Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday urged members of the Nationalist Party to set aside their “personal agendas” as they prepare to take “important” decisions this week.
It is vital to remember that politicians are there in the name of service
Meanwhile, he reiterated his warning that the MPs who voted contrary to the party whip in recent weeks must be held accountable and face the consequences decided democratically by the party.
Following last month’s condemnation of MPs Franco Debono, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Jesmond Mugliett, the PN executive will meet again on Thursday to discuss, among other things, how the action against these MPs should be escalated.
The PN executive will also hear Dr Debono’s procedural objections to the way he was condemned without being given a chance to defend himself and, possibly, Dr Pullicino Orlando’s fresh claims that Richard Cachia Caruana colluded with Labour in the past.
In a recorded interview aired yesterday on Radio 101, Dr Gonzi said MPs had the right to vote against their party when they were granted a free vote, but in every other instance they were expected to vote in accordance with the party whip.
He added that in light of the recent incidents, the party now had to make some “important decisions” for the way forward, putting the interests of the party and, especially, the country first.
It “is vital” to remember that politicians “are there in the name of service”, and should therefore not think of themselves but the country and the party, which is a tool to be used towards the national interest, he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Gonzi launched a scathing attack against Labour leader Joseph Muscat’s “populist” behaviour, particularly on immigration. He said there was “no doubt” that the discourse used, especially by the Labour Party on immigration, was fuelling racism, such as when Dr Muscat said Malta should do as Italy did and refuse to rescue migrants.
Dr Gonzi said he would insist on ensuring full respect to human dignity, while defending the national interest.
“Respecting human dignity does not mean going against the national interest,” he said, adding that the US had taken 1,000 refugees and the EU had taken around 300, which was still not enough.
Dr Gonzi stressed that while the government earned such results and continued to work hard for better ones, the Labour Party offered no solutions and remained superficial.
Dr Gonzi also referred to the alleged murder of Malian migrant Mamadou Kamara, taking the opportunity to condemn the violence and call for good behaviour from the Armed Forces of Malta personnel.
“Those who are responsible must face justice,” he said.
Dr Gonzi also lashed out at Dr Muscat for leaving a parliamentary sitting early to attend an activity in Ħamrun while the Prime Minister, who had also been invited to the activity, replied to the Opposition’s parliamentary questions.
Describing Dr Muscat as “populist” once more, Dr Gonzi said the Opposition leader attended Parliament for the formality, even on an issue as serious as the European Commission discussion on pensions.
“He asked four questions and left,” Dr Gonzi said, irritated about the “unacceptable” way Dr Muscat failed to listen to the replies. Such “theatrics” exposed the lack of seriousness of the Labour Party, which was making a mockery of Parliament, he said.
In reply, the Labour Party said Dr Gonzi was ignoring today’s realities and becoming “hysterical”. Labour also accused Dr Gonzi of being populist when he made promises on income tax that he failed to deliver on.