Gonzi has failed two tests - Muscat
Dr Muscat speaking this morning in Marsaxlokk.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi failed two democratic tests in this legislature, when he ignored the people's vote during the divorce referendum and when he failed to admit that he lost the majority in Parliament during Thursday 's no-confidence motion, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said this morning.
"He is acting like a politician of the past... he is trying to buy time," Dr Muscat told a packed hall at the Labour Party club in Marsaxlokk.
He stressed that the PL is in no hurry for a general election but, for every day that passed and Dr Gonzi did not call the election, there would be further instability.
Ultimately it was the families and businesses that were suffering due to this instability caused because Dr Gonzi was clinging onto power, he said.
He said that Dr Gonzi was allowing a clique of people to hold the county hostage by not doing the right thing and calling a general election.
When the Prime Minister went to Brussels for a meeting on the euro zone crisis, he was sure that the representatives of the other countries would be questioning whether Dr Gonzi had the power to implement important decisions, Dr Muscat said.
Dr Muscat said that by Tuesday the Prime Minister had to officially announce whether a general election will be held in March or whether there will only be the local council elections – when half the country would vote.
Dr Muscat said he had no doubt the Prime Minister would opt for the most irresponsible route and just have the local council elections. He accused the government of "playing with democracy" by dissolving the Sliema local council – that was due to have an election next year – so that it would look like the Nationalists did better in the local council elections.
Despite this the PL was ready for these elections, as well as a general election, he said adding: "bring them on".
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Anton Grech
Jan 30th, 22:26
Joseph Muscat, let us examine the "two failures" you have been babbling about.
In the first instance, it is not a failure for a PM to comply with the wish of the electorate. Dr. Gonzi acted honourably by promptly implementing the wish of the electorate while expressing his personal disagreement with the measure. There may come a time when he will be able to say, "I told you so" about the divorce issue. Who knows?
In the second instance it was you who failed – and miserably one might add. You devised a vote of no confidence in the government counting on Franco Debono's vote – and his blind ambition - to help you unseat the government. That buffoon jilted you and left you standing at the altar like the proverbial "always a bridesmaid, never the bride." Your vote of no confidence failed, and even though his vote was unnecessary, the Speaker hammered in the finishing nail.
Interestingly, you and Franco Debono appear to be cut from the same bolt of cloth. You are both blinded by unbridled ambition and exceptionally unqualified for the positions you so desperately covet.
Anton Grech
Jan 30th, 21:43
@Mr. Laiviera
Quoting you, “…any self-respecting Prime Minister who finds that at least 3/4 of his MPs have voted against him on an issue of major national importance would resign immediately.” You are dead wrong if the matter that you label as being “of national importance” was the Divorce Referendum. As important as that referendum was, it can hardly be considered as being of such importance that it requires resignation. It was a matter of personal philosophy. The electorate made their wishes known, and as PM, Dr. Gonzi secured the implementation of the electorate’s wishes even tough he disagreed. It matters not that members of his party voted differently. To his credit, recognizing that the divorce issue was a matter of personal belief, Dr.Gonzi knowing that many of his party’s deputies would vote in favour of divorce and that the motion would pass, voted according to his conscience. One can only imagine what you and others like you would have said had Dr. Gonzi voted for the motion – “Dak pinnur idur ma’ kull rih. Minghajr principji. Ivvota favur biex jingieb mal-poplu.” - “He’s like a weathervane that flutters with every breeze. He voted for the motion to curry favour with the electorate.” Dr. Gonzi saw through the trap that had been laid for him, “u bezqilkom fis-sumnnara.” You were outmanoeuvred. You can’t have it both ways – demanding his resignation whichever way he votes. Your duplicity is transparent.
G Sciberras
Jan 30th, 08:57
Dr Debono - 100 lode ( at school ) and zero ( in parliament ). better living a day like a lion than your life as a coward. Mintoff had the gutz to do it cos he is a leader.
Dr Gonzi - lost Divorce referendum in front of nation + parliament and now lost majority in parliament too.
John Scerri
Jan 30th, 08:36
Gonzi has failed two tests - Muscat....
Poor chap ..like his predecessors.......he cannot distingush between a draw, a win and a defeat.........
Dr. Muscat... you have not even started revision of your study and homework yet.... you did not finish it ...the electoral programme is still not completed after so many years sitting in opposition..and.....you are still asking your delegates for suggestions to include in your electoral programme which will be published who knows when...At this rate ...would it be worth voting MLP in power?
...Unfortunately ....losers always try to find the least excuse to justify their failure .
Fact :-...the no confidence motion ...failed to be approved ...punto e basta ...get it into your thick skulls.
Richard Caruana
Jan 30th, 07:23
"He is acting like a politician of the past..."
JM, you mean like your mentor Mintoff and Mr Zero KMB?
Remember that you have been co-opted into Parliament and haven't got a single vote to your name for this legislature. And you talk about democracy!
If this rush rush rush is the kind of 'management' you are proposing as a style of government than you're only kidding yourself; this country would have gone to the dogs had it been on the side of the MLP in its history.
C Briffa
Jan 30th, 06:59
Muscat l-ikbar test li kellu fuq L-eu fallih ghax kien hadem kontra li Malta tissieheb fl-EU.
Cornelius Murphy
Jan 29th, 23:02
Will someone please let Joseph Muscat know that the reason for the instability he seems to enjoy mentioning so much is that people are afraid that grinning blue-eyed boy and his pack of dinosaurs might suddenly find themselves leaders of Malta. The instability stems from the fact that Labour has no plan for the country, and not because of the possibility of an early election per sé. If investors and business people thought Joseph Muscat would make a good prime minister who would lead Malta to greater prosperity, the idea of elections would bring excitement and anticipation, not instability.
C Muscat
Jan 29th, 20:40
Ergajna koppi....ma nistghux naghzlu mexxej li ma jaghzaqx.
Joseph ghandek tkun taf u tammetti li int tlift in no confidence vote u ghandek tkun taf li meta ghamel confidence vote gonzi rebhu u ghandek tkun taf li skond il-kostituzzjoni il-PN hu l-gvern legittimu u jekk trid tmexxi stenna elezzjoni u ahdem biex tirbahha u mhux biex tghajjatha.
Kompli ghazaq..sew fuq id-divorzju minghalik li rbaht xi tigrija u ma indunajtx li hallewk tigri wahdek u gejt l-ewwel minn wiehed wahdu....
u erga ghidilna li l-MLP fil-1981 zbalja ghax messu beza u harba jigri u jahlli l-hallelin jisirqu l-poter.
C Muscat
Jan 29th, 20:39
Ergajna koppi....ma nistghux naghzlu mexxej li ma jaghzaqx.
Joseph ghandek tkun taf u tammetti li int tlift in no confidence vote u ghandek tkun taf li meta ghamel confidence vote gonzi rebhu u ghandek tkun taf li skond il-kostituzzjoni il-PN hu l-gvern legittimu u jekk trid tmexxi stenna elezzjoni u ahdem biex tirbahha u mhux biex tghajjatha.
Kompli ghazaq..sew fuq id-divorzju minghalik li rbaht xi tigrija u ma indunajtx li hallewk tigri wahdek u gejt l-ewwel minn wiehed wahdu....
u erga ghidilna li l-MLP fil-1981 zbalja ghax messu beza u harba jigri u jahlli l-hallelin jisirqu l-poter.
Roy Schembri
Jan 29th, 20:30
Does anyone have any idea of what Labour will do when elected ? Indeed do Labour themselves have any idea, because other than their outpourings in favour Divorce there's little else they have any policy on. What they going to do for the 'working person' and come to that, what have they done for the 'working person' over the last 80 years? Like all political parties they've just been a bit too busy feathering their own nests!
But perhaps they will negotiate a way out of Europe since they campaigned long enough to stop us entering (and as time is proving they were correct!). So we live in hope of them lowering taxes and fuel bills, scrapping VAT, sacking Arriva, ridding us of Ryanair, Brussels bureaucracy and escaping the euro. Be so good to get our own airline and buses back again! We all know none of that will ever happen, indeed the only change we'll see is a new man sporting a red instead of blue tie!
J Craig
Jan 29th, 20:28
Labour failed all tests from 1987 till today!!! Failures!
Schembri Ray
Jan 29th, 20:16
Dr Muscat
Daqxejn Disgustat
Għax il-Partit Laburista
Ma qalx meta jista
Jagħtina programm elettorali
Qabel l-elezzjoni ġenerali
Allura qed ngħix ħolma
Għax ma nafx x'fija l-borma
Jew nibqa ngħix kif jien
Għax Flimkien........
Julian Borg
Jan 29th, 19:36
lately I heard Dr Muscat talk about the Power of Incumbency. Incidentally I found the following example which apparently involves Dr Muscat.
Somehow the permit was granted before the expiry of the representations period.
PA00362/98 – applicant Joseph Muscat
Location of development: 52, Triq San Pawl Milqi, Burmarrad
Description of works: To demolish existing building and construction of a store at basement level, ground floor terraced house and swimming pool. First floor maisonette and overlying washrooms.
Reception date: 22/01/98
Validated: 22/01/98
Target date: 16/04/98
Representations expiry period: 02/03/98
DPA report recommending approval: 26/02/98
Approved by DCC: 27/02/98.
maria valent
Jan 29th, 18:44
Can anyone tell us what will happen to the PL if it loses another national election ? - "bring them on'.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jan 29th, 18:17
The divorce referendum was about the introduction of a bill. The result was respected by the prompt introduction of that bill. The referendum was not about the compulsory voting in favour of the divorce bill by any or all of the deputies in parliament.
Joseph Portelli
Jan 29th, 17:28
Kemm ma niflahx nisma lil Joseph Muscat u lil kull min jghid li Lawrence Gonzi "ignored the people's vote during the divorce referendum". Trid veru tkun ipokrita biex tghid hekk. Kif l-IVA rebah ir-referndum, Lawrence Gonzi MILL-EWWEL iddikjara li r-rieda tal-poplu se tkun rispettata. U l-ligi tad-divorzju ghaddiet sa qabel is-sajf: f'xahar u nofs ghaddiet il-ligi mill-parlament!!! Kellu dritt Lawrence Gonzi jibqa jghid le ghad-divorzju?? U zgur li kellu dritt basta tigi rispettata r-rieda tal-poplu. U hekk sar. Mela tigi tghidilna li Lawrence Gonzi "ignored the people's vote during the divorce referendum"!
J. Debono
Jan 29th, 18:58
Napuljun qal, 'aktar facli tirbah gwerra milli tikkonvinci injorant'
Ghandek ragun mija fil-mija, imma ghalxejn qieghed thambaq.
Jekk taqra xi ktibt ftit qabel jien, staqsejt 'rrid inkun naf fuq liema kriterji, Joseph Muscat jixtieq imexxi pajjiz'.
Aqra risposta li tawni, u ara tinfaqax tidhak, bis-superficjalita tal-kumment.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 22:10
It'snot what you say that counts - it's what you do. Gonzi said one thing and did another - he voted against the will of the people clearly expressed in a referendum.
The Divorce Bill only passed because about 3/4 of Gonzi's MPs voted against him. A self-respecting PM would have resigned immediately.
Gustav Svensson
Jan 29th, 17:25
Hehe I don't know what the biggest joke, the maltese house prices, the roads or the goverment?:)
george grech
Jan 29th, 22:35
ours are real houses.........and look like palaces compared to wooden sheds found in some countries.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 30th, 00:06
The biggest joke is Malta's house prices. Gonzi is a close second. The PN is the party of 'Money no problem!' Now the slogan has changed - 'Majority no problem!" There is little doubt that the PL will be handed a poison chalice at the next election - a country on the brink of economic disaster. Labour, of course, would be wrongly accused of mismanaging the economy. And I can already hear Nationalists protesting: "We told you so!" Time to introduce land rates and make the wealthy contribute to the economic well-being of the country especially in these hard times. It's time to penalise those who (a) leave properties empty and (b) leave properties to crumble. That opposite the Ghar id-Dud has been an eyesore for years! And right on the promenade. Great tourist attraction.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 30th, 08:53
Read 'poisoned chalice'.
Pat Hobson
Jan 29th, 16:56
The PL lost the motion and PN government lost its majority. As simple as that. So much so, that Gonzi is trying to reaffirm first his position within the PN itself, and if successful can try his luck again in parliament when the time comes for the budget implementation act comes up which is sometimes next month.
C Camilleri
Jan 29th, 18:32
Nicely put!
Saviour Aquilina
Jan 29th, 16:01
Are you saying that last vote in parlament you won it?
Carmel Zammit
Jan 29th, 16:32
Simple. The government has been striped bare of its majority. It has been shown that government and opposition hold equal seats. Notwithstanding Dr. Gonzi wants to cling on to power. He could not careless that he is putting our country to shame apart from risking our livelihood. Who cares about national stability and foreign perception with our European partners? After lamenting about the lack of talent in his cabinet he decides to cling on to power when as he himself declared rough times are approaching our shores. How about that for governance and democracy and loyalty to the oath of office?
mark borg
Jan 29th, 21:45
No he is not saying that...it's just that the referee scored for the government......which of course, is not valid....
A Trapani
Jan 29th, 23:12
Carmel... i choose to disagree with you, Joseph and LP.
The facts are: Franco Debono abstained on a vote of no confidence by LP. So he did not say that he had confidence but neither did he state that he does not have confidence in the PM.
Franco also knew well that with such an abstention, and according to our constitution, the LP motion will not go through. As a simple result, this means that there is still confidence in the government as the motion by LP failed.... I wonder why its so hard for some people to understand this simple result.
victor caruana
Jan 29th, 16:00
The President should not be allowed to be used by PN. He should not allow the election for the Sliema Council be held on the same date as the elections for the other Councils. No additional costs would be incurred if the Sliema Council is held separately (its marginal costs in the all Councils elections = total cost for election of Sliema Council only). So Mr. President protect our democracy and do not let anyone play use your office for his own advantage.
Anthony Fenech
Jan 29th, 16:20
Next time you will be PROPOSING that no penaltY goals should be added in a soccer match against your favorite team.Rules are rules and you lost.Maybe some other time
J.C. Borg
Jan 29th, 15:48
Hereunder we have lessons on democracy and on how Parliament woks, by Anton Grech and Michael Seychell respectively.
However all that Dr Muscat is interested in is becoming a Prime Minister. He does not have the patience to wait, but at the same time he says that the present PM is clinging to power. Min jitkellem hux.
Carmel Zammit
Jan 29th, 16:40
Whilst Dr. Muscat speaks about national interests people like you keep eyeing the post of Prime Minister. What a difference!! Whilst PN supporters are only interested in their immediate good, PL leaders speak about national interests. That said Gonzipn's claims about Joseph's ambition are only speculative and intended only to deviate attention from the real thorny issue. What we know for sure and this has now been proved, is that notwithstanding that Dr. Gonzi has lost his parliamentary majority, he wants to cling on to power. Far from considering national interests!!! I think you got your answer.
J.C. Borg
Jan 29th, 18:35
Mr Zammit "PN supporters are only interested in their immediate good" - actually PN supporters are interested in the immediate and FUTURE good for all Malta. PL has not offered any substance for the future of Malta except 'words, words and words'.
" Dr. Gonzi has lost his parliamentary majority," Dr Muscat has not acquired the majority neither. Who can assure you that things are to remian as they are in the immediate future???????
Roberta Sciberras
Jan 29th, 23:17
Correction Mr Zammit - it's not a thorn, it's a skalda... not that it makes the slightest difference of course. :)
Henry Mifsud
Jan 29th, 15:46
It is ironic that GonziPN supporters talk of democracy as if they are experts in the interpretation of things. Lest we forget that in 1981, even if the MLP did not obtain the majority of votes, it was given the mandate to govern because way back then the Constitution very specifically stipulated that whoever obtained the majority of Parliamentary seats, governed. If it wasn't the 'buon sens' of Duminku Mintoff and Guido Demarco in 1987, the PN would never have had the slightest chance to govern as if my memory serves me right, there was not one instance when they obtained the majority of parliamentary seats in an election since 1981. This does not mean that the changes to the Constitution were and are in dispute. On the contrary, everyone today agrees that the way it is now, though not perfect, is the closest to fairness we can get. But this brings me to a very valid point. If one party to govern needs the majority of votes cast in an election, isn't it ironic that we now have a situation where should one add the votes cast in favour of the PL and AD, these amount to more than what the PN obtained? So what does really count, number of votes or what? Hence stop quoting the Constitution when it pays and ignore it when convenient as it is not as perfect as you seem to think. The fact remains that GonziPN lost its majority of seats in the House and it needs to acknowledge this and address it sooner rather than later. The fact that the PL's motion of no confidence was unsuccessful does not diminish the fact that GonziPN does not enjoy majority of Parliamentary seats. And irrespective of how things will develop within the PN as a party, unless the issue of majority in the House is solved, GonziPN cannot continue to govern; morally, politically and Constitutionally.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 30th, 04:45
What matters in most countries is who gets a majority of seats. Claims about the 1981 MLP government being undemocratic are absolute rubbish and any constitutional lawyer who claims otherwise knows very little about legal constitutional history. This is the case with state and federal elections in Australia. No one goes about tinkering with a Constitution just because of that. It is simply political reality that when you divide a country into electorates, some electorates may have more voters than others. That's why some Constitutions stipulate that the difference in the number of voters between electorates should not exceed a given percentage. In any event the presence of an unelected Speaker who can vote (and save a government whatever its political complexion) is also 'undemocratic'. The trouble with some PN supporters is that they invoke the Constitution only when it suits them. So why be critical of 1981 when in reality GonziPN government was only 'saved' by an unelected Speaker? In Australia, a Constitution can only be changed by a majority of voters in a majority of states. I suggest Malta should empower the people and only the people to be able to change the Constitution. Perhaps a change to a Constitution should not take place unless 75% of the electorate votes in favour of it. You can bet your bottom dollar that under such a scenario both parties would start co-operating.
J. Debono
Jan 29th, 15:22
AND the question is.
What is your electoral programm, if an election is called?
You are pushing, pushing and pushing some more for an election, but what are you promising?
This we need to know! I can read articles, I know what Gonzi is doing, I don't need you to tell me.
What I want to know is your political views (except for the fact that you criticize everyone and everything, that is)
raymond scicluna
Jan 29th, 16:10
Dear Dr Debono you should start following One news every day at 1930hrs. The water and electricity bills will be slashed as low as 75% from his first day of his throne till the last day and that is quite a feat. Moreover i expect that the new theatre who will be inauguarating after heavy critics will either be stopped and left apart (cause he used to claim its much better to invest the money in health rather than a theatre without a roof!!) or completed but with a roof.Then he will give out all the money owned to car owners for unfair registration fee.Till Next april or so we will be inundated by numerous incentives for the popolin!!
J. Debono
Jan 29th, 17:04
@ Raymond Scicluna
Very good joke.
Now let's get serious.
I'm not an imbecile you know!!
I want SERIOUS propositions.
We have a global economic disaster, great countries are having enormous problems, this government is tackling the crisis as best as he he can, and till now has managed to avoid increase in taxes etc
and YOUR leader is proposing
1. an unrealistic decrease in water and electricity bills.
2. stopping the Valletta project (theatre)
3. giving out money for unfair registration car fee.
Are you really serious. Come on. This is politics, not a child's playground. We are grown-ups for God's sake!!! I want real, serious propositions.
Jay Aquilina
Jan 29th, 19:51
nista nkun naf minaghndek sur debono fil programm elettorali li jmiss ta gonzi x'fih? ma tafx hux? u zgur ghax one elezzjoni ghadha ma thabbritx u t tieni ghadu jghid u jahdem'sic'' fu
A. Schembri
Jan 29th, 20:26
@debono he made it clear he will unveil his program at the right time! when an election is declared he will make the program available to everyone.
He has a program and it is ready just tom make his words clear to youa again!
J. Pace
Jan 29th, 20:37
@raymond scicluna
...and you seriously believe that electricity will be reduced by 75%? Are you living in this planet or somewhere else? Do you have a functional mind with basic common sense that reducing electricity by 75% is impossible in the world disastrous economic climate?
Do you know that due to Iran embargo and war just round the corner, oil price is going to increase even further?
If JM surely reduces electricity, then it means tax will increase since from somewhere the costs of oil must be recouped from somewhere.
Grow Up!
Edward Borg
Jan 29th, 21:15
Prof Scicluna int bis serjeta????? Ara very tibilaw kull ma jgh is super 1. U jekk irahhas id dawl b 75% minfejn se jqibom ilflus????? u halluna nghixu LOL
Roberta Sciberras
Jan 29th, 23:10
Mr Debono - how surprising you do not realise that raymond scicluna belongs to your same party and he is simply being facetious and sarcastic. This is how myths and spin start - from banal answers that are taken as truth by people who consider themselves very well educated.
Honestly - you people never cease to amaze me.
Irene Forster
Jan 30th, 07:20
Dream on Mr. Scicluna. This will only happen if Dr. Muscat has a magic wand.
The thing is, that if one has to decide which party to vote for, one has to have an alternative programme to view its pros and cons and and we are still waiting for that electoral programme from the PL to then decide on what to do. Till now all I am hearing are empty words and promises and no concrete solutions to the global crisis going on around us. I sincerely hope that if PL are in power, they will have the good sense to continue to keep Malta on the right track, as good or bad the PN managed to keep and create more jobs , which to me is the backbone of society as without jobs, there will be no strong economy.
G. Curmi
Jan 29th, 15:16
Accidentally, I copied and pasted Mr. A. Grech's earlier contribution and posted it as my own. My apologies.
K.J. Sammut
Jan 29th, 15:14
Yesterday he was the underdog today he is sure of victory. This shows that Dr Muscat is all about appearance and nothing else. His appearance is also not very original as he tries to look like the winning team being the leader of the losers.
It is high time to feel confident of victory for your party Dr Muscat! 30 years is quite a long time. However I hope that you can offer the country some more important qualities other than the good looks!
Mr Joe Micallef
Jan 29th, 15:12
Joey you are a constant failure, with amongst other failures being your opposition to EU membership and the implementation of the EURO.
But beyond that indelible scar on your pathetic C.V. let's talk about the divorce referendum to determine who has really ignored the people's vote.
Part of the referendum question written by labour said
..filwaqt li jkun garantit manteniment adegwat u jkunu mharsa it tfal.
Has this been implemented in the law providing for divorce???? When push comes to shove the best children can obtain is sending the person responsible for payment of this maintenance money to prison.
Now who has ignored people?
Julian Borg
Jan 29th, 15:10
jghid li rebah.....meta tilef....xaffarijiet dawn ux
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 30th, 04:54
Tilef meta GonziPN kellu jiddependi fuq il-vot ta' l-iSpeaker, Speaker li mhux elett mill-poplu? Tilef meta membru ta' GonziPN astjena? Tilef meta GonziPN tilef il-magguranza? Tilef meta l-glied fil-partit hareg fil-berah? Tilef meta spekulazzjoni dwar l-elezzjoni kompla jikber? Tilef meta, kif tghid Mrs Slocombe ta' Are You Being Served fama, il-Prim Ministru jidher 'weak as water'? Tilef meta l-Prim Ministru hass il-bzonn li jsejjah elezzjoni fi hdan il-partit tieghu? Tilef meta l-mezzi tax-xandir ma waqfux jitkellmu dwar il-krizi fil-pajjiz? Tilef meta t-Times of Malta u Pullicino Orlando qed isejhu ghall-elezzjoni? Tilef meta Ministra bkiet? Tilef meta Arrigo qal li jhossu dizappuntat li baqa' fuq il-backbench? Tilef meta wiehed jgharbel il-kummenti ta' Mugliett? Veru, x'affarijiet dawn!
G. Curmi
Jan 29th, 15:04
It appears that Joseph Muscat is unfamiliar with the principles of democracy. A democratic state functions similarly to a corporation where the executive branch (the cabinet) functions as the executive board with the PM in the role of the company's CEO. The rest of the legislative assembly have the role of the company’s board of directors. The electorate have the role of the share holders (owners). The function of the share holders (electorate) is to express their requirements to the board of directors and the executive board. The function of the board of directors (legislature) is to provide advice and alternatives to the executive board on how to implement the requirements of the share holders (electorate). The function of the executive board (cabinet) is to execute (implement) the wishes of the share holders. As long as the CEO carries out the wishes of the share holders – even if he/she disagrees with them – there is no cause for concern. There is only cause for concern if the CEO refuses to execute the share holders’ directives.
In a democracy, every member is entitled to hold and express his/her personal opinion. In this case, Dr. Gonzi held a different personal point of view from the electorate. However, despite this difference of opinion, he acted honourably by ensuring that the wishes of the electorate as expressed in the divorce referendum were carried out, while at the same time expressing his disagreement. This is democracy at work.
Carmel camilleri
Jan 29th, 15:01
Joseph,you with Dr Sant claimed to have won the referendum when in fact you have lost it. What about that. At least Gonzi has not lost anything. You just failed to get the majority you so much desire.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 30th, 04:57
And what a great move that was for Malta? Just consider the euro. A stagnant proeprty market. Huge debts. Where does one stop?
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 29th, 14:50
“Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi failed two democratic tests in this legislature, when he ignored the people's vote during the divorce referendum”
Actually it is the other way round and Dear Joseph is once more showing us that for power he is ready to speak all the crap in the world. Dr.Gonzi was elected by the people and he is in parliament to represent those who elected him. In the referendum Malta was clearly divided and while PL decided that only those who voted YES deserved a voice in parliament (very undemocratic), PN and Dr.Gonzi accepted the will of the majority, but still stood their to represent those who voted NO in the same way you are in parliament to represent those who did not vote PN in the last election!! That is democracy Dr.Joseph Muscat and I am sorry to say that you have failed the TEST not Dr.Gonzi … miserably!! Go an say this crap in the EU and you’ll see you’ll have to wait an hour or two waiting for everyone to stop laughing before you can continue talking!! Unfortunately for us, the PL core can not see that PL, again, has failed the people of Malta by not offering a solid alternative to PN!! and this means that Malta once more risk to be governed by people who are lead by their own ambition rather then by their will to do good for the country!!
A. Tabone
Jan 29th, 14:48
Oh look, Joseph is now bluer than blue. And yet he still invites the Mintoffs for his council meetings. A case of two weights, two measures: Wearing the Mintoff mask with his faithful, and appearing sleek and modern with the rest of us.
And we're still waiting for policies.
Mr Mario Farrugia
Jan 29th, 14:45
Whom is Dr.Muscat is referring to as "politicians of the past"? Can he name a few or is he afraid they are still forming part of the PL? To reduce instability he should start outlining his policies for his government if elected, will they be in line with the current ones or too radical that will scare any new investment to our country? The past labour party policies have always created uncertainties as they were unclear, populistic, and slowed down real economic progress.
Wilfred Camilleri
Jan 29th, 14:42
Joe Muscat - Blah, blah, blah! Only your brainwashed followers believe your ongoing diatribe!
A Dimech
Jan 29th, 15:35
Wilfred - at least his party follows him, unlike Gonzi who has a party fragmented like hell!
Mr Anton Grech
Jan 29th, 14:42
It appears that Joseph Muscat is unfamiliar with the principles of democracy. A democratic state functions similarly to a corporation where the executive branch (the cabinet) functions as the executive board with the PM in the role of the company's CEO. The rest of the legislative assembly have the role of the company’s board of directors. The electorate have the role of the share holders (owners). The function of the share holders (electorate) is to express their requirements to the board of directors and the executive board. The function of the board of directors (legislature) is to provide advice and alternatives to the executive board on how to implement the requirements of the share holders (electorate). The function of the executive board (cabinet) is to execute (implement) the wishes of the share holders. As long as the CEO carries out the wishes of the share holders – even if he/she disagrees with them – there is no cause for concern. There is only cause for concern if the CEO refuses to execute the share holders’ directives.
In a democracy, every member is entitled to hold and express his/her personal opinion. In this case, Dr. Gonzi held a different personal point of view from the electorate. However, despite this difference of opinion, he acted honourably by ensuring that the wishes of the electorate as expressed in the divorce referendum were carried out, while at the same time expressing his disagreement. This is democracy at work.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 15:00
By your own analogy, the CEO (Gonzi) went directly against the wishes of the shareholders (the electorate) clearly expressed in a General Meeting (referendum) by voting to ditch the option they voted for. The fact that the option was carried because the majority of the Board (MPs) voted for it does not change anything. He voted against.
Analogies apart, any self-respecting Prime Minister who finds that at least 3/4 of his MPs have voted against him on an issue of major national importance would resign immediately. But Gonzi's lust for power is so extreme it seems he is ready to suffer any humiliation as long as he can keep on playing the PM.
John Zammit
Jan 29th, 14:28
What is true in Dr. Muscat speech is that all the EU leaders by now know's the position of the Prime Minister regarding his stability.The stability is not acquired from party delegates But from Parliament
Mr Joe Micallef
Jan 29th, 16:32
Putting Joey, EU and stability in the same short sentence requires cheek of gigantic proportions.
Michael Seychell
Jan 29th, 14:26
Dr. Muscat - You and your Party submitted to Parliament a Vote of No Confidence in the N. P. Government.
The rules whether a motion passes or not are known to one and all, and these are that the motion presented has to obtain one vote more than the number of votes obtained by the Government in Office. In this case the result was that out of 69 Members of Parliament, 34 Members voted for the motion you proposed and 34 Members voted against yor motion, whilst there was one Member who abstained.
This therefore means that your motion did not achieve the 50% + 1 of the votes, and therefore the only looser in this case is you and you Party.
To make it even worse, the Speaker decided to use his casting vote against the motion albeit there was no need for this, as even without the Speaker's vote the motion had already failed its purpose.
It is evident therefore that you are emulating Mintoff who in 1981 he declared that he will not govern unless he obtained the votes majority, but yet he did not keep his word. You also are emulating also Dr. Sant when in 2003 he insisted that the MLP had won the Referendum by counting even dead persons!.
P.S. Please note that I could not refer to the MLP as your Party, since you had Dropped the last but most important Letter "M" from the Party’s name which stood for Malta, a confirmation that for you our Country Malta is less important than the L.P.
This therefore means that your motion did not achieve the 50% + 1 of the votes, and therefore the only looser in this case is you and you Party.
To make it even worse, the Spaeker decided to use his casting vote against the motion albeit there was no need for this, as even without the Spaeker's vote the motion had already faied its purpose.
It is evident therefore that you are emulating Min toff who in 1981 he declared that he will not govern ynless he obtained the votes majority, and emulating also Dr. Sant when in 2003 he insisted that the MLP had won the Referendum.
P.S. Please note that I could not refer to the MLP as your Party, since you had Dropped the last but most imoportant Letter "M" which stood for Malta, a confirmation that for you our Country Malta is less important than the L.P. - your Party.
Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 15:03
Pure waffle u bżar fl-għajnejn.
The bottom line is that Lawrence Gonzo no longer has a consistent and reliable majority in the House. The is 100% more important than the reult of a one-off vote.
If he had even a shred of respect for democracy, he would ask for a fresh mandate immediately.
Tony Mangion
Jan 29th, 15:05
You seems to be as confused as in the way your comments have appeared on this blog, repeating words which were already written in your first paragraph. If Dr Gonzi feels that he can govern this country by the Speakers vote, let him have the pleasure of doing so. Joseph Muscat confirmed that he is in no hurry for an election, knowing that time is in his favour. Anyway, have you anything to say about Franco Debono's comments regarding the P.N. leadership?.
Victor Calleja
Jan 29th, 15:56
Paroli tas soltu Mr. Seychell. Ahjar tghidilna kif kont tahsibha meta kont fil GWU. U-turns kemm trid.
victor caruana
Jan 29th, 16:01
Your party is over.
Antoine Vella
Jan 29th, 14:21
Reminds me of a little jackal yapping at a lion's tail.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 15:07
If I were you, I would be very careful about mentioning lions. There is a saying that goes "Better one day as a lion than a hundred days as a sheep".
Gonzi has clearly chosen the "sheep" option - when Franco Debono says "Say Baaa", Gonzi asks "How loudly?".
Alfred Vassallo
Jan 29th, 17:23
Quote
'Reminds me of a little jackal yapping at a lion's tail'.
I thought Gonzi was more likened to a Hyena. A laughing Hyene that is.
Antoine Vella
Jan 29th, 18:00
Laiviera, that saying was invented by Mussolini and quoted by Joseph Muscat.
A Trapani
Jan 29th, 23:39
The return ofthe lions .... Fejnhuma l-iljuni tal bidla Twanny :) ?
Tony Agius
Jan 29th, 13:51
Dr. Muscat you did worse than that , because you lost the vote in parliament and you said that you won .
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 29th, 14:57
... he learnt from his master ... Dr.Sant ... but don't worry too much ... in 31 years time he and those around him will realise that in reality they where wrong!!
Victor Calleja
Jan 29th, 15:58
No he did not say he won he said Gonzi lost majority. Which by the way it is absolutely true.
A car with a puncture.
Angus Black
Jan 29th, 13:43
Playing the same record all the time will:
1. Damage the record.
2 Damage the player.
3 Show that it is the only record one has.
Change the record, Guz.
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 29th, 13:40
This tickles.