PN general council: Gonzi to seek secret vote
PN feels all 18-year-olds should vote, even if not yet listed on electoral register; Borg: Debono's motion 'good basis' for party funding law; Franco Debono absent from meeting
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said today that he was seeking a secret vote of confidence in his leadership of the Nationalist Party.
Concluding an extraordinary meeting of the PN General Council, Dr Gonzi said he was writing to the President of the PN council, seeking a secret vote in his leadership. The councillors, he said, would also be asked to state if they would rather have a new leader. Should that be the case, he would support a new leader unconditionally.
Dr Gonzi made his declaration at the end of an hour-long speech in which he never mentioned Franco Debono by name, but said that what happened on Thursday (when Dr Debono abstained in the no-confidence vote in parliament) meant that it was not business as usual for the government.
He said he was assuming responsibility for the decisions he had taken. In hindsight, some decisions could have been taken differently, he said. But undeniably, the government's policies had yielded results and the country was performing better than its neighbours.
Should he win the confidence vote, Dr Gonzi said, he would use all his energy to ensure that this government continued to serve until the end of this legislature, in the national interest. He would also work to ensure that the PN embraced all ideas and all those who wished to work within in.
At the opening of his speech Dr Gonzi recalled how six months ago he was invited to an activity for families who have children with special needs. At the time he met parents who have twins who suffer a very rare disability.
He was impressed by the courage and commitment of the parents, and their sacrifices. This morning, during the council meeting, he received an SMS from the mother of those twins who told him that she had gone through terrible times but the life of one of her twins had been saved.
This, Dr Gonzi was for him a vote of confidence and we was extremely pleased. (applause). For him, politics was a service, Dr Gonzi said, and this SMS was therefore extremely welcome. Without such service, there would be no value for politics.
Dr Gonzi said Malta was going through a challenging time, but this was a time to take courage so that the party and the country could attain their aims. This council meeting was convened after the PN executive discussed developments (on Franco Debono). The PN did not preach its rules, but also practised them. The situation demanded calm and serenity as decisions were taken in the national interest.
Dr Gonzi noted how Joseph Muscat was seeking an early election, claiming it would solve the country's problems. He firmly believed, Dr Gonzi said, that this was not the time for an election.
Not that the PN was scared of an election. It always played the democratic game and always respected the will of the people, even when its supporters suffered vindictive transfers, when its supporters were assaulted and shot at...(applause)
He had declared on Thursday in parliament that if the no-confidence vote was lost, he would immediately seek a general election. He had also said that an objective analysis of the situation showed how in current circumstances, Malta should not have an early election. One was sometimes tempted to get the election over with, he said, more so when Dr Muscat claimed he was the underdog.
But what was at stake were people's jobs and the economy as a whole. The economy was doing well, all considered. Malta's situation was far from that of, say Greece. Malta had not been forced to scale back social services, impose University fees or sack public sector workers. A political price was paid for the sacrifices and tough decisions taken in Malta, but that was far better than seeing the country humiliated like other countries were, Dr Gonzi said (applause). So why the panic, why the craving for power by the leader of the opposition, why was he fomenting instability?
True, the government did not achieve a majority of votes in Parliament last Thursday as a Nationalist MP abstained. But he abstained. He did not vote with the Opposition.
Dr Gonzi said he would not enter into the merits for this abstention.
Not everyone agreed with his own decisions, Dr Gonzi said. That was normal. He disagreed with the method and style how disagreement was expressed, but there was nothing wrong in expressing disagreement.
What had resulted on Thursday was that for the Opposition, the over-riding interest was not the national interest. Its lack of seriousness was shown how, in presenting its no-confidence motion it did not present its own alternatives. Joseph Muscat criticised the government, but did not give alternatives.
It also resulted on Thursday that the Opposition, on its own, was unable to topple the government, much as it wanted to (applause and cheers).
Yet the Opposition could not accept defeat and was claiming to have won. This recalled Labour's reaction to the outcome of the EU referendum. At the time, Labour also did not win enough votes, but it claimed to have won by stealing the votes of Nanna Olga (cheers). Labour had not changed. Muscat had succeeded Dr Sant but nothing had changed.
Labour claimed that the PN was clinging for the seat of power. The truth was that Labour was desperate for the seat of power, Dr Gonzi said.
He said that after the opposition no-confidence motion was defeated, he as prime minister had a duty to continue to govern was as long as he enjoyed confidence.
However, as he said on Sunday, there was need for clarity.
On Thursday, a government MP had abstained, and this created serious difficulties for the government and cast doubts on how the government could continue with its programme until the end of the term. One justly asked how this government could continue if this situation, and abstentions, persisted.
On Thursday, after the vote, he had said that the situation was not business as usual and he would refer the matter to the highest echelons of the PN to see if he had the full confidence of the PN.
Therefore, Dr Gonzi said, he was asking a fundamental question. Did he as prime minister deserve confidence to continue to govern for the remainder of the term? (standing ovation, shouts of approval).
Dr Gonzi recalled how on Thursday he explained how the government deserved the confidence of parliament and the people. The government, he said was achieving good results. But the storm was persisting and nothing could be guaranteed. But he had one thing in his favour - his record. And only he and the government held this record. Others just had words.
Malta was overcoming the economic challenges, slowly but surely thanks to the people, Dr Gonzi said. The government, he said, had taken tough decisions to safeguard jobs. It took decisions which workers considered to be unimportant, but they were vital for jobs, such as decisions on waste management, he said.
Dr Muscat said Dr Muscat had been 'indecent and scandalous' when prior to the no confidence debate, Labour also presented a guillotine motion to limit speaking time. That was a 'tear gas motion' akin to old Labour, he said.
INSULT
And to make a bad situation worse, after the no confidence motion was lost, Dr Muscat even compared this government to the Labour government of 1981. This, Dr Gonzi said, was an insult to democracy and the people who in 1981 were robbed of the government they had voted for. The present government, Dr Gonzi said, had the people's mandate to govern. In 1981, Labour did not, and it governed for a full five-year term, right down to the last Saturday. If Dr Muscat did not have the moral fibre to make this distinction, then this Opposition was worse than that of Alfred Sant and the others before it, because it was twisting history.
The present government would not spend a single day in power if it did not have confidence.
However Dr Muscat had to shoulder the consequences of his declarations. The 1981 government included Karmenu Vella, now writing the PL electoral programme. There were Joe Debono Grech, Alex Sceberras Trigona, Leo Brincat, George Vella, Alfred Sant, Marie-Louise Coleiro and others. If the1981 government was illegitimate, then Dr Muscat should be calling for those people to go.
APPEAL FOR UNITY
Dr Gonzi said he was appealing to all the members of the PN to be united in such difficult times. There could be many reasons, even justified reasons, to criticise his decisions. With hindsight, he realised that he could have acted differently in some instances.
He shouldered responsibility for his decisions, but despite everything, the government's policies and actions had yielded results and Malta had managed to remain competitive and attractive for investment.
Dr Gonzi said he remained open to all ideas so that the government and the PN remained inclusive. He remained open for all those who wished to work to be able to work within the government and the party, as long as they all rowed in the same direction. He remained open to ensure that the PN and the government represented all the colours of the rainbow. He remained open for all those who wished to contribute in the national interest.
Dr Gonzi said it was the Opposition which was fomenting instability. There would have been instability had there been the huge unemployment of other countries, with the workers having no chance of finding work; if public sector workers were sacked; if social benefits and pay were reduced or students had to pay for their education.
The government's policies, he said, yielded stability.
He regretted, Dr Gonzi said, that councillors had not been invited to speak in this meeting, and he was explain his reasons.
Dr Muscat was trying to make use of somebody else to achieve his aims and calling for an early election. But an election would be called only if there was no choice.
NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL
Dr Gonzi reiterated that the government was not business as usual after what happened on Thursday. He was shouldering his responsibilities (applause) and therefore in order to continue to lead he needed the PN to be fully behind him in the most clear and categorical manners (applause).
Dr Gonzi said he was not seeking only applause and would therefore subject his leadership to the scrutiny of the councillors. He was submitting a letter to the president of the council seeking a secret vote to confirm him as leader or to select a new leader, whom he would support unconditionally.
Should he be confirmed as leader, he would use all his energy for the government to continue to work up to the end of this legislature and he would open the party to all those who wished to work within it, Dr Gonzi said.
I am prepared to continue to serve, because I still believe that together, everything is possible, Dr Gonzi concluded.
EARLIER SPEECHES
10.56 a.m. Marthese Portelli, president of the PN executive said the PN was all embracing. It was the party of change and reform, a party which did not gag anyone. The PN always triumphed because it sought the common good. It was not a perfect party because it was a party which was alive (applause). She praised the prime minister for not shirking from challenges and for taking tough decisions. He was always ready to seek solutions for the best of the country.
Malta had its problems, she said but it had a lot of positives which overseas organisations had recognised. Little wonder, therefore, that the Opposition's no confidence motion did not come accompanied by reasons.
In the absence of a PL vision for the country, Dr Portelli said she could only comment on PN policies. She went on to praise PN government policies for women, education, health, the family and job creation. She pointed out how Labour in 1996 promised to retain student stipends, but then Evarist Bartolo converted them to loans. Now Mr Bartolo was being proposed as Labour's new education minister.
She urged all her listeners to set up their contribution to the party and the country.
10.35 a.m. PN General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier said this council meeting was a declaration of support for Lawrence Gonzi. In the wake of recent developments, the PN had to make a clear choice, "a choice between we and I, a choice between individual and common good."
He said Joseph Muscat was hungry for power. He lost the vote in parliament but arrogantly said he had won. The PN, he said, had to take a clear decision to consolidate and improve what it had achieved, rather than to demolish it.
Everybody knew what the PN stood for, he said. This was the time for a clear choice on leadership, between a careful and experienced prime minister and a leader of the opposition with no programme and no track record. Muscat was speaking of 'new era' but he was presenting a political desert, dry of any ideas. Yesterday, on Dissett, Dr Muscat said he selected his candidates on the basis of their views of the future. Yet he was not saying how his party viewed the future.
Dr Borg Olivier praised Dr Gonzi for having, through the various difficulties, never lost his focus on job creation. He praised him for his love for the country, for the confidence he always showed in its people, and for his humanity. His leadership, he said, was inspirational.
He urged one and all to do their duty for the party and the country.
10.21 - Foreign Minister Tonio Borg kicks off the list of speakers. He says Joseph Muscat went to parliament on Thursday hoping to emerge as prime minister, but he still emerged as Opposition leader (applause).
He said the PN had space for everyone, Different views strengthened it, but no one was bigger than the party and its vision, and all should be united behind its vision. The party should be united but not regimented. It should have many soldiers ut only one leader, only one prime minister (applause). Party leaders were appointed and removed through the democratic process within the party, and not beyond.
Dr Gonzi, he said had acted with prudence. He was flexible. He was open to ideas and proposals. But there could be no compromises on support for the government. Referring to Franco Debono's proposals, Dr Borg said the PN wanted party financing legislation and had mentioned it in the President's Address. It was ready to present such a Bill to parliament and the private member's motion (presented by Franco Debono) pending before the House could be a good basis for this legislation.
Dr Borg said the government had also, since 2008, wanted to bring about Constitutional change and it nominated a parliamentary select committee for this purpose. Much progress was made until May 2010 when the Opposition withdrew from the committee on a blatant excuse. However there could be a fresh effort involving everyone to bring about changes in the Constitution, the electoral laws and other laws to oversee the government.
For example, the government felt that all those who turned 18 should have the right to vote at a general election, even if they were not yet included in the last electoral register.
Dr Borg said the PN government's record in legislation on rights issues was second to none, and this was a process which would be continued. He then went on to list such legislation to grant more rights for redress from government decisions and to remove discrimination.
"We are a party which moves from one reform to another. Some even say we hurry too much and people are given no time to digest the reforms," Dr Borg said. He said the council should be kept up to date with developments. It had always triumphed through its crises because it always interpreted the wishes of the people, and that was what it would continue to do.
10.15 a.m. - The minutes of the last meeting are read. They include a declaration by Franco Debono at the last meeting that he would continue to work in the PN and his call for approval of election candidates. Councillors do not react.
10 a.m. The extraordinary meeting of the PN general council got underway this morning, with the councillors who are packing the hall at PN headquarters giving an enthusiastic welcome to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi as he entered the hall.
They also chanted Ghax Ghandna l-Gonzi Maghna Ahna Maghqudin.
He waved with both hands as he took his seat on the stage, flanked by council president Paula Mifsud Bonnici and PN General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici opened proceedings with a prayer. She recalled how the council was convened by the executive on January 11 in view of the unfolding political situation.
"This is a particular council meeting in particular circumstances for the party and a few days after Joseph Muscat lost his no confidence motion which had no motivation," she said. She said the events in parliament showed how the militants had the upper hand in the Labour Party and how Joseph Muscat's overriding interest was his hunger for power.
She said that over the past few days the people could compare Dr Muscat with Dr Gonzi. Dr Muscat had rushed and slipped in parliament, Dr Gonzi showed his exceptional experience by remaining focused, calm and determined while being ready to bow his head to the will of the people.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said the council's role was to ensure that the prime minister could continue to work in the interest of the country. The party, she said, was built on dialogue and it should consider how all the members would continue to support the policies of this party in government to create jobs, attract investment, maintain social benefits, invest in health, education and keep the country modern and up to date.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said the PN always faced its challenges and she was confident the PN as a whole would be able to back its policies and it would continue with its duty to continue to govern.
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pat muscat
Feb 8th, 15:22
Ergajna koppi! Pass 'l quddiem u erba lura. Nghadar lil dawk in-Nazzjonalisti li qed isiru skizzofrenici imhabba : 'I love you , I love you not' ta Franco Debono! Jekk l-istorja tibqa sejra hekk, se ikun misthoqq likom, medalja tal-qlubija, daqs kemm ilkom,jahasra, jghaddu iz-zmien bikhom, specjalment meta Dr Gonzi jghid serhu rashkom waqt li inthom tiehdu il-lumi ghal ugieh taz-zaqq!
Ivan Esposito
Jan 30th, 12:07
Unfortunately another U-turn by Dr. Gonzi. May I ask why did his party object to those thousands of 18 year olds who were not on the electoral register, as yet, to vote in the referendum 6 months ago?
Completely lost the plot. No wonder we have such large round-abouts in Malta!
Michael Magri
Jan 30th, 08:46
Dr. Lawrence Gonzi of GonziPN is playing musical chairs again... And this is how i see it coming.......!!
Number of nominees for Leadership of PN... ONE..
Other Contestants.... NONE..
Decision... Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, of GonziPN Confirmed as Party Leader and Prime Minister again...!!
Now... The Million dollar question... What is Dr. Franco Debono going to do now that everything turned back to SQUARE ONE as PLANNED.......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????
Dr. Gonzi... Come out of your political `POWER GREED` and call a general election A.S.A.P., as that is the ONLY solution to this `checkmate` of a parlamentary situation, not your silly `Home Games`..!! Yesterday, you Admited it yourself that you do NOT have a parlamentary majority, so Legally you ought to immediately go to the President and officialy inform him so too..
Mr Prime Minister please.. STOP WASTING PRECIOUS TIME FOR THIS COUNTRY, UNNECESSARILY...!!
Antoine Ferrito
Jan 30th, 07:14
Teatrini biss f' dan il-pajjiz.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 30th, 05:13
This man is simply following in the footsteps of Muscat. He says he is trying to open up his party, something Muscat did long ago. Has this Prime Minister anything new to offer the country?
Saviour Cachia
Jan 30th, 01:29
Update the identity card and there will be not need of any electoral register Is the electoral register bounding or not? If not what is all the hassle, once those over 18 can vote without being in the register vote. Does it mean, any Maltese can come to Malta to vote without residing here for the preceding six months? I think we need five more years before having another general elections, to really have everything in place. Come on take care of amendments in the electoral law and introduce the threshold. Not a mere 1,800 majority gives way to a dictatorship, Gonzi PN style,. Why was the relative majority introduce and in the same time throw away nearly 4,000 votes? All votes should count and rappresentation in Parliament be proportionate.
mario piscopo
Jan 29th, 20:50
...this farce is going too far now! If our PM really wants to seek confidence he must do that with all the people not just those within his party. Another clear situation of putting the party's need before that of the whole country!
albert pace
Jan 29th, 20:22
Will the persons challenging Gonzi receive the same treatment received by john dalli and louis galea. Who would dare challenge gonzi after what happened to these two person? Can you imagine how any challenger will be butchered by some PBS programme presenters.
Charles Massa
Jan 29th, 20:11
Ll akbar asset tal PL huwa Dr. Gonzi.
Edward Curmi
Jan 30th, 12:10
Nahseb L-akbar asset tal PN huwa Dr.Muscat ridt tghid..hafna weghdiet fierha imma ghadu ma spjegax jekk hux san zidu it taxxi jew id dejn biex nghamlu tajjeb!!..Hazin b'hazin nibqa kif jien !
pat muscat
Jan 29th, 18:10
Last Thursday he said there is no crises; today he wants a secret vote, tomorrow he will contest(again) the leadership !!!!!!' Kemm se ndumu b'dan ic-cirku? Krizi hawn u kif u ir-raguni hi l-istil tat-tmexxija dghjafa ta Dr Gonzi! Tkomplix twebbes rasek biex tkompli isserrah dawk li Dr Franco Debono (he needs no secret vote) sejjah 'evil net'!
carmelo buttigieg
Jan 29th, 17:54
Simply playing for time. From the time that an internal electoral commission is set to when the election for a new leader (or simply reconfirmation of the present leader) it may take up to two months. And until then, Malta will have a hung Parliament and instability will persists.
Joe Portelli
Jan 29th, 17:50
It is known as " Put Up or Shut Up " and is required because the responsibility to the running of a small nation are just as serious as if it was a large nation. A country's leader must have won the leader and then allowed to lead and not hampered by every bump on the journey. It is a brave move and perhaps other leaders could learn and establish if they have the right to claim the backing of their parties (now that Gaddafi is gone, perhaps they are free to decide for themselves and elect a great member from amongst themselves, waiting in the wings to replace the current actor).
Joe Busuttil
Jan 29th, 17:17
"never mentioned Franco Debono by name." Can't blame him. He must be having nightmares about Franco.
V Mercieca
Jan 29th, 16:49
To all PN delegates –
History is repeating itself and like Dr Sant did Dr Gonzi is calling on you to confirm him as leader.
Let history continue to repeat itself. Go and confirm Dr Gonzi as leader and I am sure that you will loose the election like Dr Sant lost the election then.
Now it is time to take the opportunity to choose a new leader, one who has given some proof of himself and that has the trust of the people, repeat the trust of the people and not the delegates as elections are won by the vote of the people not with the vote of the delegates.
Charles Sammut
Jan 29th, 17:29
@ V.Mercieca.... I've been saying this time and time again...gonzi must gogo away..and so too austin and also tonio f. These and other parasites within the gonzi clan are the dead weight which is sinking the PN vessel to the bottom of the opposition benches!
The PN needs a complete and serious reshuffle if it wants to stand a chance at the polls!!
Now that this hapless "leader" is asking for a secret ( let us hope it will be secret ) vote of confidence, it is the opportunity for the delegates to rid the PN of its inept prefix!
..and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on......
A Trapani
Jan 29th, 23:35
Its a matter of opinion ofcourse.
Joseph Borg
Jan 29th, 16:22
@ Marry Ann Borg
Skuzi nahseb lanqas int ma tafhom il fatti. Hawn hekk
din li ghadna kullhadd jitkellem bil passjoni u ghalhekk
ma naslu imkien. La jiena tajba qajla jinteressani mil ghajri mhux hekk.
L- aqwa li niftahru kemm ahna kristjani u demokratici wkoll
Carmel Zammit
Jan 29th, 16:22
Amazing how Dr. Gonzi could not as yet make the difference between party, parliament and government. He seeks to obtain what he lost in parliament from his party!!!! Can anyone understand this??
silvio loporto
Jan 29th, 16:10
Franco,I hope now you realise how stupid you have acted:
The first stupid thing you did was being talked into not voting for the motion.
You have now lost al your bargaining power
Whatever the outcome of a LEADERSHIP election,your only option is OUT.
You have been cheeckmated.
A. Mifsud
Jan 29th, 15:26
When it comes for substance the PN are on a completely different wavelength compared to the PL. They have their ways to come out of uneasy situations with a certain amount of ease to regain sympathy of the public opinion on matters that REALLY count. Irrespective of how many in here tend to disagree, Gonzi has shown true statesmanship - I'm afraid Muscat has yet much to learn, in this respect he's light years behind!
No matter how many will try to ridicule my post, when it comes to local politics, policies, and strategies (quite unfortunately I must say) there is only one party, and that is PN.
Ms.D. Galea
Jan 29th, 15:04
A secret vote? If that is not democracy I dont know what is.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 16:14
It is a smokescreen and bżar fl-għajnejn, that's what it is.
A Leadership election where the incumbent stays in place is a farce. The others will have no chance.,
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 18:13
Besides, this is nothing new. Votes for leaders and party officials are ALWAYS secret.
mario piscopo
Jan 29th, 20:46
the real democracy, would have been if he called an election and let the people decide!
A.M. Galea
Jan 31st, 13:24
Why don't you give some advice to Dr.Gonzi to adapt the same procedure in Parlament . I'm sure that there will be a big surprise awaiting for Dr.Lawrence Gonzi . Come on , make my day . Ms . Galea .
Saviour Fenech
Jan 29th, 14:58
It was the PN General council who elected Dr Lawrence Gonzi as party leader, therefore it the same General Council which either confirm or oust Dr Gonzi aas or from the Party leadership, consequently Prime Minister. All PL bloggers - its none of your business.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 18:23
Just look up the papers when the LP was choosing its new leader and see what the PN apologists said - they certainly felt they had right to comment.
And so do we.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 18:23
Just look up the papers when the LP was choosing its new leader and see what the PN apologists said - they certainly felt they had right to comment.
And so do we.
J. Mifsud
Jan 29th, 14:57
If the 1981 government was illegitimate, so is this government. Both governments did not poll the majority of votes, both governments were elected according to the Costitution. We all know, as the PN always remind us that in 1981 the PL had more seats and less votes, now the PN had less seats, and 1500 votes more than the PL, but more than a Quota, that is 3800 votes were totally ignored.
Now both AD and PL are asking for an election - the PN do not have a majority, like they did not have a majority when their raise in pay was discussed because AD was also aginst that raise in pay.
Manuel Camilleri
Jan 29th, 14:36
What a huge difference! JM gave a speech about his childhood and not one iota of policies; Dr. Gonzi, on the other hand, proved to be politically mature and a true statesman. By shouldering responsibility, he proved to be a great politician. It is from Gonzi that Muscat needs to learn, not from Mintoff.
J. Mifsud
Jan 29th, 15:01
How did he shoulder responsinlity? No one under this government shoulders responsiblity. In other countries Ministers shoulder responsibility by resigning and not by raising their salaries by 600euro weekly.
Anthony Lee Baldacchino
Jan 29th, 14:35
Jien ma nhobbx nikkumenta fuq il-blogs, imma illum ma nistax ma nghid xejn. Illum Gonzi ikkonferma haga ohra li kien Franco Debono, li Gonzi qed imur kullimkien barra fejn ghandu jmur, ghand il-PRESIDENT TA` Malta.
mark borg
Jan 29th, 14:33
@Liam Caruana
Il-Partit Laburista rebah l-elezzjoni ta 1981 bi tliett siggijiet u igverna skond il-kustituzzjoni li wara biddel huwwa stess ghax kien demokraticu,fill fatt b hekk telghu il-Pn fil-1987 ghax kien biddel il-kostituzzjoni l-mlp.,li kien rega gab 3 siggijiet aktar.
Dak il-gvern ta mlp igverna minghajr qatt ma tilef il maggoranza parlamentari...xi haga li ilPn ta illum mghandux.....Jhekk ma ghandex maggoranza fil-parlament mghandek xejn.
Jigiefieri tqabblux gvern ta mlp li kellhu dak iz zmien 3 siggijiet aktar ma ilpn tal lum li mghandux.......Nahseb li kienet vici versa fil 1981 ma kienx jigverna kieku il-pn e ? TICCAJTA wara 5 snin jordnaw dizubidjenza publica fosthom strikes u dimostrazzjonijiet u boycotts ,jhekk kiex ikollhom nofs ta cans kienux jigvernaw...fuq kollox dak l-ghageb li kienu ghamlu il-pn kienu tkaxkru fil-1987 u wara 16 il-sena shah ta labour fil gvern kul ma rebhu l-elezzjoni kien 4000 vot u 3 siggijiet anqas !
Mary Ann Borg
Jan 29th, 15:08
F'demokrazija, il-poplu xi jmur jaghmel jivvota f'elezzjoni? Ftakar li anke l-Egittu ta' Mubarak kienu ikollhom elezzjonijiet.
Fl' 1981 il-poplu Malti ivvota lil PN biex imexxih imma minflok mexxejtu intom tal-Lejber kontra r-rieda tal-maggoranza. U mexxejtu mhux ghal 5 snin ta' , imma ghal 5 snien u nofs ghax domtu biex ftahtu l-Parlament tlett xhur u hadtu il-massimu ta' 3 xhur ohra mix-xoljiment tal-Kamra sad-data tal-elezzjoni.
Totalment kuntrarju ghal ta' bhalissa, il-poplu rega vvota PN fl'2008 ghal 5 snien ohra u intom qed tippruvaw tqawwghu lil dan gvern. Tajjeb li jissemma wkoll li fl'1998 mhux in-Nazzjonalisti talbuh il-vot ta' fiducja, imma il-kap tal-partit tieghek stess.
Iktar ma int u nies bhalek tippruvaw tawgu il-verita tal-fatti kollha carissimi, iktar tikkonvincu lil min hu b'rasu fuq ghonqu biex jevita li jerga jkun hemm il-Lejber fil-gvern.
Ikollok taccetta li nhar il-Hamis Franco Debono ma takx ic-chance tmur ticcelebra l-Mile End, avolja kellkom kollox lest bhal stage u speakers enormi lesti got-trakkijiet hdejn id-dar tal-hgieg, b'gallarija gdida.
Joseph Grech Attard
Jan 29th, 14:31
The same farce has now been moved from parliament to GonziPN. We already had a similar episode when EFA wanted to resign! Now it's Gonzi's turn. Dear PM, you say that it is not business as usual. Why? Because you do not have a majority any more. So? We wait and see? You compare to other countries. Then do as other countries did. Either resign so that Debono goes back to the fold and majority is re-established or call a general election ASAP. All other ways are only there to have time to give out more favors, thus buying sympathy and votes.
Oliver Grech
Jan 29th, 14:29
Today Dr. Gonzi showed us all what a true statesman he is. What a democratic person he is and an excellent leader. Others have to simply look at him and learn.
Mary Ann Borg
Jan 29th, 15:11
Totally agree Mr Grech. The sad thing is that jeolousy makes others blind and instead of looking and learning, they increase the dose of outright lies to try belittle this great statesman,
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 18:15
How?
Lara Vella
Jan 29th, 14:18
ma tistax tkun 'business as usual' bla maggoranza warajk! dan x pajjiz hu b'parlament fejn m'hemmx maggoranza fil gvern?
ma dahalx fil merti tad decizjonijiet ta franco...ovvja ghax il fatt li hu mhux jimplimenta s-suggerimenti ta franco ma jaghmlux gieh lil PN!
Tonio Bone
Jan 29th, 14:08
Why a secret vote? Why should not people be made to show their feelings and sentiment?
fred fellon
Jan 29th, 14:00
And they called NIXON TRICKY DICKY, GONZI TOPS THEM ALL.
John Zammit
Jan 29th, 13:51
The Prime Minister by seeking a secret vote from the party delegates is not going to solve anything as Dr Sant failed also in 1998. The party grass roots will surly back him now though many wants to stab him as Caesar was by his close friends.All the prime Minister is doing is sending the country in Further Instability.Imagine your self taking a decision at Heads of Gov. level and all the Others now you are running a shaky Cabinet
john vella
Jan 29th, 13:36
Dr. Gonzi, Wow! if I had to give points to your speech I give it 99 out of 100.
That one point that you lost was because I felt if you really want ask for a 'Secret Vote' from the people, one should get it from the people not from those who are doing well in the inner club.
Victor Calleja
Jan 29th, 13:36
There were no councillors invited to talk on stage, contrary to the usual proceedings of the PN conference, instead seeing the PN's deputy leader Tonio Borg, secretary-general Paul Borg Olivier, and party executive president Marthese Bonello take the podium.
What a democratic party. Is he afraid that there will be another Franco?
S. Vella
Jan 29th, 15:09
The councillors will speak using their vote.
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Jan 29th, 13:31
Before entering id-'Dar Centrali' for the General Council, PN Councillors and PN's supporters at home were faced with GonziPN's Government that had no majority in Parliament and with our country in great instability. Many of the Councillors and Party supporters were hoping that, the PM during the General Council was going to inform all that GonziPN had again a majority in Parliament and thus our country gained once more the stability that it needs so much.
But after hours of rehtoric, artificial and propaganda speeches by the PM and others PN's high Officials as if we are during an election campaign. All the PN's Councillors left id-'Dar Centrali' and all PN's supporters at home and elsewhere still with GonziPN without a majority in Parliament and our country still in great instability.
GonziPartitNegattiv is losing the confidence of more and more voters as time is passing by while our country is suffering more because of the instability that GonziPartitNegattiv has been creating for the last years.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 13:25
@R Abela
"I see that the PN elves are out in force"
They have now morphed into 'The Charlatans' Brigade'!
(jb).
Fran Abela
Jan 29th, 13:58
So according to you only people criticising government are allowed to comment but if others comment against PL they are charlatans ! Well I suppose it takes on charlatan to recognise another.
Tommy Vella
Jan 29th, 13:24
PN giving a very much needed lesson to PL, what democracy is about.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 29th, 17:21
@Ymmot.
You got the wrong way round.
Antonia Vella
Jan 29th, 21:27
What about the divorce referendum and his vote in the parliament
Tommy Vella
Jan 30th, 08:51
@ Antonia Vella
If Dr. Gonzi was wrong in voting according to his conscience (in my opinion he was not wrong since the law was passed anyway and the electorate's intention was not thwarted) then Dr. F. Debono is very, very wrong in going against the voters who voted him in to support the PN programme when with his action he is thwarting their wishes.
Janice Sant
Jan 29th, 13:20
PM's move for allowing not only a reaffirmation of his position as PN's Party Leader but also for opening for one to contest his position truly expresses and challenges PL's sorry 'iggranfat mal-poter' tagline on billboards littering our streets - what a waste of time and money..... as short termed, expired as PL's non existent proposals.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 13:20
@Liam Caruana
"Il-Partit Laburista ghamel hames snin minghajr rieda tal-poplu! Hemm differenza bejn tastjeni u tivvota kontra"
And now GonziNM wants to grip to the seat of power even though he knows he lost the MAJORITY in Parliament!
(jb)
Note:NM = No Majority.
m borg
Jan 29th, 13:17
Please remain in power so when the time comes you will have a great downfall more than humpty dumpty did.
Max Portelli
Jan 29th, 13:17
The PL have no idea how to address the current situation. They are truly showing they don't know how a democracy works and how to play by the rules. Resorting to dirty politics is not only a choice they continuously and consistently make but also the only thing they clearly know how to do.
Changing the leader of PL and keeping the old remnants of the disgusting atrocities that was previously MLP is a poor attempt at convincing people that there has been change. Those who have fell for it can now clearly see that there has been no such thing.
The PM is exercsing democracy to ensure that he acts in the best interests of the country while the opposition is busy 'stroking their ego'. These accusations of dictatorship or democratic dictatorship is the cries of ignorance and desperation.
Today I have confirmed that Lawrence Gonzi has his feet firmly on the floor and knows exactly what he is doing. It is truly honorable when a PM has the guts to sacrifice his political agenda for the love of his country.
m borg
Jan 29th, 17:13
Seems you live in some blue planet mate.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 13:15
@Aaron Vella
"X'differenza min Joseph Muscat!"
Can you tell us how? AND remember comparisons are odious!
(jb)
Nadia Cassar
Jan 29th, 13:11
Lawrence Gozi kburi li mhux biss biddel lil pajjiz taghna imma kburi li biddel li PL ukoll!!!!
S. Cuschieri
Jan 29th, 13:09
A truly remarkable speech! I think that this decision to seek a vote of confidence shows a true democracy! Shows us all that he's not clinging to power as Dr. Joseph Muscat has pointed out. Dr. Gonzi has proof that our country has done well through difficult times and this is all thanks to a competent government and the hard work of all Maltese citizens!
j brincat
Jan 29th, 13:05
A mise en scene!
Now, we would see how many would come out in the open to contest him!
We wait and see and then talk about democratic credentials which Dr Franco said are missing in the PN!
(jb)
Mary Spiteri
Jan 29th, 13:03
this a democratic internal vote and not a confidence vote in PM.
pat muscat
Jan 29th, 12:58
Chamberlain was ousted during the onslaught of the war out when it became clear that his, was a weak leadership. Gonzi's nomenclatura, on the other hand, wants to sell us that the Spaniards, the Greeks and the Italians were all mad to change their non-performing governments! Indeed, in the case of Italy-Monti , its new leader is fixing and amending Berlusconi's fracas!
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 12:58
Lawrence Gonzi huwa Prim Ministru responsabbli li qal li hu lest li jerfa r-responsabbilita shiha ta dak kollu li sehh. Il-Prim Ministru ser jerga jikkontesta ghal-elezzjoni ghal Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista, li hija miftuha ghal kull min jixtieq jikkontesta.
Lawrence Gonzi wieghed il-lealta' tieghu jekk xi hadt iehor jigi elett Kap.
Dak hu l-ghaqal.
Dik hi ir-responsabbilita.
Nadia Cassar
Jan 29th, 12:57
Il-PM jghid li l-mira finali tieghu hi li jasal sa l-ahhar tal-legizlatura biex jkun jista jwettaq il-programm finali tieghu.
Terry Psaila
Jan 29th, 12:56
IL-MIRA HI LI NASLU SA L-AHHAR TAL-LEGISLATURA ... DAK GHANDU BZONN IL-PN. GRAZZI PRIM MINISTRU. DIN HI S-SERJETA'. MUSCAT QAS JAF FEJN TOQGHOD IS-SERJETA!!!
Terry Psaila
Jan 29th, 12:52
wara din l-instabbilita li hloqt Joseph Muscat lanqas jixraqlek QATT li tmexxi lill-pajjizna. ISTHI. Din kienet biss strategija biex tilhaq Prim MInistru, xejn aktar!!!!
Jeremy Magri
Jan 29th, 12:50
IL-PAJJIZ M'GHANDUX BZONN ELEZZJONI BIKRIJA ... DIK IRIDHA BISS MUSCAT BIEX ISIR PRIM MINISTRU
Charles Vella
Jan 29th, 12:49
To all Lejber papagalli, I would like to ask what are the plans of Joseph Muscat when he becomes Prime Minister?
Irahhas id dawl u ilma... kif?
What else? Cuz all I heard was that... buqq... the PL is accusing the PN that they grasp on power, excuse me, YOU should talk, the cheeck! ...the PL want's to govern without any plans, and with the 1981 regime still there!!
U mhux hekk!!! Over my dead body!
Govann Attard
Jan 29th, 12:49
Dr Gonzi. You still have the major problem unsolved - Franco Debono! What are you going to do? The party delegates do not vote in parliament but Frano sure does, so as I see it you are still in a status quo - no majority in parliament.
Liam Caruana
Jan 29th, 12:48
Gonzi wera li m'huwiex ggranfat mal-poter!
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 12:48
interesting times we live in.. Our PM has to carry the weight of responsibility of steering the country through difficult economic times, and has the courage to submit his approval to a secret vote. in the meantime Joseph Muscat is doing his best to trip him. So much for national interest.
Jeremy Magri
Jan 29th, 12:48
Instability was just an excuse by the LABOUR PARTY TO GAIN POWER. SHAME ON YOU!!! YOU SIMPLY DON'T CARE ABOUT THE GOOD OF THIS COUNTRY. SHAME ON YOU.
Janice Sant
Jan 29th, 12:47
I think the MLP got out their "iggranfat mas-siggu tal-poter" billboards a tad early this time.... and now its about time that they sit down and come up with a different verse/ tag line...
Mark Fenech
Jan 29th, 12:47
Gonzi - a true leader! Ready to give up his post if necessary...
I would like to see Muscat doing that... oh wait... he's too busy seeing to the building of the new balcony...perfecting the wave and all that!
Mary Spiteri
Jan 29th, 12:46
this is true democracy. Now who is clinging to power?
A. Schembri
Jan 29th, 13:04
Still gonzi...like he said a few days ago to joseph...a leader is accepted through an election not through a limited vote...HE HAS NO MAJORITY YET HE STAYS THERE !!
Victor Calleja
Jan 29th, 13:23
U min sejazzarda jikkontestah?
Victor Calleja
Jan 29th, 13:26
Li kien ragel kien jirrezenja u jerga jikkontesta
Frans Aguis
Jan 29th, 13:27
A secret vote that will confirm him as Leader.
I would say Dr Gonzi is clinging
Paul Micallef
Jan 29th, 13:31
YOUR BELOVED PN,I THINK YOU ARE ONE OF THE GRAVY LOVERS:
John Zammit
Jan 29th, 13:55
To introduce true democracy the PN should do as Labour had Done already and give at least the vote to all its members
J Busuttil
Jan 29th, 12:46
A Statesman speech. X'ma tivvutax PN.
John L Galea
Jan 29th, 13:28
Kif tista ma ccempilx?...lol
mark borg
Jan 29th, 14:34
LOLLLLLLLLLL Mela ghidlu jghajjata l-elezzjoni lil Lawrance hi, ha johrog ta ragel !
Joseph Grech Attard
Jan 29th, 14:55
Fejn hu li statesmanship? Mela Gonzi nesa li fl-1971 kien il-PN li sfaccatament ghamel ftit mid-distretti b'6 membri u ftit b'5 membri biex jipprova jisraq l-elezzjoni; u li ghalkemm l-MLP kien ghadda lil-PN b'aktar minn 6 elef vot, kienu biss 4 voti fuq I'd-distrett ta' Haz-Zebbug li taw ir-rebha lil MLP? Ghaliex nistaghgbu bl-MLP li, b'distretti kollha b'hames membri gara li gara? U ma jafx li kien fi zmien gvern Labutista li din l-anomalija giet irrangata? F'gieh is-sewwa, ejjew inkunu ftit onesti maghna nfusna u, jekk ha nsemmu l-passat, insemmu kollox! Mhux ahjar nitghalmu mill-passat flok nghixu fih? Nies daqsi niftakru sew is-60's u l-atrocitajiet li graw f'dawk iz-zminijiet. Izda ma jkunx ahjar ghal kulhadd li nippruvaw nghixu l-prezent?
Aaron Vella
Jan 29th, 12:44
X'differenza min Joseph Muscat!
Paul Portelli
Jan 29th, 12:52
ezatt aron xdifferenza.ghal poter il pm lest li jhalli il pajjiz bandla.
Victor Calleja
Jan 29th, 13:22
Iva wiehed onest u liehor inkullat mas siggu
John L Galea
Jan 29th, 13:29
U veru x'differenza. JM jghid il-fatti kif inhuma bla ebda tidwir u GonziPN ihawwad u jbazwar basta jibqa' mwahhal mal-poter. Ovvjament ma jonqsux l-attakki personali li huma trademark tal-PN.
J. Mifsud
Jan 29th, 15:05
Se jivvutaw il-membri kollha tal-PN - ghax fi zmien l-elezjoni ghal-leader tal-MLP il-PN hekk qal li kellu jsir.
Victor Vella
Jan 29th, 12:44
Gonzi tkomplix thawad l-imhuh. Il-maggoranza trid tkun fil-membri parlamentari u mhux mill-membri tal-partit nazzjonalista. Int ma kellekx il-hila izzomm il-membri tieghek fil-parlament maghqud. Gvern maghmul mhux fil-kolletiv izda min xibka ta` nies hziena bhala individwi ma jistawx jibqghu fil-gvern. Il-gvern huwa differenti mill-partit politiku li inti tittaprezenta. Il-lealta tieghek ghandha tkun lejn il-Parlament u lejn il-kostituzzjoni ta` Malta.X`taghmel int bejn erba` hitan f`tal-Pieta Ma jinteresanniex.
Alex Falzon
Jan 29th, 12:57
Debono stqarr illi ma jahdimx taht Gonzi - allura PM sew ghamel - jekk jinbidel il-kap ikun hemm maggoranza
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 13:03
you have a poor understanding of what's happening. the party in government has a mandate to govern for 5 years - this was obtained through last election which after all is part of a democratic process. Franco Debono has challenged the PM's leadership and the proper forum to verify whether Gonzi has the support of the party is within it's internal structures. This is democracy in operation.
Tommy Vella
Jan 29th, 13:36
Dik l-opinjoni tiegħek Vic.
Il-PN qed jgħallem lill-PL kif għandha tkun id-demokrazija.
Waħda u tajba takom dwar dawk il-MPu uffiċjali tal-partit tal-1981-87 li għadhom jimmiiltaw fil-PL. Issa għandhom il-kundanna tal-mexxej tagħhom innifsu.
Mr Mark Borh
Jan 29th, 14:40
Joseph Muscat qed ihawwad l-imhuh billi jghid illi l-pajjiz qieghed fi stat ta krizi!
Angus Black
Jan 29th, 14:55
Gonzi ma jistax ihawwad l-imhuh li diga imhawwda. Kull ma ghandu jaghmel hu li jhallihom fit-tahwid li diga ghandhom.
L-apologisti tal-Partit Laburista idoqqu d-diska ta Joseph u tal-Partit tellief taghhom. Il-Partit Nazzjonalista ilu fil-gvern 23 mill l-ahhar 25 sena b'nies kapaci li biddlu lill-Malta. Il-Partit Laburista ghadu l-istess bhal dak ta 30 sena ilu, tant hu hekk, li Joseph stieden l-antikalji ta dak iz-zmien biex jaghmlu parti mill- 'partit gdid u moderat'!
It-tahwid huwa il-principju tal-Partit Laburista. Minn dejjem u ghal dejjem, Amen.
Victor Vella
Jan 29th, 15:36
Ezatt sur Tom . Meta fit-80s Mintoff kien qed immexi skond il-kostituzzjoni u l-partit tal-PN qala` l-inkwiet ghax qal li Mintoff qed immexxi bis-siggijiet u biex bil-voti fejn tal-PN gabu iktar voti , kien ragel u taghkom ic-cans biex EFA jigverna u biddel il-kostitiuzjoni fejn minn iigib il- 50% +1 jigverna.Ezatt tal-PL jghallimkom id-demokrazzija. Illum Regim Gonzi PN qed immexxi gvern minghajr maggoranza assolutta. Ezatt gejna bhal 80s.+34-34-1=-1. Tliftu il-maggoranza sur Tommy. Dak iz-zmien meta` MLP kien politikament u kustituzionalment legigitimu, EFA qa li il-gvern huma illegitmu. Mela illum meta ghadna gvern minghajr il-maggoranza assoluta tal-voti x`jissejah? Gvern illegitiminu mimmli xquq u mdamwar minn marmarlja ta` nies hziena.Illum Malta has a dictator with the name Gonzi Lawrence steering an illegitimate government in the seas of corruption, lies, hypocrisy, evilness, and incompetency. Puff jaq what a dingy smell of drainage!!!!!!
Tommy Vella
Jan 29th, 18:17
Għandek il-wiċċ tqabbel dak iż-żmien mal-lum?
X'jiġifieri Mintoiff ta' ċ-ċans, mela r-regoli tad-demokrazija Mintoff jagħmilhom? Id-demokrazija tgħid li jiggverna min ikollu l-maġġoranza tal-voti u l-MLP bit-tħanżir tad-distretti ġab riżultat anti-demokratiku. Intom illum għadu kif kien hemm vot ta' sfiduċja, li ma għaddhiex, u tridu lil Dr. Gonzi jirriżenja u jagħmel elzzjoni minnufih, għax donnu li llum skoprejna l-Ispirtu tal-kostituzzjoni u mhux l-ittra tagħha, waqt li dak iż-żmien ma tajtux każ l-ispirtu u mxejtu mal-ittra u bqajtu tkarkru hemm sal-aħħar jum possibbli. Dik konsistenza.
Issa niġu għal din il-ġimgħa. Il-leader tagħkom qal li dak iż-żmien kien hemm deficit fid-demokrazija. Aktar minn nofs tużżana min-nies li għadhom imexxu l-partit bħalissa kellhom sehem minn dak id-deficit. X'se tagħmlu dwahom?
A Dimech
Jan 29th, 12:37
that facts are that PN does not have majority in Parliament.
If they continue to gowern in this way, they become equivalent to dictatorship.
Liam Caruana
Jan 29th, 12:46
Il-Partit Laburista ghamel hames snin minghajr rieda tal-poplu! Hemm differenza bejn tastjeni u tivvota kontra.
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 12:54
@Dimech.. a dictatorship? look up the meaning in a dictionary. i have never seen a dictatorship with free media.
A. Schembri
Jan 29th, 13:01
Liam dak iz zmien il konstituzzjoni kinet tipermetti ekk u nassugurak li il pn ekk kin lest li jaghmel fin 1976... U iva tridu taccettaw li l maggoranza tliftiha!! 34 mux 35 andu warajh!!
John L Galea
Jan 29th, 13:27
Dear Liam, check your facts before you speak. At that time that was the constitutional law which was then changed by the same Labour government.
Joe Calleja
Jan 29th, 14:14
PROSIT Sur Caruana, u tkomplux taħlu l-ħin ma' dawn ic-cwiec u pappagalli.
Michael Gatt
Jan 29th, 12:36
Il poplu ghatxan ghal bidla min gonzi pn ghal labour
Liam Caruana
Jan 29th, 12:47
Il-Labour ilhom sejrin b'din il-kantalina mil-1987 u l-poplu baqa juri l-fiducja fil-Partit Nazzjonalista.
Mark Casha
Jan 29th, 12:55
Il-poplu ghatxan ghas-soluzzjonijiet u l-holqien ta l-impjigi, li jistgha jiggaranthom biss il-partit nazzjonalista fil-gvern.
Tommy Vella
Jan 29th, 13:38
U mid-dehra bil-għatx ħa jibqa', jekk il-PL jibqa' jġib ruħu b'dan il-mod.
James Vella
Jan 29th, 14:01
If you are thirsty, have a glass of water my friend !!!!!!!!!!!!
Fran Abela
Jan 29th, 14:17
Tkellem ghalik Michael Gatt u ma min jaqbel mighek - ma tistax titkellem f'isem il poplu kollu.
Henry Mifsud
Jan 29th, 12:31
Tardare si, scappare no ....... and where was Dr. Franco Debono and how come no one made any mention to him?
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 12:54
perhaps he didn't have the courage to go there?
Mary Ann Borg
Jan 29th, 15:16
Kien qed jivvota mal-Lejber bhall ma ghamel nhar il-Hamis! Jew insomma, kif xtaqt u ttamajt imma li ma garax.
A Micallef
Jan 29th, 12:25
PN feels all 18-year-olds should vote,
why was this no applied (for no reason) in the Divorce vote?
why does the PN want this now?
Is it by any chance there are more 18 yr old PN followers at that time?
OR do I see a U-Turn?
--------------------------------
Can Gonzi stop mentioning 1981? he was governing in terms of Constitution, it doesn't mean that the Constitution was good. The same is happening now, PN are governing in terms of the constitution but yet again, it doesn't mean it is the right thing to do.
Joe Busuttil
Jan 29th, 13:20
There weren't any young people at the meeting ,much less any 18 year olds. And the initial prayer was to guide them whom to boo and whom to applaud. And who else besides Franco ,was absent.?, Maghqudin' my foot.
Richard Caruana
Jan 29th, 14:41
The PN proposed the 18 year old vote to all in 2008 irrespective of the last electoral register published; a special committe for the changes to the Constitution was formed to discuss this, among many other items. The PL left this committee in 2010 for its own reasons and things ground to a standstill. This amendment requires the two-thirds majority for it to happen, so it's the PL that has abandoned 18 year olds, not the PN
Mark Zammit
Jan 29th, 12:24
GONZI FOR LAJF <3
mark borg
Jan 29th, 14:36
LOL zommu for all your life lil gonzi ...ma tghantx se issib opozizzjoni min johodulek kieku ...ghax l-anqas ta gol parlament ma jriduh ...ta l-anqas 3 membri zgur ! u ohrajn jibzghu jifthu halqhom ghax kieku ....alla jaf kemm biss fir realta.
Albert Farrugia
Jan 29th, 12:24
What a gimmick! Anything to win time! Where was Franco Debono? Is he allowed to cast a vote?
Braden Sammut
Jan 29th, 12:47
Dr. Franco Debono is still part of the PN. This is democracy; he can too express his opinion unlike PL in 1998 when Mintoff was not given time to speak in parliament.
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 12:20
the PM is a true believer of democracy. he submits his approval to a secret vote and allows the possibility for other candidates to contest the leadership if necessary.
Carmel Xuereb
Jan 29th, 12:18
Ara meta jitkellem fuq l-elezzjoni tan-1981 u jghid li l-gvern dak iz-zmien kien illegittimu ara veru ma jafx x'qed jghid Dr. Gonzi. Fin-1981 il-Kostituzzjoni kienet tghid li min igib l-ikbar numru ta' depoutati eletti dak ghandu jigverna. Issa sa fejn naf jiena ( jekk Alla ma nehhielix il-memorja) il-PL kienu gabu l-akbar numru ta' deputati eletti u ghalhekk il-kostitiuzzjoni tathom id-dritt li jigvernaw, hekk kienet tghid il-Kostituzzjoni dak iz-zmien u hekk sar. Wara tbiddlet u kieku llum jerga jsir hekk (hekk rega sar fl-ahhar elezzjoni) il-PL ma jigvernax u jigverna min gab l-ikbar numru ta' voti fik gara ezatt fl-ahhar elezzjoni il-PN gab 31 siggu u l-Pl gab 34 siggu imma l-PL ma kellux il-maggoranaz tal-voti u ghalhekk il-PN ha 4 siggijiet biex jigu 35 bi 34 il-siggu fil-parlament. Dik hi l-verita u hekk ghandu jghid Dr. Gonzi jew lanqas din ma jaf. Ghandu ragun forsi nesa jew inkella dan xi zbal iehor li qed jghid u mbaghad jitlobna mahfra imma basta jkun qalha. Hallina Dr. Gonzi, u ghoqod hemm fil-poter kemm trid ghax iktar ma ddum fil-poter iktar jikber l-appogg ghal PL u Dr. Muscat itella gvern b'sahha kbira.
Charlie Mifsud
Jan 29th, 12:53
keep on dreaming carm
R. Cilia
Jan 29th, 13:37
Imissek drajt tisma gideb minn Dr.Gonzi Sur Xuereb.Il-poplu donnu bil-gideb jiehu pjacir, ghalhekk il-poplu ghandu gvern li jixraqlu!
Alex Falzon
Jan 29th, 12:17
Dak diskors ta PM serju
R. Balzan
Jan 29th, 12:46
Ha ha ha! You must be joking!
Victor Calleja
Jan 29th, 13:25
Ghaliex ghax jaf li hadd ma jazzarda jikkontestah?
Tommy Vella
Jan 29th, 13:39
@ Victor Calleja
Illum ta ċ-ċans lil kull min irid jikkontestah.
Richard Caruana
Jan 29th, 14:43
V Calleja:
Jekk inhu daqshekk tajjeb Franco Debono, ha jikkonstestah hu; ma qalx li jrid jilhaq PM? Mela issa ghandu c-cans, u naraw hekk hux biss paroli li ghandu
Jane Schembri
Jan 29th, 12:15
Il-Prim Ministru Lawrence Gonzi lest li jigi ggudikat fuq li jaghmel. Jpoggi lilu nnifsu ghall-iskrutinju.
Il-Kap tal-Oppozizzjoni Joseph Muscat mdawwar b'nies li l-poplu ggudikhom li ma kellhomx imexxu bejn 1981 u 1987, u issa qieghdin jiktbu l-manifest ghal futur ta' minghalijhom pajjizna.
Mary Spiteri
Jan 29th, 12:13
THIS IS A GREAT MAN ... WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU PRIME MINISTER
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 12:13
A true Prime Minister mentions that he needs the whole party behind him
John Zammit
Jan 29th, 14:16
You are right every Prime Minister needs to have at least those on his side behind him And possibly even the opposition as my times they do.But if the majority is lost you arte not going to bring it from the general Conference or from Party delegates
Mary Spiteri
Jan 29th, 12:08
L-instabbilita' tinholoq biss bil-loghob mahmug ta' Joseph Muscat ..... hadd ghandu ma hareg jipprotesta ghax spicca bla xoghol bhal Spanja!!! Imisskom tisthu tal-PL li ppruvajtu twaqqghu lill-Gvern f'mument daqshekk perikoluz
Nicholas Cassar
Jan 29th, 12:06
PL m'hu qed jipproponi xejn. Il-politika tal-Gvern qed taghti rizultati li qed ingawdu.
Ghandna edukazzjoni u sistema tas-sahha li nistghu niftahru biha. Il-qghad nizeln u qieghdin fil-process li nnaqqsu d-deficit.
Joseph Muscat x'qed jipproponi?
Nadia Cassar
Jan 29th, 13:09
Il-PM , Kap tal-PN, jghid illi hija l-juxjenza tieghu li tigwidah
Jennifer Ann Callus
Jan 29th, 12:06
In-nies ta' madwar Muscat: Debono Grech, Sant, Sciberras Trigona, Karmenu Vella, George Vella...kollha nies li qaghdu fil-poter ghal zmien twil kontra r-rieda tal-poplu.
Dawn kollha progressivi tal-1981-1987
Tommy Vella
Jan 29th, 12:06
Well done. A great speech from the heart of a great leader.
Putting things in their proper perspective.
Nadia Cassar
Jan 29th, 13:15
Gozin jghid illi l-bieb tal Partit Nazzjonalista dejjem miftuh berah ... hekk ghandu jkun .. Grazzi KAP.
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 12:04
Joseph Muscat's cabinet is made up of Joe Debono Grech, George Vella, Karmenu Vella, Marie Louise Coleiro, Leo Brincat u Alfred Sant... not exactly new is it! These are the same members of the PL government which in muscat's own words was discredited?
Patrick Sultana
Jan 29th, 12:01
Lejlet mozzjoni ta’ sfiducja...Muscat kien qed jitkellem fuq NANNTU...ghax l-unika raguni li jrid ikun Prim Ministru huwa biex jimpressjona lil familtu, u mhux biex jaghmel xi haga lil familji taghna.
J. Camilleri
Jan 29th, 11:57
Franco Debono, dawn donnhom ser joqodu idelkulek wiccek bil-krema... jew ipogulek ic-cirasa fuq imniehrek.
Mary Spiteri
Jan 29th, 11:54
it-track record tax-xoghol f'idejn il-PN qeghda .... l-iehor mohhu biss biex isir Prim Ministru.
R. Cilia
Jan 29th, 13:53
Anke r-rekord ta'dejn li ghandu l-pajjiz f'idejn il-PN qeghda,Mary hi!
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 11:53
Isn't it amazing that our PM is constantly speaking about job creation and and Joseph Muscat never says anything other than that he wants to become PM
Mr A Bonello
Jan 29th, 11:52
Dr Mifsud Bonnici opened proceedings with a prayer????????? very secular indeed!!!!!There are PN voters out there whom are not necessarily catholics!
Wheres the respect?
Nathan Young
Jan 29th, 14:07
It is not only catholics who pray.
Mark Casha
Jan 29th, 11:52
"This government's track record on the economy deserves confidence. Results speak for themselves. We are beating the economic challanges thanks to the people's contribution."- Prim Minister Lawrence Gonzi
Charles Micallef
Jan 29th, 11:46
PN feels all 18-year-olds should vote, even if not yet listed on electoral register .... a sign of a pending election and desperados in action!
R. Borg
Jan 29th, 11:44
If PN is not is afraid of early election and same as PL. than why not go for it now and settle the matter and may be PN will have 3 instead of 1 majiority and thus there will be more stability for the future. Please don't waste any more time. Less talk and more action.
Mary Spiteri
Jan 29th, 11:41
Vote JOSEPH get ALFRED!!! IDDISPRATI GHAS-SIGGU TAL-POTER
Braden Sammut
Jan 29th, 11:41
Insejna meta l-PL tilef ir-Referendum ghad-Dhul ta' Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropea u qal li l-Partnership rebah?! "Aktar ma l-affarijiet jinbidlu aktar jibqghu l-istess" - Evarist Bartolo
V Caruana
Jan 29th, 11:41
Il-kliem eżatt li qal il-PM mhux "shot at". il-prim qal "qatlulna". May I ask. Min qatel lil min. Qed nisma lil Dr. Gonzi. To keep his supporters alive He's totally anti-PL not pro-PN. Until now not convincing for floating voters. Keep it on Dr. Gonzi.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 29th, 11:40
Lawrence Gonzi and his klikka are as terrified of an election as a turkey is terrified of Christmas.
J Craig
Jan 29th, 11:39
the things is that everytime Labour loose they never admit it!!!partnership!!
Mary Spiteri
Jan 29th, 11:39
joseph muscat mahruq ghax ma sarx prim ministru ... dahal u hareg kap ta' l-oppozizzjoni
Kenneth Grima
Jan 29th, 11:38
So for the divorce referendum the 18 year olds not in the electoral register were left out WHY? beacause the majority were in favour so the PN didn't need them but now the PN wants them.
S. Vella
Jan 29th, 15:12
Two wrongs don't make a right. 18 year olds should have always been eligible to vote.
M.Dolores Vassallo
Jan 29th, 11:37
Kull min ikkummenta qal ghall l'interess tal-Pajjiz. Hekk jahseb il-Poplu, ghax jien aktar nahseb li l'interess ta butom. Bhal meta kien hemm il-frazi Ghall uliedna u ulied uliedna u l'ewwel wahda jien u l-familja konna emminna.
Mary Spiteri
Jan 29th, 11:33
l-instabbilita' f'mohh Joseph qeghda ghax irid ISIR PRIM MINISTRU MALAJR. Allahares ma kellniex il-PN fil-Gvern ghax kieku gravi daqs pajjizi ohra qeghdin.
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 11:33
Unemployment rate in Spain 22.58% vs unemployment rate in Malta 6.4% - ir-raba' l-inqas fl-EU!
R Abela
Jan 29th, 11:30
I see that the PN elves are out in force.
Fran Abela
Jan 29th, 14:34
That may be so but is it the prerogative of only the anti-PN to comment ?
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 11:28
The Prime Minister mentions that "I do not agree that it is in the country's best interest to go to an early election. Not because we are scared of elections.Unlike the Opposition we have always respected the rules of democracy."
Mark Casha
Jan 29th, 11:27
"Kiku Muscat rebah l-mozjoni kont nmur dritt ghand il-president"- Prim Minister Lawrence Gonzi
Marlene Mifsud
Jan 29th, 11:27
elezzjoni generali jridha biss il-PL ghax jahseb li hekk jaqibblu. ara veru miklubin ghas-siggijiet tal-gvern ta'!!
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 11:26
An election at this time is not the most important things. The PN always accepted the will of the electorate
Gayle Lynn Callus
Jan 29th, 11:25
We take our decision when voting as citizens on how PN and PL will bring more Jobs, better our economy, ensure a better living etc...
We know what PN is proposing or what it's striving for!...What PL's? A new face is surely not enough to get anyone's Vote!
Marlene Mifsud
Jan 29th, 11:24
ghall-istabbilita' mhux elezzjoni ghandna bzonn. Joseph you are looking at your interest only and not at what the families need
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 11:24
an early election will only serve to hurt the country. it's not in our interest to have one now.
Carl Grech
Jan 29th, 11:24
Elezzjoni kmieni mhiex fl-interess ta' ħadd
Nicholas Cassar
Jan 29th, 11:23
'Mument delikat jitlob ghaqal u serjeta`'. U Joseph Muscat jipprova jsir Prim Ministru b'kull mod possibbli, u b'anqas proposta wahda konkreta.
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 11:23
Prime Minister Gonzi states that the National Service towards the COuntry is the most important thing. What a difference then the Labour Leader who all is interested in is being the Youngest Prime Minister without any plans
Gayle Lynn Callus
Jan 29th, 11:22
"Il-gvern tagħna jemmen fl-istipendji, jemmen li l-isptipendi huma ta' għajnuna ghall-istudenti" - Marthese Portelli
The only party that can assure us that our stipend scheme will stay as is!!
Jeremy Magri
Jan 29th, 11:22
PL are all about PERSONAL INTEREST .... NOT THE COUNTRY'S INTEREST. We don't need that, for sure.
Braden Sammut
Jan 29th, 11:21
Il-politici ghandhom igibu l-interess nazzjonali qabel l-interess personali. Il-politika tfisser servizz u mhux tisserva.
Liam Caruana
Jan 29th, 11:20
Prim Ministru: Is-servizz lejn il-pajjiz qabel kull interess personali.
A. Schembri
Jan 29th, 12:57
Dan listess prim ministru li ha 500 fil gima minn wara dahar il poplu waqt li ahna qed nhallsu l oghola kontijiet??
Carl Grech
Jan 29th, 11:20
What a breath of fresh air for a Prime Minister to state in clear terms that it is the country and not personal interests that take priority
Jeremy Magri
Jan 29th, 11:20
is-servizz lejn il-pajjiz mhux lejn l-ambizzjoni personali - Lawrence Gonzi. Well said PM!!
R. Cilia
Jan 29th, 14:05
Mela qatt ma smajt lil Gonzi jghid " Iggudikawni mhux fuq li nghid imma fuq dak li naghmel" L-ewwel m"ghamel kif tela' fil-gvern ha 600 euro zieda Sur Magri u lilek tak 1.16 euro. Ifrah Sur Magri ! Nisthajlek l-anglu tal-festa!
M Grima
Jan 29th, 11:20
Kullhadd iccapcap, kullhadd ferhan li il-mozzjoni tal-Labour ma ghadditx biss sahha ta xi hadd li qaghlulu li huwa bicca deputat. Issa nirrangaw ma dak li dejjem jghid hafna u ma jaghmel xejn, nibdew inroxxu il-pjaciri (mhux drittijiet) u il-poplu nalljenawh. L-aqwa li nidru li ahna demokratici u mhux xi klikka tal-hazen, hekk jew hekk il-poplu malajr jinsa sa kemm inmorru ghal l-elezzjoni. U bil-haqq ' business as usual'.
IPOKRITI
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 11:20
@Joe Busuttil: i don't think that nationalist commentators are sure that Gonzi will win the next general election but that they are scared of Joseph Muscat and his inexistent policies. that's a big difference.
Liam Caruana
Jan 29th, 11:19
Il-Hamis li ghaddha kelli vot ta' sfiducja, u llum ghandi vot ta' fiducja minghand in-nies.
Nadia Cassar
Jan 29th, 13:01
IL-PM jghid illi qieghed fi hdan partit modern illi jghix b'principji demikrattici
Gayle Lynn Callus
Jan 29th, 11:18
"Il-gvern tagħna jemmen fl-istipendji, jemmen li l-isptipendi huma ta' għajnuna ghall-istudenti" - Marthese Portelli
The Only Party that can guarantee that our stipends scheme will stay as is and NOT as a loan.
Victor Calleja
Jan 29th, 13:30
U min kien li ghamel listipendi lil studenti universitarji? Il pn?
Jeremy Magri
Jan 29th, 11:16
ghall-edukazzjoni u x-xoghol lil PN irridu ... PL ma nafux fejn se jitfaghna
lilly vella
Jan 29th, 11:16
hela ta hin , laghqa li fiha juri kemm mit tbezbiza ta bicca deputat ma taghalmu xejn.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 11:15
"For example, the government felt that all those who turned 18 should have the right to vote at a general election"
And then they did not agree to the PL's proposal that 16 year old vote in Local Council elections.
As always two weights but two diametrically opposite measures!
(jb)
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 11:14
we have a choice between the PN with an excellent track record in jobs, economy .. and the PL with not a single policy.
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 11:14
we have a choice between the PN with an excellent track record in jobs, economy .. and the PL with not a single policy.
J Craig
Jan 29th, 11:14
PN is the party of the present and of the future. All Labour is offering is same old stuff like Karmenu Vella, Debono Grech, Leo Brincat, George Vella, etc etc.
Jay Aquilina
Jan 29th, 11:11
"For example, the government felt that all those who turned 18 should have the right to vote at a general election, even if they were not yet included in the last electoral register" MHUX ahjar l ewwel tghamlu l ID cards li ghandna sura ta nies u mhux ID cards skaduti, u nista min dawn li qed jiktbu favur il PN xi propost qed jghid Gonzi ghal programm elettorali li jmiss?????? XEJN ghax din il legislatura ghadha ma spiccatx, allura kif tippretendu li se johrog jghid tieghu Joseph, qabda pappagalli minghalikom qed tghidu xi haga sura billi tghidu li PL bla proposti
Joe Busuttil
Jan 29th, 11:10
All of you Nats commentators,if you are so sure that Gonzi will again win the general election, how do you justify his efforts to win time to avert an early poll,as reported by the Times today? (See previous article.) What amazes me is how the "bicca deputati",as they are referred to by a particular govt. official (according to JPO) still go and chant that they are united behind Gonzi. If the elected members of parliament are so referred to by this guy ,then how does this guy refer to the councillers and the ordinary PN voter?
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 11:17
Joe,
The Prime Minister is willing and should keep on working for a full legislature
A. Tabone
Jan 29th, 11:25
Which part of "the country cannot afford an election at the moment" do you fail to understand?
It's a credit to Gonzi that he is unwilling to call an election for the sake of the country, especially now he's got all the support of what were the alienated Nationalists. If anything, Debono's faux-pas galvanised the party's roots.
Bring it on, Joseph Muscat. We're aching for your magical policies and heavenly promises. Bring it on.
Braden Sammut
Jan 29th, 11:09
Il-Gvern jinvesti 1.4 miljun ewro KULJUM fl-edukazzjoni tat-tfal tal-poplu Malti filwaqt li Gvern Laburista kien biddel l-istipendji f'dejn. Edward Scicluna - kandidat tal-PL irid jaghmel l-istess.
A. Schembri
Jan 29th, 11:16
Dik kin qala sitt snin ilu!!! Illum edward jsostni li biddell fehmtu u ma kienx se jbiddlu f dejn ....jew isma kollox isma xejn...
M. Cachia
Jan 29th, 11:26
Mr. Sammut, what is actually wrong with paying back some of the Stipends given, say withing 10 years of Graduating? Is it not enough that the GOV provides with FREE University Tuition (of course paid by the tax payers)? Like this the money paid back can be used to further enhance the much needed funding of the University for eg. in new research! I am one for all in favor of such a pay-back system. The present system will only benefit vote catching and is unsustainable! The writing is on the wall!
Henry Mifsud
Jan 29th, 11:08
How convenient for Dr. PBO and Ms. Portelli to mention Fitch but not Standard & Poor's as if Fitch are expected to have been concentrating on what happened in our Parliament the day before!
Keep on preaching to the Gullible but then ........ go tell it to the marines.
Nicholas Cassar
Jan 29th, 11:12
Il-PL ikkwota biss lil Standard & Poor's pero njora lil Fitch. Tal-biza' kif xerred news hazin biss, u kif ma jinteressahx li jbezza' l-investituri ghal gwadann politiku.
Ir-realta` hi li waqt li pajjizi ohra ikbar minnha, bhall-Italja u Spanja, sejrin hazin hafna, f'Malta mexjin 'l quddiem 'against all odds'.
Peter Sant
Jan 29th, 11:06
PN....... lost his majority.... gonzi al dawn l ahhar 4 snin hadem tajjeb u heba l affarjiet mil poplu, imma issa jidher sew li gonzi + il klika= faliment al malta..... ex pn
Charles Vella
Jan 29th, 11:21
ex PN... yeah sure! Feed it to the Marines! lol
Charlie Mifsud
Jan 29th, 12:46
Mela int jiddispjcini nejdlek li int nazzjoalist ta cewing gum sihbi. atent al lupo .
j brincat
Jan 29th, 11:05
@Braden Sammut
"Il-PN fil-Gvern nehha d-diskriminazzjoni kontra n-nisa"
Did you mean PL, by any chance?
(jb)
Braden Sammut
Jan 29th, 11:13
Fi zmien il-LABOUR fil-Gvern, in-nisa li kienu jahdmu fil-Gvern u li kienu jizzewgu kien ikollhom jirrizenjaw mix-xoghol. Gvern Nazzjonalista biddel din ir-regola, fetah Child Care centres u beda jaghti incentivi biex aktar nisa jidhlu fid-dinja tax-xoghol.
Nicholas Cassar
Jan 29th, 11:19
I'm pretty sure he meant PN.
PL qas drittijiet bazici u generali ma taw kaz, ahseb u ara drittijiet tan-nisa.
Catherine Fenech
Jan 29th, 16:08
To Braden Sammut & Nicholas Cassar
Intom bis-serjeta Braden u Nicholas? Min ghallimilkom l-istorja kontemporanja ta' Malta ghiduli? Jien li jien mara kieku qas ghandi d-dritt inwegibkom li ma kienx il-Gvern Laburista. Gvern Laburista ta il-vot lin-nisa. Il-Partit taghkom taf li vvotta kontra dan id-dritt saggrosant? Taf li kien ghal partit taghkom jien ghadni kannol bla krema? Taf li ghal partit taghkom jien tajba biss ghal kcina u ghat-tfal? Nahseb li din il-bicca ta l-storja qabzuhielkom l-iskola. Nahseb insew jghallmukom ukoll li Gvern Nazzjonalista tas-60s il-mara kienet tahdem l-istess xoghol u hin daqs ragel u tithallas inqas. Il-Gvern Laburista beda jtiha l-istess ammont ta paga daqs l-irgiel u l-partit tieghek fil-parlament ivvota kontra din ukoll. Insejtuhom dawn ukoll hux??....naf naf....ghandkom ragun tinsuwhom jew ahjar tippruvaw tnissuwhom.
Li ma kienx ghall-Gvern Laurista jien ma wasaltx fejn wasalt fl-edukazzjoni tieghi. Kien Gvern Laburista li fl-1948 ghamel edukazzjoni primarja obbligatorja u b'xejn ghal kullhadd u mbaghad fl-1973 ghamel l-edukazzjoni sekondarja obligatorja b'xejn ghal kulhadd.
Napprova u naghti prosit li taht il-PN dawn ssahhu u l-edukazzjoni terzjarja zdidet imma trid tifhem il-fatt li tifel/tifla biex jidhlu l-universita iridu jiehdu l-edukazzjoni primarja u sekondarja l-ewwel. Qabel ridt thallas ghalihom dawn. Jien li jien bint il-haddiem stajt niehu edukazzjoni b'xejn tul tfuliti u zghoziti kollha. Zgur li l-genituri tieghi ma kellhomx biex ihallsuli ghal edukazzjoni primarja u sekondarja tieghi u ta' huti ukoll. Jew ahna ghax ulied il-haddiem fqir ma ghandniex dritt niehdu edukazzjoni xierqa u nsiru nies ukoll bhal ulied is-sinjur?
Meta kien ikollna bzonn ta' ftit tal-ghajnuna, il-genituri kienu jibghatuna l-privat u ommi kienet thallas mic-children's allowance li ntroduca Gvern Laburista ukoll u dak iz-zmien il-PN vvota kontrihom ukoll. Gvern Nazzjonalista bena fuq it-tajjeb li sab u kompla jikonsolidhom u bhal xejn m'ghandux il-wicc li jghid li ntroduca dawn is-servizzi socjali hu.
Ic-children's allowance kien jehodhom kullhadd l-istess sat-tielet wilt vera u n-nazzjonalisti kienu jghidu mela r-raba, l-hames ecc ecc wilt huma bghula? Fid-90's imma milli jidher ghal PN it-tfal kollha saru bghula ghax ic-children's allowance ghamilhom means tested u bhali ghax jien u r-ragel nahdmu t-tnejn ma kien itina xejn ghal uliedna hlief ghal xi 4 snin ilu li ntroduca flat rate li llum saret ta 350 euros (Lm150) fis-sena kull wilt....bhallieku ibni daqshekk jiswini fis-sena...imma ahjar mix-xejn.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 11:04
@Terry Psaila
"Partit kbir il-PN. PL araw x'se toffru ghax PN se jergghu jirbhu!!"
It-tigrija sal-barkun!!!
Remember EFA's famous photofinish?
4(jb)
Terry Psaila
Jan 29th, 11:13
fil-fatt il-poplu tana l-fiducja ghal 25 sena shah ..... ma nibzawx mit-tigrijiet
j brincat
Jan 29th, 11:02
@Joe Aquilina
Today, 10:45
Paul Borg Olivier - Il Partit Laburista huwa Gvern bla vizzjoni u proposti
And the PN is a hiccup government! A crisis after an another - bye bye economic stability!
(jb)
Steve Zammit
Jan 29th, 11:02
I am still convinced that PN is the way to go
R Abela
Jan 29th, 11:33
Good for you.I'm more then convinced that the PN time has run out and PL is the way to go.
Patrick Zammit
Jan 29th, 11:01
"For example, the government felt that all those who turned 18 should have the right to vote at a general election, even if they were not yet included in the last electoral register"
Weren't these same 18 year olds not permitted to vote in the divorce referendum by the PN?
What has changed now?
Braden Sammut
Jan 29th, 11:01
Nahseb il-poplu Malti u Ghawdxi mhux bijografiji jrid jisma izda politika li ggib ix-xoghol.
M. Cachia
Jan 29th, 11:29
You mean bhall ma gab ix-xoghol go l-Air Malta hux? Staqsi lil dawk il-haddiema li ja jitilfu l-impieg! You must be really joking!
V Caruana
Jan 29th, 11:34
SMART city jew drivers ma' l-Arriva!
j brincat
Jan 29th, 10:57
@Vanja Galea
"Instability was pushed by PL"
Uncertainty breeds instability. And uncertainty was brought by a Government MP who said that he longer supports the Government!
Twisting facts would get you no where like the Port bridge!
(jb).
Braden Sammut
Jan 29th, 10:57
Il-PN qatt ma qal li l-poplu Malti u Ghawdxi huwa makku.
j brincat
Jan 29th, 10:54
"He said Joseph Muscat was hungry for power. He lost the vote in parliament but arrognatly said he had won"
Conveniently forgetting that the Government has lost the MAJORITY!
Thus GonziPN = GonziNM (No Majority)
(JB)
Charles Vella
Jan 29th, 11:19
j brincat... aqtali l'kurzita... Are you one of those who live in a government apartment living on a rent of 10 Euro's a year ? :)
Carl Grech
Jan 29th, 10:53
Lawrence Gonzi - inħobb lill-pajjiżi għax nemmen f'pajjiżi
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 29th, 10:53
PBO: He said Joseph Muscat was hungry for power. He lost the vote in parliament but arrognatly said he had won.
How typical of the PL to claim they won when they lose.. just like they did in the EU referendum. Some things never change!
Carmel Zammit
Jan 29th, 10:51
Foreign Minister Tonio Borg kicks off the list of speakers. He says Joseph Muscat went to parliament on Thursday hoping to emerge as prime minister, but he still emerged as Opposition leader (applause).
Is this the issue that is negatively affecting economic activity on the island? Does this populist partisan approach help solve the current political impasse? Has mediocrity reached these levels amongst ministers who pretend to have the ability to usher Malta out of its current political and economic turmoil? Is this how the government expects to elicit the desired support of the opposition? Is this how a prominent minister recently demoted from leader of the house expects to garner unity? Why this craze to hold on to power? Has arrogance reached such levels amongst PN elite as to believe that they and only they hold the key to our islands success? Does government command the support of the majority of the elected members of parliament in the house? Does this approach in any way address the 101 maleficences in the Gonzipn administration identified by Dr. Debono?
Vanja Galea
Jan 29th, 10:50
This country still needs PN in the lead .... PL = no substance
Alistair Busuttil
Jan 29th, 11:05
let the 18 year old vote even if not in the electoral register
m borg
Jan 29th, 12:29
And than pn boasts that they are not after power whilst they want kids to vote even not in the electoral register. Since flimkien kollox possibli I won't be surprised that even our pets will vote as long they will remain in power.
Vanja Galea
Jan 29th, 10:47
Instability was pushed by PL ... not in favour of a stable country but to push their own agenda.
A. Schembri
Jan 29th, 11:01
Iva ehe ghax it tort tal labour kien li gonzi tilef il maggoranza.....u it tort tal labour hu li franco mux qed garranzija ta appogg lil gvern....
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 10:45
Paul Borg Olivier - Il Partit Laburista huwa Gvern bla vizzjoni u proposti
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 29th, 10:42
Sewwa jghidu li l-ispisjara milli ikollha ittik.
sharon farrugia
Jan 29th, 10:41
DR. Mifsud Bonnici, are you going to contiue to govern with an unprofesional backbench? as the prim minister said to the american ambassador. Are you willing to govern with a (bicca deputat) as franco was called by RCC? Dr. Mifsud Bonnici if your party really want to assure that the country has to continue to solve the economic problems, the country has to go to the polls, so than the country will gain stability irrispectivly of which party will win that General Election.
Joseph Brincat
Jan 29th, 10:41
PN HAS A DUTY TO CONTINUE TO GOVERN >> WITH WHAT ???????
STABILITY >>>>>>>>>>>>> DOES NOT EXIST
SECURITY >>>>>>>>>>>>> DOES NOT EXIST
ACCOUNTABILITY >>>>>>> DOES NOT EXIST
TRANSPARENCY >>>>>>> DOES NOT EXIST
BILLIONS OF EUROS DEBIT >>>>>>>> EXIST >>>>> HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carl Grech
Jan 29th, 10:54
What about the opposition then, we're not even sure whether it exists or not, all we've been told so far is how great a childhood Joseph Muscat had; which is all swell - were it not for the fact that that will not be bringing fresh investment into this country anytime soon...
Vanja Galea
Jan 29th, 10:57
dear Joseph Brincat, please be truthful at least with yourself.
According to PL:
STABILITY >>>>>>> NICE WORDS ONLY
SECURITY >>>>>> BOQQ
ACCOUNTABILTY >>>>> ?????
EDUCATION >>>>>> ??????
EMPLOYMENT >>>> ?????
HEALTH >>>>> ????
ECONOMY >>>>> ????
ENVIRONMENT >>>>> ?????
SUPER CABINET >>>> ?????
....... so PN AGAIN!!! AT LEAST WE KNOW WHERE WE STAND AND WE GAINED CERTAIN RESULTS
Chris Gatt
Jan 29th, 10:57
Is this Joseph Brincat, by any chance , another Joe Zammit?
Enough with the slogans, sir. Either say something interesting or keep a dignified silence.
This does not impress or help your cause
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 10:58
PN HAS A DUTY TO CONTINUE TO GOVERN >> Was elected Democratically by the Maltese people
STABILITY >>>>>>>>>>>>> The Government will keep on moving and working...The motion of no-confidence was defeated
SECURITY >>>>>>>>>>>>> We are financial stable as a country. Do i have to ask to you see foreign media and see the problems happening all over Europe
ACCOUNTABILITY >>>>>>> See Comment by Vice Prime Minister - In 16 years of Labour Government they never even thought of setting up Ombudsman
TRANSPARENCY >>>>>>> Everyone is free to say and do as he plays
BILLIONS OF EUROS DEBIT >> Though continous Foreign Direct Investment in the Economy has been increasing, Unemployment decreasing..Shall i continue
Take off your blinkers and see things straight
Charles Vella
Jan 29th, 11:06
You clearly show how empty you are... Better start thanking the PN government for giving you this freedom to talk such trash, as before 1987, if you talked like you just did, you will end up beaten up, unemployed if you work with the government or have your house vandalised.
I'm not waisting time with people like you, who watch Super One and repeat what Joseph Muscat says's. IF ONLY you said what the PL will do if elected in government... whoops, sorry, sore subject, as there is nothing in mind of how to tackle the global economic recession, or how to make the utility bills lower...
All I can say is bare in mind that in 1997, we paid almost the same utility bills as today, and back then oil cost only 20 Dollars a barrel... today it costs 110 Dollars a barrel, and will go up if Iran decides to block the exportation of oil to Europe!
Dear Mr. Brincat, the only respect I have for you and people like you, is because you are Maltese like me... however for your own sake, get down from the cloud and have a look at the real world, not just Super One.
Terry Psaila
Jan 29th, 10:37
Partit kbir il-PN. PL araw x'se toffru ghax PN se jergghu jirbhu!!
Braden Sammut
Jan 29th, 10:32
Il-PN fil-Gvern nehha d-diskriminazzjoni kontra n-nisa.
Peter Sant
Jan 29th, 11:02
min nehha id- diskriminazzjon kontra in nisa????????? dahakt hafna habib
M. Bartolo
Jan 29th, 11:10
Taf li l-PN kien ivvota kontra d-dritt li n-nisa jivuttaw?
Mario J Spiteri
Jan 29th, 11:57
Ma tafx x'int tghid sieheb, imma meta l-Gvern Laburista ta Dr. Boffa ried li jkun hemm l-iskola obbligatorja u n-nisa jkollom il-vot u d-dritt li johorgu jahdmu il-PN ta dak iz-zmien kienu KONTRA!
Nicholas Cassar
Jan 29th, 10:26
Cans biex il-Partit Nazzjonalista jissahhah u jinghaqad wara l-Prim Ministru
Paul Micallef
Jan 29th, 10:25
THE PEOPLE WILL GIVE THE POWER FOR JOSEPH AND THE PL TO RULE THIS COUNTRY Gonziklikka, maybe you think that you have some divine RIGHT to rule???? Well you dont, you dont even have the right to do anything anymore as you must beg FRANCO not to vote against you.
yes sing sing, even in prison they sing.
John Attard
Jan 29th, 10:24
ma x najru!!! Dan ghadu l istess partit!!! Nahseb il hamalli li jghidu li ghandu il LP qalbu kollha PN!!!!!!!!!
Joe Aquilina
Jan 29th, 10:23
1 Leader with many soldiers - Only 1 Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi
R. Gauci
Jan 29th, 10:20
In this issue party business in any way??