PL says immigration remains a concern
The immigrant arrivals last night.
The Labour Party said today that the arrival of some 160 migrants in Malta last night showed how this problem was continuing to persist.
In a statement, Michael Falzon, shadow minister for home affairs, said that while Malta had to observe its international obligations, one could not deny that illegal immigration was a challenge and a burden on the country.
Recent studies had shown that not only did Malta have the highest per capita rate of immigrant arrivals, but the Maltese were the most worried people about immigration in the EU.
Malta also had one of the highest rates of protection to illegal immigrants.
Dr Falzon said that the government should remain prepared to tackle this issue and it needed to be more active in European and international fora in the interests of the country.
He noted that for several months now, Malta was without a minister responsible to handle illegal immigration, a situation which reflected the poor state of the government.
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Angelo Vassallo
Aug 17th 2012, 10:11
@ stephen koludrovic
Your books mean that you arbitrary leave desperate people to die in the Mediterranean Sea, turning it into a MASS GRAVE.
@ B. Cachia
You are allowed to say what you feel, that is why we live in a Democratic country, governed by a Democratic party. All I am standing for is the protection of HUMAN LIVES under all circunstances, even of the illegal immigrants.
carlos ellul
Aug 17th 2012, 15:30
I wouldnt want immigrants to die either however by insisting on the Dublin 2 treaty which the PN signed in the first place goes against both the locals and immigrants interests. Its immoral to keep people here against their will
Alfred Bugeja
Aug 17th 2012, 09:59
The Malta Labour Party should stop beating around the bush and state in no uncertain terms what it intends to do to solve the problem. And please spare us from the "being more active" and "putting pressure on the EU" rubbish if they have no concrete commitment from the EU on that matter. Tell us concretely what you would do to solve the problem single-handedly if you're elected to govern. Otherwise it's all pie in the sky.
John Azzopoardi
Aug 17th 2012, 09:32
Immigration remains a concern.That is a big understatement. This is a concern and no one in Malta is willing to tackle the issue. WHen will the Prime Minister and our leader of Opposition discuss this issue and put a plan in place. Why aren't they discussing and wasting time on other frivolous issues that have little impact on our society. CAnnot they see that this issue is a big concern for Malta. Has anyone done an impact assessment to assess what impact this situation is having on our society, social benefits, and security. NO. this is what our politicians should be discussing. This is what DEbono, JPO and Joseph Muscat should have brought to the table. This is what other MPs on both sides should be discussing not some issue that is not a threat to our way of life. Will the prime minister address the nation and tell us what humber of illegal migrants he has in mind that is acceptable to him? And will Joseph Muscat do the same. What does the Prime MInister have to say to concerned citizens like me.?
stephen koludrovic
Aug 17th 2012, 09:01
The 1700 immigrants that have to date this year, landed on the island, will be costing the Maltese taxpayer a whopping 28 million euros in accommodation expenses during their detention period.
BTW I read in an earlier article that the EU has contributed the generous amount of 1 million euros for their upkeep.
Mark. Galea
Aug 17th 2012, 08:48
Typical Labour ... I would really like to know what their suggestions are. For example, pulling out of Socialist International? (Socialist International is in favour of immigration)
Or else send boatloads back before landing? (They will do as they do in australia - take in water and then the authorities will have to take them in, a much more considerable risk)
Bring them to Malta and send them back? (EU will refuse us the funds)
As usual, PL is a lot of talk, talk, talk but no concreate plans - as Dr Vassallo said, the aim is to topple the PN government only - "imbaghad wara naraw".
Charles Grixti
Aug 17th 2012, 16:11
Real Socialists would be against immigration as it would undermine their voter base - the working classes.
Nowadays, Socialists International has been co-opted by the Globalists and it is really there only for show, as are all current 'Socialist' parties in the world.
Antoine Zammit
Aug 17th 2012, 08:25
Agree with you 100% Walter!
Ronnie Callus
Aug 17th 2012, 07:52
The EU should build tents for these migrants in Libya and not using Malta as a stepping stone to other countries. At least they will reduce the incidents at sea if they truly mind about them. Malta is being overflooded with them and making use of our limited resources. Wake up Government and make a stand.
JOSEPH ABELA
Aug 17th 2012, 07:42
They are here to stay,and we must accept it, burden sharing is a joke.
G Tonna
Aug 17th 2012, 05:59
'government should remain prepared to tackle this issue and it needed to be more active in European and international fora in the interests of the country.' is this all Labour has to say about immigration?
No wonder the party manifesto was never prepared.
B. Cachia
Aug 17th 2012, 08:07
At the end of the day, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The current policy has failed miserably. Maybe it's time to see if a different team can do better. Having so many voters in the south of the island, Labour would certainly have a greater incentive to solve this problem than the current government, which hardly appears to view it as a problem at all.
walter camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 20:49
Very, very, sadly, people do not accept that what we call Illegal Immigrants are desperate people escaping from chaos in the greater part of Africa in search of a life where they can earn a decent living away from the dangers of civil wars, religious strife and genocides.
The reality is that human beings will, as they have always done, go in search of a better life where they feelo it may be possible. The Maltese have done this in recent years to America, Australia, Canada and also England, and in the nineteenth century to Egypt, Tunis and Algeria, so that there are probably more Maltese living abroad that there are in MAlta.
AS far as I can see, there is no simple way to stop the flow. They are not Libyans, so Libya does not want them bac, would probably forbid entry to Maltese ships or planes carring returned immigrants, andanyway is happy to see them try to cross the sea. We cannot openly help them to carry on to Italy - Italy would not accept it, and, in extremis, would probably bring them back here and we, being somewhat less strong than Italy could not do much about it. Italy has enough problems of her own with Immigrants in Pantelleria, Linosa and lampedusa practically outnumbering the Italians on those Islands.
The only way to stop the Immigrants arriving in Malta is to arm our patrol vessels with machine guns, and somehow I do not see this happen!
Perhaps I'm stupid, but I really cannot see any real way to stop immigrants arriving - can anyone make a logical suggestion?
Walter Camilleri.
carlos ellul
Aug 16th 2012, 21:08
We must pull the plug out of the dublin 2 so immigrants can leave malta and go to europe.
B. Cachia
Aug 16th 2012, 21:12
For a start, it would help if we actually removed the incentives there are for them to come, such as the small (but real) possibility of some of them being taken in by richer European countries, the liberal granting of refugee status and subsidiary protection, and a ridiculously short time limit on detention for illegal immigrants who do not cooperate in the repatriation process.
It must be borne in mind that the vast majority of them are seeking higher incomes and better lifestyles rather than escaping from danger. Even of those who are really refugees, most if not all would have passed through safe countries and safe areas on their journey to Malta, and from that point onwards would have continued the journey for economic reasons. For people who have a choice, like the ones I have just described, modifying incentives would make a difference.
As for the Maltese emigrants of former days, the parallel is completely false. They emigrated legally, with the full consent of the host countries, as part of organised emigration programmes.
carlos ellul
Aug 16th 2012, 21:16
Immigration has always been present throughout the world. People come and go. Such phenomenon is natural especially in countries like malta were opportunities are limited such as in malta. Unfortunately things changed with the dublin 2 treaty which forces us to force immigrants to stay here against their will. If immigrants leave illegally they are caught and sent back to us.
This deal is shortsighted, xenophobic and is against our national interest. I wonder how a party who pride of being religio and patria can accept it. Is it catholic to force people here against their will?
Anthony Arpa
Aug 16th 2012, 21:23
those who realy looksfoward to live as the europeans on europeans lands will be welcome ... but those who pretend that european change their life to their way no , those are not welcome ...
angelo cilia
Aug 16th 2012, 21:26
They should be helped to make their vast and resource rich continent into a powerhouse of success and wealth as apparently they are incapable of ever doing that on their own since they would rather run off to burden other nations like tiny 122 square mile barren Malta for more handouts and easy living in the magic isle of never ending plenty.
angelo cilia
Aug 16th 2012, 21:51
They should be helped to make their vast and resource rich continent into a powerhouse of success and wealth as apparently they are incapable of ever doing that on their own since they would rather run off to burden other nations like tiny 122 square mile barren Malta for more handouts and easy living in the magic isle of never ending plenty.
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Aug 16th 2012, 22:54
@ Walter Camilleri:
You asked for suggestions. I made a suggestion on another thread of this comments board, but I only have one surname and I have no letters of distinction to add to that, so nobody is going to take any notice of it. For the record, the thread is http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120816/local/immigrants-to-be-brought-to-malta-later-tonight.432994 and my suggestion was this:
"Someone here said that complaints without suggested alternatives are useless, so I have a suggestion. Mightier nations than ours have a standby-supply of large sea craft such as hospital ships that are mostly idle except when emergencies arise; if one or two such craft were to be stationed in the southern Mediterranean, wannabe immigrants could be intercepted and taken on board for humanitarian assistance and once recuperated, sent back to their point of departure without ever reaching land. This is what Frontex ought to be doing. Constant patrols would be necessary for smaller craft trying to sneak through but by and large, most would be intercepted."
I looked at comparative proportional figures (population and geographical areas) were these arrivals to be met by other European countries. The results are daunting.
You also wrote about them escaping from chaos in what I perceived to be a very sympathetic way; sadly, what you did not say was that they do not leave the chaos behind when they leave their country but bring it with them and inflict it on this miniscule nation.
It is not easy to determine how many of the arrivals are fugitives from the law and potentially dangerous to society, be they wanted for murder, rape, theft or whatever. They come here and are instantly given a clean criminal record and become an unannounced, discreet, but very real, source of danger to the Maltese public.
Raphael Dingli
Aug 17th 2012, 05:43
Human suffering should be addressed by both parties and should be above politics. There should be bi-partisan agreement on the way forward. Malta should not go down the Australian road on this issue. It has created division ,hatred,paninc and racism. Politicians of all colours should get together to agree on the next steps.
Mr Tony Gatt
Aug 17th 2012, 08:53
"Very, very, sadly, people do not accept that what we call Illegal Immigrants are desperate people escaping from chaos in the greater part of Africa in search of a life where they can earn a decent living away from the dangers of civil wars, religious strife and genocides."
It's over half a century since these countries got to run their own affairs- it's their inept and corrupt governments which are the cause of all this misery, but Europe is now suffering.
As for Maltese and others emigrating, Australia for one needed skilled and semi-skilled labour in the fifties and actively encourage immigration. That was a completely different scenario.
Angelo Vassallo
Aug 16th 2012, 19:16
Hoping that "dear leader" joseph muscat WILL NOT REPEAT that infamous remark that he already passed sixteen months ago, that is, that we should do like what the Italians did at Lampedusa: refuse permission for the illegal immigrants to land in Malta.
It was shocking that "dear leader" joseph muscat supported Italy's side and stood against Malta.
carlos ellul
Aug 16th 2012, 19:40
Would you be so kind in explaining how refusing to act as the EU detention center would mean going against Maltas interest?
stephen koludrovic
Aug 16th 2012, 20:53
Your comment contradicts what you are trying to say.
All Joseph Muscat said was that maybe we should have done what the Italians did, and that in my books means that he was supporting Malta and not vise versa.
B. Cachia
Aug 16th 2012, 21:13
You don't appear to me to be standing with Malta yourself, if you will allow me to point it out to you.
Alfred Vassallo
Aug 17th 2012, 09:46
I think the 'dear leader' aspect is confusing your mind. Read what you wrote again and see what I mean.
Angelo Vassallo
Aug 16th 2012, 19:00
@ Jo Gatt & stephen koludrovic
Given that EU is not doing enough, even the EU has no last say in all this. WE are bound by INTERNATIONAL obbligations towards these unfortunate people.
Norman Grech
Aug 16th 2012, 18:29
cut the crap PL ..........you have 4 members in the European parlament you should be doing more than the PN candidates but its so easy for you to criticise and do not make this issue a political gaining vote game
B. Cachia
Aug 16th 2012, 21:15
The Nationalist Party is in government, Norman. It's the government that has the means to deal with this, and the solution is not going to come out of begging our partners for more help.
Patrick Sultana
Aug 16th 2012, 18:27
This press release is typical labour in content.
There seems to be an issue which concerns voters. Highlight the issue. Give no concrete way of dealing with it otherwise. Pass on a generic suggestion - like "government should do more in international fora".
And attack the government at the end of the press release.
Kemm se tghaxqu jekk tkunu fil-gvern tridu tiehdu d-decizjonijiet intom. Imbaghad daqshekk gallarija l-gvern jimplimenta u intom tparlaw. Imbaghad araw min fejn se jgib l-ideat xi Karmenu Vella!
James Mallia
Aug 16th 2012, 18:08
Agreed - give them food, water and fuel and make them continue the trip top Europe. All this bla bla bla from human rights groups should stop. They can keep them in their country or even better in their own house to set an example.
JJ Agius
Aug 16th 2012, 17:45
Europe is not giving a hand! So !! Easy let the immigrants or rather help the immigrants continue their journey to Europe!
An election issue!
Giljanu.
P. Attard
Aug 16th 2012, 17:31
Yes, Dr. Falzon; we all know that this grave problem is a real concern to us all. What we would like to know is what are your party's plans to tackle this national problem. If you come out with a credible solution I am sure most of us, floaters, will support you with our vote. To most of us this issue has now become a really national grave matter, and it seems we will soon reach a point of no return! I just wonder how last week a local Mons had the guts to suggest that the illegals that are already here should be given the chance to invite their whole families to come here too! I really would like all politicians to freely express their views on this matter, please!
A Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 18:24
If the PL comes out clearly against illegal immigration, they have my vote.
John Attard
Aug 16th 2012, 17:30
The PL need to be clear. The public sentiment is not a vote puller. But a policy known to one and all would do us fine. Unless I know their immigration policy beforehand I amin no position to applaud or otherwise. Generic statements are for those dreamers only. Concrete proposals gladly appreciated
joseph saliba
Aug 16th 2012, 17:25
'He noted that for several months now, Malta was without a minister responsible to handle illegal immigration' thanks to the MLP (that's the ticket on which they were voted in) opposition.Did Dr Falzon mean that had there been Dr Mifsud Bonnici as minister the migrants would not have been brought here?
Robert Callus
Aug 16th 2012, 17:12
Typical PL, echoing public sentiment without offering anything concrete. More could be done to make the situation better.
1) Pressure Libya (even more than Europe) to ratify the Geneva Convention, allow the UNHCR operate freely and safely and prosecute violent crimes against immigrants. The push factor to leave Libya is immense and the only country that can help here is Libya itself.
2) Review detention policy which is (another) accident waiting to happen.
3) Give temporary work permits to refused asylum seekers who can't be deported immediately for logistical or diplomatic purposes. It will deal a blow to the black economy, reduce unfair competition on Maltese workers and ensure more taxes are paid.
Obviously, the PL like the PN is more interested in what sells easy and satisfies it's business friends than the interest of the country.
carlos ellul
Aug 16th 2012, 17:25
Actually we want immigrants to leave Malta rather then stay here for good.
cesco di luigi
Aug 16th 2012, 17:34
"deal a blow to the black economy"? excuse me is this a joke?
Robert Callus
Aug 16th 2012, 18:14
@Carlos Ellul
One does not exclude the other. Some are going to stay no matter how many press releases the PL issues. Others are here temporarily. In both cases - make the best out of it.
@cesco di luigi
At present it's in the hands of employers to apply for work permits. Most choose not to, for obvious reasons. What's so funny about granting temporary work permits? (apart from the political will to crack down illegal employment, which neither PN or PL have any intention to do)
cesco di luigi
Aug 16th 2012, 17:03
Dr Falzon nahseb ahjar ma toqghodx iddur mal-lewza u tghidilna car u tond kif bi hsiebkhom issolvu din il-problema la tkunu intom fil-gvern min hawn u ftit iehor. floating voter.
Alfred Vassallo
Aug 16th 2012, 16:57
Quote
''it needed to be more active in European and international fora in the interests of the country.''
As I see it 'more active' means 'what needs to be done will be done ' I don't think the pl has to spell it out exactly what, but I am QUITE SURE that as everyone agrees, that they won't be the 'yes sir' party as the pn are, to everything the eu or whatever any country has to dish out, as time has proved in the past.
Kenneth Galea
Aug 16th 2012, 16:42
But what is the PL going to do about the issue Dr Falzon??? It is fine to lambast the current administration but we want to hear the PL's proposals. The GonziPN Government is handling the illegal immigration issue in a very bad way, too complacement or doing nothing about it. I am sure most want to hear your proposals Dr Falzon. If you tell us that you are prepared to negotiate a deal like Berlusconi did with Gaddafi then we will be flocking to the polls to vote PL. However there is nothing there from the PL's part meaning there is little or no hope that this issue will be resolved under PL!!! GonziPN failed miserably in this issue and currently the buck stops with him. It was published by the BBC a couple of weeks ago what Greece is doing about illegal immigration. They rounded up and deported thousands of illegals. How many Gonzi is deporting??? NIL and no-one is refused entry.
A Vella
Aug 16th 2012, 16:42
O really illegal immigration is a problem? Either come up with a solution or stay numb dear Mr. Falzon there is already enough xenophobia in this country. Talking about it just because it is a negative issue and to get people moaning against the government is very immature to say the least.
John Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 16:33
LP - The modern progressive movement ....
and not a word of sympathy to the 4 PEOPLE who died last night. I suppose that wouldnt attract votes so better not say anything about the human tragedy.
stephen koludrovic
Aug 16th 2012, 17:22
@ john Camilleri,
You worry about 4 people dieing.
There are thousands of children dieing of malnutrition every day in Africa. some of them could have been saved if only these immigrants remained behind and tilled some fields to feed them.
carlos ellul
Aug 16th 2012, 17:31
Another reason why illegal immigration should stop.
mark borg
Aug 16th 2012, 20:27
appuntu ...jhekk tibqa tilqahhom hawn tibqa itijhom incentiv biex jigu u jmutu fuq il bahar mewta krudili.
George Cutajar
Aug 16th 2012, 16:29
WOW - so the movement, PL or whatever they call themselves these days think that illegal immigration remains a concern. Of course it does. It is a concern for one and all living in Malta but the crux of the matter lies in how they propose to tackle it.
Will they send them back? Will they set up a no go zone around the Maltese Islands? We have a right to know how they propose to handle this hot potato should they be elected.
Once again Labout has shown that they are devoid of any idea how to move this country on. While they issue statements, effect press calls and photo ops the country is moving on, fighting recession, breaking tourism records and creating jobs.
The illegal migration is indeed a problem that the present government has not acknowledged and addressed through diplomatic channels without endangering the migrants. This Government did not take up JM's proposal to send them back from where they came from.
Paul Borg
Aug 16th 2012, 16:28
Dr. Falzon
The only concern at this point should be the plight of these people in search for a better future.
E. Vassallo
Aug 16th 2012, 16:27
I have no doubt that the immigration problem will be solved once the PL is in power.
Sean Swain
Aug 17th 2012, 08:09
Oh yes,
as will any economic problems, employment issues, hospital waiting times, jellyfish, mosquitos, I'm even sure they will figure out how to make the summer heatwaves more bearable.
What the rest of us 'non-sheep' would like to know is HOW?
The Nationalist camp isn't stating that immigration isn't a problem, but Labour are promising EVERYTHING and failing in every aspect to explain how, which lets face it, is more emportant then empty promises.
I'm not saying the PN are in the right, what I'm saying is talk is cheap, so if PL don't have a plan then they should say nothing at all.
Joseph Sammut
Aug 16th 2012, 16:26
Dr. Falzon, with your letter you are pressing the government, as is your duty to do so. However, you are not so convincing on what PL would do when in power. You see, this is one of the issues that is going to decide which way many people will vote.
Angelo Vassallo
Aug 16th 2012, 16:24
@ j brincat
The PL (while still in opposition) has already put forward its recommendations, and they are the following..........................................
Patrick Zammit
Aug 16th 2012, 16:15
To combat illegal economic immigration, we have first to get out of the EU whose unelected and unaccountable Eurocrats are more interested in protecting their privileged status than doing anything for the people they profess to represent.
But this is far away on the horizon as even the PL has been sucked in the EU scam.
cesco di luigi
Aug 16th 2012, 17:04
WELL SAID
angelo cilia
Aug 16th 2012, 18:59
All political parties now are just rubber stampers for EU mandates that no one voted for.
Jo Gatt
Aug 16th 2012, 16:09
This decision is neither PL or PN's to take. The decision was made when Malta joined the EU, and the EU has the last say.
stephen koludrovic
Aug 16th 2012, 18:23
No the EU should not have the last say. If the EU do not want them, then Malta should be under no obligation to keep them.
E. Azzopardi
Aug 16th 2012, 16:07
Of course, but what are we doing about it? Nobody, but nobody seems to have the answer. Not the government which seems to rely on hope and it prays that they do not come, which will not work. Even with a minister to handle immigration, it did not work. The minister was hoping (this word again) that some day the EU shows some solidarity, which it didn't and probably will not in the foreseeable future ( being optimistic here)
Neither the Opposition, which has not given us any concrete suggestions. Being active in the EU, does not help in this respect/
And the CITIZENS, who are very concerned, still wait for their politicians to give them the solution.
I supppose "hope" (here it is again) is eternal.
Richard Caruana
Aug 16th 2012, 16:03
Agreed,
But what does the MLP/PL or whatever the Movement is now called proposes to do about it that's not being done? Leave them out at sea? Turn them back? At least say something, even if it's the daftest proposal ever.
gil falzon
Aug 16th 2012, 15:58
Heard it all before. MLP is going to save the world.
j brincat
Aug 16th 2012, 16:07
- vide my post in reply to that of Anthony Arpa.
So, really you've heard nothing yet, gil!
(jb)
Anthony Arpa
Aug 16th 2012, 15:56
I think Tthat even if Alternativa Demokratika promise to the people that as soon and if people trust therm in power they will send all these illegal immigrants back to where they came from, they will be with a chance to win election as the majority of the Maltese peoples are worried about this problem ..
Peter Simpson
Aug 16th 2012, 16:23
@A. Arpa.You should have asked these questions to GonziPn who has burdened us with 'burden sharing.!
twanny borg
Aug 16th 2012, 15:54
ergu poggu l-dr. karm li bil-kwiet kien qed jattakka b'mod tajjeb il-problema.
N. Agius
Aug 16th 2012, 15:53
PL jien nivvotalkom bil qalb jekk tghidu li ha tkun fil prijorita taghkom u tghidulna x' ser taghmlu ... fil- futur ghad nishtu l- politici li hallew dan kollu jigri ! Xi kultant nghid imma tghid kumbinazzjoni li bdejna nbatu b din il problema wara li sirna membri fl EU.
j brincat
Aug 16th 2012, 15:53
@Anthony Arpa
"What we want to know is "what the Labour will be doing to get rid of this serious problem if he will be in power"
The PL (while still in opposition) has already put forward its recommendations which were shunned (as usual) by GonziPN.
Now look at the situation we are in!
The situation is now verging on a crisis.
(jb)
Joseph Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 23:55
The PL has put forward its recommendations?
If you say that often enough you might actually start believing it!
j brincat
Aug 16th 2012, 15:50
We don't have to worry cause our EU partners will ALL join in to share the burden as part of the mutual respect towards the respective member states!
Where has all the patting on the back gone to? (Libyan saga).
(jb)
carlos ellul
Aug 16th 2012, 15:58
Nghidu iva
GL Calleja
Aug 16th 2012, 15:46
And what do you propose to do Dr Michael Falzon? Are you willing to send these illegal immigrants back to where they came from, when and if you get elected, because if you or your leader promise me that, you can count on my vote. Talk is very cheap. This is election talk and you know it.
Joanne Micallef
Aug 16th 2012, 15:44
I would like to hear what the PL will do to tackle this problem, will it like in the past with the previous leader retract once the PN and the media play the racist card?
R Saliba
Aug 16th 2012, 15:42
And as usual another article where PL is stating the obvious...As if the government isn't trying its best to handle the situation...
I think I would love to see an article where the PL is telling us how he will solve this issue and other issues for that matter....always trying to look pretty with these statements in my opinion...
carlos ellul
Aug 16th 2012, 15:49
If sending rapporti is the best thing it can do then no wonder why the government is in shambles
S. Zahra
Aug 16th 2012, 15:38
the above just means ..... that PL will do nothing different from PN!!
Charles Grixti
Aug 16th 2012, 15:38
Instead of stating the obvious in this very guarded statement that really says nothing, JM and the PL should bring this subject up in Parliament and ask what concrete measures (and propose them) the government should be taking to stop and repatriate these illegal immigrants. Also, it would be welcome to hear what the PL proposes to do to once elected to stop this invasion and re-settle the immigrants that are already here.
We have been waiting for this to happen for months now but the silence has been defeaning from the PL camp. It seems to me that both the present governement and the future governement are in agreement and on the same page on this most vital issue. Pity as Malta then has been truly betrayed.
Lawrence Fenech
Aug 16th 2012, 15:37
Issa ihaddimhom Gonzi u in-numru ta' l'impiegi jitla 20,160.
Anthony Scicluna
Aug 16th 2012, 15:35
Oh please spare us the stupid rhetoric and STATE in CLEAR TERMS what you would do in government to solve the problem giving attention to (a) how you will address the EU aspects and (b) catch the criminals who engage in illegal immigration. Otherwise you are just another boring voice lamenting ad nauseam an obvious situation
Sean Swain
Aug 17th 2012, 08:01
Agree 100%.
A. MICALLEF
Aug 16th 2012, 15:35
How about a statement on the illegal Armier and other shanty towns. May we have a statement
from Partit Laburista ??
GL Calleja
Aug 16th 2012, 15:49
That is a lost cause because a statement like that would mean a loss of votes for any party, but you know that already..
A. Mifsud
Aug 16th 2012, 15:33
.... it would have been better if they told us about their plans of how to solve it! For sure, it would take more than a minister and EU lobbying to stop the influx!
Anthony A. Mifsud
Aug 16th 2012, 15:43
I will show you the upper hand when I be there sur Mifsud
do you copy me ?
Ninu
carlos ellul
Aug 16th 2012, 15:30
If the pl manages to come out with a realistic immigration plan then the next general elections will be a walk over
Colin Stanley
Aug 16th 2012, 15:41
agree with you 100%
Franco Farrugia
Aug 16th 2012, 15:29
We never allow anything to pass without trying to score brownie points! As if the Government or anyone is happy with this situation! Doesn't everyone and his granny know that 'illegal immigration was a challenge and a burden on the country'?
Mr Jimmy Vella
Aug 16th 2012, 15:29
Dr Falzon is saying that we should carry on to observe international obligations,How on earth one solve the problem if we have to carry on observing international obligations .whatever the number of arrivals are.Thank you Labour for making it clear that you will follow in Gonzi`s foot step with total disregard to our well being ,if you get elected .I will certainly not vote for you now.
Anthony Arpa
Aug 16th 2012, 15:26
What we want to know is "what the Labour will be doing to get rid of this serious problem if he will be in power.
Peter Simpson
Aug 16th 2012, 16:26
First vote for Labour to rid us of the politicians who burdened us with burden sharing in the first place, and then you will see that Labour is no lackey to foreign politicians who preach.. but do not practice what they preach!
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