Gonzi, Muscat go head to head
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat crossed swords on Xarabank this evening in the first head-to-head debate this year.
Both leaders stuck to arguments they have been making for the past few months.
Dr Gonzi's opening salvo was an announcement that a large international manufacturing company was going to expand its Malta operation. He did not name the company or give details of the investment.
Dr Muscat criticised the high water and electricity rates, reiterating a pledge to lower utility bills if Labour is elected to Government. He did not say how this will be achieved and stuck to this line throughout the debate.
Pressed by the Prime Minister for the details, Dr Muscat said his party will unveil its election proposals on the same day Dr Gonzi will publish his election manifesto.
In a stunt to counter criticism based on a recent World Bank report that found it was difficult to do business in Malta, Dr Gonzi produced a raft of reports by various international agencies praising the country's economic performance.
The stunt, which involved a woman walking into the studio with bound copies of the reports, almost backfired when Dr Muscat asked the Prime Minister to hand them over to families who could not make ends meet.
Dr Gonzi acknowledged that the Nationalist Party's internal problems were worrying but insisted Malta was still a front runner in the EU despite the instability. He did not say when the Budget will be presented but insisted that if it did not pass the country will head for an election.
Nationalist backbencher Franco Debono has said he will not vote for the Budget as long as Transport Minister Austin Gatt was part of the Cabinet.
On health, Dr Gonzi defended the Government's choice of St Philip's Hospital as a rehabilitation facility, saying the prospective investment was worth it. Dr Muscat said the Labour Party had big question marks and stood to be convinced.
Dr Muscat accused the Prime Minister of breaking his promises on job creation at Smart City and cutting the top income tax rate with Dr Gonzi insisting the international economic situation complicated matters. Dr Gonzi said his Government defended jobs by helping factories in difficulty.
Answering a question from the floor Dr Gonzi said he was not at all satisfied with the Arriva public transport service but preferred the current bus fleet than the previous one.
His response elicited a jibe from Dr Muscat, who said half the fleet were second-hand buses from London, with reference to the bendy buses.
Dr Muscat said the Government's claim that it created 20,000 jobs was a fallacy not even repeated in the pre-Budget document published by the Finance Ministry.
Dr Gonzi insisted that on average 4,000 students graduated from University and MCAST every year and they all found jobs.
In two brief interventions, totaling some 10 minutes, Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Michael Briguglio took both parties to task for not being honest with people. He criticised the Labour Party for making a blanket promise to cut utility bills and for opposing an increase in the minimum wage.
Dr Briguglio criticised Dr Gonzi for voting against divorce in Parliament despite a positive referendum result. He said AD had clear social, economic and environmental policies.
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George Azzopardi
Nov 4th 2012, 13:57
@Karl Consiglio - tara net tv spiss tidher! Hazin biss isemmu. Victor semmillek lista li tista wkoll taghmillha breakdown fuq servizzi socjalli pero mhux se nsemmi dawn jien.
Ha nsemmilek wkoll reformi fit-taqsim tax-xoghol w edukazzjoni:
Minimum wage li ma kienietx tezisti.
Pagi ndaqs ghas-sess feminil.
Pregnancy leave
Bonuses
Student haddiem
Stipendji
trid nsemmu iktar?
George Azzopardi
Nov 4th 2012, 10:59
@Karl Consiglio - tara net tv spiss tidher! Hazin biss isemmu. Victor semmillek lista li tista wkoll taghmillha breakdown fuq servizzi socjalli pero mhux se nsemmi dawn jien.
Ha nsemmilek wkoll reformi fit-taqsim tax-xoghol w edukazzjoni:
Minimum wage li ma kienietx tezisti.
Pagi ndaqs ghas-sess feminil.
Pregnancy leave
Bonuses
Student haddiem
Stipendji
Trid nsemmu iktar?
Karl Consiglio
Nov 4th 2012, 00:09
Why don't Labour talk about the "Barrunijiet tad-droga" anymore? Tant kienu iffissati.
George Azzopardi
Nov 4th 2012, 11:08
Bhalissa it-topik generali ta kulhadd, anke ta hafna partarji tal PN hija fuq l-mizerja ta partit li Gonzi irnexxillu jgibu fih.
Nahseb qatt daqs llum ma kellna Gvern w PN oqda w jaqa ghac-cajt wahda wara l-ohra daqs llum. Tant hu hekk, li l-gazzetti li qed niktbu fuqha llum w nies prominenti ta fehma cara kontra l-PL qed jiktbu w jghidu lil GonziPN biex immur ghal elezzjon!
George Azzopardi
Nov 4th 2012, 11:50
Why don't Labour talk about the "GONZIPN" anymore? Tant kienu iffissati.!!
George Azzopardi
Nov 4th 2012, 13:54
Actually it should read .
.Why don't PN talk about the "GONZIPN" anymore? Tant kienu iffissati.!!
Eddy Privitera
Nov 4th 2012, 20:23
Karl, ghax illum ghandna f'pajjizna l-barunijiet tal-kuntratti fil-lista JS ta' GonziPN !
R. Gauci
Nov 3rd 2012, 19:30
Tal-misthija tisma Prim Ministru jiftahar ghax 10,000 pensjonant hargu jahdmu. Wiehed jista jimmagina xi kwalita' ta' jobs qed ihaddmuhom lil dawn l-imsejkna li ta' 65 sena flok qed jiehdu l-mistrieh misthoqq qed ikollhom ibakkru xemx u xita.
Michael Farrugia
Nov 3rd 2012, 18:33
To those boasting how sound the economy under GonziPN is may I remind them that Brasil and India are both emerging economies whose economy is for sure much bigger than that of Malta.
Yet in these two countries there are thousands of beggars.
Meditate gente, meditate!!
elvin borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:43
Well done Dr gonzi!!derhet cara d differenza bejn z zewg kapijiet tal partiti l bierah...
Eddy Privitera
Nov 4th 2012, 20:25
Elvin Borg: veru, wiehed jivvinta l-hrejjef tal-Kumpanija Braziljana li ilha topera f'Malta sena bla ma jghati l-ebda hjiel dwarha. U l-iehor jitkellem dwar dak li qed ihossu n-nies !
R. Gauci
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:42
Spicca z-zmien li quddiemu Gonzi kien isib lil Sant li jitlef il-voti kull meta jitkellem minhabba li m'ghandux karizma, b'Muscat sab hobz ghal snienu!
Angela Galea
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:39
Dr Gonzi was as usual superb. Concise, very well prepared and knowing what he was talking about. Well, there is no denying that he is a good orator.
In contrast, Dr Muscat as usual, said nothing of substance while he could only grimace, flinch and put on a cynical smile, especially when he was hearing about how good Malta’s economy was doing, which was even acknowledged by the A.D. chairperson.
George Azzopardi
Nov 4th 2012, 14:25
yes, Gonzi was very well prepared ...especially when he talke about the Brazilian company and Arriva!!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121104/local/Brazilian-company-remains-unnamed.443870
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121024/local/three-buses-in-portes-des-bombes-crash-passengers-hurt.442464
Christina Sammut
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:10
The election campaign has not yet ‘officially’ started, albeit the MLP has been in election mode for almost 5 years. However, it is evident, to those who can at least think that if God forbid Joseph Muscat and the MLP are elected, they have no vision, no plans and no idea on how they are going to govern and keep the feel good factor that we in Malta presently enjoy. Labour won’t work.
A. MICALLEF
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:04
Maggoranza lil- PL jew PN tmur kontra l-interess tal-poplu Malti u tghati is-sahha lil-klikek
fiz-zewg partiti ghal-snin twal. L-ahjar jkun hemm membri indipendenti bhal-AD, JPO, Franco
Debono u ohrajn, kollha jikxfulhom u jzommuhom milli jaqdghu lil hbieb tal-hbieb minn flus
it-taxpayer. Gvern PN u PL dejjem kienu arroganti ghaliex kellhom maggoranza. Din id-darba
jekk irridu ahna LE.
John Zammit
Nov 3rd 2012, 15:32
A managed staged presentation but all burst out in Peppi's face as Dr Muscat looked more like a well seasoned politician for his age than the Prime Minister with all the backing he had behind the curtain
Mr leo attard
Nov 3rd 2012, 15:20
The PM criticized Dr Muscat for ''hide-and-seek' games -- if anyone is to be accused of that is the PM himself and his hide-behind-the-public's -back 600 euros a week game (yes, 600 in the beginning and reduced to 500 only when the PM won the hide-and-seek game
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 3rd 2012, 15:18
@Eddy Privitera
You are so amusing. Calling Gonzi stuck in the past when the Labour leadership is remnant from the 1970s. An idiom about kettles and pots leaps to mind. In other words, you really need to learn to be consistent in your arguments
Joe Borg (Senior)
Nov 3rd 2012, 15:02
Is-sur Gonzi ghogbu jfakarna fix-xarabanks l-antiki w meta, zmien ilu, waqet wahda mix-xatt ta tas-Sliema! X'memorja ghandu l-Priministru! Jiftakar fil-bod u beda jiftahar bix-xarabanks 'safe' li ghadna bhalissa! Nesa' li gimgha bis-illu wegaw 15 il-ruh bhabta bejn 3 karozzi tal-Arriva! Kif tista tkun daqsek ipokrita!!!
Karl Consiglio
Nov 3rd 2012, 13:56
The best thing the PN ever diid was change Labour. If you noticed there is not one thing you can mention about the Labour past which does not make them feel ashamed and as a result they become defensive. I'd say they are much closer to the PN than to themselves under Alfred Sant. .
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:03
Karl Consiglio: Nahseb li int "fan" ta' Michael Briguglio, hux ?
Victor Laiviera
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:18
It's the other way round - the PL changed the PN beyond recognition. Here are just a few measures introduced by Labour in the face of PN opposition which they would not even DARE criticise today:
Votes for women
Votes at 18
Pensions
Compulsory education
Social services
Decriminalisation of homosexuals
Social housing
Republic
and other measures I have no space to mention.
Joe Borg (Senior)
Nov 3rd 2012, 13:50
Is-sur Gonzi ghogbu jfakarna fix-xarabanks l-antiki w meta, zmien ilu, waqet wahda mix-xatt ta tas-Sliema! X'memorja ghandu l-Priministru! Jiftakar fil-bod u beda jiftahar bix-xarabanks 'safe' li ghadna bhalissa! Nesa' li gimgha bis-illu wegaw 15 il-ruh bhabta bejn 3 karozzi tal-Arriva! Kif tista tkun daqsek ipokrita!!!
George Azzopardi
Nov 4th 2012, 11:57
hadt sbal Joe .. 22 kienu li wegaw!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121024/local/three-buses-in-portes-des-bombes-crash-passengers-hurt.442464
Charlene Fenech
Nov 3rd 2012, 13:04
Dr. Gonzi spoke about what really matters: - work, health, education and well being whilst Muscat purely NOTHING.
Joseph Muscat us the people want to know what you have planned and how you achieve it beforehand. We are not in Mintoff times any more. The people have every right to know.
Antonia Cachia
Nov 3rd 2012, 12:57
How can Muscat say that he will reduce the electricity and water bills without saying how? Even Dr. Briguglio that told him this will harm the country.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:06
Antonia Cachia: mela allura qatt ma smajt lil industrijalisti u l-lukandiera jghidu kemm qed jolqtuhom hazin il-kontijiet tad-dawl ? Melaa jekk jitnaqqsu t-tariffi GID isir lill-ekonomija. U Briguglio x'tistenna li tisma minn ghandu. Dak qed johlom li jekk jikkritika lil PL , dawk li xebghu minn Gonzi jivvutaw lilu flok lil PL !
Anthony Pace
Nov 3rd 2012, 12:17
'Dr Gonzi said he was not at all satisfied with the Arriva public transport service but preferred the current bus fleet than the previous one.'
From the horse's mouth comes the admittance that the public bus service is rubbish.
Michael Magri
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:44
Dr Gonzi, in yesterday`s tv debate looked stunned, confused and highly unconvincing each time he tried to reply to Dr. Muscat`s comments. And this,to the contrary of the well prepared Dr. Muscat`s prompt, clear and sound replies..
Well Done Dr Muscat.. It was just a walk over, that`s all..
Joe M Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 15:32
Which Xarabank were YOU watching, Mr Magri? I think I was on the wrong bus then!
Michael Magri
Nov 3rd 2012, 18:06
The `ARRIVA` type Mr Borg...!!! The ones that Dr Gonzi himself admitted that they are still full of problems and he is not happy with them.. I think you were on the wrong station Mr Borg then.. Got It..!!
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:40
@Matthew Scerri
"A whole debate and nothing concrete from Muscat. A bit scary considering he might govern"
What's more scary than GonziPN promising heaven on earth in the 2008 election BUT delivering very little?
Would be difficult for GonziPN to trap us again!
(jb)
ANTHONY PAVIA
Nov 3rd 2012, 12:06
Very true! These debates are useless unless both parties' electoral programmes would have been published. That way the debate would make some sense rather than repeating what has been discussed repeatedly in the media.
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 3rd 2012, 13:25
From the way you speak JB it shows you wouldn't vote anything else but Labour. So please stop the pretence that you once vote for the PN. You simply believe what Muscat tells you.
J Martinelli
Nov 3rd 2012, 14:07
The NP delivered most of 350 promises made in 2008 BEFORE all hell broke loose with the failure of US banks and resulting world recession. Would a Labour govt have reduced Inc. Tax regardless?
The LP proposed frozen minimum wages, no reduction in taxes, questions free Health, Education and stipends, give no details on how they will reduce electricity bills and yet expect us to vote them in!
Joe M Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 15:33
MLP/PL have not 'trapped us again' since 1998! They were so good the last time they were in government, that they have been in opposition ever since!
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:09
L-aktar li wettaq Gonzi DAK LI MA WIEGHEDX. Bhal €500 zieda ghalih u ghal shabu. li se jgib id-dizastru jismu ARRIVA. Il-parlament mostru. It-tijatru bla saqaf, il-pont li ma jwassal imkien etc..U aqra ftit il-weghda numru 216 : INKOMPLU NISSUSSIDJAW L-ELETTRIKU !
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:33
@ Pat Muscat
Saving is NOT the right route to economic (in contrast to personal) wealth. Investment and innovation are. These are the PROPER economic principles upon which to build a growth economy. The economy does not hoard money (saving) because that leads to obsolescence. I haven't heard any of Muscat's plans on industrial and economic investment and innovation. You need to invest to grow
Luana Scerri
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:31
For me the answer is clear...during Labour's reign in the 80s a couple of hundreds of students graduated every year - now thanks to PN and Dr Gonzi, 4000 students graduate every year and all of them find jobs - no comparison!
Michael Magri
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:27
Dr Gonzi, in yesterday`s tv debate looked stunned, confused and highly unconvincing each time he tried to reply to Dr. Muscat`s comments. And this,to the contrary of the well prepared Dr. Muscat`s prompt, clear and sound replies..
Well Done Dr Muscat.. It was just a walk over, that`s all..
Josephine Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:25
Yesterday's debate made my choice very simple....a tried and tested and ultimately credible Prime Minister in Gonzi as opposed to a pompous, smug Muscat who promised a lot of hot air and little else! The road to the elections will be long and tough, but keep it up PM Gonzi, Malta needs you!
Joe Borg (Senior)
Nov 3rd 2012, 13:54
biex ipacpac tajjeb kieku!! Qed tghid ghal-Muscat li ma wieghed xejn w Pri ministru anqas l-budget ma jghid x;ha jaghmel ahseb w ara kemm qed jghid x;se jwijed ghal-elezzjoni li gejja!!!
Joanna Mifsud
Nov 3rd 2012, 14:14
Not even Simon Busuttill is NOT agreeing with Gonzi PN;s choice of leadership. I'm an ex-PN who wish PN to lose this election so that a reform would be made. Dr.Busuttil is already pledging to do this
"I want to contribute to the renewal of the party itself," Dr Busuttil said. www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121103/local/simon-busuttil-confirms-he-will-stand-for-pn-deputy-leader.443832
Joe M Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 15:35
Joe Borg. Yoyu missed the part when Gonzi gave points of what the budget was going to include. Probably you were asleep at that time.
Joe Borg (Senior)
Nov 3rd 2012, 18:05
@Joe M Borg .. u int immisjajt li mhu qed jghid xejn fuq se jwijed ghal-elezzjoni li gejja!!! Mhus hekk qed isaqsu lil JM?
Jo Camm
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:24
I am sorry I was unable to see this debate, they told me it was full of jokes by Dr Muscat.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:11
The biggest joke was the usual "20,000 new jobs " repeated ad nauseam by Gonzi !
Fiona Buhagiar
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:20
Using the lyrics of a well known song - 'you say it best when you say nothing at all' - Why does Muscat insist on treating us like children waiting for a 'surprise'.Does he not realise that we need concrete proposals for a prosperous future for Malta? More fool him!
Victor Laiviera
Nov 3rd 2012, 13:34
Why doe Lawrence Gonzo treat us like children (or worse) and refuse to say when he will call an election?
A Attard
Nov 3rd 2012, 15:12
Victor Laiviera, why the hurry?
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:19
Peppi mill jidher lil gonzi ma tghajtux coaching il bierah, ghax dahru mal hajt aktar min gurdien kien qishu .
Maria Scerri
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:09
All Dr Gonzi did was boast as usual. yes of course we have Mater dei..but what about the long waiting lists, lack of beds with patients (some of which are seriously sick) having to wait a whole day before they are given a bed and other things that patients have to go through?! and what about Arriva and the turmoil they are causing on the roads?people are not so stupid to believe him!
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:02
record iehor ta gonzi wettqu il bierah .....saghtejn shah ipacpac u jirrecta.
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:42
gonzi dher dharu mal hajt u infexx jivinta u jispara il figuri (li l-anqas il ministri tieghu ma jaqblu maghhom) u dan fuq stazzjon pastazalmnet fis sena 2012 ikontrollot mil magna tal probaganda tieghu (a spejjez tat taxxi tghana) ..u fuq dan kollhu bir referee mieghaw ! ghax prezentatur laqi akbar minnhu malta wiehed biss hawn ...is sur lou bondi
Matthew Scerri
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:31
A whole debate and nothing concrete from Muscat. A bit scary considering he might govern.
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:31
@Angelo Vassallo
"And finally as it was expected the 12 POINTS go to LAWRENCE GONZI. Applause Applause Applause"
But out of 100!!!
What a dismal result!
LOL!!!
(jb)
Owen Ellul
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:30
The debate showed Gonzi with plenty of facts for his claims against an immature Muscat who has slickness but no substance. Under Gonzi Malta weathered well the deepest recession in history. Do you think Muscat's bravado can handle the economy so well even in rough weather? The Economy is not something abstract. It means jobs, freedom to carve your way up the ladder but also a social conscience.
Andre Ellul
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:30
The debate can be compared to a discussion between the student representative, muscat, and the headmaster Gonzi. The former been ill informed and weak, the latter having experience and knowledge.
twanny borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:30
l-interess tal-poplu huwa li l-pajjiz jibqgha miexi b'idejn sodi kif qieghed bhalissa minkejja l-krizi kbira fid-dinja. jekk jm ma jridx jghid fuq kif se jrahhas id-dawl u lil min imissu ma qal xejn issa. imsomma iridu jerbhu l-elezzjoni bil-gimmicks bhal ma kien ghamel sant li jnehhi l-vat. veru jitrattaw il-poplu ta' imbiccilli. il-verita' li l-prim gera bih.
A. Xuereb
Nov 3rd 2012, 12:49
Xi tghidli ghal gimmicks li ghamel il PN qabel l elezzjoni ta 2008 meta wieghed kollox lil kulhadd u mbaghad sfuma kollox f duhhan? Trid xi kopja ta wahda mill hafna ittri li ntbatu biex iggedded il memorja? Airmalta, kaccaturi.. ghazel int...
Smart City, White rocks, tnaqqis tal-income tax, tnaqqis tad-dejn nazzjonali....dawn kollha kienu weghdi elettorali fl 2008. Thankx but no thankx!
Shaun Anthony Camilleri
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:28
Cannot be bothered to watch Xarabank as it is an advertising programme with some comments in between. There are more adverts than Xarabank in short - don't have the patience.
Victor Zammit
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:21
Is it not questionable, pathetic almost, that the prime minister and the leader of the opposition should be called to the nation by a contractor of PBS at his/their discretion rather than by MBA in national mode in debate moved by its chairman with studied questions?
A Vella
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:14
What really matters is not who won the debate, but what was said and recorded. I think Joseph made a couple of slippages that will cost him later on.
Alex Falzon
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:13
Sa meta tithabbar l-elezzjoni generali... l-PN ikun diga fuq saqajh ghat-tigrija finali... dibattiti bhal dawn jsahhu lil PN... Gonzi huwa d-direzzjoni tal-pajjiz.... isimghu u ifflu l-istil ta' lingwag li juza... dejjem pozittiv ghal kuntrarju ta JM.
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:12
@Andre Grech
"So you're saying that the government should stop this scheme? In itself this scheme creates an incentive to make people buy property with use of roof"
Perhaps, you do not realise that not everybody, like you, has the luxury of moving house - from a flat to house. Seems you are cut off from reality as GonziPN himself!
(jb)
Joe Vella
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:11
If it was a boxing match, the referee would have stopped it in the second round. JM was no match for Gonzi. Period.
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:08
@George Cutajar
"The stark difference between LG and JM was there for all to see"
Obvious, no? - GonziPN sticks to rhetoric and still lives in the past and is completely cut off from the people while Dr Muscat has proven that he has visited the people's homes and know their feelings.
A difference like comparing night and day. Day was Dr Muscat.
(jb)
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:05
@Joseph E Briffa
"j brincat..why didn't u go to Xarabank yesterday to prompt to yr leader and give him some fresh ideas?"
And why didn't you go and help your Gonzi? GonziPN needs to live in the present day and not in Christmas past. He has to feel the pulse of the people. He needs help and how much!
But 25 years in power cuts you completely off reality!
(jb)
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 3rd 2012, 13:25
J BRINCAT...Gonzi doesn't need prompting. He can stand on his own two feet, and doesn't need props. As for JM, his inexperience stood out. He tries to make up for it by being smug. He doesn't distinguish between audiences; he thinks they are all the type that are gathered for his usual Sunday sermon. He will suffer for this and will be humiliated by his own party after he loses the next elections
Andrew Vella
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:02
As usual, Muscat did not say what his - or the MLP's - plans are. Does he have any plans at all?
Julian Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:02
Joseph Muscat and his MLP are a single policy party - reducing the electricity tariff - if we are lucky - by 5% - whoopee doo - that's going to make a great difference to me, you and the economy!! Yesterday the PM walked all over Joseph Muscat and he must be feeling quite sick today. The minute he confronts the PM he finds himself out of his depth - he drowned yesterday and it doesnt augur well!
Colin Mallia
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:53
Joseph Muscat has to find the right balance between criticizing PN and proposing the PL agenda. The current tactic of delaying the PL plans until an election is called will work only if the PL plans are actually well defined and credible. Yesterday’s debate was a close draw whilst with the way things in the PN currently stand, Muscat should have demolished Gonzi
George Cutajar
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:52
The stark difference between LG and JM was there for all to see. The former is a born leader and is capable of weathering the storm while the latter is solely driven by the ambition to please everone so long as he gets to become PM. Yesterday's debate was simply a no-contest.
Maria Scerri
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:11
Yes right..the former was actually capable of causing the storm! The latter wants to please the people only because they are fed up of the present government and they need a change!
Charlie DeBattista
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:36
Dear Mr. Cutajar.... Isn't being a prime minister all about 'pleasing everyone'? I don't see a problem with that!
m farrugia
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:51
il weghda tat trahhis tad dawl u l-ilma ha terga ittellfu lelezzjoni lil labour. il kont ma jinkorporax biss il prezz taz zejt, imma il prezz taz 2 power stations, ta l-impjegati , tal meters etc. Jekk irahhsu, x'se jaghmel JM, ikecci lil impjegat zejda?( li hafna minnhom dahhlu fl 80s u mohhom biss fil gwu), jew ihalli lil enemalta u il pajjiz jghum fid dejn biex ma nhallsux parti mill kont
Joe Vella
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:06
m Farrugia, il fixed costs kulhadd jaf x'inhuma. Hu jekk il prezz taz-zejt jisplodi, x'ha jghamel Joseph Muscat. Ghalhekk JM mhux credibli.
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:44
jhekk kif qed tghid int, ma nghafx ghalfejn int l-ewwel wiehed li int nazzjonalist ,qed tinkwieta li il PL se jitlef l-elezzjoni.sinjal li taf li mhux il kaz.....
Maria Mangion
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:45
After all I am convinced all three leaders in their ways want the best for our small Island, What I am not convinced of is the moderator ( Such an old face with same habbits). He will be better off investigating how we are going to dispose of the TOCSIC waste the new power station is generating.
stephen koludrovic
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:43
You are right, he is ending up being an old bore. He is quite bias in his spoon feeding tactics.
Matthew Tanti
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:37
Ir-realta' li jghid li jara l-PM, mhix ir-realta' li jiffacja l-poplu ta' kuljum. Dan hareg iktar fil-berah il-bierah fuq xarabank.
Mr CHARLIE BORG
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:36
A Brazillian company is going to invest 50 million euros in Malta GonziPN said,he always starts a debate with a joke.Gonzi also displayed an elec.,bill which was zero because the owner installed solar panels,can everyone install solar panels ? (another joke)...Gonzi never mentioned the parlament during his speeches,off course he is scared stiff of the building.Well done J.M. you gave him hell.
Mark Piscopo
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:34
Gonzi f’Xarabank ammetta l-falliment tiegħu fit-transport pubbliku.
Ammetta li mhux ser iwettaq it-tnaqqis fl-Income Tax li kien wiegħed qabel l-elezzjoni.
Ammetta li xtara Powerstation li ma taħdimx.
Ta’ Garanzija li mhux ser iraħħas il-kontijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma wara li kien neħħa is- sussidju minn fuq il-kontijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma impona Surcharge ta’ kwazi 200%
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:32
Prosit Joseph a very good show of questions and response to direct questions. It's no wonder that you are above GonziPN as favourite for the next elections.
Jason Zammit
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:35
What ? I think you have a different TV set from all of us ..... What are JM answers on the electricity bills ? Forsi qabzitli u ma smajtiex ...... Compare us with other countries in the EU umbad tkelem......anke alternativa demokratika qaltlu li froga li qed jajd u iwied......Labour will win the general election BUT they won't last 5 years.....u Dan mux jien biss qed najdu
Victor Laiviera
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:27
(cont.)
This is not right. These kind of debates should not be part of a commercial program. They should be organised and run by the Broadcasting Authority with an unbiased and trusted moderator.
A J Rose
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:26
It would have been more exciting if Peppi had just The Prime Minister on his program. Most fluent, prepared, alert, and mature politician. Give him credit for what he has achieved.
JM is no contest to the PM. By the way, I suggest that JM and his mob organize some music and drums to go with their stuck and tedious record about W & E Bills. Boooorrrrrring!!!
Anthony Falzon
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:42
At last joseph had the decency to admit that he did not want the people to go through the hell of the 80's again, so it was like living in hell undev labour in the 80's.!!!
A. Xuereb
Nov 3rd 2012, 12:54
Yes of course let s give credit to the PM for giving us the most hilarious year in Maltese political history!
Victor Laiviera
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:25
Yesterday I broke a long-standing rule and watched Xarabank, as I felt it was my duty to watch the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition debating.
What I saw was a flood of adverts interrupted by brief snatches of debate. At one point, Azzopardi interrupted the Prime Minister in mid sentence and refused to let him go on until the adverts went on air. (contd.)
Mr Joe Micallef
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:09
Now I know what Muscat's Phd is about - Home Economics specialising in the kitchen department.
Lina Caruana
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:04
Don't denigrate Home Economics . It is much wider than Muscat's vision o the kitchen.or he may have been misinformed. f!!!!!
Jason Zammit
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:36
Il Lillu tajba din .....hahahahahahahaha prosit
Angelo Vassallo
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:06
And finally as it was expected the 12 POINTS go to LAWRENCE GONZI. Applause Applause Applause
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:23
min xi hadd li qed jerda bhalek anglu .....anke hundred points ittieh lil prim ministru (ta bla maggoranza parlamentari) nassigurak il il maggoranza kbira ta nies ma jifmuwiex bhalek ...filfat ghalhekk imwerwer il prim mil elezzjoni
JOSEPH MUSCAT
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:11
Angelo Vassallo, only from your point of view, Well Angelo you are an expert in biased politics!!!!!!!!
Maria Scerri
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:44
issa naraw fl-elezzjoni fejn imorru t-12 points :)
Mario Busuttil
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:06
Dr.Gonzi ura bic car fejn kien hemm issues ta successi u anki fejn kien hemm nuqqasijiet bhal ta Arriva...imma tkellem bil fatti fuq l ekonomija u turizmu,ma nistax nifehem imma kif Dr Muscat jsemmi biss rohs fuq l energija ,ghalkemm tajjeb ukoll imma dwar lekonomija zgur li hadd ma jista jikkritikah.Fuq is sahha ukoll hemm nuqqasijiet imma li tara kambjamenti kbar li zgur ma tistax tikritika.
Robert Lewis
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:04
The biggest joke during the programme was when Dr Gonzi said that Arriva buses are all new, and that old buses used to go over heights in Sliema (one case), but he forgot to mention the recently 3 bus collision were 27 people were injured. As regards solar panels, what about people living in apartments Dr Gonzi, if they dont have access to the roof. And yes there should have been 3 timers not 2.
Paul Caruana
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:04
When you hear words to the tune of "the prospects of finding oil is high" and/or "a large investment is heading our way" you know it is election time!
Pity that such statements quickly fade away after the election.....until the next one comes along....
Joe Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:45
How right that young man was when he told the P.M. to his face that he had let the country down, is all talk but did not even keep his pre-electoral promises! Gonzi is all talk; nobody trusts him! He was not even able to keep his parliamentary house in order and left the country with a hung parliament for many months. He should have called an election long ago but arrogantly clings to power....
Mario Busuttil
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:13
1982-1987.... 5 snin huma hafna izjed li tiggverna taht minoranza milli 2 membri parlamentari li jridu jiddettaw kollox huma fil partit u dejjem jeddu lil Gvern.Ghalhekk il PL irid jiddiskuti din l issue tas siggijiet fil parlament ghax tiga grat darbtejn l istorja 96'-98' u ser nibqaw sejrin hekk
Peter Shaw
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:45
Have magic wand, an work miracles !!
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:42
@ Karl Consiglio
Yes - GonziPN generated money but to pay the millions to his many consultants, to pocket (himself and the ministers) the fabulous €500 a WEEK and €160 million for a power station which today has failed the trials but which at least produces baking powder.
(jb)
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:21
j brincat..why didn't u go to Xarabank yesterday to prompt to yr leader and give him some fresh ideas?
Karl Consiglio
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:12
Oh come on the power station is in its testing stages PL ready to pounce on anything
M Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:40
@ j brincat
Oh please ! you should be up to date before you post. You should know what you are writing about.
How is it that you do not know that the €500 a WEEK was stopped and the money returned last year ?Got it no money was pocketed.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:39
Gonzi won the day as expected. JM went like a broken record; Smart City, W&E bills. The important thing is that jobs were created, the jobless is half of the EU average and that 1/5 of families get rebates on their bills. PN is getting stronger by the day, JPO & FD are have-beens. Gonzi's style is that of a leader, JM's pompous typical of provincial preachers, used to preaching mediocre audiences
Mr Tony Gauci
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:10
@ Joseph Briffa My god you a proud that 1/5 get a rebate!!! don't you know how to do simple Mathematics equation ??? Do you know what that means???? Well I tell you then. It means that 1/5 of the population are living in POVERTY something no one should be proud of.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:14
Joseph E Briffa: according to you GonziPn " is getti g stronger by the day". And the last public opinion survey showed GonziPN is getting WEAKER by the day ! Gonzi acted as if he was addressing his diehard supporters fuq il-fosos tal-Furjana , when this was a debate. A Politician OF THE PAST !
Maria Scerri
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:34
jobs? what about the precarious jobs and graduates being used to do the dirty work and paid really badly or not paid at all whilst being made to register as self employed? and i assure you there are quite a few of these young people around. they have a job but are not paid. and what about the hundreds of It students that were promised a job in smart city and are still waiting for that job?
scott brown
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:39
Dr. gonzi showed one and all what a weathered politician and leader he really is. he replied to all criticism with facts and figures and counter attacked with concrete questions without getting any answers back. muscat was short of words and arguments and many a time peppi had to help him to find something to say. a well prepared prime minister and very amatuer leader of the opposition.
Joe Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:16
Gonzi is certainly ''weathered'' - he's been clinging to power without a parliamentary majority for many months...to hell that Malta suffers! He JUST TALKS, twisting facts relentlessly. Pensioners who go back to work do so simply because they cannot keep up with the spiralling cost of living! Gonzi turned Malta into one big Gamblers' Den; used taxpayer money for political reasons. SHAME!
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:37
Joke of the century: W & E bills with zero balances.
What about those who do not have a roof? Those with a low income who cannot afford the capital expenditure to install the solar panels?
What about the garage types businesses which run into thousands? Where are they to put ‘il-panell’ - in the middle of the street?
Another gimmick ala GonziPN
(jb)
Andre Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:12
So you're saying that the government should stop this scheme? In itself this scheme creates an incentive to make people buy property with use of roof. I for one sold my flat and bought a small house and having a roof with PV cells was one of the reasons. A good number of people I know do not only receive €0 bills but are recriving negative value bills.
Michael Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:36
As usual, Peppi was a beacon of impartiality!
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:35
@J Busuttil
"Although i am biased towards the PN"
As if we did not know and as regards the flying colour it was a mix of grey black to pitch black!
(jb)
J Busuttil
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:28
Although i am biased towards the PN but if I had to give an honest opinion I must say than Gonzi came out with flying colours he was well prepared for all that came his way. Joseph will have other opportunities to show his true colours if and only if he starts to give us concrete answers to questions the man in the street is asking to his promises.
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:36
ha ha hha ha ir risposta tghajtilna wahdek fl ewwel seba ittri ta sentenza tieghek. .......the man in the street kif issejahlu int (forsi ghax int ma tghamilx parti minnhom ghax forsi parti mil klikka) nassigurak li jahsiba hafna differenti minnek...ghalek il prim imwerwer mill elezzjoni u ilu sena bil parlament maghluq.
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:28
@Kris Borg
"The prime minister by far outshone the leader of the opposition"
Where you by any chance wearing a thick blue blinkers?
Tell how he outshone Dr Muscat - facts not myth!
(jb)
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:33
@Jrus,
You seem to forget that Joseph is 12 points ahead of Gonzi and this is the begining.
m farrugia
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:00
how? by stating facts not gimmicks in the air
at a time when many of the foreigners you meet in malta speak about the great problems facing their countries with teachers and govt employees being fired or having their salaries slashed, it is facts which we need not gimmicks. Gimmicks will just lead us into the wall at a time when our economy is stil managing to grow, particularly in tourism
A. Mifsud
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:27
Muscat's only vision seems to be that of reducing energy bills. It's becoming sort of an obsession now and very much reminds me of Sant's come what may No to VAT campaign. About the strength of the economy I think that most are conceding that Gonzi has championed here. Gonzi's woes are all within the party and Austin Gatt's failures. AD most convincing, but then again talk is cheap.
Mark Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:27
Someone in AD should draw Michael Brigulio 's attention that people are not morons. Whether he likes to admit it or not he came across as a closet Nationalist! His 'hidden agenda' is not so well hidden after all. May AD reap what Brigulio is sowing!
Michael Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:36
If Michael Briguglio treats people as morons, what do Gonzi and Muscat do? Have you ever looked at the silly posters that adorn our streets? Moreover, to rub salt in the wound, so low is their opinion of the electorate that each new poster is accompanied by a press conference. As if we are idiotc enough not to understand the simplistic and banal message contained in the poster
Maria Mangion
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:26
Il mistoqsija semplici ,Jien wiehed mill FTIT jew mill hafna?
Carlo Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:26
To all Labour supporters.........................rajnha l-istess program????
Ghax Gonzi hartu lil Joseph, kemm fil-fatti kif ukoll fil-kliem
Jason Zammit
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:45
Ejja ghal Lerwieh ....as flahhar sibt wiehed li ra listess programm li rajt jien Jew inkella sibt wiehed fsensieh
Maria Mangion
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:25
Nistaqsi lil dawk li semghu d dibattitu. Kemm hu relattiv is suppost success li pogga quddiemna Dr Gonzi ma dak li qed jonfoq mit taxxi tieghi u tieghek ? Thoss int li int parti minn dan is success u thoss li b' xi mod ibbenefikajt ?Jekk iva ghandek raugun li terga' taghti l vot tieghek lil PN, Izda jekk int thoss li l gid li qed jghid li holoq il Prim Ministru lilek ma lahqikx ahseb b mohhok .
Carmelo Sammut
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:16
Thanks for Xarabank i decide that the next election im going to Vote PL
Simon Scerri
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:04
I vote PN. Joseph has no ideas!! We wait for his list of proposals more than waiting at hospital!!!
Joseph Portelli
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:14
The prime minister by far outshone the leader of the opposition.
Joe Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:59
Are you one of the consultants making hay under this irresponsible Prime Minister? We even have our University Rector doing Consultancy Extra Work at the Office of the P.M. If that's not revolting and irresponsible, then what is?
Mr Joe Micallef
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:35
Grech consultants are used everywhere in the world because contrary to your socialist envy fuelled view of life, there are some people or organisations that are endowed with particular skills or have dedicated their lives to understand specific problems. Many of these are run as businesses, the same business for which Joey is supposed to be “safe”.
What is revolting, is your envy!
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 11:00
in what ? perhaps in blatant lies ?
joanne pace
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:14
Dr Gonzi was a clear winner in yesterday's debate, he is definitly more credible than Dr. Muscat, Granted the PN are far from perfect, but at least they see the bigger picture, Malta's needs in a very competitive international setting, considering our tiny size.
pat muscat
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:14
Whilst in the US and Europe we have different journalists conducting political debates, in Malta we are stuck with the same person! And to boot, its the same person who coached PN candidates during the last election!
Duncan Debono
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:10
What worries me most is that Dr Muscat does not make any clear and solid proposals. its easy to sit there and complain...In my view yesterday's debate was a clear win for Dr Gonzi.
joseph demicoli
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:58
what worries me about Gonzi is that he makes clear and solid proposals but he never sustained them like Smart city going to employ around 7000 people (I think he wanted to say 7000 ghosts) and the dec rease in income tax that never came. Gonzi and you are bla,bla,bla bla and fatti no
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:22
Duncan: Ghid lil Gonzi johjrog il-proposti tieghu fil-programm elettorali, u malajr tkun taf. Dr. MUscat qallu car u tond, Kif tohrog tieghek, nohorgu taghna !
twanny borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:35
il-programmi elettorali johorgu qabel l-elezzjoni u darba qed iwebbel lin-nies issa li se jrahhas id-dawl imissu jghid issa u lil min. l-argument tieghek li "Kif tohrog tieghek, nohorgu taghna" huwa argument tal-vavi.
twanny borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:38
@eddie - "Kif tohrog tieghek, nohorgu taghna"
argument tal-vavi.
John Mifsud
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:05
I have seen a very tired Prime Minister, trying in vain to defend the indefensible. The fatigue, due to the rifts and conflicts in the PN, were there for all to see.
Once that Dr Gonzi has an MP from his side who has been saying for the umpteenth time that he is going to vote against the government, a general election should have been called. Act as PM and not as Party Leader.
Antonio Pace
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:02
The Prime Minister won this debate hands down
Michael Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:56
And I am the King of France!
Pierre Vassallo
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:01
Muscat failed miserably n this debate. He failed to answer to the utility bills questions, was defeated on economical issues and even made a fool out oh himself when he stated that the Brazilian company failed to be attracted to Malta .
joseph demicoli
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:03
pierre how can you judge somebody when at the moment he has not the power to do what he is suggesting .On the contrary Gonzi succeeded in increasing the utility bills because he has the power and I can guarantee that and a big THAT if PN wins the election the first thing they do is AN increase again in the utility bills.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:24
Pierre Vassallo: GHidilna x'jisimha din il-kumpanija BRaziljana , fejn qed topera u kemm thaddem nies. ISA !
U spjega ghax 4 xhur ilu Gonzi ma tax risposta dwar din il-kumpanija fil-parlament !
Joseph Zammit
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:00
Mnafx ghalxiex il PN ha jibqa jinsisti biex ikun jaf kif il PL ha jnaqqas it tariffi tad dawl u l ilma. Wara kollox mistoqsi x ha jghamel fil budget u kif Dr Gonzi qghal biss x ha jghamel imma f lebda mument ma dahal fid dettal u qghal kif. Ghalijja ipokrizijja kbira.
Mr Emanuel Farrugia
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:56
Both leaders applied their knowledge & skills, but doesn't forget the past. This is called "Process Leadership". They are trying to win trust and confidence, trying to know their people and look out for their well-being.
Dr. Muscat & Dr. Gonzi are mentally strong and firm in their decisions.
Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council
anthony dimech
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:55
all the labour party leader mentioned was electricity bills the same as when they won the election and only lasted for a few months with the slowgan that they remove theVAT , i cant understand how the maltese will vote for labour to run our country ,we will only be walking in the dark .
B Attard
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:46
Apart of electricity bill for sure there was bureaucracy mentioned many times. Could be you have fallen asleep during Xrabank.
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:54
As usual GonziPN prefers going down memory lane and loves dwelling in the past.
It’s evident that he is completely cut off from the people and cannot feel what the families are going into.
Seems that the kitchen visits, in tandem with Dr Simon, served to no avail.
(jb)
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:30
pero il passat skont il lenti tieghu il prim u dejjem l-istess probaganda, kif jipruvaw ibellghu lil poplu li il labour xjatjen u l-angli il pn,dejjem kemm kien vitma u miskin il pn ...meta ma kienx hawn q.att fl-istorja ta malta partit korrot u mahmug daqsu, ibda min meta ghalijhom ikollok voti kemm ikollok flus ,jew li jkomplu mal knisja fxi haga bhal tfin fil mizbla
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:51
In ‘presidential style’ debates body language says it all.
Dr Gonzi seemed agitated, nervous, spoke in a loud voice and sometimes kept pointing at Dr Muscat.
On the other hand Dr Muscat was serene, calm, composed, did not fall to the provocation and answered the questions put to him in a dignified manner.
(jb)
Jason Cutajar
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:15
I am not pro PN, nor PL for its sake. But saying Dr Muscat 'answered the questions put to him in a dignified manner' is a little bit far fetched. Can you recall the answer to utility tariffs as I cannot? Are you aware of any PL vision other than lower utility bill as I'm not? On the other hand Dr Gonzi shows an exhausted approach. Both not healthy for Malta !
Charles W. Sammut
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:43
"Dr Gonzi insisted that on average 4,000 students graduated from University and MCAST every year and they all found jobs."
So? How many retire every year and 'create new jobs'? Some politicians treat the electorate with disdain.
A. MICALLEF
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:40
It-tnejn mhux kredibbli ! PN u PL huma zewg partiti mdawrin b-kuntratturi, negozjanti, can vassers
u hbieb kollha lesti biex jissugaw il-gid tal-poplu Malti, waqt li jabbuh bit-taxxi. PN u PL jghamlu
kollox ghal-voti biss, pjaciri, jobs, permessi, promotions, zidiet tal-pagi ta civil, basta ghal-voti.
PN u PL ma jisthoqilhomx li l-ebda wiehed minnhom ma jkollu maggoranza fil-parlament.
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:23
Mr or Mrs Micallef, you are one of the few people who acknowledge this. I cannot understand why more and more people come to see it this way. Well said.
Jason Cutajar
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:19
If I may add, both parties are supported by the same contractors, business people which is even worse! But there are some good people at both ends. However, when they assume power, they loose this good will factor as they are led and have to give in to the people who supported them through. But, there again, this is not juts in Malta, happens everywhere, even at the EU !!!! LOL.
Joseph Attard
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:40
Naghmel kuragg nisma l-Dr muscat jitkellem, ghax jidher car li jaf ezatt x'qed ihoss il-poplu.
anthony dimech
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:37
mr attard i think you only watch superone tv cos i can imagine how much more courage you will have if someday he be the prime minister , everything will be smooth then its not dr muscat only knows what the maltese feels like all the other countries arround us but at least we are doing a lot better.
James Buhagiar
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:40
forsi.. imma m'ghandhux pjanijiet!
Joseph Attard
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:54
@ James Buhagiar
Il-pjanijiet jghidhom fil-programm elettorali. Mela ghalfejn isiru l-programmi elettorali jekk toqghod thabbar kif se tmexxi minn snin qabel?
Li naf zgur li ghandu pjan li jzomm id-deputati maghquda biex pajjizna jimxi l-quddiem, mhux min jimxi ghal rasu u jbati l-pajjiz
Peppi Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:38
In my opinion it was one of the most Xarabank programmes in which Peppi was very evidently biased in favour of the Prime Minister. Listening to Gonzi I thought I was living on another planet. Where are the 5000 + jobs in Smart city? What about the 20 000 new jobs big lie, and which was dismissed by the finance ministry? We need a fresh generation of politicians. Joseph Muscat is very promising.
j brincat
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:07
Actually at first it was 5600 IT jobs in Ghost City but as the election drew nearer this figure suddenly shot up to 7000 jobs. Phantom jobs, of course!
(jb)
anthony dimech
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:42
yes you are 100% right that muscat is very promising but dont expect more than that cos all he says is promisng only , cos you have to be capable to keep all the promises he is telling us time will tell.
Jack Attard
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:19
What I saw last night on pbs Gonzipn trying to trick people by saying a big company wants to bring more jobs to this country.I don't swallow rubbish like that Mr Gonzipn. Gonzipn sounded like an over rippen friut and needs to be tossed away.
michael scicluna
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:02
''He criticised the Labour Party for making a blanket promise to cut utility bills and for opposing an increase in the minimum wage.''
Why didn't he criticise Gonzi or PN for not increasing the minimum wage in 25 years?? Michael Brigulio's hidden agenda was discusting!
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 06:59
l-unika argument fost hafna manipular ta diskors tal PM hu, li l-economija kemm hi bsahhitta u meta anke imqabbla ma l-istati uniti ! forsi jahseb li il in nies boloh ? l-unika fattur li ma gheriqniex hija li ahna micro economy u hafna aktar facli tikontrolla l-affarijiet .ezempju bil maqlub :imagina ghandek belt b zewgt fabriki kollox,hafna aktar facli tikontrolla min ezempju pajjiz daqs malta.
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:34
Mark, you have a simplistic understanding of the economy. If you have a small economy you rely heavily on other economies. If the prices of imports increase because of your neighbours' economic problems, your small economy has to spend more money. If demand of your exports falls because of these problems, your economy earns less money. Result: domino effect difficult to control.
Paul Caruana
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:20
Imma fit-tmeninijiet gheriqna. Anke dakinhar konna zghar. Dr. Gonzi kien li gharaf dan u hadem fuqu. Fassal il-principji ta' Keynes ghal Malta. Investa fejn kien hemm bzonn. Salva 5,000 impieg. Dahhal l-low cost airlines. It-turizmu rekord wara l-iehor. Ghen l-SMEs. Hekk inholqu 20,000 impieg. Mhux dawn kienu l-pariri ta' Muscat. Ghax sew Muscat kemm Scicluna m'huma xejn hlief textbook economists.
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:30
@anthony scicluna
allura inti se thallad micro economy ma dik ta kontinent jew pajjiz ggant bhall italja ? u skont int allura kif ma gheriqniex la dawn gherqu ? nahseb ghax gonzi xi sahhar magicu hux ? din nerga nghidlek li tad dahq li tikompara malta fl ekonomija ma pajjiz ggant, hawnek erba investituri kull ma trid u thaddem ir rota u ghandha ghalxiex nirringrazzjaw il banek tghana biss .
Kris Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 06:47
The prime minister by far outshone the leader of the opposition.
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:14
specjalment jhekk int wiehed mil konsulenti li qed tiswa il poplu 22 elf ewro kuljum biex tghati pariri ghal xi fjask bhal ta l-arriva jew il powerstation..iva mil lent tieghek tghidx kemm tarah shininig lil Prim ministru
Mark Borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:19
So did the mid-day sun! Keep on dreaming Kris Borg. Time is running out... fast.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:32
Kris Borg: Fl-ghajjat Gonzi zgur isupera lil Dr. Muscat. Haseb li kien fuq il-Fosos tal-Furjana. Izda Dr. Muscat issupera BIL-KBIR lil Gonzi bil-mod kalm, seren u effettiv fejn were li ghalih u ghal PL l-interess tal-familji Maltin u Ghawdxin jigi qabel ir-rapporti li wiehed jista joqghod jilghab bihom kif irid !
twanny borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:22
@eddie- x'effettiv effettiv!! lanqas kien kapaci jghid lil min se jrahhas id-dawl u l-ilma!. halluna il-vera l-prim gera bih.
Anthony Paul Naudi
Nov 3rd 2012, 06:38
He who has ears hears,and he who has a mind decides.
A.P. Naudi
Noel Damato
Nov 3rd 2012, 06:35
Prosit tassew lill Dr Muscat ad-dinamizmu li ura. Bniedem kawt li jaf x'qieghed ihoss il-poplu Malti u x'hinu ghaddej hemm barra. Mentri fuq in-nahha l-ohra Dr Gonzi li qieghed donnu jghix gewwa dinja ohra u pajjiz perfett u but il-familji mimli bhal ma kien taghhom sa ftit ilu bil 500 fil gimgha.
robert pace
Nov 3rd 2012, 05:30
Gonzi always on the defense had nothing to say about a new honest leader, whilst a prudent Joseph hit at every corner of the withering goverment. Not a knock out but almost!
Mark Cocker
Nov 3rd 2012, 05:24
Last night we all saw a very shiny-looking prime minister on that local state television recently described by a goverment mp as being worse than it was in the 1980s..!!
Dear pm, who do you want to impress?? By this time your goverment would have already presented a budget speech.. yes, it is just a speech..!!
If you want to govern, try the parliament.. not TV. Otherwise..
Vince Camilleri
Nov 3rd 2012, 00:44
Interesting debate. Muscat failed to back up his talk with facts. Typical example the gap he made on the Brazilain aviation company. He continued to play the hide and seek game on the utility bills. Gonzi won this debate hands down.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:34
Vince Camilleri: Please let us know the name of his Brazilian aviation company. And how many workers it is employing . And where it is located . Please !
dawn wood
Nov 3rd 2012, 00:27
Whoever came up with this economic performance report should take a walk around areas of Malta and ask the people about economic performance, ask the shop owners and the working class people then maybe you get a true result, And as far as the minimum wage goes Gonzi doesn't think it should be increased, oh i,d love to see him working 40-46 hours a week for pittance. You have dug a hole now jump...
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:27
Dawn, shop owners are very much at fault because they are failing to realise that their strategy of over pricing is back firing. Stupid example: A pair of jeans that costs 20 sterling in the UK costs 50 Euros in Malta. Working class people is a meaningless classification - we're all working class because we all work for a living
m farrugia
Nov 3rd 2012, 12:59
you're right mr scicluna, that's it it's cheaper taking a ryanair flight & doing your shopping in the uk especailly if you have kids
and all this moaning about the working class, do you really think that jm will increase the wage of the working class, he will only freeze min wage for sure.
G Scerri Ventura
Nov 3rd 2012, 00:14
I can now understand the PL Billboard much better. Gonzi jpacpac biss.
George Grech
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:59
Gonzi ghat-tpacpic ghandu x'juri. 151,000 fímpieg full time.B'kollox 170,000 jahdmu. Rekords xahar wara xahar fit-turizmu. Impiegi hafna ahjar fil-farmawcetika, fl-avjazzjoni, fil-gaming, fis-servizzi finanzjarji, fl-ghajnuna lill-intraprizi zghar. Mhux ta' b'xejn li minkejja l-maltemp Malta harget fost l-ahjar. Malta u l-Gerrmanja biss ziedu l-inpiegi fuq l-2008. Muscat x'ghandu x'juri? Tpacpic!
Charles Muscat
Nov 3rd 2012, 00:04
Dr. Muscat should know that in Australia some people are avoiding having showers due to high
costs of water and electricity thanks to a labour government.
How does the PM of Malta know that arrive is better then the previous one? He never used buses.
The rest of the debate was rubbish.
G Zammit
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:14
Pffffffffffffft Aussie's avoiding having showers due to high costs of water and electricity??? Dont make me laugh. This has to be the joke of the month. AS IF!
Matthew Tanti
Nov 3rd 2012, 00:02
LG ipprova fuq li pprova u ghalkemm hu avukat ma rnexxilux jiddefendi l-fjask wara fjask li ghamel hu u l-ministri tieghu.
Karl Consiglio
Nov 3rd 2012, 00:02
@Joseph Muscat,
To make money you have to spend money, not stay looking at it. Lots of talk about lowering our bills and not spending "capriciously"..BUT NOTHING ABOUT HOW HE WILL GENERATE MONEY!! ..Classic Labour as we know it, in that regard nothin has changed within the Labour party since Mintoff.
pat muscat
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:09
@ Karl Consiglio.
Well, one can create money by creating wealth; if one is addicted to borrowing simply to spend, this is not wealth creating, if anything its a toxic legacy on our kid's future.
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:56
Pat, how do you think wealth generation comes about? To earn money you have to spend it.
B Attard
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:34
@Anthony Scicluna... and to spend money you have to have it first...
pat muscat
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:00
@Mr Anthony Sciculan.
To my mind-and I speak from experience-wealth comes about by accumulation-(unless one has inherited or stole it) and not by spending money before one has earned it : or worse borrow it and waste it like a habitual spendthrift.
Karl Consiglio
Nov 3rd 2012, 10:08
Still that does not answer my point, what does PL intend to do to generate money?
Lara Vella
Nov 3rd 2012, 00:00
Kif qatt tista' temmen lil Dr. Gonzi wara dak li qal fuq it-tnaqqis tal-income tax, is-7,000 post tax-xoghol fi smart city, il-qeghda tal-white rocks, il-weghda li Malta kellha tesperjenza surplus fl-2010, l-weghdiet u l-ittri lill-haddiema tat-tarzna, air malta w ohrajn, li jispiccaw il-wayting lists tal-operazzjonijiet u dawn huma ftit mill-weghdiet li GonziPN ghamlilna qabel l-elezjoni tal-2008
Antonio Pace
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:59
In two hours Muscat failed to answer when and how he will reduce the utilities' bill.
Jimmy Ventura
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:27
Gonzi ghadu l-anqas biss irid jghidilna meta se jressaq il-budget, Il-bdget ghadu mhux konkluz u ghadu ma jafx jekk fq kollox il-budget hux se jghaddi. Imma jppretendi li Joseph Muscat jghidlu kif se jrahhas id-dawl u l-ilma.
Semplici Gonzi, ohrog il-manifest elettorali tieghek u Joseph jipprezenta tieghu. Gonzi sab kappel jigieh.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:37
If FRanco Debono keeps his word " Jekk iridu gwerra, se jkollhom gwerra " ( said it yesterday), then we should soon know. After all Dr. Gonzi has not yet said a word about his own electoral manifesto.
Pierre Vassallo
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:56
Muscat criticised the Prime Minister for failing to attract a Brazilian company to Malta which the Prime Minister had previously announced its interest in moving to Malta. The Prime Minister answered that the company moved its headquarters to Malta......this is how low Muscat goes
B Attard
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:55
Could be it's another 'phantom' like smart city?
Francesca Borg
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:53
Hilarious moment - "Isn't that exactly what Dr Muscat is saying?", Peppi Azzopardi at Dr. Gonzi's stance regarding wage freezes
Anthony Mizzi
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:51
Why was AD on the program and an independent candidate like JPO, who Dr. Gonzi consults with every step of the way not given a hearing or a chance to air his views like AD which is even not represented in Parliament ?
anthony dimech
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:49
mr mizzi one simple answer they didnt want any time wasters
Anthony Mizzi
Nov 3rd 2012, 09:35
@ anthony dimech
If they did not want any time wasters why was Dr Briguglion AD there.... a time filler? : )
David Micallef
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:48
In my opinion there were a number of questions Gonzi did not answer.
elvin borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 16:51
Jien lanqas Dr Muscat ma smajtu jwiegeb fuq l kontijiet tad dawl u lilma kif behsibu jrahasom..
P Spiteri
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:45
This country needs a fresh start. And I think that at this stage, the PN isn't an option.
Noel Abela
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:40
Two leaders with a difference. Whilst Dr Muscat look fresh and credible Dr Gonzi is evidently past the sell by date. Good Bye Mr. Prime Minister.
Keith Saliba
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:40
I think it was a fair debate wherein all leaders gave a clear idea of how they intend to roll out their work throughout the next few years. I am not particularly interested in what happened 30 years ago since the world changed drastically. On the otherhand I think Joseph Muscat seems to be on the ball of what needs to be done.
Darren Agius
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:39
Kienet cara qabel imma wara dan id-dibattitu issa cara kristall li Joseph Muscat ghandnu l-interessi tal-poplu kollu bhala priorita', li Joseph Muscat hu l-Prim Ministru li Malta u ahna ghandna bzonn!
Matthew Gatt
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:38
Never felt Gonzi was out of control using illogical arguments and lacked economical intelligence as much as today
Stefan Gauci
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:38
The usual old song - another SmartCity on the eve of a General Election and Brazilian company relocated in Malta which does not even bear a name! Mirage and a bunch of old lies. No, dear GonziPN, you are credible no more.
Joe Pace Asciak
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:37
A large chunk of what the Leader of the Opposition said was monothematic and devoid of detail.
mark borg
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:32
u ta gonzi the whole chunk kien numri tal fantaxjenza u fittizji u tpacpic biss
Matthew Aguis
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:36
Joseph Muscat ghandu vizjoni li Malta issir l aqwa fl-Ewropa. Wara ghoxrin sena irid ikollox gutz kbir li tmur fuq Xarabank u tohorog bcertu statements bhal ma qal Gonzi illejla.
Il-PL semma ftit proposti sa issa imma huma konkreti, il-kontijiet tad-dawl u ilma, socjeta gusta u li se jara kif se jintlaqat il poplu qabel ma jittiehdu decizjonijiet kbar.
Illejla ghamilt kuragg.
Tommy Vella
Nov 3rd 2012, 07:56
Joseph Muscat ghandu vizjoni li Malta issir l aqwa fl-Ewropa.
Meta sa ftit snin ilu anqas ried li Malta tkun fl-Ewropa u saħansitra ta parir lil Iceland biex ma tidħolx fl-Ewropa.
John Zammit
Nov 2nd 2012, 23:30
It's better for Dr. Gonzi to Call an election.He did not persuade me in anything he said
H. Psaila
Nov 3rd 2012, 08:03
Can you flog a dead horse especially the PL bloggers?
Please choose the reason of your report below: