Muscat: Labour will keep Budget's good points, but vote against it
Labour leader Joseph Muscat said this morning that Labour would vote against the Budget, but should the Budget be rejected, a Labour government would still retain its framework and its positive aspects in order to reassure investors and families.
Speaking at a political conference in Ta' Xbiex, Dr Muscat said it was worrying that the country could start the new year without having an approved Budget.
Such uncertainty was hugely detrimental to the country and investors.
The government was not saying what it would do to ease this uncertainty. It had not even announced the Budget date. That the government was doing nothing was irresponsible. The government was putting the interests of its clique before the national interest.
The prime minister had said that the Budget was a vote of confidence. Therefore the Opposition could not vote in favour of the Budget because it had no confidence in the government.
If the Budget was defeated, a new government, whichever it was, would need to present a new Budget.
He did not know what GonziPN would do. Nor was he really interested, Dr Muscat said.
However, while the PN was focused on its internal battles, the PL had focused on the country's future and how things could play out.
After consultations it had been decided that, in the national interest and to give the people peace of mind, if the Budget was defeated, a Labour government would still retain its framework. It would retain its positive aspects so as to assure investors, the workers, pensioners, and students.
"If pensioners receive something from this Budget, if students see progress in this Budget, if workers see advancement, if families are given new benefits in this Budget, if the self employed move forward after so much hardship, the Labour government will honour all these points," Dr Muscat said.
Therefore, he said, no one should try to scare people. The people would know that a Labour government meant certainty and stability.
Dr Muscat hit out at the government for not having kept commitments made in previous Budgets, such as achieving a balanced Budget.
Before the last election, the government had said it would bring down the deficit to €70m from €87m but instead it mushroomed to €268 million, of which €130 were run up in the first three months of 2008, ahead of the general election of that year. At the time it also said that the debt would rise by €46m but instead it grew by €247m in just one year. This went to show how the people had to be wary of what the government said in the months and weeks before a general election.
At the opening of his address Dr Muscat expressed his concern over the worsening situation in the Middle East and said that Malta should seek to offer its services as an honest broker.
Dr Muscat on Budget (.mp3 file)
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Henry S Pace
Nov 29th 2012, 18:53
' Muscat: Labour will keep Budget's good points, but vote against it '
Such people are living a contradiction in their life.
Such declarations are only said in Malta.
Antoinette Camilleri
Nov 19th 2012, 23:35
Joseph Muscat said the opposition will not vote in favour of the budget because he has no confidence in the government but in the same breath he says he will retain its framework, etc....If Joseph Muscat has no confidence in the government then he cannot take anything from them as according to him, nothing is worth taking..Look into his eyes and see that sadly, the man has no truth in him
Hossam Helwani
Nov 19th 2012, 09:34
joseph muscat is just a "żatat" opportunist who believes he knows it all. The minute that fatal moment he rushes up the steps of castille I would like to see all those faces who believe he is the second saviour of Malta. The first saviour made a disaster of it, the second żatat will soon show us how ept he is by sending us all haywire.
D Schembri
Nov 19th 2012, 09:28
But, how can you vote against something without even knowing what's in it?
This is like kids when they say I dont like this or that, without even trying... so much for a mature labour...
Jurgen Farrugia
Nov 19th 2012, 09:12
Any 'budget vote' is a 'vote of confidence', even if Dr.Gonzi didn't say so. But the lack of experience Dr.Muscat have in the Maltese parliament and politics is evident even in his speeches.
Vince Cassar
Nov 19th 2012, 09:05
Muscat hlief pariri hziena kemm ilu fil-politika ma tax. Dawn il-konsulenzi mhux biss tohom f'pajjizna izda wkoll l-Izlanda. Qalilna li Gonzi missu jimxi fuq il-passi ta' Cipru. Qalilna li ma jaqblilniex li nidhlu fl-Unjoni Ewropeja (ironikament illum qisu l-palladin tal-Ewropa). Qalilna li l-Ewro ma jaqblilniex. Qal lil Gonzi biex jimxi fuq il-passi ta Zapatero. Tal-misthija
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 19th 2012, 08:45
Muscat's argument in a nutshell: "We want to destabilise the country so we will vote against everything even if it is good. We have no ideas of our own - in fact, we are stymied and without good people to handle economic crises. Y=Therefore, we will copy the Nationalists". How's that for a progressive movement? Populist at best. Amateur and extremely scary. Labour won't change
John Scerri
Nov 19th 2012, 08:16
''Muscat: Labour will keep Budget's good points, but vote against it''..............because the PM considers this vote as a vote of confidence in the government which the MLP do not have.
Simple logic. Dr.Muscat is politically correct here.
Just like what Dr.Sant did in 1998 when he considered a vote as being a vote of confidence then lost it .
Richard Caruana
Nov 19th 2012, 07:54
What baloney. JM will keep the good parts of the budget he voted against!
And what about his own electoral pledges? Some nerve even to say this.
A real amateur that could be our next PM, who will drive this country down to the levels of the countries he adores most like Spain and Cyprus, withiin a few months.
Hossam Helwani
Nov 19th 2012, 07:36
joseph is reducing himself to absurdity , why vote against it in the first place? Budget or not the election is looming! If muscat had any idea and decency he would vote in favour let the government finish its last few months and get on with it. But he wishes to show us how good he is by voting against it and show us that he will adopt its good measures. Reductio in absurdum!
A Mercieca
Nov 19th 2012, 07:01
Why is everyone so surprised? Do you remember Made in Brusssels? One attribute Muscat clearly lacks is vision. It is blatently evident. First he tries to convince us that something is evil. Then he is somehow inspired that he got it wrong all the way... My impression in these weeks of pre electoral campaign is that the more pl speaks the better for pn. By the way, we haven't seen Anglu for a whi
John Attard
Nov 19th 2012, 06:32
The only legitimate way is to make sure budget goes through by PL abstaining a number of votes...ie five PL will abstain. In this way budget would go hrough legitimately and the good points can then be kept by PL. there is no way the PN can recoup lost sheep now. That is a forgone issue
.
T Cassar
Nov 19th 2012, 06:20
Remarkable political maturity, ethical behaviour and of course having the best interest of the country at heart. Of course everyone is reassured by whoever declares their vote BEFORE reading the document. In fact those over 30yrs of age even feel a nice glow as they remember the 'good' old days.......
(Sarcasm very much intended!)
carlos ellul
Nov 19th 2012, 05:01
If the par idejn sodi has the majority in parliament then he wont need the opposition support. We have had a year of non governance. Thats more then enough
Vince Piscopo
Nov 19th 2012, 04:17
That is what I call maturity in politics and how to lead a movement not a party. Well done Dr Muscat once again. I am certain "spin doctors" will interpret your claim to take advantage and try to put PL in bad light but genuine disgruntled nationalists are getting your message and continue to feel welcomed in this ever-increasing movement.
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Nov 18th 2012, 23:44
How can ever the PN have voted in favour of an MLP budget in the past, when the MLP budget was “kemm ser jorħos it-ton taż-żejt”?
Get serious please!
JC.
Hossam Helwani
Nov 18th 2012, 22:15
this joseph muscat is really comic, all he said about the budget is good so why vote against it? and not only that he will vote against it and then adopt it if elected!! I do not think that Maltese are that stupid.
Vince Piscopo
Nov 19th 2012, 04:03
No they are not stupid at all. Only those who believe GonziPN and his false tactics are stupids including holding the country at ransom through this uncertainty which is now long overdue. Dr Muscat was very clear and is putting national interest at the forefront. He would keep the good framework to sustain business growth and stimulate the economy to remove uncertainty.
Mike Abbot
Nov 19th 2012, 07:34
'I do not think that Maltese are that stupid.' the polls say otherwise
Anthony Scicluna
Nov 19th 2012, 07:35
Mr Helwani, you'd be surprised.
John L Galea
Nov 19th 2012, 07:51
@Hassam: JM said that for the sake of stability he will keep the good points of the budget. What's wrong with that? Yes they should vote against GOnziPN's budget as it is also a vote of confidence...which no one has any confidence in this dictatorial no-majority government
Vince Cassar
Nov 19th 2012, 09:01
Well said. Laburisti are desperate to win the election!
Hossam Helwani
Nov 19th 2012, 09:32
@john l galea
you seem to be an expert in dictatorial, if you really wish to see what dictatorial means just follow mintoff in 1971-1987, just live it and then speak. lejber is the faculty of dictatorial.
Gonzi is a Prime Minister who managed to keep us going, while lejber gave us wage freezes and korpi tax xoghol. What counts is unemployment is low, in a serious economic crisis.
A pace
Nov 18th 2012, 22:02
What a brainwave! taf li se tivvota kontra xi haga li ma tafx x'fiha, imbaghad tuza lilha biex tkompli ... Inspiring
Saviour Cachia
Nov 18th 2012, 21:53
The magical budget to be presented by Tonio Fenech on November 28 will manage to clinch him the deputy leader post of the Nationalist Party and later power again for Gonzi PN oligarchy? What's wrong if Dr. Joseph Muscat keeps whatever may be good in the budget.? Yes Malta first and foremost. Time will fly and shows us real facts. Electorate is supreme. Better the Gonzi PN you know? Not for me.
Vince Cassar
Nov 18th 2012, 21:33
Muscat: 'The way justifies the means'. Muscat =New taxes!
pat muscat
Nov 19th 2012, 08:33
The National Office of Statistics said that since 2008 the weight of taxes in Malta has increased heavily.' Il-hmar ma jistax jghajjar lil denbu'!
Henry Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 21:30
Dr Muscat needs to convince us more about how intends to finance all the promises he is doing to everyone. His strategy is only a vote catching one with little substance. Party first, Nation later, if ever.
Acting like his predecessor, will not convince anyone. There is nothing new in the supposed "new movement", after all.
Daniel Borda
Nov 18th 2012, 21:20
Muscat, do you know how do I interpret your statement?? You'll just want to get votes for just saying nothing!! It is incredible how unethical you are. You either agree with the budget or not!
Charles Muscat
Nov 18th 2012, 21:17
The less Muscat talks the better. Never catch a falling knife.
Peter Frendo
Nov 18th 2012, 21:14
How can you beleive Muscat? in one statement he going to vote against the budget measures and in the same sentence he says that if he is expected to present another budget it will be based on the same budget present by PN!! Would it be a good budget or not????
I Mercieca
Nov 18th 2012, 21:02
So.... What is the point to vote for MLP?
Joseph Grech Attard
Nov 18th 2012, 20:38
For all those here who boast of GonziPN's achievements, let it be known to them that GonziPN managed to raise our debts to nearly 6 billion Euro! Is that justifiable? Who is going to pay these debts? The EU? We were told, over and over again that money is no problem! What a huge lie! The rich have got richer and poverty, illiteracy, etc are on the increase. The cliques rule!
Lourdes Buttigieg
Nov 18th 2012, 20:08
Xejn sew .com Dr Muscat .
Victor Vella
Nov 18th 2012, 20:01
Well done Joseph. We are not a pack of bi-ped feathers clowns like GonziPN.
George Grech
Nov 18th 2012, 19:43
GonziPn has the EU's and the IMF certificates to back its achievements. Whatever Muscat says, Malta's achievement bas been called remarkable, a model to be followed, an impressive turnaround, an anchor of stability. GonziPN, GonziJobs, GonziEducation, GonziHealth. And Muscat dares to tell Gonzi that since he is no economist he cannot run Malta. MuscatPacpac. Trust him at your risk. And ours!
Roberto Fenech
Nov 18th 2012, 19:38
Kif jista Dr Muscat jiddikjara li ser jivvota kontra il bagit, meta lanqas jaf x'fih??? Veru il-kas li Dr Muscat jgib l-interess partigjan qabel dak nazzjonali.
Dr Muscat hekk jfisser meta jghid "Futur li jghaqqadna" - imma jirreferi ghal Laburisti BISS.
Charles Muscat
Nov 18th 2012, 21:15
You wrote my letter. Well said and need to say no more.
Daniel Vella
Nov 18th 2012, 22:09
Prosit ma stajtx tghidha ahjar.. l-istorja tibqa tirrepeti ruha.. l-importanti li jkunu fil-poter u addio kollox.
Joe Sammut
Nov 18th 2012, 19:34
Naqr’ohra se jghidilna li se jaddotta il-programm elettorali tal-PN biex ikun hemm il-kontinwita.
George Grech
Nov 18th 2012, 19:29
Labour would keep the Budget's framework. How can we trust Muscat who praised Alfred Sant when he broke his electoral promises. Vat and cash registers, stipends, reduced utility bills for pensioners etc.! How can we trust Muscat who believes that economic growth can be achieved by applause? Who praised Zapatero and Cyprus? Look where they are! Such will be Malta's lot! Trust the achievers.
Salvu Sciberras
Nov 18th 2012, 19:18
'Dr Muscat hit out at the government for not having kept commitments made in previous Budgets, such as achieving a balanced Budget'. Wake up Muscat! Have you heard of the worst recession in 80 years? Would you have done better by following Zapatero's Spain with 25% unemployed and as much as 55% among youths? We need to ask how Malta would have fared? Probably we would be asking for a bailout!
Terence Zammit
Nov 18th 2012, 19:54
would you? we need to ask? probably? questions that are based on future facts that did not happen and no one could ever know if they happened what would the outcome be. The present fact is that Gonzi is prime minister ... yes he did increase deficit yes he did increase debt, yes he did buy a power station that works with hfo and does not work and YES he is going to lose the next election!!!
Hossam Helwani
Nov 18th 2012, 22:16
I will still vote PN and I will vote for peace of mind what ever the case muscat has no agenda and the only agenda he has is taxes
thank you joseph muscat but no thank you
Joe Sammut
Nov 18th 2012, 19:12
Labour will vote against the budget even if it is a beneficial budget, it will implement the good parts of it when Joseph is PM.
What kind of logic is this?
If we’re having "more of the same” why change the government in the first place?
Gordon Cardona
Nov 18th 2012, 19:09
Muscat irid jinghogob ma’ kulhadd. Ghalhekk iwieghed bl-addocc lil kulhadd.
Charlie Tabone
Nov 18th 2012, 18:55
Dr Muscat Ha Jivvota kontra........b hekk irid jirbah l elezzjoni .....BIL LE......
Joe Pace Asciak
Nov 18th 2012, 18:52
"Its positive aspects". The electorate was led to believe that the government is plain, unadulterated evil. Time to reassure "ex Nazzjonalisti": we will follow in the footsteps of evil. Really?
John Farrugia
Nov 18th 2012, 18:42
When Dr Muscat was elected Party Leader, he promised a new way of doing politics. In the past two years we have seen time and again, how this man reneged on this promise. Dr Muscat played a big part in forcing Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and Richard Cachia Caruana out of office for no valid reason. I lost faith in Dr Muscat. I cannot trust him with my vote.
Bernard Borg
Nov 18th 2012, 18:12
Why would Labour vote against the Budget if it thinks it is a good Budget? If Dr Muscat wants to send out a signal of good will to families and investors he'd be well advised to vote in favour of it. Otherwise, we can't take this man seriously.
V Borg
Nov 18th 2012, 17:38
PN will soon drown in its own filth and dirt.
Joseph Fenech
Nov 18th 2012, 19:00
What filth you are referring to ?? The rampant corruption that reigned in the Works Dept under Lorry Sant, or the corruption in the issueing of Trade Licences to known Socialist thugs, or the money that had to be handed to buy a colour TV and the list goes on and on.
Joseph Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 20:27
Fully agree!
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 18th 2012, 21:13
Li kont flokhok ma nohrogx b'danil-kumment banali. Il-veru Labour style. PN jerga' jkun fil-gvern.
pat muscat
Nov 19th 2012, 08:53
@Joseph Fenech. Well well, surprise surprise, PN apologist don't want to accept that under GonziPN Malta has been loosing its ratings in 'Transparency International' . In 2008 our placing were in the 39th and today its in the 45th!
Keith Davis
Nov 18th 2012, 17:16
How can someone declare voting against something of which details have not been communicated yet?
This is irresponsible!
Karl Consiglio
Nov 18th 2012, 16:58
Muscat: Labour will keep Budget's good points, but vote against it
Ovja..jista jaqa d-deheb miss-sema and they will vote against it, what they want is the seat, not Malta's well being.
Joseph Arpa
Nov 18th 2012, 17:13
Yeah Karllll........kinda reminds me of the PN when the Mintoff saga was going on in the days of Alfred Sant!!! Its funny how one can detect bad odours, but not their own.
mark borg
Nov 18th 2012, 20:51
and when has pn from opposition ever voted for the budget ? not even when we were showered with all social services ..like the pensions and children allowance as your pn had also voted against.
Charles Massa
Nov 18th 2012, 16:49
Din hija differenza bejn iz zewg mexxejja, Dr Muscat irid l interess tal pajjiz. Gonzi mohhu fl inkwiet intern li ghandu l partit Jaf li polls huma favur il PL u ghal hekk ma jridx isejjah elezzjoni. Gonzi kien qed jittama li Dr Muscat ma jzomx il punt itajba tal budget jekk dan ma jghaddix. U b hekk kien jigbed is simpatina tal votanti. Issa b din id dikjarazzjoni buzzieqa ohra infaqet.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 18th 2012, 21:24
JM now admits he doesn't have any idea how to run a country and therefore he must only copy PN not only in blue ties, backdrops but even in policy.Will Labour old guard accept this?Next thing we'll hear that if elected they will ask Tonio Fenech to be their Finance minister.JMhas thus admitted that PN can come up with some good points.Next thing he will tell us we might as well carry on as we are
mark borg
Nov 18th 2012, 16:45
Prosit dr.Muscat ..dawk il maltin ta rieda tajba bi hgarhom ghal warajk
J Caruana
Nov 18th 2012, 16:40
What a joke!
mark borg
Nov 18th 2012, 20:51
Gonzipn no ?
Noel Abela
Nov 18th 2012, 16:37
Calling a spade a spade is nothing to be ashamed of and if GonziPn will be announcing budget measures that will do good why not keep them. It is only in GonziPn's nature that the PL has done and will do nothing right, but then this is the old way of doing politics and this is why we shall do away with GonziPn in a few weeks time.
Peppi Borg
Nov 18th 2012, 16:32
From where did you get 200 million euros for a power station that does not work and which makes people sick?
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 18th 2012, 21:26
'Peppi ..very original...prosit
Charlene Fenech
Nov 18th 2012, 16:09
Surprise, surprise...Muscat will be voting against the budget. Is this the way he tends to reach his ambition of becoming Malta's youngest PM? Is he that much absorbed in himself that he can't be bothered with the Maltese best interest?
Antonio Pace
Nov 18th 2012, 16:01
The title says it all. Muscat tries to please all at the same time. You're either for or against there's no middle road.
George Cremona
Nov 18th 2012, 15:48
First of all it goes without saying that since it is a money bill the Budget vote is automatically a vote of confidence. JM should know that, there was no need to put it on the prime minister. It is understood that the opposition, as is the normal practice, votes against the government but it was absurd of JM to declare such a stance against a bill that has not even seen the light of the day.
Pierre Vassallo
Nov 18th 2012, 15:47
Muscat seems to purposely forget that since the last general election there was a financial collapse all over the world. How can he be taken seriously?
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 18th 2012, 15:41
It takes good brains to beat brains. Prosit Joseph risposta tajba ghal budget ta' Gonzi li irid jixtri il-voti lejliet l'elezzjoni imma iz-zmien tax-xiri tal voti issa passee'.
Peppi Borg
Nov 18th 2012, 15:36
I think that Gonzipn's startegists did a cardinal mistake when tying the Budget vote with a vote of confidence. I think Austin, RCC and co went straight into the PL strategists' mouths. On another note I agree that the PL should accept and continue on the good points of the budget but should never support a government which lost iyts majority since January!
Peppi Borg
Nov 18th 2012, 15:32
A very responsible gesture by the PL, where it is acting above partisan politics. Well done to the movement's leadership which is giving a good lesson to gonzipn about one of the latter's old promise of a new way of doing politics.
Noel Damato
Nov 18th 2012, 15:28
Joseph Muscat juri kemm hu bniedem responsabbli u jgib l-interess tan-nazzjoni l-ewwel u qabel kollox meta ddikjara li kien sejjer jappogja i-affarijiet kollha li huma tajba ghal pajjiz u cittadin.
A Said
Nov 18th 2012, 15:26
I can't understand how one can vote against something which can be good. Are the politicians there, for the good of Malta and of the Maltese, or for their own personal reasons?
Paul Zammit
Nov 18th 2012, 15:13
Has the budget been announced yet? How can someone know what to vote prior knowing for what he's to vote? Interesting logic gotta say! :D
P Borg
Nov 18th 2012, 15:08
We all know that this stance is motivated by party interests and not national interests. Who is naive enough to believe that shooting down a good budget is not motivated by party interests?!
E. Mifsud
Nov 18th 2012, 15:05
Naturalment qatt ma jghidu minn fejn se jgibuhom il-flus! Ara meta kienu fil-gvern fl-1997 malajr gabuhom ghax fl-ewwel budget ghamlu ruxxmata taxxi!
Joseph Borg
Nov 18th 2012, 15:02
How can Dr Muscat already know that he's going to vote against the budget when he still doesn't know what's in it? How selfish!
G curmi
Nov 18th 2012, 18:36
u mhux hekk u jhalli l-pajjiz jixxengel l'hemm u l'hawn bi Gvern bla maggoranza.
Gonzi kieku kien serju messu ilu li sejjah elezzjoni mhux JPO telaq Indipendenti u Franco Debono ilu jikkritikah fuq affarijiet lil Gonzi.
Le mhux selfish, qed jahseb biex igib l-istabbilita' fil-pajjiz mhux l-incertezza thossha kull fejn iddawwar wiccek!!
E. Azzopardi
Nov 18th 2012, 14:56
Very confusing? So now it is not only the Hon. F. Debono who will vote against it but also the opposition. Can't you wait a few more weeks? It will soon be over
The CITIZENS wait for the budget and our politicians shoot it down. From both sides it seems.
I never believed that what politicians do, they do first in the interest of the country.This goes for both sides. It is showing and how.
Tommy Vella
Nov 18th 2012, 14:14
Could the present government have a better endorsement than this?
Anthony Paris
Nov 18th 2012, 16:04
This is a great endorsement which says "We believe your budget will have some valid ideas that are worth keeping but we do not trust you to deliver them considering your track record"
michael scicluna
Nov 18th 2012, 16:23
PL never said pn was all doom and gloom......something no other government has said. so this is truely a new political season promised to us by Joseph Muscat.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 18th 2012, 16:29
Tommy Vella: What Dr. MUscat has said is that if the budget does not get parliament's approval - if Franco Debono does what he had promised he will be doing - in order to put the people's mind at rest, if a new PL government is elected, it will implement ALL the positive ( not the negative) measures announced in the budget, thus eliminating the great uncertainty of not having a budget to work on.
Tommy Vella
Nov 18th 2012, 18:03
@ Anthony Paris, michael scicluna, Eddy Privitera
The comment still stands: "Could the present government have a better endorsement than this?"
Tommy Vella
Nov 18th 2012, 18:07
Not only does the comment still stand but JM is admitting that the PN is the party able "to reassure investors and families".
Malcolm Farrugia
Nov 18th 2012, 14:02
Well done to the PL leadership for placing the country's priorities first and foremost high above partisan interests. This is clearly the way forward towards a modern approach in politics that a new PL government will put in practice for the benefit of the whole nation.
John Zammit
Nov 18th 2012, 13:51
This is what we can say is modern politics. While giving assurances to all of continuity for the local people and foreign investors, the PL will see to it that our Money will not be squandered. Besides that any money bill is in it self a vote of confidence the Gonzi PN strategist committed a larger blunder by declaring that the budget will be a vote of confidence
J Martinelli
Nov 18th 2012, 14:14
Joseph's 'modern politics' are no more than a sleight of hand.
To believe Joseph is to be totally ignorant of basic math principles. You cannot stay within allowable deficits and increase subsidies. You can increase subsidies but cut services. You can increase subsidies and raise taxes. You raise taxes and reduce consumer spending. Less consumer spending = less govt revenue. Joseph seems lost.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 18th 2012, 15:46
@Martinelli.
Joseph harbatlu l-istrategija tal budget lil-Gonzi. Mhux qed jghamel wahda tajba, min jaf min qed jghaddilu dan is-suggeriment fuq il-budget li ma jasal qatt.
Anthony Paris
Nov 18th 2012, 16:13
Mr. Martinelli you have probably learnt the PN type of math. Another type of math says: PN Budget minus Corruption minus Wasted Expenditure minus Consultancy fees plus more Effective Tax Collection = Socially and Economically responsible Budget. Hence no need to increase taxes.
John Zammit
Nov 18th 2012, 16:17
@ J Martinelli To believe Joseph is to be totally ignorant of basic math. principles so wrote Mr Martinelli. According to Gonzi PN by now we are supposed to be enjoying a surplus So what maths Gonzi learned
John Zammit
Nov 18th 2012, 13:49
This is what we can say is modern politics. While giving assurances to all of continuity for the local people and foreign investors, the PL will see to it that our Money will not be squandered. Besides that any money bill is in it self a vote of confidence the Gonzi PN strategist committed a larger blunder by declaring that the budget will be a vote of confidence
Alfred J. McEwen
Nov 19th 2012, 09:16
@ J Martinelli
At the end of the day, apart from the future broken promises the ``other mob`` will be facing the same dilemma anyway, so what`s new ?
m. borg (slm)
Nov 18th 2012, 13:44
Wise decision Joseph, this shows that PL has more sense in how to run things and keeping Industries, business and families reassured.
J Martinelli
Nov 18th 2012, 13:37
This is the best yet! Joseph claims that his electoral programme is done but he will wait for the govt to present the Budget, vote against 'but include the good points into the LP's election program'! Will he open up the finished program like he would the EU treaty?
Hallina Guz. Kun originali u mhux tistenna li l-PN jahdem u int tikkopja! Ara, l-PN ma jibzax li int 'tisraq' l-idejat tieghu.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 18th 2012, 15:49
@Martinelli.
Joseph lest li il poplu fil-bzonn imur tajjeb taht il-PL u mhux jitlef li qed joffri Gonzi biex jixtri il-voti l'lejliet l'elezzjoni.
Liza Zarb
Nov 18th 2012, 13:33
Din hija kif ghanda tigi indirizzata politika illum. Prosit lil Partit Laburista li had din l-stand. Apparti hekk minn qed jitkaza illum li partit laburista se jivotta konra budget, dawn huma l-istess nies li ghamlu minn kollox biex jitwaqqa l-gvern fil-1998.
Bil-prova il-partit laburista fejn hu tajjeb se jibni fuqu u l-bqija jarmih .
phyllis butler
Nov 18th 2012, 13:22
What will happen to the 2013 Pensions if the Budget is not approved? Do we still get it or will we have to wait till after the Elections?
mark borg
Nov 18th 2012, 20:54
that is a problem gonzi could have settled, since he knew he does not have a parliametary majority, at least from last january
Richard Caruana
Nov 18th 2012, 13:18
One dreads to think what the first Labour budget after the next elections (if the PL is elected, of course) would be.
Joe Tabone
Nov 18th 2012, 13:10
"Dr Muscat hit out at the government for not having kept commitments made in previous Budgets, such as achieving a balanced Budget."
Perhaps he can tell us how LABOUR will achieve this by reducing the utility tarrifs? LABOUR will introduce more taxes as it did last time it was in Government by introducing 33 taxes in less than 2 years...........how progressive!
Mr Omar Zammit
Nov 18th 2012, 13:26
Be patient my friend!! When the time is right and before the next elections, you will know how PL is going to reduce the utility tariffs..
I also want Dr Busuttil to tell us what there is in the PN manifest but I have to wait till the time is right too.
m. borg (slm)
Nov 18th 2012, 13:45
WhenSimon Busutill tells us what's in gonzipn's manifesto then we'll let you know Joe.
Joe can you come up with a post without parroting your master?
Joe Tabone
Nov 18th 2012, 18:28
@m borg,
When you come up with one concrete proposal, we can talk!
In the meantime I quote your post "the money will come from the same sources his money came from, except it will be spent more dilligently" ..............................talking about parrots!
Pull the other one....................!!!!
Malcolm Attard
Nov 18th 2012, 13:03
Then might aswell not giving your speech in parliament since we already know why you're voting against the budget !
George Calleja
Nov 18th 2012, 12:41
Joseph Muscat ilaqqat minn kullimkien. Jghid li se jivvota kontra l-budget imma fl-istess hin se jaddotta l-hafna proposti tajbin tal-budget jekk jitla. Allura nistaqsi ghalfejn ghandna nbiddlu l-gvern jekk JM se jadotta it-tajjeb? Mhux ahjar inhallu l-PN iwettaq it-tajjeb li jkun qed jipproponi? Inkella JM ikun qed jidher sabih b' xi haga mhux proposta minnu. Voti jrid JM biss!!!!!!
Mr Joe Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 12:37
"The PL is focused in the country's future"- the latest baloney from this inept wannabe!
Joseph Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 12:41
What's wrong with your quote? At least Dr. Muscat should be tried and given chance to govern. GonziPN (god forbids!!) is well known, he destroyed our country, our families, our lives. I pray day by day, that GonziPN will go down in the dustbin of history, in the interest of our country.
Mr Joe Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 14:44
Muscat should be given a chance??? My foot .
His duty is to show me how he will do better, and only then I will decide whether to hold him responsible for managing my future. His record so far is abmysal.
Int ixtri hut fil bahar kemm trid!
Mark Cassar
Nov 18th 2012, 15:25
Joseph Micallef, Dr Muscat should be given a chance, but only if he convinces the majority. So far he has certainly not convinced me.
Alfred Vassallo
Nov 18th 2012, 17:01
Well at least He is just a wannabe BUT your Gonzi is a PROVEN failure!
Mr Joe Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 17:36
Vassallo let me see how I can put this mildly. Do you take offence if I tell you that you speak nonsense in view of the fact that many people who are better placed to give an objective view of Gonzi's performance rubbish your cheap talk! Wannabe like your master
Albert Farrugia
Nov 18th 2012, 12:36
Are the nationalists for real?? Are they now putting into question the fact that the opposition votes against the government? What do these people expect? That support to a crumbling government comes from the OPPOSITION when it doesnt even come from its own ranks? These people have totally lost it!
J Martinelli
Nov 18th 2012, 13:44
Albert, please educate yourself by looking beyond Malta's shores and delve into what happens in countries governed by minority govts. Yes, in the interest of the nation, opposition members DO vote with the govt at crucial times. What Joseph is doing is called plagiarism. He will 'copy' the good points and include them in his program!
Actually it amounts to endorsing govt policies! Bravu Guz.
Alfred J. McEwen
Nov 19th 2012, 09:30
@ J. Martinelli
There is no guarantee that what is contained in the budget will be implemented by GonziPN and the good points to be followed up is not Plagiarism on Joseph Muscat`s part just common sense if they are followed through, apparently there must be a lot of ``bad points`` in it which JM is prepared to reject hence the non vote.
Antoine Musu
Nov 18th 2012, 12:33
Is this guy for real? Maybe, just maybe, he meant to say it another way!
Joseph Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 12:43
Yes he is being realistic I believe, at least, much more real than the false GonziPN who promised alot and delivered little, if not none at all.
Claudio Cilia
Nov 18th 2012, 12:25
Budget still not out and they already know that they will not vote in favour... u le!
James Dimech
Nov 18th 2012, 12:25
So he is going to keep all the points of the budget which people like. Probably these will already be stretching the country's finances. Then he will have to add up his unsustainable promises such as putting down water and electricity bills.
Then you will wonder why Joseph Muscat = bailout...
Saviour Cachia
Nov 18th 2012, 12:23
Yes Joseph that;s the way. You deserve to be at Castille, Malta and Gozo need fresh air in different aspects and only Labour will guarantee that.
vincent a galea
Nov 18th 2012, 12:21
"Labour leader Joseph Muscat said this morning that Labour would vote against the Budget" !!!!!!
MALTA LEWWEL U QABEL KOLLOX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(MALTA FIRST & FOREMOST)
Dear Dom must be turning in his grave !!
Justin Tabone
Nov 18th 2012, 13:03
Yes.Labour will not support Gonzipn and his bella compania. Labour will support any initiative that supports families including cost of living increase. Labour will not be part of the shame full acts of Gonzipn.
Reuben D. Spiteri
Nov 18th 2012, 14:28
Mr Tabone I hope you're not implying that the PL is pure by any means. Both sides have their dirty laundry, and I don't care what you or anyone else says, no one really knows who is the foulest!
robert pace
Nov 18th 2012, 16:31
What do you expect that Jm should respect a minority goverment !! Eddie must be rock and rolling to this news , wen he himself made a whole fuss when Labour was legally elecected with minority votes!!!!
joseph green
Nov 18th 2012, 12:20
Biex turi kemm int progressiv almenu ivvota favur il punti tajbin Sur Joseph !
Joseph Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 12:44
When did the nationalists do the same since they existed?
Victor Rodenas
Nov 18th 2012, 12:10
History tells us that he Opposition always votes against the Bugdet.
Joe Tabone
Nov 18th 2012, 12:02
LABOUR.....................progressive?!?
mark borg
Nov 18th 2012, 20:56
no gonzipn are progressive ! ...ha ha ha remember the word DIVORCE ? or conveniently not !
R. Agius
Nov 18th 2012, 11:59
No surprises there. But then again was there ever an instance where the opposing party voted in favour of the budget?
Joseph Fenech
Nov 18th 2012, 11:53
Kif se jivotta kontra jekk ghadu ma thabbarx??? !!!!!!!
Guzi Abela
Nov 18th 2012, 12:20
Semplici Joseph. Ghax Gonzi qal li il-budget ser iqisu bhala vot ta' fiducja u l-oppozizzjoni ma ghandiex fiducja fil-gvern. Kapixx?
Eddy Privitera
Nov 18th 2012, 12:23
Joseph Fenech: Gonzi diga habbar li vot dwar il-budget huwa vot ta' fiducja fil-gvern. Allura kif trid li l-oppozizzjoni tivvota favur il-budget ? Qatt rajt lil PN jivvota favur budgets laburisti, anki meta kien fihom dawk is-servizzi socjali godda kollha ???????
Mr. M. Camilleri
Nov 18th 2012, 12:36
Forsi għax il-pm rabtu mal-fiduċja fil-gvern??
segwi sew sieħbi!!
J Martinelli
Nov 18th 2012, 13:52
Guzi Abela, kif Joseph iqis il-Budget hija l-akbar hmerija li stajt tghid ghax il-vot tal-Budget huwa dejjem vot ta fiducja.
Meta Joseph jghid li ha jzomm il-punti tajbin u jinkludihom fil-programm tieghu, juri kemm il-PL m'ghandux vizjoni u kemm il-mira tieghu hi biss li jsir PM.
Anqas biss ma tindunawx kemm hu fqir fil-maturita politika w kemm hu mdawwar minn antikalji tas-70 u 80ijiet.
Reuben D. Spiteri
Nov 18th 2012, 14:26
Ghalija kollha ma jkunux qed jirragunaw jekk budget tajjeb iwaqqawh, ikun min ikun fil-gvern/oppozizzjoni. Li hu tajjeb ghidlu tajjeb u li hu hazin ghidlu hazin.
Mela vera kollha biex jaraw min ha jiehu l-kejk biss mohhom!
Mr David Ganado
Nov 18th 2012, 11:53
So let's get this right; you already decided to vote against the budget without knowing it's content, simply out of spite to the current government, only to then use it's positive aspects (meaning, most of it) when presenting your own budget. Talking about political opportunism.......and a lack of any idea how to prepare a budget it seems! What a joke and what a sorry lot.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 18th 2012, 12:20
David Ganado: Mention just one time when a PN opposition, or ANY opposition in the democratic world, had voted in favour of budgets presented by a labour government ! It would be the height of hypocricy if the PL gives a vote of confidence to GonziPN by voting in favour of the budget, when it has continuosly showed it had no confidence in GonziPN !
Charles Busuttil
Nov 18th 2012, 13:10
Mr Ganado, Dr Muscat can never vote for the budget even if he knows the contents and agrees 100% with them, simply because Dr Gonzi has tied the budget to a vote of confidence. The PL has NO confidence in this government.
J Martinelli
Nov 18th 2012, 14:03
C Busuttil, a Budget vote is ALWAYS a vote of confidence.
Eddy, if you care to look beyond Malta's perimeters, you will find that the Opposition sometimes votes even with a minority govt, in the interest of the economy. But what would Labour know, except to satisfy the thirst for power after 23 years in Opposition?
Canada survived 6 years with minority govts and Budgets passed each year.
Mr David Ganado
Nov 18th 2012, 14:17
Privitera: We all know that it is standard practice for the opposition to vote against the budget, but at least it normally first hears what is being proposed then counters the propositions and finally votes against. In this case the opposition cant even be bothered to find out what is to be proposed. That is the height of hypocracy par excelence!
Mr David Ganado
Nov 18th 2012, 14:21
As for you Busuttil, as Mr. Martinelli points out, every money vote is considered as a vote of confidence in te government, so nothing new there. Oh, by the way, nor do i have any confidence in the government.....the future Labour Government that is....
A.Felex Busuttil
Nov 18th 2012, 14:24
A budget is a vote of confidence, why Labour should vote in favor, when its members they might vote against it. You remember 1998?
Rachel Galea
Nov 19th 2012, 13:31
Hear Hear ! If you have the guts to vote against a good budget then have the guts to discard it completely and show that your are capable to come up with an equally good one yourself. That is what a true politician will do.
Neville Roberts
Nov 18th 2012, 11:52
This is better than the Comedy awards! Labour for first prize in the comedy speeches and policies!
Joseph Micallef
Nov 18th 2012, 12:46
I think GonziPN supersedes him ta... the latest farce being the super brazilian company. He spoke so much about it, he made us believe an awful lot about it, but at the end of the day, it was ALL LIES. I think the first prize for comedies and LIES should be solely reserved to GonziPN!!
carlos ellul
Nov 18th 2012, 12:59
More then voluntary burden sharing and the brazilian company farce? I doubt it
J Camilleri
Nov 18th 2012, 13:33
And the best actor award goes to.......Gonzi !!
Joseph Brincat
Nov 18th 2012, 11:49
The prime minister the Budget is a vote of confidence.??
Dr Muscat, to give the people peace of mind, if the Budget is defeated,
he still gives the good things, there was in that Budget !!
this is a intelligent move so that PN won't use it as a propaganda for this Election
S. Vella
Nov 18th 2012, 12:36
Very intelligent - declare that PL will vote against a budget before knowing the details?
Intelligence and Labour is an oxymoron.
Charles Busuttil
Nov 18th 2012, 13:13
@ S. Vella
How can the PL vote for the budget if the PM has tied it to a vote of confidence?
Please check the facts before submitting stupid comments!
Joseph Mifsud
Nov 18th 2012, 11:48
It is to be noted that if the government survives the vote that is going to be taken after the debate of the budget speech,it will have another test when the appropriation act is voted upon.Because of this' it is probable that Franco will prefer to let the government stay until this final test,the Appropriation Act
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 18th 2012, 11:38
Hilarious!
Eddy Privitera
Nov 18th 2012, 12:07
Joseph E. Briffa: I quite agree. What Gonzi promises before an election, and what results AFTER the election., as explained by Dr. Muscat. Yes, quite hilarious !
paul camilleri
Nov 18th 2012, 12:10
@ Privitera what is hilarious is that we had Mintoff/Sant and now Muscat all doing the twist of a 360 degrees whats next? oh we cant reduce the utlility bills??? pull the one in the middle Dr Muscat
Stefan Zammit
Nov 18th 2012, 12:14
Seeing how you seem to know everything eddy, can you please descirbe how can someone already state that they will vote against something which is not yet out?
Charles Busuttil
Nov 18th 2012, 13:15
@ Stefan Zammit
The PL has got to vote against the budget simply because the PM has tied it to a vote of no confidence. Please read the facts.
Joe Busuttil
Nov 18th 2012, 13:45
@ stefan--Don't blame you for your comment,but the Times did not write down what was actually said. Dr Muscat is voting against the budget because the clinging to power at all costs Gonzipn tied the budget to a vote of confidence in the govt. Since the PL (and the majority of the people) have no confidence in the govt.Dr Muscat will vote against. The Times wrote 'Budget" instead of govt. OK now?
Alfred Vassallo
Nov 18th 2012, 16:58
@Joseph E Briffa
Please note this is not gonzi's page, perhaps in your haste you didn't notice, otherwise yes if it was (Gonzi's page I would certainly agree with you. Hilarious till it hurts!
Anthony Paul Naudi
Nov 18th 2012, 11:32
Issa nistennew il-budget u jekk ma jkunx approvat allura elezzjoni bil-fors.Hemm huwa il-mument sagrosant li l-poplu jwiegeb. Issa jerga jkun gvern nazzjonalista jew gvern laburista l-importanti huwa li min ikun fil-poter jithares il-gid tal-pajjiz u tal-poplu.Perswaz li hadd miz-zewg partiti ewlwnin ma jixtiequ deni lil artna.
A.P.Naudi
Joe Scerri
Nov 18th 2012, 11:31
Dr Muscat you are contradicting yourself in the same sentence, first you say that you will be voting against the budget but then you are saying that it is worrying that the country could start the New Year without having an approved Budget. If you vote in favour you will score more positive political points than if you vote against.
Michael Borg
Nov 18th 2012, 12:50
well said
Charles Busuttil
Nov 18th 2012, 13:18
Mr Scerri, do you expect Dr Muscat to vote in favor of a vote of confidence in the Government? Apart from this fact, do you know of any party in opposition to vote in favor of a budget? Get real.
paul camilleri
Nov 18th 2012, 11:27
oh here we go again a complete 360 degree turn from what he was saying 2 weeks ago, why the change first he says we will vote in favour of the budget and now he says he wont!! is this what we will expect when he becomes PM? all the words he said for the past 3 months turn around a whole 360 when in goverment. sewwa jejdu il HMAR taqtalu dembu hmar jibqa!!!
Eddy Privitera
Nov 18th 2012, 12:15
Paul Camilleri: I challenge you to prove what you wrote, that Dr. Muscat had ever said he will be voting in favour of the budget. Indeed, he has always said that a vote on the budget is considered as a vote of confidence in the government. This is why oppositions all over the world ALWAYS vote against the budget . So how can the PL vote in favour if it has no confidence in Gonzi and his clique ?
Simon Peter Spiter
Nov 18th 2012, 12:21
If you turn 360 you will be heading the same direction, I think you mean 180 not 360, I wonder who the 'hmar' is!
Charles Busuttil
Nov 18th 2012, 13:19
@ Simon Peter Spiteri
100% spot on.
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