Stability in country’s best interest

Events of the last week were a clear culmination of years of disquiet within GonziPN. Disquiet that has marked this legislature almost from the very start.

Through all this I have led a responsible opposition, backing the government in matters where the national interest so demanded. Above all, we have stood on the side of the people who elect us because that is what democracy demands. The people vote for us and we have to respond to their needs. This basic tenet of democracy seems to be beyond the comprehension of GonziPN, which is proving to be an utter failure in this regard.

GonziPN has refused to listen to the people. A people that surely did nothing to merit inordinately sky-high utility bills, a heavy fuel oil power station and, least of all, internal shenanigans that have distracted Lawrence Gonzi from the job at hand.

We have developed further socially-responsible and economically-beneficial policies. We have been the advocates of the people in matters of education, health, energy and the environment. We have steered clear of political opportunism but all people of goodwill understand that we cannot allow our country to be steerless and rudderless, at the whim of those who are discontented with the leadership style of GonziPN.

Faced with these challenges, the Prime Minister has failed to calm the waters. He has, in fact, increased the disquiet, the uncertainty and, ultimately, the instability of the country.

The Prime Minister now has no choice but to call for a vote of confidence in Parliament. Whatever the result, the Prime Minister then has to follow the rules of democracy, which apply to us all.

I am making clear what the people of Malta are making clear. They want leadership that is clear and honest with them.

GonziPN is not above the rules of democracy. A government is given a mandate to govern if it enjoys a majority. No more,no less.

For the last three years, GonziPN has been rocked by internal dissent, all instances having one common feature: the very poor leadership and management style of this Prime Minister.

Despite the attempts to demonise, despite the attempts at character assassination,the truth will prevail. It is the leadership style of this Prime Minister that has characterised this legislature and is now threatening our stability, our future, as well as our well being and prosperity.

While the Prime Minister, in the words of his own supporters and advocates, procrastinates and tries to delay the inevitable, the opposition led by me will do all it can to lead our country out of this impasse and stalemate brought about by GonziPN.

If Dr Gonzi refuses to accept its responsibilities, we will have no option but to take the actions that need to be taken for democracy to be safeguarded.

We have the option of waiting for weeks for the vote on the implementation on the Budget. However, it is certainly not in this country’s best interest to be left hanging and left in abeyance in this very unseemly way.Our country deserves better. Our country deserves the best. Our country deserves leader-ship that faces challenges head on and provides remedies and solutions.

All this is happening at a time when Malta is not only facing domestic challenges but also international ones. This is the time when, above all other times, we should be entirely focused on making sure Malta is well equipped to face the challenges, to deal with them and to ensure everything is running smoothly with maximum stability.

This is the time to face responsibilities and respect the democratic process. This is the time to ensure the wheels of democracy are running smoothly.

If GonziPN continues to abdicate its responsibilities, I will ensure that the rules of our democracy are followed and enacted in this country’s best interest.