PL supports Borg's nomination but it will not be a walkover - Muscat
Labour’s MEPS will be working in Brussels to support Malta’s nomination of Tonio Borg for EU Commissioner, PL leader Joseph Muscat said this morning.
Speaking on Ghandi X’Nghid, Dr Muscat insisted he supported the Prime Minister’s decision. However, he again warned that Dr Borg’s appointment would not be a plain sailing walkover.
This was because of certain declarations Dr Borg made in the past, Dr Muscat said. He clarified that abortion was not the issue as all Maltese political parties were against abortion - the problem was more his declarations on gay rights and other positions he had taken. Dr Borg, Dr Muscat said, was to have a tough time convincing.
For even though one had a right to his own opinions, when one was European Commissioner one was bound to a charter and if consumers were to be treated in the same way, one could not distinguish on the basis of sexual orientation. As the head of the socialist group had said, Dr Borg should expect a tough but fair grilling.
Asked about the John Dalli case, Dr Muscat said that the issue had done a lot of damage to Malta, irrespective of who was right or wrong.
A Maltese man, he said, was being faced with an accusation and it was better to wait until things were made clear to pronounce oneself.
For it was not yet clear how things were being done and clarity was needed.
Asked about a statement made this week by Labour MP Helena Dalli, Dr Muscat clarified that a new Labour government would not embark on a campaign of cutting heads.
Dr Dalli had only asked how certain people in senior positions had been appointed.
Dr Muscat said he wanted to assure continuity and while justice would be made with those who had long been suffering injustices, this would not be done by creating new injustices.
On the St Philips issue, he said that he did not care who this hospital belonged to and if the government managed to convince the opposition that this was the best option for Malta, he would support it.
The government originally did not want to go to the Public Accounts Committee before signing the deal but last Wednesday it made a positive U-turn and said it would.
He said that there were a number of questions which had to be answered, such as whether the cost to refurbish St Luke’s had been calculated and if other options had been considered.
On the power station issue, Dr Muscat said that while the Finance Minister was saying one thing, the Prime Minister was saying another.
The Prime Minister had said that BWSC had accepted full responsibility for the damages that the country would face but the Finance Minister said that the cost of the damages was still being evaluated and this was expected to be contested by BWSC in court.
He said BWSC would face a fine of €1.6 million every week starting on November 7 if the turbine was not fixed in time. This was capped at €24 million, at which point the government had the option of asking for a full refund.
There were also other expenses that had not yet been calculated, such as how this would affect Malta in terms of its emissions targets and the fines the country would be charged as well as the cost of fuel which would have to be bought for Marsa.
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C Muscat
Oct 27th 2012, 21:29
The problem with Borg is that if he is not accepted the tobacco giants continue to gain more time. The main question will be resolved if the directive against tobacco will be softened or removed.
Joseph Muscat is following his predecessors and has the nation's future above politics; so much so that he is not requesting Gonzi's resignation for putting Dalli as commissioner.
Keep it up Tonio Borg.
Joseph M. Grech.
Oct 27th 2012, 18:54
The way he speaks it is still the case of Dr Muscat trying to keep one foot on each side of the river.
Still no clear talk from him but leaving the rough talk to those same people of the MLP/PL past surrounding him!
Anthony Mizzi
Oct 28th 2012, 00:21
ALWAYS better than hearing YES vote and stating it was a NO even if it's on record and recorded, and being also a LEADER OF THE HOUSE
Remember when the Prime Minister andDr. Tonio Borg , Leader of the House and Deputy Prime Minister as well as other PN MPs lied unashamedly to cast doubt and annul the vote, and the Speak!
That apology is long overdue, can we expect it before November?
Saviour Cachia
Oct 27th 2012, 18:48
.@J. Martinelli
"M Farrugia, the appointment of an EU Comm. has no direct benefit to Malta"
So why all this rush. Why John Dalli was technically condemned by Gonzi PN? Have it your way Mr. Martinelli, but are not we part of a Union and we have certain obligations? One or the other, please.
Dominic Chircop
Oct 27th 2012, 18:27
I am under the impression that the Rules of Procedure in the choosing of Commissioners state that voting is secret. So no one will know how MEP's have voted. I stand to be corrected by someone in the know, not by someone who have donated their brain to the two political parties.
John Zammit
Oct 27th 2012, 16:32
Here is another prof of how the PL works in the interest of the nation.Dr Dalli words were spined by Gonzi PN media so that it was given the impression that heads will start to roll.All she said and even true Pn supporters agree was that those not capable will be redeployed
Ramon Casha
Oct 27th 2012, 15:27
"He clarified that abortion was not the issue as all Maltese political parties were against abortion"
But most of the ones in the rest of Europe are not. It may well be a sticking point.
m. borg (slm)
Oct 27th 2012, 18:25
Abortion is not a matter that concerns minorities so it is not a sticking point at all.
scott brown
Oct 27th 2012, 14:17
so, if dear joseph wants us to believe that he is supporting the prime minister with respect to dr. borg, can dear joseph tell us how. is he going to meet with swoboda and the greens to make them change their mind. is he going to tell his MEPs to lobby for dr. borg. or is he going to stay on the fence and watch what will happen. as seems to be his point of excellence. as if anything is a walk over
Nazzareno Cortis
Oct 27th 2012, 16:26
Scott-----don't you think that you are expecting tooooooo much from dear joeseph?????? Don't you think in the first place that PN members are not acting correctly both in EU and in Malta??????
The problem of Dr.borg arising sure was not the blame of dear joseph---mhux hekk?????As was not the blame of dear joseph---the rebus there is in our parlaiment from Gonzi PN members of parliament!!!!!!!!
Anthony Grech
Oct 27th 2012, 17:03
Scott Brown, have you ever been taught that the firs letter of a proper noun is always written in a capital letter, eg. Scott, Brown, Joseph, Swoboda, Borg. I am sure it is not a computer problem, because you wrote MEP in capitals. So what is your problem? Is it lack of respect for the three gentlemen and for yourself? Is it hate? Or is it pure frustration dear Scott Brown?
J Busuttil
Oct 27th 2012, 17:14
Dear Nazzareno Cortis, don't you think that you are to red eyed that you cannot reason otherwise.
I will go a step further, dear Joseph is trying to look nice when with one hand he want's us to think that he is supporting Dr. Borg and the government than with the other he is lobbying silently against Dr.Borg.
Than if not approved your dear Joseph will say. Its not my doing.
Hallina Guz.
Eddy Privitera
Oct 27th 2012, 18:20
Scott Brown: If you had follow the news , you woul have found out that PL MEPs will be lobbying in favour of Dr. Borg's nomination !
m. borg (slm)
Oct 27th 2012, 18:22
Mr Brown your suggestion is what constitutes corruption.
If Tonio Borg is fit to be a commissioner he has to do it under his own steam.
The fact that nationalists are so used to soliciting your answer to Tonio's acceptance is by this means.
Nazzareno Cortis
Oct 29th 2012, 15:34
J.Busuttil-----I am niether red eyed,nor blue eyed!!!!! There were times when I voted labour---and times when I voted PN---(Dr.Gonzi knows that)!!!! I switch parties when there is need---
Just one question---what if Dr.Joseph Muscat said that he will not be supporting Dr.Borg's nomination???What would be your comments!!!!!
G. Bugeja
Oct 27th 2012, 14:15
"It was not clear on how things were being doneand clarify was needed" That is why I believe that the Government was wrong in nominating T. Borg to take Dalli;s place. Dalli is still innocent until he is proven guilty. It seems that the matter is very complicated and is becoming very serious. There exists serious doubts on how the investigation was carried out. So is the behaviour of Borroso.
Leslie Darmanin
Oct 27th 2012, 15:17
It has nothing to do with "innocent until proven guily". It is about a breach of ethics.
Barroso found that Dalli had breached EU ethics and... well... encouraged him to go.
The Commission apparently couldn't be bothered with whether Dalli committed a crime or not. It sent the file to Malta, together with Dalli.
It's like saying, he's your problem. Keep him.
A Saliba
Oct 27th 2012, 15:53
Mr. Leslie Damanin, since when ethics in Malta pushed any MPs to resign. You are mistaken for Dalli is still in Brussels fighting for his rights, his fundamental human rights have been breached. Barroso and Kessler are on shakey terrain. Already Barroso and Kessler are changing their tunes. Let’s hope your comments will be aired when the lid on this investigation report is open and made public.
Joseph Brincat
Oct 27th 2012, 16:55
Leslie Darmanin
@ It's like saying, he's your problem. Keep him.!!
It is our problem but if Dalli will be innocent
then it;s Barroso problem. !!!
Noel Damato
Oct 27th 2012, 14:14
Prosit lill Joseph Muscat ghax qeighed jajd dak li jrid il-poplu.Dr Muscat qieghed ikun ta ezempju ta kif ghandu jkun mexxej dinamiku li qed jimxi bir responasbilita kollha ta fejn jidhlu l-interessi tal Maltin u Ghawdxin kollha. Ara ta GONZIPN qabdu ma MP biex inessu l-hnizrijiet li ghamlu huma maghtul il hamsa u ghoxrin sena li ghamlu huma. Tiprovaw taljinaw in-nies bil buzzulotti u paroli.
J Cauchi
Oct 27th 2012, 14:08
Dear Dr Muscat, don't let her speak again in the name of the PL.
A. Sultana
Oct 27th 2012, 16:18
Are you afraid she would leak further information?
Leslie Darmanin
Oct 27th 2012, 13:10
What a set up.
Labour MEPS will be "working in Brussels" to support Tonio Borg, J Muscat claims. If they fail, it will not be their failure, but the government's, for nominating the wrong guy.
Considering the Dalli legacy, Tonio Borg is bound not to have it easy, any which way.
Labour looks like it is setting him up for slaughter.
I know this is politics, but is it not also immoral?
Joseph Brincat
Oct 27th 2012, 13:42
Leslie Darmanin
IF J Muscat say nothing you complain !!!
IF J Muscat dasent approved you complain !!!
IF J Muscat approved you complain !!!
MAKE UP YOUR MIND Mr Leslie Darmanin
Malcom Borg
Oct 27th 2012, 13:07
As PL supporter I do not agree with the stand that Joseph Muscat is taking regarding Tonio Borg. I am afraid the PN are laying the agenda for the PL. Has the Labour Party got what it takes or simply do not want to rock the boat???
J Martinelli
Oct 27th 2012, 13:34
M Borg, first we have to find out how Labour MEPs will vote - whether they will press the right button.
The PN is setting its own agenda. The PL will set its own, when it finally decides which side of the fence they'll jump. The LP has been 'rocking the boat' for four and a half years, what's stopping them now?
M Farrugia, the appointment of an EU Comm. has no direct benefit to Malta.
G. Bugeja
Oct 27th 2012, 14:21
I fully agree with you. The time has come for everybody to stand up and be counted. Tonio Borg was against divorce and voted against it, even though the absolute majority of the people in a referendum was in favour of it. That was a great mistake and misjudgement on the part of Tonio borg, for which he has to burden. John Dalli as a Maltese citizen should have the full support of Parliament.
John Zammit
Oct 27th 2012, 17:11
In the interest of the nation we can't stay without a commissioner. what the PL is doing is Just helping the Government to settle this mess though they were not consulted
m. borg (slm)
Oct 27th 2012, 18:26
Mr Borg I also am a PL supporter but your attitude is damaging to the party which makes me believe you are no PL supporter at all but a nationalist trying to stir up shot.
Malcolm Farrugia
Oct 27th 2012, 12:41
Joseph Muscat clearly has the national interest at heart, he is willing to support Lawrence Gonzi's decision to nominate Tonio Borg for commissioner for the sake of upholding the country's wellbeing.
Peppi Borg
Oct 27th 2012, 12:24
The spin experts of Gonzipn is trying to spin what Helena Dalli said to try to make the people forget the fiascos they did during the last 25 years. I stick with meritocracy not mediocracy.
Peppi Borg
Oct 27th 2012, 12:22
Joseph Muscat leaves no doubt that he is the right leader for Malta. He is clear both in his thoughts and in his words. He sticks to reality with feet on the ground. Pl is putting the national interest first while Gonzipn is trying to crucify one of its ex primadonnas. Joseph Muscat is much more credible than Gonzi because he faces situation not run away from them like the latter does.
Edward Mallia
Oct 27th 2012, 12:18
Mr Muscat: The situation is quite clear: BWSC have to pay the €1.6 million/week contract fine. The 'outside expenses' have to be fought for in court. Most of this hassel would vanish if BWSC run the piston engines,still under their control. Why don't you suggest that in the national interest? It would make the latest PL billboard redundant of course. Small price to pay credit gained.
Mary Ann Borg
Oct 27th 2012, 11:59
Dr Muscat said he wanted to assure continuity and while justice would be made with those who had long been suffering injustices, this would not be done by creating new injustices.
So keep the old ones, engage the new ones, cut W&E bills and cut the deficit. Mhux genju jew?
m. borg (slm)
Oct 27th 2012, 18:27
Maybe you should form your own party Ms Genius.with your good self as leader.
Pierre Vassallo
Oct 27th 2012, 11:05
It would have been better had Muscat condemned statements made by President of the European Socialists of which the MLP is a member.
Eddy Privitera
Oct 27th 2012, 11:57
Pierre Vassallo: You seem not to follow the news closely. Dr. Muscat had immediately said that he did not agree with Mr. Swoboda's statement. And that the PL would be backing Dr. Borg's nomination.
m. borg (slm)
Oct 27th 2012, 12:03
What did he say?
Please elaborate
Antonio Pace
Oct 28th 2012, 01:15
@ Eddy. He did not condemn the latest statement made about Tonio Borg. Might be you should be keeping more abreast dear eddy.
m. borg (slm)
Oct 27th 2012, 10:41
How could Joseph Muscat be clearer and fairer than this.
Well done Joseph you showed that coloured blinkers are not your style.
ANTHONY PAVIA
Oct 27th 2012, 12:31
So now Maltese taxpayers will finish with two sets of administrators? Blue and red. No wonder the public service has never got off the ground.
Fran Abela
Oct 27th 2012, 10:38
Dr. Muscat - the usual rhetoric we support the PM decision however...... Saying a lot, but saying nothing really. The Malta Labour Party will go down in history as being a non-supportive party also with respect to government projects. Ah well, we now look forward to a PL government where everything will be just rosy.
m. borg (slm)
Oct 27th 2012, 11:06
Did you expect PL to support the BWSC power station or the ARRIVA debacle or the FAIRMOUNT 80m eu loss or SKANSKA getting away with full payment without building the oncology dept and rehabilitaion dept?.
Be real Fran and have some self respect deluding yourself with partisan feelings will get you nowhere.
Ronnie Callus
Oct 27th 2012, 12:39
@ m.borg (sim)
Agree with you 100 %. Many have no self respect both to themselves and others.
Fran Abela
Oct 27th 2012, 13:32
M. Borg (Slm) - You are so very wrong M. Borg - I do have self respect because I also use my brain and do not go along with whoever has hidden agendas. Besides, I challenge you to tell me which of the projects the PL has supported government. The PL's agenda was always to put spokes in the wheels. Also, I do respect other people's opinions that differ to mine so what is your problem.
George Cassar
Oct 27th 2012, 16:57
@Fran Abela you have every right to be an over zealous GonziPN apologist, but would it not be better for the party you so dearly support to call a spade a spade and encourage the PN to undergo a major overhaul .with the aim that some day will once again be potentially attractive to the electorate. GonziPn the good old days of absolute power in your hands are quickly coming to an abrupt end .
m. borg (slm)
Oct 27th 2012, 18:14
@F Abela: PL up to this very day supports the SMART City project a white elephnant that has as yet to find its colour.
In 2008 gonzi&Co. promissed 6000 jobs mostly in IT. I leave it to you to tell us how much of these have materialized. Also Austin Gatt of late said that the Dubai based company had no obligation to provide those jobs. This only means that in 2008 Gonzi&Co LIED big time to us all.
Alex Falzon
Oct 27th 2012, 10:31
Tonio Borg should argue his beliefs and his values... being present as an EU commissioner or at local scene.
Ronnie Callus
Oct 27th 2012, 10:21
Dr.Gonzi u Dr.Tonio Fenech qieshom qedien fuq bandla darba fuq u ohra isfel - wiehed jghid mod u l-iehor mod iehor. Din nghidulha serjeta ?????? Tinsewx li intom flus il-poplu qed tonfqu anke il-pagi taghkom, allura hemm bzonn ikun Sincerita u Kredibilta f'dak li nghidu u nghamlu.
A. Sultana
Oct 27th 2012, 16:24
Ma tantx hi differenti mil-istorja ta Dr. Muscat. Ta madwaru jghidu haga u hu jghid il-kontra biex ma jitlifx voti.
Joseph Brincat
Oct 27th 2012, 10:20
Dalli case, Dr Muscat said it was better to wait until things were made clear to pronounce oneself.
IT IS PLAIN TO SEE
BARROSO HAD MADE A BIG MISTAKE BY MAKING JOHN DALLI TO RESIGN
HE SHOULD HAVE SUSPENDED JOHN DALLI UNTIL THE COURT DECIDES
THE OUTCOME !!!!!!
A Trapani
Oct 27th 2012, 11:16
So if the EU were your company and you get a confirmation by your fraud prevention department that a sfaff member has used his powers and your company's strenght to try make millions and ruin the same company's reputation, you would just suspend him ? I really doubt it !
william cauchi
Oct 27th 2012, 11:33
Agreed Mr. Brincat, Barroso jumped the gun, and you are only guilty if proven guilty in court.
But for a Maltese court to decide guilt or otherwise, it could take a few decades and then can Ministry run without it's Minister?
Joseph Brincat
Oct 27th 2012, 12:31
A Trapani
@ you would just suspend him ?
I did not said suspend him onely ? but he whed be suspend until
THE COURT DECIDES THE OUTCOME !!!!!!
Paul@ Micallef
Oct 27th 2012, 12:39
A Trapani. Many European MPs are questioning the quick action taken by President Barroso to fire Mr Dalli and that of OLAF Giovanni Kessler. What has been said so far is not convincing.
It is a pity that Dr Dalli is getting a lot of support from abroad, British labour, Socialists and Green MPs and not a single word from the Maltese Nationalist Party of which Mr Dalli is a prominent member. ISTHU.
Joseph Brincat
Oct 27th 2012, 12:42
william cauchi
BARROSO , could make a substitute Minister until
THE COURT DECIDES THE OUTCOME !!!!!!
Joseph Brincat
Oct 27th 2012, 13:04
william cauchi
You are tell me that if a Prim Minister is sick for a long time
malta will stop ? or there will be a substitute for the time being !!
Charles J. Buttigieg
Oct 27th 2012, 10:12
Dr.Muscat hu ragel politiku mhux politikant. And the vast majority of the Maltese voters have realised that he's the kind of stuff a democratic country needs.
Fran Abela
Oct 27th 2012, 13:33
Oh yes, sure.
T Cassar
Oct 27th 2012, 10:04
But Dr. Muscat, people and parties' opinions evolve don't they?!
Please choose the reason of your report below: