budget). Gonzi already gave results. He doesn't need suggestions for someone who didn't even understand the budget !! I believe Gonzi asked the questions to see how Muscat answers because PL are in a state of panic !!!!
D. Xerri
Nov 20th 2011, 17:56
Well Said ! After the festive season and by the start of 2012 we will be in Full Election Campaign !
Alfred Vassallo
Nov 20th 2011, 17:04
Issa hu pacenzja Gonz u stenna naqra...dalwaqt tkun taf tibzax...sena u nofs ohra, in the meantime komplu ghazzqu u stannew kif qieghdin taghmlu min fuq dar il poplu.
Noel Barry
Nov 20th 2011, 17:38
Nahseb il pacenzja intkom tliftuha ghax ilkom fl-oposizzjoni ghal 25 sena. Kemm infakkrek, forsi insejt, li Alfred Sant, biex jirbah il voti tal business, wieghed li jnehhi il VAT, u veru nehhijha. Imma wara dahhal jew ipprova jdahhal taxx ohra u ferm ghola u dahaq bikom il partitarji ghax ma tantx gfhamel zmien twil hemm. U issa dan hlief iwieghed mhux qed jghamel.
H. Meilak
Nov 20th 2011, 18:06
Ghala "hu pacenzja Gonz" Sur Vassallo?....anka jien nixtieq inkun naf x'ha jaghmel Muscat, u jien l-Alternattiva nappoggja.
A Cuschieri
Nov 20th 2011, 19:34
Jiehu pacenzja Gonzi meta l-PL ilu jokrob ghall-elezzjoni daz-zmien kollhu?
L-PL jokkrob ghall-elezzjoni ghaliex jahseb li l-poplu mhux jizen dak li jara. Minghalih li l-poplu ha jaqa fin-nassa li waqa fiha fin-1996 mil-PL ta dak iz-zmien li hafna minnhom ghadhom fil-PL llum.
r spiteri
Nov 20th 2011, 16:58
Labour are in a state of panic....In just 2 weeks, PN have gained the lost grounds.....time for Labour elves to spend more hours blogging.....Muscat said "the end justifies the means".....now answer question number 10 - you might wish to consult your ex RTK consultant for that
A Dimech
Nov 20th 2011, 17:02
everybody can ask questions - you don't need a big ability to do so!!
answers will come - but not whn Gonzi want them.
G Mangion
Nov 20th 2011, 18:38
A Dimech: Quote ( answers will come - but not whn Gonzi want them. )
J.M has a must to answer all 10 Questions dimech, But can he ? of course Not not even one !
what j.m is going to do is [ Iddur mal - Lewza u jahli il - hin fuq issues Passat ] Tomorrow Malta wants Answers from j.m .And that means he j,m know that people are not Idiots and cannot go on Misleading
Maltese People !! again answers will come - but not whn Gonzi want them, When then ??? on the election's
Eve Who is going to belief him ............ Who ?
G. Mangion.
Alexander Brincat
Nov 20th 2011, 16:55
Uneasy. Restless. Agitated. A picture of Gonzi.
Martin Camilleri
Nov 20th 2011, 16:52
Fil bidu tad-diskors tieghu , Gonzi qal li lanqas kien ghadu li ghadda il-honeymoon mill-elezzjoni 2008 li ma bediex gej l-inkwiet ekonomiku.
Allura ghalfejn ha iz-zjieda ta' 500euro fil-gimgha?
Nistenna twegiba
Rodnick Abdilla
Nov 20th 2011, 16:51
Intefa Gurnalist issa il primnistru . imma kif ma jisthix , il poplu Malti ilu isaqsik tant lilek Primnistru kif int had 500 euro u lilna tajtna 1.16 ? ilna insaqsuk tant meta ha trahas id dawl u lilma meta kelna garanzija li jekk iz zejt jinzel inqas mis 70 euro il barmil, u ta lahhar li tant thossok tajjeb u sihbek qal li il pn ser jerga ikun fil gvern ghall dawn l 20 sena li gejjien qed nghamlulek mistoqsija ghax ma tghamilx l elezzjoni ?
Rodnick Abdilla
Nov 20th 2011, 16:45
Ma ghandna xejn x naghmlu u kif ghidnilkom qabel flok naraw Fawlty Towers kif naghmlu s-soltu kull nhar ta hadd filghodu qed naraw il-kunsill general ital-PN. Hasra li ma jaghmluhx kull nhar ta hadd ghax fihom siegha nejk.
ALBERT FENECH
Nov 20th 2011, 16:42
Prime Ministers are expected to PROVIDE answers - particularly when they boast they have strong hands on the helm. They are not expected to turn to the Leader of the Opposition to ask him to provide answers. But then under this Government every type of "buzzulotta" has now become par for the course.
If Dr Gonzi really wants to know what the PL proposes, he should call an immediate General Election. That will surely provide the answers for him.
ALBERT FENECH
Qawra
Joseph Brincat
Nov 20th 2011, 16:33
GONZI WANTS JOSEPH MUSCAT TO > DIVERT > HIS BUDGET SPEECH
ON SOMETHING THAT GONZI DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO DO IT HIMSELF.
WELL , I SAY , I SAY , I SAY WHEN JOSEPH MUSCAT WILL BE IN POWER
AND YOU WILL BE IN THE OPPOSITION YOU WILL LEARN HOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alfred E. Zahra
Nov 20th 2011, 17:29
When Muscat is in power you will experience the answers and I can assure you you will rue the minute you gave him your vote.
Mr R Rizzo
Nov 21st 2011, 12:00
On what will JM be voted for? If Muscat will gain power it will only be because people like you who are LP diehards will vote for him regardless of what he says or does. LP never changes, just its name!
pat muscat
Nov 20th 2011, 16:32
These questions by Dr Gonzi risks making his government look inept and incompetent rather than bold.
Alfred Cassar
Nov 20th 2011, 18:23
'Inept and incompetent' will be the government in 18 months time if LP is elected and Joseph Muscat is PM. God help us
J Busuttil
Nov 20th 2011, 16:32
" The Labour Party said Dr Gonzi and his government had given up on trying to solve the problems they had created, and they were instead asking Dr Muscat for his solutions.
This, the Labour Party said, was a vote of confidence for the party".
The PL comment was cherry on the cake after hearing a formidable speech full of vision from our Prime Minister . But against my wishes I must say. Thanks PL for a good laugh.
Mr Peter Korsten
Nov 20th 2011, 16:09
How interesting. I've some questions for Dr Gonzi, too:
1) Why are you putting money into mega-projects whilst no improvements are made to the CAPACITY of the infrastructure?
2) How do justify a €26,000 pay rise for yourself and your ministers, based on your economic performance whereas it is painfully clear that your economic performance has been very much below par?
3) What are you going to do about the €6,000,000,000 debt owed by the government and various government-owned entities?
4) What are you going to do to reign in the deficit, after the letter from the EU informing you that their accountants come up with rather different figures than yours?
5) Why is it that people get appointed not based on merit, but rather on affiliation with your particular wing of the PN?
6) Why do you and the PN keeping harping about the PL and Joseph Muscat, instead of tackling the many issues that this country faces?
7) What are you going to do for the people who have trouble paying their bills?
Just a few questions, which I'm sure you'll have no trouble answering.
J.C. Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 16:33
Mr Korsten, wait untill tomorrow. If Joseph answers all Dr Gonzi's questions, I am sure Dr Gonzi will oblige.
Jeffrey Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 16:46
Instead of looking at the 'pay rise’ you should look at the FULL TIME ministers’ salary. Would you expect less than say €50,000 pa pay for a PM responsible for a budget of 2.2 Billion Euros?
In Maltese we call this ‘tahmil tas-snien” , peanuts. Any professional person would make the equivalent of Lm25,000 a year and live a peaceful life.
So cut the crap.
from your questions ,it looks like you don’t read the papers. You have one of the answers up here.
John Zammit
Nov 20th 2011, 17:26
@ Jeffrey Borg I fully agree that a Prime minister should have a decent wage even more than the figure you mentioned But the people have the right to know Besides that when you see the incompitance of theministers you keep wondering what are being paid for
Jeffrey Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 18:38
@ John Zammit , if you think that a politician is not competent to be a member of parliament don’t vote for him or her. If there is a good wage packet we can have good prospective professional parliamentarians to choose from.
People are overlooking the fact that now we have full time ministers, who are on the job 24/7 the whole year round.
Gone are the days when Mintoff spent a fortnight on a boat trip every summer, it just cannot be afforded in this day and age.
Everyone is strapped to that Blackberry and at the prime minister’s beck and call. It’s not easy !
Mr Peter Korsten
Nov 20th 2011, 21:17
@ J.C Borg
Why on earth would the leader of the opposition have to answer questions by the government? Last time I checked, it's the task of the opposition to challenge the government on their performance, not the other way around. I know that the government has painfully little to be proud of, but this is turning things upside down.
@ Jeffrey Borg
I'm quite happy for the prime minister to have a decent wage. Why I don't agree with is the justification they gave, and the surreptitiousness with which this increase was passed. And you also have to look at how many people have to pay for all these salaries. It's one thing to have the German chancellor earn over €200,000 with there being over 80 million Germans, and quite another for the Maltese PM to earn nearly €90,000 with only just over 400,000 Maltese.
With a simple search in Google you can find the income of any world leader, provided by a government web site. Not so in Malta. We're going to have a transparent parliament building to emphasise the transparency of Maltese politics, but apparently, this new policy has not percolated down to how the government informs the population.
P Micallef
Nov 20th 2011, 16:08
Dr Gonzi said. At the core of the PN's actions would be the phrase - 'judge us by what we do, not just by what we say.' This means that the PN cannot be trusted. We are being asked not to belive what they say. As if we did not know this. Remember the electoral promise to reduce income tax? We were gullible enough before the last election to believe them. We have been fooled once. We will not be fooled a second time. Come the next elections we will not trust you by what you say you will be doing if you win the next elelctions. Thanks PN for putting us on guard.
J. Schembri
Nov 20th 2011, 16:01
Facts speak louder than words , Gonzi was upbeat and brought results to the country and re-unified the party with this document.
As he said “Patti chiari amicizia lunga” . We know what to expect from the PN . Now we want to know why Joseph doesn’t want to give us his ‘surprise’ formula for cheaper service bills , he can save us from this burden and the electorate would surely be grateful.
After all if we reject Gonzi we will have Joseph by default. What are his proposals , and is he up to something with Government officials?
He has to answer to these relevant questions by tomorrow.
I’m out for a walk.
J.C. Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 16:31
@ j Schembri "What are his proposals " - Joseph keeps his proposals in his pocket untill after the election. But he never said what he has in the other pockets (taxes, job redundancies, stopping of certain projects etc.) to make up for the lost mioney from the utility bills.
A Dimech
Nov 20th 2011, 16:51
by tomnorrow? wow!!
Jeffrey Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 17:57
A Dimech, tomorrow Joseph will have two hours of TV public exposure from Parliament, we’ve become a demanding lot haven’t we?
Yes tomorrow we should see Joseph wiping the floor with GonziPN, shouldn’t we? He has the plans already how to reduce our utility bills. If he has the answers to most of the ten questions I will consider voting Labour.
GonziPN called his bluff , tomorrow is the best opportunity for the leader of the PL to rise for the occasion.
So by tomorrow we should see the Gozo Channel chairman resigning and Joseph showing Gonzi how to save €750,000,000 in the span of 5 years, without burdening the tax payer.
A Dimech
Nov 20th 2011, 18:12
Jeffrey - if the election is within 1.5 years then Muscat is not morrally obliged to explain in detail his manifesto.
But perhaps the election is nearer? So the main question is - when is the election? and Gonzi should answer that!!
so - we have one question - when is the election? when is the timeline by which PL should formulate and explain the full extent of its manifesto?
Mr Hans Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 15:50
One simple question to the highest ever paid PM
Who is running the country today? Is it you or the Leader of the Opposition?
If it's you, I expect answers from you. If it's the Leader of the Opposition, I expect answers from him.
Alex Falzon
Nov 20th 2011, 16:22
A stupid comment. The country is run by the PN... but the PL is claiming that he has the solutions for Malta's issues... we are awaiting a reply... the reply is important not for the PN itself but for us. The PN is keeping the storm at bay
Mr Hans Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 17:48
@ Alex Falzon
So you are expecting the PL to give solutions to the highest ever paid PM who's running the country. Very intelligent of you indeed!
mark borg
Nov 20th 2011, 15:47
Dr.Gonzi please stop using excuses based on the current world financial climate , true it is really bad, but one question to yourself and very important one: Is the huge deficit plus huge debts and a lot of wrong decisions over here in Malta,by yourself and your predecessor , helping in this current situation ? Also please refrain from competing us to some Greece or Italy, we have a total different case over here, as we are only as large as one city of these countries and thanks to the excellent job of our banks operating locally, that we are not in such a dire situation as Greece anyway. Finally the people in next exam would be judging yourself...as the sole responsible in this situation as your party has been governing for the past 2 decades...So also let us stop this blab la bla of what Dr Muscat would do ....You ar eright in this one, Dr Muscat would need to be some Midas to sort the mess you are leaving behind you...but one thing is certain YOU CANNOT BLAME HIM !!!!
Mr J Xerri
Nov 20th 2011, 15:33
"The Nationalist Party is trying to lay a trap for the Labour Party. But the PL has so far resisted the temptation to play along. It does not want to repeat what it did in the previous term, and give the PN the ammunition with which the Nationalists shot Labour down.
For months on end, perhaps since the time Joseph Muscat was elected PL leader soon after the 2008 election, the Nationalists have been trying to force the Labour Party to put its cards on the table in the hope that the PN will be able to pick up the Joker."
from an article "Only Labour can save PN" by Stephen Calleja (S Ind 21.8.2011). And surely Stephen Calleja is not a PL supporter.
Mr Michael Debono
Nov 20th 2011, 15:30
Gonzi referred to Peter Paul Busuttil because he said he was framed. But following his election as Prime minister has he found the culprit? does he not feel any responsibility for the horrendous murder of young Karen Grech when he embrased the P.N.. Sutely who perpetrated that massacre was a a P.N. sympathiser. Who knows how the P.N. sympathiser felt paricularly when young doctors refused to serve the people and revolted against the government and how they were encouraging them to revolt against the Maltese government. A promise by Dr. Cacia Zammit that was not kept. Gonzi in spite of such P.N. responsibility opted to becomea P.N. candidate. It encouraged young doctors not to serve the Government In spite of such responsibility Gonzi embrased the P.N. out of other parties.
While Gonzi referred to such events he cannot not be reminded of such crimes. It is so easy to do so,
C. Sammut
Nov 20th 2011, 15:29
No Prime Minister it is not your turn to ask questions, since it is you who is governing.
Joseph Calleja
Nov 20th 2011, 15:27
My dear Dr Gonzi, you do not expect me to believe you now after all these years in power. I grew up to read you and your intentions a long time ago. Now I am thinking of doing it my way and start ignoring you up to election date. Your sins of omission and commission are too abominal to forget. You certainly did good to Malta but now you look tired of ideas and sometimes you verge on the rediculous. People are not that gullible anymore. Whilst the Moodies are downgrading countries as regards economies, the electorate should be downgrading you to a lower division until such time you make amends for the sins and other misdemeanors commited by those around you. In the meantime the electorate should stop and reflect seriously on the corruption scandals which rose incessantly during your term in office. Definately you do not deserve another term in office.
Paul Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 15:26
Isn't it Ironic that at the PN's annual general council they discussed Dr Joseph Muscat and the PL, instead of concentrating on the developing future of the PN. The 10 questions as asked by the Prime Minister in this council will have no bearing on the outcome of the 2011 budget. But make no mistake , they will be answered after the general election. You can fool some people for sometime, but you will not fool them forever dear P.M.
DAVID D. PACE
Nov 20th 2011, 16:11
hahaha very funny Dr.gonzi. I'm confirming that you are scared of Muscat big time!
raymond scicluna
Nov 20th 2011, 15:23
Unfortunately Dr Gonzi, you forgot my biggest question, please do take note of it and question it to him at its proper time:Dr Muscat, you made a whole propoganda against the wage rise for the present ministers and my salary who form the cabinet. Once you are at the helm are you going to surrender that pay rise you and the newly appointed ministers and will it be for the entire 5 year term or just for the first or the last year? Thanks.
Steven Brockwell
Nov 20th 2011, 15:15
we all know that the PN government has dug a massive hole in our finance. all the PL has to do is just stop the digging. we would have made a bigger MOVE FORWARD , than this government has every made. in the past 23 years .controlling expenditure.
a PL ????????
NOT YET
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 20th 2011, 15:15
If he agrees to his Euro 500 per week from 2008 ti give to charity.
If he agrees to the half baked National Theatre.
If he agrees to the horroneous Valletta entrance.
If he agrees to soften the 35% income tax.
If he agrees to lower water and electricity bills.
If he agrees to lower the price for fuel.
If he agrees to lower the cost of gas.
If he agrees with the BWSC contract.
If he agrees to an early election next year.
and a thousand other questions.
john vella
Nov 20th 2011, 15:47
@ Lawrence Fench
And it is written (of course my interpretation)
The crowd asked him: 'which of these 10 is most important' and he answered: 'I give you a new one, Love your neighbor as yourself'. Of course meaning if you increases yourself 500 and counting at least give the rest 100. That is the problem.
JOE ZAHRA
Nov 20th 2011, 15:14
Theres only one quastion, Why did I only get one uero 16 cent a week ,and your lot got 600 euro,s a week. Before Dr Muscat is asked to answer , can we have an answer to the quastion above
Mario Grima
Nov 20th 2011, 15:07
This is good. The leader (or is he) is pitting questions to the opposition. Should'nt it be the other way round? As if the leader of the opposition is going to fall into this trap and waste his two hour speech on Gonzi's nonsense.
Antoine Attard
Nov 20th 2011, 15:04
I was listening to Gavin and Chris on One on my way to the PN General Cpouncil. Partit Nazzjonalista tiela u Partit Nazzjonalistsa niezla. I heard the PM concluding the General Council. Full of ideas: Job Creation, the Economy, Maternity leave, HIV, co-habitation ... All relevant issues. No match to the Partit Nazzjonalista without doubt.
DAVID D. PACE
Nov 20th 2011, 16:15
you are brainwashed Antoine or maybe you live in another planet. good for you.
D. A . Agius
Nov 20th 2011, 15:02
Well... there is a lot of scaremongering in this speech, helped a lot by the prospect of last minute announcement of electoral manifesto by Labour.
Referring with this extent to the past years which suit PN offends a group of people who are knowledgeable of the history before that, going back to 60's, 50's, 40's, 30's, 20's and even before that in the predecessors of the PN.
Both parties have a lot of skeletons in the cupboard. The false oath of Terinu in the 30's, the mass emigration from Malta in the 1950's and 60's, half-baked independence (though still an "achievement"), secret meetings to overthrow politicians and quite a few other major scandals throughout the years probably level the field. Add to that the death by parcel bomb of Karen Grech, a crime never resolved as well which was shameful from all aspects.
Labour, start publishing concrete plans. Claim the idea and set the date in stone when your manifesto with its proposals (together with way of enactment, deadlines and guarantees of engagement) was announced. Otherwise, you won't be elected.
The primary mover of society is fear of the unknown, not courage for a better future. Nationalists are clearly pressing that button and so far, your response is pathetic and old fashioned. A lot of people have brains nowadays. That applies to both parties.
Stop shoving BS in our faces. Please!
Thanks
Karl Consiglio
Nov 20th 2011, 14:56
I can imagine JM's response, "he will let us know after his party makes it to government" like Alfred Sant ezatt.
Mr R Rizzo
Nov 21st 2011, 10:33
tinsiex li ghal "gvern laborista" hemm 18 months cool off period fejn tinduna li prodott hazin u terga taghtih lura
Jean-Pierre Farrugia
Nov 20th 2011, 14:46
La f'mumenti daqshekk prekarji Maltin b'hila sabu kif jinvestu 300 miljun Ewro f'bonds tal-Gvern minbarra fiducja fl-istess Gvern dan ikompli jikkonvincini li pajjizna mghandux ghalfejn jibqa' jaghti kollox lil kulhadd. Dan l-universalizmu li l-partiti politici s'issa jaqblu mieghu jekk ma noqghodux attenti ghad nishtuh!
Jo Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 14:46
Just when we thought our PM had reached rock bottom, he somehow finds a way of digging a deeper hole for himself, his party and the government he partially represents. How ridiculous can he be? Dr Gonzi ought to know that he is being paid handsomely by the taxpayer (with a € 500 weekly bonus on top) to ANSWER questions, not to ask them.
With a mix of arrogance and desperation, he clutches at anything that floats by in an attempt to deviate public opinion from the mess he and his cabinet got us into. Look at the past, he says. Look at the future! Look at what’s happening in other countries! But for God’s sake, don’t look at our ugly present. Just take your €4.66 and shut up. But people are not as stupid as he thinks.
His latest ploy is to play 20 questions. Come on Gonzi! Even you can do better than that! And who was the genius who came up with those questions anyway? They are pathetic. Take the first one. Which policies is he referring to? The ones dictated by Brussels? Our financial targets are imposed by the EU. Our interest rates are set by the ECB. This administration and the previous PN governments will be remembered as the ones who sold Malta’s assets to the cheapest bidder! Airport, Mid-Med, Telemalta, Sea Malta, Drydocks, Lottery, the list is endless.
What exactly are you claiming you achieved Dr G? Our university is bursting at the seams with part-time students – anything as long as they don’t show up as unemployed. New jobs are mostly short term contracts with no long-term prospects, but the numbers look good. The only industry that is booming right now is crime, with drug dealing and armed robberies becoming a daily occurrence.
And yet, listening to Dr G addressing his flock you get the impression that everything’s perfect. Maybe it is, for some, but not for the rest of us. Fortunately, the clock is ticking.
Jurgen Farrugia
Nov 20th 2011, 14:42
It was a good speech and the PN should now implement what is in the document called l-Gheruq taghna" because it is what the people are expecting from a party in government. And I would like to remark that the PN were never against the maternity leave policy. The PN wanted that every contry in the EU should be the same,as it is not fair on Maltese industries that in Malta we pay the full Maternity leave and other countries pay only a fixed amount no matter how much you earn. The PN goverment wanted that everyone should be the same and pay the same across all member states. Altough in other countries mothers have 18 weeks maternity leave,the goverment only pays a fixed sum of money,no matter how much that mother earns per month. In Malta mothers get paid full wage for 16 weeks from their employer,and another extra 4 weeks which the government pays for,qith a fixed amount of 165 euros per week. I think this is fear enough on tax payers and on Maltese industries.
C Galea
Nov 20th 2011, 14:41
I believe that PL will reveal the proposals when it is the right time.
For sure that if the PL will reveal things they will be stolen by the PN.So why are you worried dr Gonzi do your homework and hope for the best,
As in regards how labour would reduce the deficit you can start by giving an example like most european countries have done recently by reducing their salaries .
Comprendi???
Andre' Mizzi
Nov 20th 2011, 14:40
Ghalfejn hafna minkhom imaqdru biss u mohkhom fil 500 euro zieda ? Kieku intom studjatu daqshom u komplejtu tistudjaw , kien ikolkhom hafna iktar milli kemm hadu huma !
mark borg
Nov 20th 2011, 15:52
Qed tara kemm int bravu !!!! Dawk suppost qedin hemm mhux biex iqaxxru lil min forsi miskin mohhu ma tahx biex jistudja,jew ic circustanzi ma ipermettewx li jistudja!!! Ftakar li finalment ghand dak li ma studjax imorru flahhar minuta jitkarbu ghal vot....Jigifieri darba ohra qabel tpacpac, jhekk jghogbok ifhem qis sewwa x se tghid.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! u jhekk int KUNTENT li qed jixxaalaw min fuq dahrek...ahna li nghoddu eluf kbar u kbar ZGUR ma ahniex !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Richard Galea
Nov 20th 2011, 14:36
I will as only one question to Dr. Joseph Muscat.......What would he like to have in his lunch-pack for school......
mark borg
Nov 20th 2011, 16:02
LOL, You are the one in desperate need to start attending school and not Dr.Muscat...As you struggle to complete, a decent sentence, let alone crack some petty joke !!!! You wish you could achieve a fragment of what Dr.Muscat achieved in his career (not even if you live a hundred lives).
joseph briffa
Nov 20th 2011, 14:34
Prosit int l ghejra tad dinja kollha , u il PN jista jserrah rasu li ghandu mill anqas 20 sena ohra fil gvern.
A Dimech
Nov 20th 2011, 14:33
Mohhu biex issaqsi il-mistoqsijiet.
Anthony Busuttil
Nov 20th 2011, 14:32
Joseph Muscat asked you many questions and you avoided to reply, same Dr Sant. Dr Muscat is not obliged to answer your questions. What about your answers to the power station? Parliament, loss of funds for Education and many others.
Joe Fenech
Nov 20th 2011, 14:30
Gonz, so you're expecting free advice for free? Ask your 'brilliant' personal advisor and the many 'experts' from you entourage!
frans camilleri
Nov 20th 2011, 14:30
dr.gonzi x'funzjoni ghandu il mobile? go tell it to the marines. that number one . number two , xi trid taghmel biex is swar jigu nodfa u sbieh? mur ghida lill hajbu. nahseb tnejn bizzejjed ghalissa
David Scicluna
Nov 20th 2011, 14:25
Resign Mr.Gonzi and you will have all the answers in due time. Joseph does not have to answer any questions since he is not in government. Do not worry, you will have all the economic answers in due time. Regarding the last three questions, the Maltese saying goes "Il-qah** milli jkollha ttik!!"
Mr R Rizzo
Nov 21st 2011, 10:00
Joseph doesn't have to answer because stupid people like you never question him. On the contrary PM Dr Gonzi asked Joseph for the benefit of all Maltese citizens, intelligent and goats alike. Labourites are so opressed and depressed watching One TV that they need a change.... and yet Melita Cable and GO already offer that choice, press that button and change channel morons!
Henry Mifsud
Nov 20th 2011, 14:24
Isn't it ironic that Dr. Gonzi is trying to put Dr. Muscat to test by asking him to answer only ten questions. My students would surely be pleased if I had to use the same yardstick with them!
The problem with this blessed country is, and GonziPN knows this very well, that people are so gullible that as he said, the take-up for government bonds this year was for €300 million. And in all probability the same gullible public would subscribe to take up the €80 million for the City Gate Project. Because one has to really be short-sighted to invest in such unknown territory. If this is being interpreted as a vote of confidence even bigger than the vote of confidence recently passed in Parliament, then our PM is really trying harder to insult our intelligence because his government's credibility has long been gone.
Quo Vadis Malta indeed?
J Busuttil
Nov 20th 2011, 14:22
To all PL Bloggers issa tkelmu especially j.brincat x'tahseb.
" Lastly, was it true that Dr Muscat had communicated by e-mail with heads of departments and other people in sensitive posts, effectively asking them to spy in the same way as he had asked an RTK journalists? "
Should Joseph Muscat resign like you are asking the Gozo Channel Chairman to do????
G. Ellul
Nov 20th 2011, 14:19
I'm sure Dr Gonzi would appreciate a reply to all these questions, which would provide him and his party with a plan for his next electoral program. I can hear Dr Joseph Muscat's reply to the sound of "Mica son stronzo.....!!!"
Liam Caruana
Nov 20th 2011, 14:08
Dan hu l-Gvern li pajjizi ohra qieghdin jghiru ghalih. Ghax mic-cokon taghna rnexxilna neghlbu kull sfida u kull maltemp li gie jhabbat go fina.
Joe Fenech
Nov 20th 2011, 14:41
I imagine you're being sarcastic...
Malta is simply ignored because it has absolutely no impact on the European or World economy. It is just a tiny rock for low class Brits to come an have a cheap package holiday, booze and take drugs!
Mario Grima
Nov 20th 2011, 15:03
Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha........tkunx redikola!!!!. Il-maltemp haduh dawk il-familji li riedu jkampaw biz-zieda mizera ta €1.16 fil gimgha waqt li il-prim u shabu hadu €500 fil-gimgha bla ma hadd kien jaf. Biex Dr. Gonzi jkun jaf kemm il-poplu jtih vot ta kunfidenza messu jaghmel elezzjoni bikrijja u malajr jiehu risposta.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 20th 2011, 15:11
@Liam.
Bhal dak li qallu il-maltemp mhux dejjem Gonzi gabghu.
S. Zammit
Nov 20th 2011, 15:42
@Mr.Fenech. Please do not insult the British tourist. How stupid can you be!
@Mr.L Fenech. I think you only watch Super One judging by your comment.
Both your comments lack sense.
Jonathan Caruana
Nov 20th 2011, 14:06
Dr Gonzi, you are no longer credible!! You should follow Berlusconi`s footsteps.You`ve endangered our country`s future with your mismanagement. 5 billion euros debt.How about that?
Joseph Camilleri
Nov 20th 2011, 14:26
....and so says Jonathan caruana and lejber.... Other countries says other wise, millions say other wise... Lejber and the football team supporters says so... Today there is media all around, satellite and cable tv so we all know whats happened unlike lejber who wanted one media to control peoples minds like it did during ots glorious days! Sorry mate, your young joseph muscat is incempetent not the prime minister... Re the debt, look around you, projects and development is going on all around you. Too bad you decide to blind your self and not enjoy the good which is going on around you.
Wilfred Camilleri
Nov 20th 2011, 14:31
5 billion euros debt and many billions more if Muscat is elected and lowers electricity rates!
G. Portelli
Nov 20th 2011, 15:12
Our country's future will be endangered if a man like Joseph is at the helm. He and those around him have no plan and no idea what to do in face of real problems. They have no solutions. This government has shown that he's capable. The rest just talk.
Joseph Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 14:05
One more question to you Dr Gonzi.
Is it true that you and your bella kumpanija and your friends and all the MP and so on are living
in a luxury style while most of the rest are struggling to pay for example the bills of water and electricity
Victor Vella
Nov 20th 2011, 14:46
Joseph can you mention one just one MP who is not living in luxury?
j brincat
Nov 20th 2011, 13:46
Dr Gonzi should have addressed the following question:
Why didn't I reduce the income tax bands from 35% to 25% (effective 1st budget after the election) since this was supposed to boost the economy by some € 40 million euro? Who can quantify the multiplier effect that this would have had on the economy?
(jb)
Mr Joe Micallef
Nov 20th 2011, 14:45
Let’s see,maybe because contrary to yourself he is responsible enough to take the flak for not implementing such a promise in the current grievous context ! But you wouldn't know what responsibility is!
Ivan M. Dingli
Nov 20th 2011, 16:38
A promise made on the eve of the 2008 elections was not kept because he is ' responsible enough to take the flak for not implementing such a promise'..... but he didn't take the same approach when it came to increasing the honoraria. Is this 'being responsible'? Or is it because such measure is only effecting the House of Parliament, aka The Untouchables?
A Dimech
Nov 20th 2011, 13:44
Gonzi is asking Joseph Muscat questions as if tomorrow there is an election.
In theory, Muscat has a year and a half to elaborate on things such as how he will reduce Electricity rates. The electoral manifesto has not yet been finished as the election is a year and a half from now - unless of course Gonzi is planning to go for a snap election?!!!
Muscat has time to answer these questions. Gonzi stop beating around the bush - you are the PM and you should deliver.
Wilfred Camilleri
Nov 20th 2011, 14:32
Muscat keeps hiding behind his "clear plans" mantra! If he has plans, he should ledt people know what they are so that they can debate and analyze them. But talk is cheap as the saying goes!
Victor Vella
Nov 20th 2011, 14:47
And he is delivering, otherwise we would have been in the news long ago as a failed economy.
Patrik Larsson
Nov 20th 2011, 15:05
Are you in actuality saying that a party that expects to be in power in 18 months does not need to pen their policies?
I tremble.
Noel Barry
Nov 20th 2011, 13:42
A great speech by a great leader. Will Joseph accept the challenge and answer those questions. I very much doubt it.
Mr John Borg
Nov 20th 2011, 14:22
Great leader my foot! He is not even capable of holding his party together!!
Mario Grech
Nov 20th 2011, 14:38
mela hsiebt li joseph ha jaqa ghal din in nassba ,tibzax meta jasal il mument ikun jaf dr gonzi,imma ghada w il hin biex nuru lil poplu fejn hu l ingann ta dal gvern fdal budget w fta qablu
Mr Michael Debono
Nov 20th 2011, 15:09
Dr Gonziwho is the prime minister. He ought to answer the same questions he has asked Dr. J. Muscat.
Why does he want answers to his questions bbecause he does not have answers himself, so he wants suggestions so that he will have to change his tactics to challenge Dr. J.Muscat. We remember what he anticipated before last elections and that notwithstanding he just got less than a couple of thousand votes. Though he is not credible he confirmed it because he ignored his promises and tried to find an answer to his muddled thinking and his failed promises and imposed heavy prices over the people daily water and electricity consumption. Does he himself pay such fees or has he given himself Euros 500 to compensate for the water and electricity fees. He does not mind profitting hundred of euros to fill his pockets and pay the increased W& E bills. He crucified the citizens while he secretly he filled his and his ministers etc with abundance of Euros. And what about the cost of living. Perhaps the shop owners he buys from do not charge him for the daily prices. So many points people are asking, for Gonzi to reply. But will he or he just evades or avoids an answer. He can see how easy to ask questions and how difficult he answers. Yes questions are easily put because he knows that it is difficult for him, repeat for him to answer them. He wishes Dr. J. Muscat to be trapped, but he will not saisfy Gonzi curiosity.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 20th 2011, 15:14
@Barry.
Gonzi has run out of ideas and wants to jump on Joseph's band wagon to take up his ideas.
S. Zammit
Nov 20th 2011, 15:20
Well Said Mr. Barry
Noel Barry
Nov 20th 2011, 17:44
Mr Borg our party is still together as we are still governing. It was your party who was not capable of governing for not even two whole years.
If joseph has the answers to the electricity bills, why doesnt he mention them and not let the Maltese suffer and pay more till when and if he wins the election. Is this how much he has the people at heart or is he playing the same game as alfred sant when we promised that he will abolish the vat. And we all know what happened after.
j brincat
Nov 20th 2011, 13:40
"MATERNITY LEAVE EXTENSION"
Wasn't the PN AGAINST before last Monday?
(jb)
Jurgen Farrugia
Nov 20th 2011, 14:34
The pn was not against Maternity leave, but was against that malta increase the maternity leave and pay it full contribution while other contries pay only a fixed ammount. Pn never said it was agaionst maternity leave if it was equal to every member of the EU.
Patrik Larsson
Nov 20th 2011, 15:05
No.
j brincat
Nov 20th 2011, 13:39
"What did Dr Muscat mean that a Labour governemnt would take courageous decisions on capital projects? Did he mean ignoring Mepa and acting like Lorry Sant had done?"
So Dr Gonzi has run out of ammunition and so wants us to recall ancient history. We are in Y2011. Hello! Time to wake up!
(jb)
Victor Vella
Nov 20th 2011, 14:48
U zguuuuuur but don't you know that history has a bad habit of repeating itself?
Neville Gafa'
Nov 20th 2011, 13:37
Sur Prim Ministru, l- Agenda l- Partit Laburista jaghmilha hu u mhux int. Kontra dak li jsir fill- PN, ghaliex l- Agenda jaghmilha haddiehor.
j brincat
Nov 20th 2011, 13:36
"How will you reduce debt without raising taxes?"
Every trickle counts. So he should have set an example and renounced the € 500 WEEKLY he gave to himself and those around him!
(jb)
Lina Caruana
Nov 20th 2011, 15:08
the trickle that counts must be part of a holistic rationale . Otherwise it will be just a trickle lost in an ocean of disjointed surface glitter without roots.