PL to hold mass meeting after Independence
Labour leader Joseph Muscat will address a mass meeting the day after Independence Day to conclude the party's congress in Ta' Qali.
The congress is intended to set the priorities for Labour's manifesto, he said during a press conference this morning.
Asked what MP Karmenu Vella and Labour activist Aaron Farrugia had been doing since they were tasked with drawing up the manifesto, Dr Muscat said their work focused on economic analysis and proposals.
Now, Labour would listen to the people through a first-of-its-kind event, in which the people would have their say on what the priorities and direction they wanted the party to take.
Dr Muscat reiterated that the manifesto would not be a wish list but a roadmap.
The congress has been titled "A Future that Unites Us (Futur li jgħaqqadna) because the Labour Party is not focused on the past, which may have been divisive, but on the future, he said.
The theme was timely, Dr Muscat said, because in the past couple of weeks, following the death of Dom Mintoff, the country had united in mourning despite the former Prime Minister's controversial nature.
He said Labour did not care about people's pasts but was interested in working with everyone towards a better future.
The congress, which will begin on September 14 and end on September 23, will reach a climax on September 22, when the mass meeting will be held in Ta' Qali.
This means Dr Muscat will give a keynote speech only two days after Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi addresses the PN's Independence Day celebrations on September 20.
The congress – which Dr Muscat described as "horizontal" rather than "top down" in its approach – will discuss business, Gozo, the elderly, healthcare, the family, equality and civil rights, jobs, the environment, energy, education, the economy, youth, and ways to create a fair society.
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David Scicluna
Aug 30th 2012, 21:33
Come on Labour. Time to show our support. The losers' comments below are a sign they are starting to get worried. Time to stand up and be countied. Lets get rid of the oligarchy.
cesco di luigi
Aug 30th 2012, 17:02
Good idea...on the day following independence, when, as most of us are now aware the PN PM will announce the date of the general elections...x'tahsbu?
Mr Eric Camilleri
Aug 30th 2012, 19:11
He will not, he will struggle till the end!
Monica Muscat
Aug 30th 2012, 19:51
Mr. Camilleri, do not be so sure that Dr. Gonzi will not call elections during Ind. Day celebrations. But of course, he will be inclined to fight to the end and Govern up to the end of his mandate. What is so strange about that? It is an indication that we have a PM who takes his mandate seriously! No resigning because of a couple of turncoats who, due to the "one only majority" think they can blackmail a Nation and net everyone into an early elections.
Of course, things and situation being what they are, a call for November elections is a probability. But we all know that even a week is a long time in Politics! So why all these assumptions, retroactive thoughts, and reactionary movements. Let the Leaders lead, let the people decide when they are called to do so, and let NO one keep moaning about "both parties being the same". Someone has to Govern: Without someone in the seat of Government, the only option is ANARCHY!
George Calleja
Aug 30th 2012, 16:14
Another of JM's brainwave!!! Trying to copy everything done by the PN!!!! Why don't he asks LG to address the Mass Meeting on Independence Day ....he's so sure that it was Labour that brought Independence for Malta!!!!!He's at his best causing direct confrontation!!!!
Lawrence Fenech
Aug 30th 2012, 16:36
@George.
At least Joseph Muscat's "brainwaves" are being recognized.
Gonzi is forced to celebrate independence out of the people's pocket, Joseph no.
You seem to misunderstand that independence came for all the maltese and not the minor half.
I did not see any confrontation during the Statal funural, you are blind with politics inside your retina.
Joe Vella
Aug 30th 2012, 19:11
@ Lawrence Fenech
For your information it is the PN Party that funds the Independence Celebrities.
DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA,MA,MAG.JUR.[EU Law],LL.D.,
Aug 30th 2012, 15:54
THE FAMILY : regrettably Court Cases related to THE FAMILY are on the increase ----------- we require a definition of the word FAMILY in the current Malta contest, a Family Court which has to be thoroughly restructed with at least FOUR JUDGES working throughout the week on a roster basis with their own intimate staff. Court Applications related to minor children, paternity issues, access, sleep overs, maintenance and delicate matters must be dealt with immediately : hence at any one time, one of the four judges must sleep at the new Judges` House which is being prepared adjacent to the Family Court. Saturdays, Sundays and Feast Days including Christmas & New Year`s Day must equal an ordinary working day as the supreme interests of the minor cannot take on never ending delays.
FAMILY COURT Mentality has to be totally re directed as too many children are suffering and disappointing decisions have been given.
Joseph Brincat
Aug 30th 2012, 15:32
@ Anthony Mercieca
Today, 12:44
Perhaps he will tell us how he might compensate all those that suffered from beatings and abuse under police and thugs, in the days of Mintoff, when celebrating Independence day
Do you think that if they should be compensated ,the PN in 25 years did not compensate them ,
IF NOT THEN THEY WERE NOT ENTITLED FOR IT !!!
Joseph Micallef
Aug 30th 2012, 15:13
we'll meet there!! come on Labour!! wish you well!! Let's meet and share our values
Mark. Galea
Aug 30th 2012, 15:08
Well, we have lived and worked in peace the last 25 years ... but everything has an end ... so be it ... back to the golden 70's ... in the years to come, jobs will be a luxury ...
victor caruana
Aug 30th 2012, 15:33
Yes everything has an end...an end to corruption, nepotism, crime, evil political cliques, rising debts, falling standard of living, dickensonian labour conditions, inequality, puppets of foreigners....and a government who does not have any majority anywhere at all.
Mr Eric Camilleri
Aug 30th 2012, 19:14
Mr. Galea you have lived and worked for the last 25 years and what are you thinking it will happen if there is a new government?
You will continue to go to work and work for your family, that's all!
Joe Vella
Aug 30th 2012, 19:19
@ victor caruana
"dickensian labour conditions" are you referring to the creation of the Korpi tax-Xoghol? Where the workers were denied the right to strike. Or, to the former workers of the Dockyards that went on a 9 month strike and got half from MIntoff of what the then PN Government offered them. Not to mention they were further humiliated by Mintoff by calling them that they have no BOCCI.
Ross Stephen
Aug 30th 2012, 14:19
To be honest both Party's are the same, do what they like, waste public money, so why all the big fuss.
Joe Vella
Aug 30th 2012, 14:18
@ Joseph Arpa
Joseph Arpa
Today, 13:26
"Or compensation for all those who had to leave Malta and their families, in the 1960's under a PN government because there was no work and hunger in the country!!! "
Mr Arpa for, your information the Department of Immigration was a gift to the Maltese Workers by the Dom Mintoff Government of 1995/1998. Also, for your information, it was a PN ?Government that abolished the Department of immigration. In taking office, EFA first thing he did was to tap into a UN sponsored Program to encourage expatriates to return to Malta and help rebuilding ans reshaping the Country. Also, Mintoff didn't have to deal with a Run - Down, as GBO did in the 1960's, and yet Unemployment under any PN Government was lower the day MLP led Government. The Maltese Socialist might have changed their name to make us forget their past; but their record/history will not be able to erase it.
Ms Xaxa Caruana
Aug 30th 2012, 12:49
see you in ta qali mela.
Anthony Mercieca
Aug 30th 2012, 12:44
Perhaps he will tell us how he might compensate all those that suffered from beatings and abuse under police and thugs, in the days of Mintoff, when celebrating Independence day
Anthony Mercieca
Pat Hobson
Aug 30th 2012, 13:22
I'm still waiting for compensation from GonziPN for public holidays lost, amongst other things. I'm still waiting for compensation for the days and nights I spent without electricity. I'm still waiting for compensations of the hours spent waiting for Arriva! I'm still waiting for the compensation for the psychological traumata that I had to pass because of the so-called street leaders and workers' committees, and the many times I was transferred! Of if I only I could be compensated! But its all dream castles.
Joseph Arpa
Aug 30th 2012, 13:26
Or compesation for all those who had to leave Malta and their families, in the 1960's under a PN government because there was no work and hunger in the country!!!
Alexander Genuis
Aug 30th 2012, 13:33
X'Ghandhu x'jaqsam Mintoff,kollha l-istess,Mintoff tiela,Mintoff niezel,taf x'se Jghidlna Joseph?Li se jnehhiln al-income tax,li se jtina 500 euro fil-Gimgha zieda,li se jnehhi l-korrruzzjoni,min ma jaqbilx mal-PN jitkecca,li se jnehhi x-xoghol prikarju,aktar??Ta l-ahhar,lill Mintof tistaw tibqaw tghajjruh ghall Ghomorkhom ghax GHALXEJN,lill Mintoff hadd,hadd ma kissru,lanqas l-Imperu Ingliz flimkien mal-knisja ma KISSRUH,ahseb u ara kemm se tkissruh xi erba Bhalek!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr Jamie Frendo
Aug 30th 2012, 13:47
Uff xi dwejjaq ta kumment no he will not because he was not responsable for this, and do you truly believe that if Labour win the next election we will all be beaten up again as it was in the dark ages of Mintoff? Dont get me wrong I am not red nor Blue, I am a Citizen and Vote for what suits the country, my children and myself in the current times.
Gianninu Saliba
Aug 30th 2012, 14:27
Dear Alexander, please keep in mind that Mintoff was so great that on two separate occassions he brought down a Labour government. He was so special that he brought the nation on its knees. He was so great that he lost the 1981 General Elections to our beloved Eddie Fenech Adami. Mintoff whas so stong that the father of the nation, Gorg Borg Olivier defeated your 'savior' on thee separate occassions. Let's call a spade a spade. Mintoff lost the 1950, 1953, 1962, 1966 and 1981 elections. He only won the elections which were held in 1955, 1971 (by a whisker) and that of 1976 (by intimidation). Since Malta's true political giant became leader, Labour lost six general election and were only in government for 22 months. There is only one reason for all these defeats... Mintoff and KMB were nothing more that one massive disaster. They were (and we can add Fredu Sant) punished by the electorate for their inefficiency, arrogance, incompetence and lack of foresight. For Labour it has always been "Malta l-ewwel; qabel kollox". Translated itnto English it would" Malta first and before it everything else". Oh, my goodness, this reminds me of Integration with Britain, going to Oxford to study (as if our University is not good enough), sending one's daughters to study and live in England, marrying an English lady (mind you there is nothingh wrong with that).
m. borg (slm)
Aug 30th 2012, 18:56
Always thinking how to get compensation, compensation for this compensation for that, no wonder gonzipn finds it easy to buy votes.
Ask Dr Franco Debono.
alfred callus
Aug 30th 2012, 12:07
What an innovative way to creat national unity ! Congress is held smack in the middle of the national Independence Celebrations and then a PL mass meeting immediately and following the Prime Minister`s -.Incredible.!
A.Callus
J. Abela
Aug 30th 2012, 11:41
I don't feel united with the Mintoffjani. Sorry
Joseph Attard
Aug 30th 2012, 14:19
Maybe you feel united with "ta' taħt l-umbrella!"
Nazzareno Cortis
Aug 30th 2012, 14:41
J Abela-----perhaps you will feel united with --Franco Debono----Jesmond Muglet-----with Pulicino Orlando----with Lawrence Gonzi---who knows!!!!! By the way,you have the right to feel united with whom you like!!!! There was no need to put such opinion on air!!!
Ms Xaxa Caruana
Aug 30th 2012, 14:56
@J.Abela
heheheh cause we are stupid hux!!!!!! Never mind with or without you......
victor bonello
Aug 30th 2012, 16:48
it is a pity to read such a statement from what seems a normal intelligent person.
hopefully you might not agree with, but still be united.
We are a small population in a huge world. Why do people carry on disseminating hate between us?
Why I like JM is because I have so far, never heard or read him making any differences between reds and blues.
Please choose the reason of your report below: