Gonzi expected to be unchallenged - Busuttil, de Marco and Fenech Adami back the PM
Lawrence Gonzi's leadership of the PN is expected to remain unchallenged after three prominent Nationalists previously mentioned as possible contenders for the post pledged their full allegiance to him.
Yesterday, during the party's extraordinary general council, Dr Gonzi went beyond seeking a vote of confidence when he proposed a leadership contest which he will contest and which will be held by secret ballot.
Through this measure, he said, he was shouldering full political responsibility for decisions, as MP Franco Debono had asked him to do.
"I assume full responsibility as Prime Minister and party leader. It is not enough for me to win backing by a simple acclamation. I turn to the party councillors who elected me leader eight years ago and who confirmed me as leader after the 2008 general election, and open the process for a leadership contest which I will contest along with others who want to run," Dr Gonzi said.
However, three people mentioned at some time or another as having leadership credentials – MEP Simon Busuttil, Tourism Minister Mario de Marco and MP Beppe Fenech Adami – have already ruled out an interest in contesting, at least at this stage.
All three said when contacted that they were behind Dr Gonzi and did not intend challenging him.
"I stand by Dr Gonzi 101 per cent," Dr de Marco said as he pledged not only to vote for him but to support his candidature.
Dr Busuttil said contesting the party leadership race was "not on his radar", adding that he was four-square behind Dr Gonzi.
Dr Fenech Adami said he was supporting Dr Gonzi and had no intention of running for leader. "Dr Gonzi has my full support. I want him as my party leader," he said.
The party's general council met to discuss the crisis created by Dr Debono, the renegade Nationalist MP who abstained during last week's parliamentary vote of no confidence filed by the Opposition. In a press conference after the council met, Dr Gonzi said he had asked the party to set in motion the process towards a leadership contest by secret ballot. He was not resigning, he said and even if he was uncontested, the ballot would still be held.
He had taken the decision because, once the Opposition's motion had been defeated in Parliament, he had a duty to continue to lead the government, he said.
Dr Gonzi insisted again that this was not the right time for the country to face an early election.
He disagreed with the suggestion that his eventual confirmation as party leader would not solve the problem he had in Parliament, where he no longer enjoyed a majority.
"On the contrary, I think this addresses the crux of the matter. Dr Debono gave his reasons for his abstention and I heard every word that he said and gave importance to every word. The speech was based on a call for the shouldering of responsibilities. This is why I assume full responsibility and am the first to admit that some of the decisions taken were wrong while others could have been handled better."
If somebody else was chosen as leader, he said, he would back him or her unconditionally.
Asked whether he would also be asking for the ministers criticised by Dr Debono to assume responsibility, Dr Gonzi replied: "The buck stops here. I shoulder the responsibility of all decisions, including ministerial appointments and the composition of the Cabinet."
Questioned on what he expected Dr Debono to do if he was confirmed as party leader, he said he expected everyone to respect this democratic process by secret ballot.
Dr Gonzi said that in theory the process could take up to two months but he had requested that it be completed sooner. In the meantime, he added, parliamentary business would carry on as planned.
Asked if he had had any contact with Dr Debono, Dr Gonzi said their last contact was last Sunday but there had been mediation and he hoped these contacts would continue.
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Joe Abela
Feb 2nd, 17:38
It is all very good, the parliamentary group is behind the PM, the party 'kunsilliera' are behind the leader, we shcived a vote of no confidence.
One problem, we will soon have to face an election which we are bound to lose miserably, obviously because the above mentioned gentlemen forgot who elected them, and still nothing seem to remind them.
Emanuel Farrugia
Jan 31st, 17:15
Correct me if I am wrong someone please, but I believe that the PN as a political Party has no means, according to the Constitution or Parliamentary Regulations to use any disciplinary action against Dr. Franco Debono as a Parliamentary Deputy elected in a General Election by voters from his district. So if I am correct, no mattar what steps are taken at Political Party level, it still does not solve anything at Parliamentary Level. If I am not mistaken and if things come to a head, I believe that Dr. Franco Debono could continue in this legislature as an Independent Member of Parliament.
Joseph Busuttil
Jan 31st, 07:38
I think the Prime Minister should give a secret vote in Parliament . That is the legal institution not the party floor. We know that this is all a big joke. How can somebody ask for a leadership election when nobody resigned.
Alfred Fenech
Jan 31st, 12:40
TOO LATE
A. MICALLEF
Jan 31st, 06:55
Issa ser nispiccaw bil-monarkija Maltija, ghalina, ghal-uliedna u ulied u wliedna !! Issa ser
nispiccaw bis-siggu parlamentari tal-familja, anqas temmen.
Louis Craus
Jan 30th, 19:38
X' tahwid u x' tahwid . Ma nafx kif ser jispicca dal- Pajjiz .
Charles Massa
Jan 30th, 18:30
Mhux ovvja..........Min irid imexxi il PN bit tahwid li ghandhom. Gonzi ipprova iwarrab bil mod ghax bhari tal bnazzi imma sa issa hadd ma huwa interessat fil leadership bit tahwid li ghandu.
Charlie Mifsud
Jan 30th, 20:14
Iprovala int siehbi tider li tinqala
Martin Saliba
Jan 30th, 18:11
This is a total sham. First of all it would take only a mad man to contest the pn leadership with gonzi at this stage . Secondly , a candidate must be endorsed by at least 10 registered members of the pn party of which three must be members of a committe or other. Someone please correct me if im wrong.
Joseph Stephen Galea
Jan 30th, 17:50
Can someone please inform me where is this going to lead ?
If Dr Gonzi is reconfirmed PN leader (which I personally think would be a mistake, but - in the circumsatnces - PN councillors feel they could not let their leader down) would that mean that Dr Debono will forget all his claims and return to vote in favour of all PN proposals in parliament?
I do not understand.
Henry S Pace
Jan 30th, 17:37
The biggest challenge for Dr Gonzi is not from the PL but from the rebels of some backbenchers who throughout this legisliture made a hell of their demands to become Ministers. As if ministers are made by campaigning among the electorate and collect signatures to request the PM the certain MPs should be ministers.
Let us hope that in the event of a general election the electorate would bypass completely the names of all those MPs who pretended to be ministers in the Gonzi Cabinet. Such people do not deserve to be elected to Parliament. Everybody knows who they are.
Martin Saliba
Jan 30th, 18:17
Henry , you are fighting fire with a very flamable liquid.
Henry S Pace
Jan 30th, 17:29
'PUT UP OR SHUT UP '
TtHIS WAS THE PHRSE THAT JOHN MAJOR - PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM SAID TO HIS MPS AND PARTY MEMBERS WHEN HE WAS CHALLENGED BY OTHER MPS.
EVENTUALLY HE PUT HIS NAME WITH OTHERS TO TEST HIS LEADERSHIP. THE RESULT WAS THAT JOHN MAJOR WAS CONFIRMED AS CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER.
Emanuel Farrugia
Jan 30th, 18:04
I find it intimidating in both cases for any serving and sworn in Minister or Parliamentary Secretary while Dr. Gonzi is still in office as Prime Minister. Do you think if Dr. Gonzi won the leadership contest while still Prime Minister, there would be retaliation against the other nominees ? Think Mr. John Dalli and Dr. Louis Galea ?
Joanne Micallef
Jan 30th, 17:09
Considering that OUR NATION's well being is at stake all this charade is a sick joke. Stop insulting our intelligence.
Going around every week end preaching to the converted will only continue to give you a distorted version of what the real sentiment is out there, its time to put your massive ego’s aside and face the reality
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jan 30th, 16:20
Mhux obvja li dawn it-TLIETA , kien impossibbli li jJITHAJRU jew jidhlu ghacc-CHALLENGE , fittizju li ghamel Gonzi.
Dawn kienu jkunu barra minn sensihom, li kellhom jikkontestaw ghax Gonzi tefa' il-Lixka bil-Pulit minnflok ma qal.................... '' Hawn xi HADD li jippretendi li johodli POSTI?''
Dawn, huma intelligenti bizzejjed li gharfu kemm setghu ipoggu il-karriera pulitika taghhom fil-periklu ghall fatt li Gonzi ma Irrizzenjax u lanqas qatt wera intenzjoni li jiehu dal pass . Li Gonzi irrizenja jew wera li ma jridx ikompli jmexxi , il kandidatura ta' dawn it-TLIETA kienet , IVA, kienet tkun f'loka ,justifikata , taghmel sens, apprezzata kif ukoll tkun LEJALI u LEGITTIMA !
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jan 30th, 20:06
Fuq kollox ,jidher li DIN L-ELEZZJONI fejn Gonzi baqa u behsiebu jibqa il-Mexxej indiskuss,u ma hemm hadd , jew xi kurrent , li jixtieq kontra, din tmur KONTRA L-ISTATUT TAL-PARTIT Nazzjonalista inniffsu biex taraw kemm jarfu x'qedin jghamlu!
Emanuel Farrugia
Jan 30th, 16:14
I find it intimidating on any PN Minister or Parliamentary Secretary to be able to present a nomination for the PN leadership when the person contesting for the same leadrship is a sworn in and serving Prime Minister who has the power to reshuffle the cabinet and remove any Minister from the cabinet and who have no chance of being re-appointed if the PN wins the next election and Dr. Gonzi is re-ellected as leader and consequently also Prime Minister. So what is the PN leadership contest going to prove ?
Victor Calleja
Jan 30th, 16:00
I bet there is going to be four contestants for a PN leader.
1. Dr. Lawrence
2. Dr. Gonzi
3 Dr.Gonzipn
4. Dr. Who
Charlie Mifsud
Jan 30th, 21:19
jew dr victor .Tider inteligenti habib......
Charles Sammut
Jan 30th, 15:21
This is no news!
If gonzi is serious about his "strong leadership" he would'nt ask for confidence from 35 members of his gang (including the speaker frendo)...if he is serious he would go and ask the people by calling an election right now! But of course,by doing this he would be committing political suicide,because the result would be most obvious!
...and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on......
Joe Xuereb
Jan 30th, 15:11
If the people are deemed sound enough to vote in a referendum(that should have been the incumbent Administration's remit), then they should be deemed sound enough to decide who should govern them. This is not asking much. In fact this is nothing other than a free(?) people wanting an Administration that delivers. Failed deliveries, 'delivered-to-the-wrong-address' is a list too long even for an A-Z alphabet. As in, WHERE would one start?!
What worries me is that running for leadership for its own sake is the main reason for any society's ills, any time in the past and more of the same in the future. And this time, not only in Malta (even though seeking power in Malta is a special trait of the Maltese, so weakened ARE they. And for a variety of reasons I needn't go into.
F. Pisani
Jan 30th, 14:41
Gonzi vs. Dalli eeeeehhhhmmmmmmm. That would be interesting but I think that Dalli will never decide to take part in it for the basic reason that know he is much more in a comfortable position. Yet still all I have to ask, Dalli is seen by most MLP supporters as the light and the way forward not only for the PN party but even for Malta, so in this contest will any MLP supporter Vote for Mr. Dalli if an election had to come? And another thing, thus this mean that Mr. Muscat is not the best option, as seen by MLP supporters to be the right PM for Malta?
m borg
Jan 30th, 14:28
And who won't see such a dictatorship is purely blind or brainwashed miskin. First their fathers now their sons. We want new faces and not same clowns in the same circus. This is becoming so ridiculous.
Carmel Xuereb
Jan 30th, 14:27
U zgur ser tkun one horse race and the great Gonzi will have nearly all the votes so he will be the greatest leader the PN ever had. Oh my God what an outcome it is going to be. But what ever the outcome Dr. Debono surely will not follow him biecaus what Dr. Debono demanded is that either the faulty Ministers resign or Dr. Gonzi takes all the responsability for their wrong doing and resign and say bye bye to politics. This Dr. Gonzi never did and he is not going to do it now. So the PN Government will be back to square one again.
N Caruana
Jan 30th, 14:25
F'dawn is-snin ta tmexija nara li l-gvern Malti mexxa tajjeb hafna minkejja l-problemi li kien hawn fi dinja kollha. Nemmen hafna fil-kwotazzjoni li qal il-filosfu Plutarch; 'To find faults is easy; to do better may be difficult'
A. Tabone
Jan 30th, 14:22
Kemm sirtu partit patetiku, fallut u minghajr futur. Ijwa inthom sewwa jghidilkhom Franco jaqghu tghixu go parallel universe? Minthomx tindunaw li l-uniku tama li forsi tirkupraw minn dan id-dizastru politiku huwa li jinbidel il-leader? Gonzi m'ghadx ghandu fama tajba man-nies.. sar jidher bhala rasu iebsa u falla l-ghaqda tal-partit.
Issa billi Gonzi jikkuntesta wahdu mhux kollox kif inhu ha jibqa? X'se jkun tbiddel?
Emanuel Farrugia
Jan 30th, 14:22
No matter how ambitious they are, NO One in the whole Nationalist Party would dare challenge Dr. Gonzi. It would be political suicide at this stage. They would also be risking the same wrath and insults which have been directed at Dr. Franco Debono even after the appeal made by Dr. Gonzi. The Party leadership contest will not guarantee the support of Dr. Debono especially if he has resigned from the PN and there is NO way that Dr. Gonzi can make Dr. Debono resign from Parliamentary Deputy.
j Azzopardi
Jan 30th, 14:21
PN ta' vera..... demokrazija mhux se jghallmuhilna tal-MLP zgur mhux forsi.
K CASSAR
Jan 30th, 14:19
If it were not so tragic, it would almost be amusing the way Dr. Gonzi spulttered an array of hysteric explanations to the press yesterday. As if anyone in their right mid would believe this set up of a new party leader would make any difference, if not to buy the precious time Gonzi PN needs to get their act together before the elections. What an utter waste of time and resources!!!
@ Alex Falzon: Are you resident in Malta?????
William Massa
Jan 30th, 13:39
I Honestly wonder what the reactions of Dr. Gonzi would be like if Mr. John Dalli turns up from Brussels to contest the so called leadership contest. We know that Mr Dalli was never so hilarious about his post as European Commissioner And on several occasions expressed his wish to turn up to continue his Political career locally. How about that for a challenge Dr. Gonzi????
Fran Abela
Jan 30th, 14:05
Well Mr. Dalli is indeed quite free to contest the PN party leadership if he so wishes. You said Mr. Dalli was never so hilarious about his post as European Commissioner - not so hilarious at earning 300,000 Euro per year with all the perks ? - it is worth not being hilarious and anyway he should not have accepted it if he was unhappy. It would indeed be interesting should Mr. Dalli decide to contest the PN leadership. Let us wait and see.
A. Tabone
Jan 30th, 14:22
Agreed!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 30th, 17:21
Fran Abela: luckily for this world, not all people are like you, seeking an important position just for the money. Some people enter into politics to serve their country. I know that you being a GonziPN supporter that this is difficult for you to understand.
Rocco Camilleri
Jan 30th, 13:34
For sure that no one is going to contest for just another 14 months to go, because for most this surely does not make any sense.
Joseph Calleja
Jan 30th, 13:33
Who dares come forward to take my place? Now that is a silly question if I ever heard one. It does not take rocket science to figure that one out. Anybody from within the PN that dares to challenge Dr Gonzi at this time has to be brain dead and that is what Dr Gonzi is counting on. How pathetic Dr Gonzi?
pat muscat
Jan 30th, 13:33
I can see 'In-Nazzjon' headlines in a weeks time: 'Gonzi elected leader despite strong competition! Hilarious.
Bug Agius
Jan 30th, 13:38
hahahahahah xD :D
Ronald Zammit
Jan 30th, 13:31
The vast majority of the people are NOT interested whether Dr.Gonzi remains as leader of the NP or whether he has the backing of the NP . Dr. Gonzi should seek or ensure whether he has the Majority of the Members in PARLIAMENT to enable his administration to govern. It's no use having the backing of his party followers and than no backing in parliament. The sooner Gonzipn realises this the better it will be for ALL. The only reasonable option for the PM is to call for an Election and let the people decide, otherwise we are in for more instability as "one" of his backbenchers continues to show his disapproval against the way Dr.Gonzi is running this country. Common sense prevails !!!
J Busuttil
Jan 30th, 15:27
@Ronald Zammit
" The Vast majority" How dare you speak about the vast majority have you spoken to al? l or have you been brainwashed by One.
pat muscat
Jan 30th, 13:27
Always the same surnames!
Alan Xuereb
Jan 30th, 15:35
You are so right!...if you think about it there are people with same names too from 1981!!!
Alfred Galea
Jan 30th, 13:24
then Joseph Muscat is right............Gonzi must go because of the Water and Electricity bills, the Power Station, the roofless theatre, and I think the more Gozni will stay it is better for Joseph Muscat as he will have the greatest ever victory on the PN minus Gonzi
Thomas Cassar
Jan 30th, 13:22
Jien nemmen li din is-sitwazzjoni issa qed ittul naqra zzejjed, jekk fil-PN hemm rieda tajba fittxu aqtuha, jew ftehmu ma l-On Debono nkella sejjhu elezzjoni ghax il-pajjiz ma jafx fejn qieghed. Ghalxejn l-affarijiet qed isiru nternament ghax il-problema mhux hemm qeghda.
Fran Abela
Jan 30th, 13:21
I have never in my life seen so many disparaging remarks as those directed at Dr. Gonzi. Is there absolutely nothing that his government has done right in this country ? On the other hand I am thankful for internet because it is exposing the real base sentiments of some people against those who do not agree with them. When are we going to learn to be tolerant of each other, accepting the views of those who do not share the same political views and be capable of debating without the need of resorting to personal insults. Can we not let a bit of sense of humour in our arguments and also agree to disagree.
Charles Sammut
Jan 30th, 18:47
this government has done lots of good for the island! And it has also done lots of bad!
Just for the sake of reminding you Fran....
* BWSC Scandal...power station extension running on oil
* Euro20 Million stolen from the VAT depts..and all that the thieves got was "interdet"
* The right hand man of tonio fenech ( finance minister) convicted of accepting bribes f
* Tonio fenech ( finance minister) accepts free rides on private jet to go watch football in England
* Divorce Referendum that the people voted YES for. Then gonzi and other fake bible basher parasites vote
against the people's will in Parliament
* The Arriva debacle and austin's ( minister for everything incl transport ) stands by his arrogance
* Gonzi sacks various members of his ministry via an sms
* (Dis) Honoraria of Euro500 weekly increase which gonzi gave himself and the other greedy members of
his clan payable from May 2008 whilst we the common people were awarded Euro 1.16 weekly
* The terrible situation at the laugh court of the island with cases going on and on and on
* " Smoke without fire" which is choking the island in the sun, everytime there is an "enquiry' into corruption
or mismanagement
Forgive me if I failed to mention other bad deeds committed by gonziPN.
The reason I have not mentioned the good deeds is simply and purely, that a government is elected by the people to do just that...good deeds!
Silly people like you try to justify the rampant mismanagement, lack of accountability,corruption and arrogance of this regime by its "good deeds".
The sense of humour that you would like to see in political arguments does exist and is very prolific by funny and laughable comments such as yours!
...and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on.......
Alex Falzon
Jan 30th, 13:15
This does not mean that the PL will win the general election. Win the election on what? On the merit of criticizing the government? When you criticize someone or something ona has to have the solution ready in hand. Very easy to blame others. Malta is doing well in almost all sectors - thus gaining respect from all over Europe. One may check news/statistics by himself - no need for internal news.
m. borg (slm)
Jan 30th, 14:08
Mr Falzon as soon as Dr Gonzi calls for elections you will have PL's manifest. If you follow local politics you would know that many times PL put foward solutions to the government problems, eg the immigration problem, and gonzipn just treated them like rubbish.
So why you keep parrotting your minority leader , asking PL for solutions.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jan 30th, 14:51
Meta tara dan it-Tahwid, u minn jaf kif qed jarawna bhallissa l-Ewropejzgur jistagbu bl'GHERF li HIEREG u qieghed jittwettaq issa anki fil-Partit , facilment TINDUNA li Malta , mhux fuq il-mertu jew xi kapacitajiet tal-Gonzipn li ghada ghaddejja ,izda bil-HILA u l-GHAQAL tal-PopluMalti u GHawdxi.
Paul Micallef
Jan 30th, 13:13
HEMM HUMA TAL KLIKKA:
Fran Abela
Jan 30th, 14:07
Ghaliex - tahseb illi tal PL biss ghandhom dritt jesprimu l-opinjoni tahhom ?
Fran Abela
Jan 30th, 14:10
Jiena niftakar iz-zmieniejiet 70-80 - dejjem kien hemm klikkek miz-zewg partiti il kbar.
ALBERT FENECH
Jan 30th, 13:08
Well, well, what a surprise, the Supremo will be unchallenged. To the list by Tony Busuttil I would like to add Bashar Assad, Hosni Mubarak and many other one-man shows and one-party states and of course most recently in Russia, Putin said he was "unconcerned" there had been public demonstrations against him. Now let me think - who else recently said he was similarly "unconcerned" by developments? Once more I reiterate, the House of Representatives should be permanently moved to Pieta and that will have the added effect of sparing the proposed capital expenditure on a new House.
ALBERT FENECH
Robert Cesareo
Jan 30th, 13:03
What are the leadership credentials under the Nationalist Party??? Dr. DeMArco or Dr. Beppe Fenech Adami???
What do these possess to be considered as having the credentials for leadership?? maybe since bother their fathers where high ranked officials in the PN?? is this the nationalist party? a party of the Gonzis, Fenech Adamis, DeMarcos and Mifsud bonnicis?
Hallina!!!
Joe Xuereb
Jan 30th, 12:46
Why does this pantomima remind me of that VOX POPLUlar game, musical chairs?
Some commenter mentioned John Dalli as a contender for the top seat. Is this the John Dalli who only recently belly-ached at Gaddafi's demise because he had a vested interest in the Gaddafi forever reigning supreme? And do I have to spell it out? Did I mention power-crazy in my previous comment? Being religious and 'butter wouldn't melt in his mouth' is all very well; but when power and money comes into play and wins hands down, one starts to wonder. Just a thought!
Simon Micallef
Jan 30th, 12:40
Could someone from PN let us know what mandate of 5 years was this government elected on? Euro 500 for themselves, decrease in income tax, heavy fuel oil, arrogance, cliques , vote against divorce and many more.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jan 30th, 12:29
It was obvious from the start . I had immediately pointed and explained WHY Gonzi's Party Leadership will not be Contested , in my comments , yesterday! This is all a BLUFF.
These type of Elections are reminiscent with those held in EX-DICTATORIAL COUNTRIES , as Tunisia , Egypt and Libya's Peoples' Committees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is this Party Election some 'Austinian' FABRICATION ? Ican smell it has all the ingridients! Meanwhile , EFA has kept numb , where usually he would sound his opinion clearly. Seems he too ,has lost HOPE , of saving the Party from this MESS-UP!
The WORST scenario, for the Party , at this moment , would have been a PL (Party Leadership)Contestation, challenging Gonzi , which would have plunged the Party, adding to that Parliamentary , into an INTERNAL CRISIS ! This is nothing else but a MOCK PARTISAN VOTE of cONFIDENCE.
Tarcisio Bonello
Jan 30th, 12:29
For the sake of a truly democratic vote I believe that if nobody contests Dr. Gonzi, then Dr. Tonio Borg should be nominated and seconded to contest the election.
In this manner the councillors will be give a choice.
regards
Ivan Esposito
Jan 30th, 12:25
Where is the seperation between party and government?
I beg to remind the Hon. Dr. L. Gonzi that the whole issue is because he lost his majority in parliament. In order to govern he reqiures a working majority in parliament...does he have it?
That majority is given by the electorate and not party councillors. There is therefore no alternative except to go once more to the electorate to exercise their sovereign right to chose.
JOSEPH TANTI
Jan 30th, 12:14
DR. LAWRENCE GONZI was elected by the Maltese for a legislation of five years. The President confirmed this. The opposition Leader, Dr. Joseph Muscat admitted and confirmed this three years ago. So, may I ask, what are the opposition members are after? They cannot resist Dr. Gonzi! Our Prime Minister is unique, gallant and democratic. That is why he has to remain our Leader and our Prime Minister!!
Paul Portelli
Jan 30th, 12:28
joseph jekk daqsekk certi li ghandkom lahjar morru ghand il poplu.hemm tkunu tafu minhu lahjar.taf min kien jamel elezioni wahdu?
id dittaturi siehbi.dawk li is siggu ghalijhom lewwel u qabel kollox
Joe A. Borg
Jan 30th, 12:29
Whilst I agree with you, as regards to the 5 year term, this is as long as the conditions do not change (Ceteris paribus) !
I suppose if you have a car and you get engine trouble (Franco in this case) will you go on driving the car at the risk of doing further damage ? Or would you stop, evaluate the damage and fix it or scrap it alltogether if need be (call election)?
It is not a question of what the opposition wants, the opposition wants to be in power as much as Gonzi and the Nationalist party!!
Victor Calleja
Jan 30th, 12:34
Even Dr. Sant.
But he was a real gentleman and when he saw that he was going to be like a puppet on a string by Mintoff he had the GUTS and went for the polls.
Charmaine Marmara'
Jan 30th, 12:41
YOUR Prime Minister , you have to learn to speak for yourself , you and some others here are very rude trying to speak for the whole population .I'm sure that not all agree that he should be OUR Prime Minister .
albert galea
Jan 30th, 12:42
What about what happened to Dr. Sant;s government?
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 30th, 12:47
@Tanti.
Yes a record five years of negative records.
R. Gauci
Jan 30th, 13:00
Dr. Gonzi was elected for 5 years after a meager electoral win with the condition to run a stable government with a parliamentary majority for the good of all....he failed!
John L Galea
Jan 30th, 12:07
Ma nistax nifhem il-punt stupidu li l-PN qed ixerrdu li bhalissa mhux zmien li ssir elezzjoni!! -
1) Mhux zmien ghal-elezzjoni ghax il-PN jafu li se jiehdu tkaxkira tajba?
2) Jekk mhux (1), mela ghax tal-PN jahsbu li huma biss huma kapaci jmexxu (emfazi fuq il-kelma jahsbu, ghax issa nafu x'dizastru ghamel GonziPN).
3) Jekk mhux (1) jew (2), mela tistghu tispjegawlna sew ghaliex? X'differenza taghmel elezzjoni issa jew sena ohra?
K. Vella
Jan 30th, 12:05
Interesting to note that now the Labour apologists are giving lectures on democracy and constitution procedures....the difference is that they interpret what is relevant and on how to topple a goverment just for the sake to be in POWER.
I was expecting that Joseph Muscat would mention the reasons for the NO CONFIDENCE vote but here again it only showed that his intentions are purely to get POWER and not how to govern.
Cliches are nice, but after some time all this nice words will become stale. The image is good but ultimetly people wants security and tangible policies.
J. Scicluna
Jan 30th, 13:55
It does not take a rocket scientist to realize WHY the vote of No Confidence was tabled!
PN got around 49.3% of the votes and less Seats in the House in the 2008 General Elections. It was a lame Government from the very start. But some exponents within the PN acted and rode rough-shod over everyone, thinking that they have a God-given right to govern.
Now, since FD has resigned from the PN, this Government no longer has a Working Majority. Moreover, it is governing as a Coalition WITHOUT Presedential seal.
Now, if you cannot understand THIS, then it is obvious that you just don't WANT to accept it.
No matter how many standing ovations Gonzi gets in Pieta', the fact of the matter is that the PN does NOT have a working majority in the House and MUST call a reconfirmation (or otherwise) from the PEOPLE in an early election.
John L Galea
Jan 30th, 12:01
Who wants to be a captain of a sinking ship when elections are near?
Tony Busuttil
Jan 30th, 11:58
Kim il Sung, Fidel Castro, Sadam Hussein kienu jghamlu elezzjoni wehidhom
O Kassar
Jan 30th, 12:58
U nsejt lil Mintoff meta pogga lill-KMB bhala PM minghajr ma qatt hareg ghall-elezzjoni.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Jan 30th, 15:28
Fair enough u llum 30 sena wara ghand il Gonzi. Il PN jidher kemm hu partit maghluq ghax dejjem l istess kunjomijiet jinghataw karigi gholja. qisu ma hawn hadd kapaci
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jan 30th, 11:57
If the Hon Gonzi, as Prime Minister, really wanted to measure the size of support for him in Parliament he could have easily asked for a secret vote of confidence from his MPs. The vote could be taken outside the House.
Victor Calleja
Jan 30th, 11:54
Iss mur obsor. Mela hsibtuna imbecilli. Dik kollha messa inxena biex jirbah iz zmien.
Min tridu jikkontestah? Biex jispicca bhal Dalli.
Ronald Zammit
Jan 30th, 13:38
Karl, are you by any chance living in another planet together with the Prime Minister and his Cabinet?!!!!!
Karl Abela
Jan 30th, 11:50
Gonzi is a genius.
The people are seeing this, and the support and praise that he is receiving by the non-nationalists is something overwhelming to say the least.
Of course, those who are not interested in the welfare of the country may wish to see it differently. But thats ok, because that is what democracy is for.
John L Galea
Jan 30th, 11:59
Are you serious? Oh my God. This was the most hilarious post of the week.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 30th, 12:15
I love your sarcasm.Mr Abela.
Bug Agius
Jan 30th, 13:00
Do you know the definition of a genius, welfare of the country or democracy????
Lara Bonett
Jan 30th, 13:41
sarcasm at its best!!! or you are def living in dream world!!!
A.M. Galea
Jan 30th, 14:22
U Zguuuuuuuur , like you are saying Mr.Abela . You must be a genius with all that inteligence coming out of your a_ _ . If everyone including Ex PN Presidents , Ex Ministers and even members of Parlament belonging to the PN are all saying that Gonzi and only him is responsable for this instability , you are saying that Gonzi is receiving overwhelming praise and support by ereryone even non-nationalists .
You must be calour blind , except for one calour , blue and blue only .
A Dimech
Jan 30th, 11:49
WHo is going to contest the leader at this current stage? you need to be stupid to do so?!!
there is just one year (most probably less) in government, with the ship sinking fast.
Victor Borg
Jan 30th, 11:45
I dont think just by asking his friends in the PN council to keep him as their leader will help Malta's problems and uncertainities. If he wants to find out his popularity he should ask the whole of Malta and Gozo in an election.
Giov DeMartino
Jan 30th, 12:06
THAT is exactly what he did 4 years ago. And he won the contest.
m. borg (slm)
Jan 30th, 13:51
But can he do it again now? !!!!
A.M. Galea
Jan 30th, 14:41
Mr.Demartino , you know what is said, that in politics a day is a long time , let alone four years .
Giov DeMartino
Jan 30th, 17:53
@M Borg. When the times comes. Not when someone else asks him to do it. Very simple.
joe vella
Jan 30th, 11:45
froga bhal dik, min irid jidhol ghaliha, trid tkun bahnan
u issa b'gonzi jilghab ghaz zmien, aktar qed taghaqad it tahwida
J muscat ghamel zball li ressaq il vot daqshekk malajr, imma l gonzi malajr hargu minnhu ghax problem fil PN ghamilha problema tal pajjiz kollu
ma tistghax tkun aktar ovvja li qed itawwal biex jaghti cans lill partit jorganizza ruhu, ma jridx jersaq ghall elezzjoni bit tmexxija tieghu dubittata, allura se jiehu aktar zmien biex jaccerta ruhu fil post u jirbah aktar zmien
Victor Buhagiar
Jan 30th, 11:44
Something is wrong in this country, which is the highest institution in the country a Political Party or a democratically elected Parliament?
Dr Gonzi you need EFFECTIVE support in Parliament and NOT within your Party to govern this country.
Another strange anomally; if a democratically elected Parliament if finally controlled by a hand picked Speaker who has voting rights than where is the democracy in Parliament?
mary mifsud
Jan 30th, 11:44
Does anybody know why from all the candidates, Simon Busuttil, Mario de Marco and Beppe Fenech Adami where the only persons mentioned to contest the leadership of the PN?
Is there a particular reason which I haven’t grasped yet?
Roberta Sciberras
Jan 30th, 11:38
Anyone contesting Gonzi's leadership so late in the legislature should seriously consider having their head examined.
Joseph Laus
Jan 30th, 11:33
Riedu jobghatu lil Franco frankuni,,,nahseb li hemm haddiehor li suppost jintbghat hemm qabel Franco
Robert Agius
Jan 30th, 11:32
With such people in PN who don't see anything wrong with this, not to mention the dangers (e.g. corruption) they can forget ever having my vote. Is this their idea of democracy? Things where already bad before but my oh my Malta is in such a sad state. Franco is just a crack of what was always a heavily flawed system based on two opposing clans. This has taken things to another level however.
Can anybody in the Nationalist's party explain to us all what the reasons behind a parliament is, and why are there 69 representatives? Can they also explain why an early election is not timely now, especially since they seemed to have all the time and resources for the divorce issue not so long ago? people's jobs and the economy as a whole are only a priority now? or will all problems fade by 2013? Doesn't anyone,especially within the party, find it worrying that there is only 1 person who disagrees with 'the rest', even when their leader claims that that person has some valid points? Doesn't anyone find the fact that a system based on 34 vs 35 'pappagalli' inherently wrong?
This time, things have seriously crossed the limit!
Joe Xuereb
Jan 30th, 11:31
If proof were needed, this is it. Bringing all the threads together, is it not obvious that politicians are about a crazy scramble for power? It is a deficiently wayward mode in dealing with one's responsibilities and decision-making that is this thing we call life, where self-seeking, self-serving immaturity is a toxic ingredient. It is known for power-wielding politicians to bow towards religious institutions but then do not squirm, never mind admit, that they are short-changing their country, their people, whom they were pledged to protect and enhance. Some religion! Some leadership! Give them a hot potato to handle (like divorce, for instance) and they run around like headless chickens with nowhere to hide. Suddenly the almighty becomes an indecisive ninny. Throws caution to the wind, no, not by doing the uncharacteristic, but by throwing the hot potato to the people. The people who were pledged to vote for a leader and not to do his dirty work for him. If a politician can not, or will not, carry out his duty, then s/he should step aside and consider a career move, one that uses his/her 'lawrja'. And good luck to him/her, especially if s/he does not manage to shake off a lacking mindset that transfers seamlessly from career number one to an ever-hapless career number two.
william cauchi
Jan 30th, 11:31
A one horse race..
Oh, that's very exiting........
Anybody wants to bet on the winner.
john vella
Jan 30th, 12:55
william I never bet in my life but allow me to guess. I guess the one horse race will be won by our dear leader.
Bug Agius
Jan 30th, 13:01
I think the winner will be Gonzi... I dare you challenge me :P
Nicely put william :)
mario piscopo
Jan 30th, 11:28
hahaahahahha u lkummiedja tkompli !!!
mela issa madniex nghidu li joseph ghandu kilba al poter ?
Min jaf beppe x taharqu zaqqu issa biex forsi jielhaq prim hu imma kif ghamilu gonzi difficli jidher ikrah f dan il mument .
Ma nafx jien ahjar min partit nazzjonalista semmewh partit ta COMICS . Messa in xena papali . Qiesom qed jahdmu il panto tal milied - Snowhite u 3 kandidati !!!!
Joseph Grech Attard
Jan 30th, 11:21
What a farce. This is a prolongation of a Pantomime!! Grow up children and shed away your capitalistic skin! Roll up your sleeves and start working for the good of the country. For once, put your individualistic needs and that of your party in second place. Show all citizens, especially the youth, that you really love your country. Act morally and ethically. Maybe, we can truly change the course of this troubled world.
R. Theuma
Jan 30th, 11:16
Ha ddumu ddahqu nies bikom jew ?! Mela lin-nies qed tahsbuhom boloh !!
Bug Agius
Jan 30th, 13:03
Hawn minnhom boloh ta, u jcapcpulu xorta wahda...
N Caruana
Jan 30th, 11:09
Pass tajjeb u naqbel li l-pajjiz mhux lest ghal elezjoni ta malajr! Wara kollox meta vvutajt kont naf ghall kemm snin min tieghla se jmexxi u nara li l-pajjiz gie mmexxi tajjeb f'dawn is-snin minkejja l-problemi li kien hawn fi dinja kollha, ma narax li hemm ghalfejn issir elezjoni biex dana kollhu naghmel pjacir f'hajjet mexxej iehor biex forsi jkun fl-istorja ta' Malta bhala l-izghar mexxej!!
MT Caruana
Jan 30th, 12:12
hmmmmm mela vera qed tibzu li jekk isir elezzjoni ha tiehdu tkaxkira nobis. Thanks habib ikonfermajt il beazt tieghek u tal partit tieghek. il-gurnata it tajba lilek ukoll. :)
N Caruana
Jan 30th, 13:03
Inti lili ma tafnix u daqs kemm ma nafx il bizat tieghek inti ma tafx tieghi! Pero jien li jien jinteresani huwa t-tmexija tal-pajjiz ghax naf li dan se jafetwa lili u mhux ha jinteresani min se jiehu tkaxkira u min le! Dik hija immaturita kbira jekk toqod tirraguna hekk. Il-fehemit tieghek ghandek dritt taghmilhom imma mhux fuq individwu li ma tafx! Grazzi
MT Caruana
Jan 30th, 15:30
@N.Caruana
Imaturita kbira hi meta bhal ma ktibt int li elzzjoni ma ssirx ghax l-affarijiet sejrin tajjeb u biex ma taghmilx pjacir lil Muscat halli ismu ma jinzilx bhala l izghar mexxej.
L-affarijiet cari habib, kull ma jsir mil pn bil hsieb. issa ma johrog hadt ghal elezzjoni ta kap, u tigu tejdu li tela sparat, nahseb bhali rajthom in nies reqin waqt il konferenza generali tal bierah.
Anthony Mizzi
Jan 30th, 11:09
Of course he'll go unchallenged at this day and time ..... if it was after a General Election Result ( as is the norm) , that it would be another story altogether!
Alfred Grech
Jan 30th, 11:09
.... and the drama (or is it comedy?) continues.
Charles Bayliss
Jan 30th, 11:05
Of course he will stand unopposed. Who will want to step into his shoes and get the blame for a big electoral defeat. One does the dirtying and the other tries to clean after the other person. One has to be stupid to fit in the shoes at the moment. BLUFF BLUFF BLUFF DR. GONZI.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Jan 30th, 11:05
Wasn't it a foregone conclusion that those who are potential and electable contenders to the leadership of the PN would forswear loyalty to the PM and try to outdo each other in declaring their support. If any change of leadership were to happen it would only take place right after the general election if the PN were to lose power. I cannot see the reason for this PN leader reelection process other than the fact that the current problems in the party are deeper than they seem and a confirmation of leadership would temporarily scotch speculations going round and undermining his leadership and thus preventing him from presenting a compact loyal team in the coming elections. By no stretch of the imagination will this move mollify or pacify the maverick MP's in his ranks indeed it can make them more rebellious. Perhaps its objectives is to purge the rebels and allow the selection and candidature of a group of candidates whose future loyalty to the party can be vouched for. I personally think that the PM has already decided that an early general election is inevitable and this move is simply to allow him to field candidates who he can trust , demonstrate to supporters apparent unity and lead with authority following a clear mandate from delegates the electoral battle ahead
Joseph Brincat
Jan 30th, 11:04
It is obvious NOBODY wants to contest GONZI PN
for the way he had put the > PN < in !!!!!!!!!!!!
M camilleri
Jan 30th, 11:02
Kellu ragun J.M kull gurnata li taghdi il Pl izid il voti..Kumidja Nazzjonalista ohra din dan min ha jikontesta kap ta partit meta fadalu sena ohra fil gvern ,wahda aqwa mil ohra.
David Smith
Jan 30th, 10:56
Have the PN strategists factored in the possibility that Mr. John Dalli, EU-Health Commissioner may want to contest the post?
John L Galea
Jan 30th, 12:02
Johgn Dalli is not so stupid to do so.
Philip Bonello
Jan 30th, 12:47
John Dalli, able as he may be, is probably too old to take on the hassle of leading a party. The party has had the chance to choose him but instead the party backed somebody else. It now serves them right to do without John Dalli.
m. borg (slm)
Jan 30th, 10:53
Any fool knows that these three would not challenge Gonzi now, but after the elctoral thrashing that Gonzi will get next general elections that is when the time is right for them to challenge him.
.
But they still have to take John Dalli into consideration and none of the three has the clout Dalli has.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 30th, 11:12
@Borg.
These three will not contest because it is obvious they are happy as they are and do not want a change in their status.
Lara Bonett
Jan 30th, 10:49
what a joke!!!!
E. Azzopardi
Jan 30th, 10:49
But isn't obvious that the way that it is being done nobody is going to challenge him. There should first be a secret ballot if they want Dr. Gonzi or not and if he does not get over 90%, then he should resign and make way for somebody else ( the question then arises if there is anybody else capable) so that this new leader will have the backing of Dr. Debono and this administration then go on till the end. You are all correct: The country does not need an election now and those asking for it know it too. Please, for the love of the country. Now prove it.
J. Camilleri
Jan 30th, 10:45
Dawn ha jdumu jitbellhu! Kemm hasbu li in-nies huma cwiec!"
Alfred Hili
Jan 30th, 10:45
I don't think Dr Debono really wants Dr Gonzi to resign. He only wants certain ministers to be accountable and certain reforms to be carried out at once.
"Pro Patria Amore".
Victor Calleja
Jan 30th, 11:57
Ohlom ohlom
Bug Agius
Jan 30th, 10:42
Ara vera dittattur....
Ahna fil-parlament u fil-pajjiz irridu naraw stabbilta' mhux fil-Partit Nazzjonalista....!!!
G Mangion
Jan 30th, 11:37
Bug Agius:
ghadni qatt ma rajt jew smajt li dittattur, Jitlob Biex isir vot Halli Jkun jaf jekk ghandux il fiducja biex jibqa Imexxi !!
Jekk sa tejdli [ imma ahna il vot tal poplu irrdu mus hekk Bug ? ] fil kas dak il - Vot jigi 2013 !!
G. Mangion.
Luke Duncan
Jan 30th, 12:00
Qed tinsinwa xi instabbilita fil pajjiz jigifieri Mr.Agius hux?
A Dimech
Jan 30th, 10:40
waste of time!! Gimmick of the century ; All PN is interested is to win some time, in order to get some votes from disgruntled PN supporters!
Alfred Fenech
Jan 30th, 11:12
Some fat chance !!!!
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Jan 30th, 10:37
Ara mela beppe irrida ta leader. Kemm ghajjar il franco li rrid jilhaq prim hu... Ibqaw ahlu il hin. u komplu kisru il partit.
James Grech
Jan 30th, 10:37
So what? Whether contested or not, whether he remains at the helm of his party or not, is of little importance at the moment. What is important, but the PM is refusing to acknowledge, is the fact that his numbers in parliament do not add up. To many this PM is in total denial. Is this truly in the interest of our country and its stability? The mind boggles.
MT Caruana
Jan 30th, 10:28
qed niftakar f dak ir riklam fuq italia uno...ti piace vincere facile?
Jekk vera trid tkun taf ghandikx fiducja sejjah elezzjoni generali mela tipruva taddina biz-zmien.
Roberta Sciberras
Jan 30th, 10:28
This is not news. It was a foregone conclusion. What a waste of time! Dr Gonzi, it is people's lives you are playing with.
Mr Michael Debono
Jan 30th, 10:23
If nobody contest Gonzi as leader, then no vote will be taken and the country will not know whether Gonzi truly has the support of the P.N. population.A gimmick.
Michael Debono
Saviour Fenech
Jan 30th, 10:50
No Mr Debono, it's not a gimmick at all. PN Statute stipulates that when there is only one contestant for the post of leader (or deputy leader), an election should be held just the same, and the contestant will finally be elected if he/she gets 50% +1 of the votes.
j brincat
Jan 30th, 10:19
"Gonzi expected to be unchallenged - Busuttil, de Marco and Fenech Adami back the PM"
Isn't it obvious!
Gonzi's move is just a mise en scene to 'try and prove' that he is the undisputed leader!
Who would venture challenge Gonzi now? That would come later!
But could it be a move to corner Franco?
The PN strategists must be working 24 x 7 to buy time so that Gonzi hangs on to power even though he has lost the majority!
(jb)
Ramon Casha
Jan 30th, 10:19
Was there any doubt? This whole pseudo-election gimmick was a sham from the start.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Jan 30th, 10:16
Viva Gonzi ara fix gab il partit. Hu ovvja ma se jikkontestah hadd.
Joseph Brincat
Jan 30th, 10:15
It is extremily more then good for the > PL <
Bernard Pollacco
Jan 30th, 10:11
fl-ahhar gurnata mux fid l-pm bix jghid min ghandu jinkontesta jew le...la hadd ma jrid memx xtamel tkompli l-hidma
Maria Camilleri
Jan 30th, 10:01
now there's a surprise.. who would have thought?
M Grima
Jan 30th, 10:00
This 'telenovela' is so touching and so predictable.
Ken Spiteri
Jan 30th, 09:58
I’m not surprise at all; this leadership contest issue is a farce, why Fenech Adami is on the list? Incredible!
Luke Scicluna
Jan 30th, 09:57
dawn b'min iridu jghaddu zmien dalodu!!
Pat Hobson
Jan 30th, 09:55
What do you expect? Who would, in his sound mind, a few weeks, months before an election, be a rival to his leader? It would be political suicide! This is all a gimmick. Even if the PM sincerely wants a leadership election, first he must tender his resignation, so that he would on equal footing with his rivals. And after all, what the PM is going to gain from the PN councillors? Zilch. Dr. Debono, as he said many times, is not a member of the PN party because of his resignation. Therefore the problem is solely a parliamentary one. Only there, can the PM Gonzi solve the leadership problem. Anything else are just gimmicks in the eyes of the electorate.
David Caruana
Jan 30th, 09:55
X'farsa din! This cannot be resolved at a party level. The party counsillors are the worse people to turn to in such instances because they would back up the leader even if he told them to jump off the cliffs.
This is a NATIONAL problem NOT a party problem.
GonziPN will go down in history as the leader/party who drove the PN to oblivion. I guess that's the only way some people learn.
mary mifsud
Jan 30th, 11:50
I totally agree!
Victor Vella
Jan 30th, 12:00
Totally agree.
R. Gauci
Jan 30th, 09:54
Wow! This is news.
Philip Bonello
Jan 30th, 09:53
If ever there was any doubt that Lawrence Gonzi is clingiung to his seat of power; if ever there was any doubt that the clique wants Lawrence Gonzi to stay so that they can have "business as usual"; this is it.
The party cannot move forward until it is purged of Gonzi and the clique that surrounds him. The party is heading to years in the opposition seats.
Edgar Azzopardi
Jan 30th, 09:52
And Franco Debono has been ignored yet again.
Perahaps now that he has played thier game he even deserves it.
He is happy letting the klikka decide for all of us.
Edgar Azzopardi
Jan 30th, 09:50
...and Gonzi knew all along!!....and so did we !! This is all a charade - dahqa fil-wicc- to win time for the PN to prepare for the unavoidable - an election. Tardare si, scappare no.
Dr Gonzi has so much bravado facing the PN General Council because he knows that he will be confirmed unanimously. Who is he in his right mind who will contest him and then face a possible election defeat ? BUT, Dr Gonzi and is scared of facing the electorate.
The PNGC will certaily confrim him as their Cap - good luck to him and them. But who is going to confirm Dr Gonzi as the PM of the country? The Pieta' klikka? If Gonzi really wanted to confrm his worth, he should go to the electorate, the majority of which do not give a flying hoot about what the PN general council decides.
Gonzi is now playing a very dangerous game with the stability and democracy of our country, the electorate is helpless,...and the President is happy planning next year's Strina.
Charles W. Sammut
Jan 30th, 09:49
One man races are odd. The winner is also the loser. He is both first and last.
This guy was used to one man races:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/16/attack/main525770.shtml
Bernard Pollacco
Jan 30th, 11:19
Even blatter of Fifa ;) http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/01/fifa-presidential-election-live-blog
Tony Busuttil
Jan 30th, 09:48
is this a joke?
Ethelbert Schembri
Jan 30th, 09:47
The problem is that Gonzi and the PN are not realizing that we the people don't care what the PN councilors say ... The position of Prime Minister is not a party prerogative and something that is settled withen the party structures but we the electorate MUST decide !!
What is doing Gonzi as PM is ignoring the democratic principles of this country and yes he's doing like what happend in 1981 !!! Has the legal right to govern but not moral and political right do do it !!
Joe Cordina
Jan 30th, 09:47
Another Gonzipn gimick
Jo Meli
Jan 30th, 09:45
Ha !
That's good for Lawrence Gonzi credibility - which, at this historical point in time, is at PAR with the Great Leaders such as Kim ll Sung, Fidel Castro and other Great Leaders who always contested UNchallenged elections and won hands down.
US Maltese are soooooooooo proud of Great Leader Lawrence Gonzi !
The self-inflicted harm committed yesterday at Dar Centrali downgrades Lawrence Gonzi's credibility to less than that of Karmenu Mufsud Bonnici, of the KMB fame, worst's days in Office.
William Flynn
Jan 30th, 09:44
Two months?! Why does it take two months for 35 parliamentarians to vote on a leadership spill?
In the serious democracies it takes just a few hours; if that. If uncontested it should take 5 minutes,
This should have been done cut and dried on Sunday. Does the PM wish to be referred to as a leader-in-waiting for his confirmation for two whole months? Can Malta afford this indecision?
Is Lawrence Gonzi capable of making a decision quickly when speed is warranted? Is the PN?
Something's up! Someone is buying time.
Note: Typical responses from likely leadership candidates
First Time Asked: “I am behind the leader 101%”.
Second Time : “I am at the service of the leader, the party and the country”.
Third Time : “I will serve in any capacity my party wants me to serve”.
Fourth Time : “The rumour that many in the party want me to contest is false”.
Fifth Time : “No comment. This is a matter for the party room.”
Sixth Time : “I have decided to contest to end this uncertainty”.
Seventh Time : “I am humbled at being elected leader and wish to first and foremost thank the previous leader for his achievements which I can only hope to emulate”.
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Jan 30th, 09:41
No Surprise - Farsa or Tragedja for PN. The General Conference a complete No Show and wait and see this Leader Election proposed by The Prime Minister will be a NO SHOW. The Heading in the Times of a few days ago WHAT NEXT? does make sense.
Alfred Vassallo
Jan 30th, 09:40
So what you are saying is that anything can go, good or bad, in your government but all you say to the electorate is that ''the buck'' stops with you, and thats it...business as usual, no resignations, no nothing.
No Mr.Gonzi its the people who should see where ''the buck stops'' not you or your councillors, because we all know what parties are for. Rubber stamp.
A. Schembri
Jan 30th, 09:40
Summary -> this will solve nothing as everything will remain the same therefore wasting time and increasing national instability
Paul Cassar
Jan 30th, 09:39
WHAT THE PN DOES IS ITS OWN BUSINESS and i won't interfere one iota
BUT HERE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A COUNTRY'S PRIME MINISTER ...............so how come that the party 200 delegates alone decide for all of us ????????????? is democracy dead ?????
THE CHALLENGE TO LEADERSHIP WAS AGAINST THE PRIME MINISTER AND NON VOTING WAS CARRIED OUT IN PARLIAMENT ................NOT IN THE PN COUNCIL................so democracy and reason vehemently uphold that all Maltese have to be consulted......................HENCE ELECTIONS ONLY ARE THE SOLUTION.
A Spiteri
Jan 30th, 09:38
what a farse!
fortunato mizzi would be ashamed of all this and if those in the PN respect their founder, they should change the name of the party. it is indeed a tragedy that the glorious party has ended up in the incompetent hands of these gentlemen!!
James Grech
Jan 30th, 09:37
So what? Whether contested or not, whether he remains at the helm of his party or not, is of little importance at the moment. What is important, but the PM is refusing to acknowledge, is the fact that his numbers in parliament do not add up. To many this PM is in total denial. Is this truly in the interest of our country and its stability? The mind boggles.
Joseph Laus
Jan 30th, 09:33
Mhux bilfors hadd ma jikkontesta lil Gonzi,,,min hu dak li jrid imexxi minghajr il Maggoranza fil Parlament.......Dawn mhux kollox teatrin,,,,,
Kevin Tanti
Jan 30th, 09:31
Qed taraw, Il-PM ghandu l-appogg tal-partit kollu warajh. Imbaghad biex ghazlu leader tal-PN kien hemm 5 u ghalhekk il-partit kien maqsum f'5
Tonio Micallef
Jan 30th, 09:29
Challenge? What challenge? They will leave him burn in his delaying tactics. They will then rub their hands overseeing his demise as leader after the election. And then bring on the fight for the leadership!
Mr B Busuttil
Jan 30th, 09:29
jahsbu li in-nies cwiec jahasra...
Tania Farrugia
Jan 30th, 09:26
What a farce.....of course no-one is going to challenge him, it would mean the end of their political career. This is only another stalling tactic which will get everyone nowhere fast. It's the electorate who has to decide if Gonzi still has the majority behind him, not the PN. And on another note.....if Gonzi and his followers are so certain of this majority anyway, why not call an election now?? They should win by a landslide again according to their confident statements, so why keep the country instable for the next months instead of having a clear vision ahead now?
Mr C Camilleri
Jan 30th, 09:26
So did i get this straight ? Dr Gonzi is going to compete against people who already said they want him to win.
So not only is this all a waste of time, it is also a matter of taking the whole country for a ride making us think that PN is trying hard to save the country.
Mr Charles Falzon
Jan 30th, 09:25
To come to this conclusion ridt tkun ilek tmur l Universita xi 3 snin.
Victor Vella
Jan 30th, 09:24
Do the above form part of the web of evil oligarchy?
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jan 30th, 09:22
What a waste of time! Wouldn't this anger Franco to increase his antagonism towards Gonzi? Will this charade entice Franco to give his support to Gonzi in Parliament?
A Dimech
Jan 30th, 09:20
So, what is the point of this move?!!! Absolutely nothing!!
the issue in parliament remains there!
pat muscat
Jan 30th, 09:20
The farce continues:' Act II part 1!
John L Galea
Jan 30th, 09:14
Oh I am so surprised that noone is to contest Gonzi!!!!!
In the meantime while we watch another episode of "Dejjem tieghek GOnzi", the country is left on tenterhooks.
S Vella
Jan 30th, 09:11
One man race?? so..........LOL
Victor Laiviera
Jan 30th, 09:10
What a surprise!
What a farce!
R Malia
Jan 30th, 09:08
Gonzi thinks the Maltese public is stupid... Does he think we did not know that no one will contest him?
This is a stunt to stay in power... the public wants PN out not Gonzi.