Pullicino comfortable with coalition
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said today he was comfortable working within the government in the current situation as long as the government was allowed to continue implementing its electoral programme.
Asked whether he was comfortable working in the present situation during a visit to the abbatoir this morning, Mr Pullicino pointed out that what happened was the result of decisions that had taken by others.
He would have preferred had that decision not been taken but as long as the government was in a position to continue working on its electoral programme, he felt comfortable working in line with that programme.
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52 Comments
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Mr Stephen Borg
Jul 22nd 2012, 09:48
This is one of those ministers which during his tenure really did nothing in favor of the portfolio handed to him by the PM.
Henry Mifsud
Jul 21st 2012, 11:06
Comfortable indeed :)
Lawrence Fenech
Jul 21st 2012, 03:11
U kif comfortable, but not for long.
Joseph Micallef
Jul 21st 2012, 02:04
This man's hunger for power equals the prime minister's.
Joseph M. Grech.
Jul 20th 2012, 19:45
@ Pat Hobson
As usual MLP/PL trying to change history.
What the PN did between 1981-1987 was non-violent protests and civil disobedience for "the perverse" (Mintoff's description) situation that we were going through. This was the same thing that for example Ghandi did in India.
However, as also happened in India the MLP/PL like the English responded with savage violence using even the police force and many vindictive measures with anyone who dared disagree.
If EFA wanted he could have brought the country to civil war but he is a very good statesman and he did not.
About what happened after the change in 1987 obviously it is something you are not capable to understand since you always think with an MLP/PL vindictive frame of mind.
After 1987 there was a strong bid for reconciliation between the torn apart Maltese nation and that was what EFA tried to do.
As for whoever suggested the constitutional change I have one question for you: What would have happened if that perverse result repeated itself? Mintoff was wise enough and knew the answer to that question even though there were many MLP/PL exponents (most of whom are still there) who disagreed with him.
So please get your perspectives right and study Maltese history properly and don't try to change it or blur it.
I know I have been there and witnessed quite a number of MLP/PL obscenities.
George Azzopardi
Jul 20th 2012, 21:31
After 1987 there was a strong bid for reconciliation between the torn apart Maltese nation ... may be true but tdid this succeed?
What is the situation now may I ask .. better or worse than EFA left it?
Joe Borg
Jul 20th 2012, 21:38
tista tghidli x'ghandu x'jaqsam mas-suggett .. qed titkellem fuq 30 sena ilu .. ara x'qed jigri llum ... fejn hija r-rikonciljazjoni ma GonziPN anqas ma tal familja tieghu stess ghax qed ikeccijhom!!! Qed tihakkjaw emails ta shabkom stess (J.Dalli)!!!
Kilkka wahda ghandkom bhalissa mexxuja min Austin Gatt u RCC!!! Gonzi qisu puppu jaghmel li jghidulu!!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jul 20th 2012, 16:33
Remember how the PN tried to scare voters from voting for Alternattiva as a coalition does not work, that a third party would create an unstable government. Now GonziPN has accepted to enter into a coalition with someone whom they have enjoyed demonising over the past months, with someone who is unpredictable. If this is not proof enough of GonziPN's greed for power, I don't know what is. I hope that at the next election we do not hear these silly words about coalitions again.
Joe Tabone
Jul 20th 2012, 17:31
Come on Andrew, let's be honest here. You cannot compare the two scenarios. Jeffrey has 5100 PN votes and agreed to support the PN electoral manisfesto, whilst Alternativa present their own manifesto at the elections that differs to both the PN and MLP manifestos!!
W Cassar
Jul 20th 2012, 18:50
No you can't compare the two scenarios.... but this is the more unstable one if you look at the history. A one man party with the deciding vote... JPO is the new PM.
John Borg Sant Fournier
Jul 20th 2012, 16:32
This is what I call a selfish money hungry minister , intersed only in his pockets to be fillined up while the rest of the country is on a dawn of poverty , U zgur int komdu sur ministru b 500 euro bonus fil gima min mux komdu , u xi platt jew 2 jew 3 ikel kuljum ma jtukx bxejn ukoll
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jul 20th 2012, 16:30
Hon > G. Pullicino: you and your PM have been saying that they will be staying until the end of this legislature because that is what the people voted for, i.e. a five year government. But the people did not vote for a coalition - especially with JPO whom you and your party have been vilifying for the past months. So you ignore your voters' wishes and enter into a coalition of convenience. Does that mean that you will do anything to stay in power?
Philip Hili
Jul 20th 2012, 19:13
@ Andrew Camilleri
X'ghandu x'jaqsam????
Allura bl-istess argument tieghek jekk l-AD tirbah siggu u la Muscat Labour Party ma jkollu maggoranza u lanqas il-PN ifisser li jekk l-AD tinghaqad ma xi hadd minnhom dak il-gvern kompost mill-AD u/jew MLP jew PN ma jkunx tajjeb, ghax ikun koalizzjoni. Nahseb li hadd mill-elettorat ma jkun ivvota ghal koalizzjoni!!!!
Joseph M. Grech.
Jul 20th 2012, 16:21
To all those below who are crying "the majority of the Maltese are not comfortable".
I would like to ask them this question: How did the majority of the Maltese feel between 1981 and 1987?
Those were the darkest six years that MLP/PL should be really ashamed of.
So regarding the Maltese please save us the crocodile tears as well as your advice about democracy etc, etc
And to those who comment as usual that it's digging the past please note that many of MLP/PL people are still the same.
So please let the PN continue with its job. OK the PN is not perfect but with all the changes for the better that has been made, it has left the MLP/PL green with envy, because it seems that we are being made to believe that perfection is only on the MLP/PL side! And in this case we have to close both eyes to history to believe that.
And please note that I am Maltese and I live in Malta.
Susan Cassar
Jul 20th 2012, 17:51
Well said...few remember those years and those atrocious acts Labour committed and forget that many of those politicians are still in the background of the party...Its easy to contradict but truth of the matter is that Labour did not demonstrate it knows any better as it never came up with any concrete plans showing it would have steered us in a better situation...
Pat Hobson
Jul 20th 2012, 18:33
What atrocious acts? Who performed those atrocious acts? Who was the prime instigator for such acts? Why not ask yourselves these questions without any blinkers, and see if you can come up with an answer. Believing the lies your party has fed has deprived you of your power of reasoning.
Who the leader of the opposition who brought the country on the brink of civil war because of his lust for power on the excuse that democracy is dead in Malta?
Who was the Prime Minister who after the opposition spent nearly two years boycotting parliament, co-opted the opposition back to Parliament, so that the country can continue with its life? Who was the MP who proposed amendments to the Constitution so that the party who gets most votes, has the right to govern?
Why those persons involved in said atrocities, were promoted, when there was a change in government, in 1987?
Come on, be realistic
Alfred Cassar
Jul 20th 2012, 22:41
Pat, did you live in Malta from 1981 to 1987 jew? Come on be realistic
Kevin Marks
Jul 20th 2012, 16:11
U zguuuuuur li komdu mela min tridu jkun komdu jien jew!!
Maryanne Camilleri
Jul 20th 2012, 15:58
I can imagine the Hon. Pullicino being comfortable in his ministerial position receiving his exorbitant salary and other fringe benefits. I can imagine him being uncomfortable not being driven in his airconditioned chauffered luxurious car. Forget about democracy because the Hon.G . Pullicino is comfortable with the situation.
Joe Tabone
Jul 20th 2012, 16:11
Why Maryanne, do LABOUR ministers have a different package, like a car without airconditioning??
Maryanne Camilleri
Jul 20th 2012, 17:25
Mr.Tabone you have missed the point, no one is saying that ministers are not entitled to their salaries and other benefits. The point is that GonziPn and his Ministers want to cling to power even though they dishonestly (although legally) won the 2008 elections (Mistra issue) and now have clearly lost a majority in Parliament. By majority I mean that the number of PN Members of Parliament are no longer the majority. One must remember that the 2008 election was won by a very slim majority which after four years this slim majority has now been lost. So I can imagine the Hon. Pullicino and his colleagues will be very uncomfortable to lose all their Ministerial comforts which they have been enjoying for 25 years,
A Trapani
Jul 20th 2012, 21:07
Maryanne, if I were you I would not bet on a LOST slim majority ..... you never know, you might yet again get another surprise in a few months' time..... careful... don't count the chicken before they are hatched... once again...
Maryanne Camilleri
Jul 20th 2012, 22:17
Mr.Trapani, time will tell. But the only way that the PN can win is by cheating like the last election. What happened in the 2008 election has been revealed by Gordon Pisani in the recorded conversation that was published this week. The publication of this week in the 'In-Nazzjon' revealed that the public was misled to secure victory at all cost. Dishonesty is the trade mark of GonziPN.
Joe A. Borg
Jul 20th 2012, 15:58
Simply put.... playing with words and the country's future.
Philip Mizzi
Jul 20th 2012, 15:40
Hey george, who should be comfortable, the politicians or the people (the electorate, remember?)? Do you believe that politicians are to serve the people or the people to serve the politicians? The time of blind voting with the 'party' is over, the party that caters for the floaters (sensible voters) and not for the hardliners will win elections, so treat the electorate llike mature people not idiots.
Frans Aguis
Jul 20th 2012, 15:03
I recall them dropping bricks in their pants at the thought of AD having a seat in the last election
Joseph Apap
Jul 20th 2012, 14:53
Reply to G.A.Scicluna
Dr. Gonzi is still Prime Minister.
and since the Govt. has only a one seat majority he may continue to govern
JPO has indicated that he will still vote with the Govt in matters that were part of the programm
If some one else from the PN will come forward and say he is going to vote against any law put forward in Parliament then and it will be then that we will have a new issue and then the PM will have to go for a General Election
M Saliba
Jul 20th 2012, 13:33
Id-deciżjonijiet ta' GonzPN irid japprovhom JPO biex jgħaddu. George Pulicino komdu u mwaħħal mas-siġġu f'partit bla maġġoranza parlamentari.
victor bonello
Jul 20th 2012, 13:27
I think you would more comfortable in Tuscany on an estate grilling Tuna and drinking Brunello to our health..
Susan Cassar
Jul 20th 2012, 18:01
@your previous comment:- If there are going to be any Large effects they would be felt immediately for eg Ireland/Greece/ Spain and Italy all were interconnected and their effects were felt in quick succesion like a pack of dominos..the lesser indirect effects will drag on for years and take time to recover but it is still commendable to say that Malta sterred away from these major crisises due to sound policies and by living within its means...
Joe Borg
Jul 20th 2012, 13:20
Of course he's comfortable .. the problem is that the majority of Maltese people are not!!! He's comfortable hey ..... of course .. having a driver at his disposal etc etc
George Calleja
Jul 20th 2012, 15:22
Why shouldn't he -and you- be comfortable? Have you lost any of your rights, finance, health schemes, educational provision because a renegade finally decided to leave the party which elected him? Even JPO is comfortable because he is retaining his honoraria and fringe benefits! He will soon lose them because he was discarded by the party! His days are numbered!!!
Joe Borg
Jul 20th 2012, 21:43
@George Calleja .. jekk int komdu tkellem ghalik .. jien iktar ma jizbarrazaw mallajr dal-qatta arroganti iktar ahjar!!!
A Cachia
Jul 20th 2012, 13:14
So the PN and the PL would be comfortable with a Third Party in Parliament?
Susan Cassar
Jul 20th 2012, 13:11
Well said ..few however consider that we have done well when you see the tremendous difficulties other countries find themselves in...Spain, Greece, Italy even UK-- we have myabe not moved very much forward however even remaining stationary was improvement when compared to other nearby countries..
victor bonello
Jul 20th 2012, 15:35
the effects always hit Malta later.. it is only now that the effects of mismanagement under GonziPn are starting to be felt.. and Gonzi is praying or colluding with the " rebels" hoping they will topple the Government. All this farce without bothering about the ripple effects it will have on the Maltese economy and people, so Gonzi can claim an honourable exit..
Kevin Marks
Jul 20th 2012, 16:11
Unfortunately all the countries in trouble you mentioned inherited huge deficits from Prime ministers in the same stream of Gonzipn!!
J. Sultana
Jul 20th 2012, 13:10
Utter nonsense, the present government has lost the majority not only in Parliament but even as far as votes are concerned, minus the votes appertaining to JPO. A responsible Acting President should have called the Opposition Leader having the majority of votes to have the first choice to form a government and if it does not transpire, than triggers the way for coalition. But as things stand the best possible solution for our country is to go for the General Election. I have never witnessed such turmoil in our Maltese politics with the Emeritus President Eddie Fenech Adami in the midst of all things. Was he the President for ALL? Definitely Not…………
Mr David Ganado
Jul 20th 2012, 14:44
Has there been an election already? How can you decide that the government has lost the majority even as far as votes are concerned?
As for the opposition forming a government based on the fact they have the majority of votes, you may need to read the constitution a bit better before you continue uttering useless things....
Peter Dimech
Jul 20th 2012, 19:39
Mr. Ganado it seems that you cannot add up or in this case minus. Over 5,000. votes belong to JPO who longer forms part of the PN government. In democratic countries governments surrender for less. PL whether you like it or not have the majority. Why prolong this cherade, let go for the obvious, a General Election. See what Hon. Debono is saying so you can learn something.............................
Gordon Farrugia
Jul 20th 2012, 13:07
koalizzjoni lol PN propoganda spin.... Dan gvern mfarrak inkollat mas-siggu tal-poter bis-super glue!
Ms Xaxa Caruana
Jul 20th 2012, 13:06
Kuntent Pullicino...kuntent kulhadt!!!
Carmelo Sammut
Jul 20th 2012, 13:04
X tasal x se taghti lin nies issa George wara 20 sena
Easy No JPO
NO VOTE
Mr Emanuel Farrugia
Jul 20th 2012, 13:03
"He would have preferred had that decision not been taken but as long as the government was in a position to continue working on its electoral programme, he felt comfortable working in line with that programme" - Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino .
Kull minn ghandu halqu, kulhadd jghid li jrid u kif jaqbel lilu mhux hekk.
Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council
Philip Hili
Jul 20th 2012, 19:16
@ Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council
Veru ta! Taf li sewwa qieghed tghid!!!!
Charles Cremona
Jul 20th 2012, 13:02
Continue with the electoral programme he said. Was creating a huge Debt burden for this country and a Fiscal deficit in the electoral programme ? I don't remember reading that, all I seem to remember is the saying ' Par Idejn Sodi'
Barney Camilleri
Jul 20th 2012, 13:01
That was a good political reply. Now let us hear the truth George.
jesmond zammit
Jul 20th 2012, 12:50
din mhux koalizzjoni. spinn ta koalizzjoni.
Joseph Apap
Jul 20th 2012, 12:50
Hon Mr. George Pullicino
The government was elected for five years with a programme
You have still a lot to do so keep going as much as all of you can
in the interest of Malta and the Maltese
G.A. Scicluna
Jul 20th 2012, 13:06
Agreed Mr.Apap. But it was the same Dr. Gonzi who asked for confidence votes WITHOUT conditions in the recent past. Now he has got no majority and lots of conditions.. Effectively JPO is the new Prime Minister. Dr. Gonzi is just a minister, unless he does the honourable thing.
Francis Sammut
Jul 20th 2012, 15:09
Sorry, but... ehm... not quite! The government was elected to govern for 5 years as long as the Prim Minister (or whoever) keeps having (behind him) the support of the majority of the House. It's not a given, neither it's set in stone that whatever happens the elected government is there to stay for 5 years! That is called democracy.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jul 20th 2012, 16:35
The PN was voted into government -not a coaltiion of Pn and JPO. Nationalist voters are betrayed every single day this coalition remains in power. GonziPN keeps on going in its own interest and not in the interest of Malta and the Maltese.
Please choose the reason of your report below: