Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi insisted before a large crowd at the Luxol Grounds this morning that the government tomorrow expects a clear vote of confidence, without conditions, to enable the government to continue to work in the interest of the workers.
Dr Gonzi said Opposition leader Joseph Muscat threw seriousness out of the window when he moved the no-confidence motion. The nine-sitting debate showed how he had no reasons to justify the resignation of minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici.
Dr Gonzi heaped praise on Dr Mifsud Bonnici, saying that on Wednesday he had distinguished himself over the way how he acted, his integrity, values and sense of service. Somebody else showed himself to be just a boy, Dr Gonzi said.
Dr Muscat was showing that he wanted to be prime minister at any cost, he said.
If there was anyone who deserved a vote of confidence, it was Evarist Bartolo, who converted student stipends into loans within weeks of Labour coming to power in 1996 when Labour had promised that stipends would not be touched.
Also deserving of a no confidence motion was Alex Sceberras Trigona who signed a secret arms treaty with North Korea behind the people's back.
Some argued that these things took place years ago, yet these people still sat alongside Dr Muscat, Dr Gonzi said.
Also deserving of a vote of confidence was George Vella, who froze Malta's application to join the EU, embarrassing Malta.
Indeed, Dr Gonzi said, all the members of the 1981 Labour government, such as former minister Karmenu Vella, should face a vote of no confidence for governing Malta against the will of the people.
Wednesday's no confidence vote, Dr Gonzi said, showed how Dr Muscat had changed his tie but Labour remained unchanged.
That was why the government needed to continue to work hard throughout this legislature in the interest of the people, and a clear, unconditional vote of confidence was needed for this purpose tomorrow.
Dr Gonzi also hit out as remarks made by Dr Muscat on Friday, when he said that a Labour government would provide homes for people with disabilities where they could live when their parents passed away.
It was disgusting, Dr Gonzi said, how Dr Muscat had sought to take political advantage from people with disabilities. His comments were especially shameful because such homes and such assistance was already being provided in homes in Fgura, Kirkop. Marsascala, Cospicua, Birzebbuga, Mellieha and other places, with the government buying such services from the private sector and foundations such as Arks, and Wens.
Dr Gonzi promised that is-sewwa jirbah zgur (truth will prevail) but urged his listeners to work hard and to show confidence in themselves and the country.
ROUSING RECEPTION FOR CARM MIFSUD BONNICI
Dr Mifsud Bonnici was present for the political activity and was given an enthusiastic reception by the crowd. Dr Gonzi also led them to a round of applause for Dr Mifsud Bonnici.