General election on March 9; "Debono is irrelevant" - Gonzi
Video: Paul Spiteri Lucas
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said tonight that Parliament would be dissolved on January 7 and the general election would be held on March 9.
Speaking at a press conference, he said the Government had served its mandate in difficult times and now the process leading to a general election would kick off.
Dr Gonzi said he was proud with what the country had achieved, shortly after backbencher Franco Debono voted with the Labour Party against the Budget.
The country had passed major tests which brought other countries to their knees. The Government created jobs and raised education standards.
Dr Gonzi said the country had firm foundations and a programme to advance.
In the coming days, the PN would also publish the electoral programme for the next five years.
The people knew where they stood with the PN but had no idea where the Labour Party stood and what its programme was.
Dr Gonzi said tomorrow he would convene a Cabinet meeting and then call on the President to advise him to dissolve Parliament on January 7, after the festive season.
If Parliament was dissolved immediately, the distribution of voting documents would have to take place over Christmas.
Various factors had gone into the selection of the election date, including the fact that last month the Government had to nominate a new European Commissioner and his party had to select a new deputy leader, Simon Busuttil, of whom he was very proud.
Dr Gonzi said Franco Debono was now a closed chapter and so was the Budget. Now the election was beckoning and he was determined to win it.
"Franco Debono is irrelevant," Dr Gonzi said, when asked by reporters about his thoughts about the backbencher who hounded his Government.
He said he would go for the election with the extraordinary certificate of the Opposition having said it was prepared to adopt the Government's Budget.
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John Zammit
Dec 11th 2012, 15:44
I just hope it will be a clean campaign with no lies and Mud slinging
Johan zammit
Dec 11th 2012, 15:36
Dr. Gonzi managed to divide not only the Nation but his own party and this on several issues Not just yesterday
Alex Buds
Dec 11th 2012, 15:35
He is right that Malta has done exceptionally well while the rest of the western world went through complete chaos in the global financial crisis. For example:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-12-10/news/sns-rt-us-malta-budgetbre8b918r-20121210_1_budget-defeat-malta-prime-minister-lawrence-gonzi
Joanne Camilleri
Dec 11th 2012, 13:46
Franco Debono has found the courage to confront the PM with criticism and Dr Gonz instead of listening and benefitting from such criticism, snubbed him. Not really a good sign of leadership skills but a good sign that he still needs to grow up!!
Malcolm Farrugia
Dec 11th 2012, 12:46
Whatever doesn't suit to GonziPn's ears is simply discarded as irrelevant. I wonder how much the minimum age earners and the unemployed are relevant to Lawrence Gonzi and his "glorious" crew?
Alfred Vassallo
Dec 11th 2012, 12:43
Franco Debono ''I am privileged and honoured to stop this oligarchy and vote against this budget."
Words that will go down in history. Thank you Franco.
Alfred Vassallo
Dec 11th 2012, 12:00
''Franco Debono is irrelevant," Dr Gonzi said,''
Franco was never irrelevant. Fact is, he risked everything to show Malta what was going wrong within the Government, and Malta owns him that whatever the pn says. Soon we hope that the whole pn will become irrelevant and Malta will purge itself of this gross corruption.
Ronnie Callus
Dec 11th 2012, 20:51
Well said Alfred. Franco had the guts to speak up and show the nation the corruption instituted in a number of areas without being stopped by Dr.Gonzi.Franco has put Malta on the right track if Dr.Joe Muscat succeed to go forward as he is saying.Malta had never seen such corruption prior their governance.Thank you Franco a lot are supporting you.
david xerri
Dec 11th 2012, 11:28
You aswell will soon be irrelevant!!! ;-)
albert galea
Dec 11th 2012, 11:23
Debono's accusations make a lot of sence. Why is GonziPN afraid to answer them?
Janey V
Dec 11th 2012, 11:19
"The Government created jobs and raised education standards."
Seriously? Cause in my point of view I am still waiting for a job that was promised and we are still left to hang like a broken branch in the wind!!! Nonsense....we dont want to hear more lies...we want facts and answers asap!
Alexander Genuis
Dec 11th 2012, 11:15
Debono is irrelevant!!!Strange,why not making such statement before the vote on the budget bill or when They went To Franco's Home personally to persuade Him to vote before???Why now Debono is irrelevant???
Carmel Grima
Dec 11th 2012, 10:45
Today's gospel relates the parable of the lost sheep.
Franco Debono is one lost sheep that Gonzi will not emulate to retrieve..
Franco's criticism made sense in a free and democratic society but tempered with hate and jelousy it lost its primary scope. By his odious attitude he may have managed to turn the flock back to the PN.
Ing Carmel Grima
paul falzon
Dec 11th 2012, 10:21
The electorate is now presented with one clear choice. As a person who has no personal interest in any political party and a floating voter, yesterday I HAVE MADE MY MIND as to where my vote . Although i was inclided to vote labour for the second time in a row, the true labour yesterday emerged. I would rather cast my vote to someone with a proven track record than too the old primitve labour.
Joseph Parnis
Dec 11th 2012, 11:44
wow some proven track record you would rather trust a person i.e Gonzi and his merry gang who put himself first and formost when he awarded himself and his merry gang 600 euros without anyone knowing for three years and when found out he didnt even return the money back and another one from a list what about the Brazilian company lol . oh yea i know who to trust
James Micallef
Dec 11th 2012, 09:43
In real democracies it's common for MPs to vote according to their personal values that are not always 100% same as the party. Malta apparently is expected to be a banana republic where all MPs toe the party line and their vote is taken for granted. But is Debono doing this for democracy or for personal advancement?
A Vella
Dec 11th 2012, 09:58
James, did you hear Franco's speech yesterday? He did not only humiliate the PN, but also all MPs including Labour MPs, & for that matter the whole nation, because he reduced the highest institution to a mad house. Shouting to the back of his throat, accusing private companies, mentioning matters that had nothing to do with what was being voted upon.
Joe ellul
Dec 11th 2012, 10:06
So why did people take it against Gonzi for voting acording to his conscience in the divorce vote in Parliament?
Victor Laiviera
Dec 11th 2012, 10:16
@ Joe Ellul
Because there was a clear referendum result - called by Lawrence Gonzi himself.
Joseph Aquilina
Dec 11th 2012, 11:07
@Victor Laiviera
Parliament is there to represent EVERYONE. Lejber - given they have no democratic credentials - fail to understand such simple concept. Gonzi with his vote represented in parliament those who voted NO, while lejber ignored them!! This is not news, lejber always ignores those who do not share their political ideology!!
ALFRED BRIFFA
Dec 11th 2012, 09:29
Last night Franco Debono declared that he was afraid of nothing and of no one! Yet, he stealthily exit the Parliament building using the back door!!
Paul Azzopardi
Dec 11th 2012, 09:51
Yet he's a brave man not like the other two.
Lawrence Fenech
Dec 11th 2012, 09:22
Well done Dr. Franco Debono LL.D. in ten minutes you managed to bring to the light again all the cardinal mistakes that Lawrence Gonzi raved on about for three hours. These were his donwfall and a disaster for the coming elections in March.
YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE TO STAND UP TO THE ARROGANT AND PRESUMPTUOUS AUSTIN GATT. YOU DID IT YOUR WAY.
George Camilleri
Dec 11th 2012, 12:14
Amen
George Camilleri
Dec 11th 2012, 09:16
'Franco Debono is irrelevant' - our unofficial whistleblower is irrelevant.
No wonder the Whistleblower Act in Maltese law is still a fable.
So much hatred, this country has learnt nothing from its darkest political chapters.
Peppi Borg
Dec 11th 2012, 09:13
Franco Debono is irrelevant as the minimum wage earners who were taxed by the arrogant clique.
j brincat
Dec 11th 2012, 09:02
@Mark. Galea
"Austerity Joe is on the way. He will arrive next March"
Mark, austerity came when GonziPN imposed the highest W & E bills and allowed the cost of living to go unchecked.
While we were paying through our teeth while GonzipN deemed it fit to reward himself €600 a WEEK and BEHIND everybody's back!
(jb)
Eve Axiaq
Dec 11th 2012, 08:55
Hadd u hadd minn ta Gonzipn ma hareg jghid li Franco qed jigdeb u jivvinta!
LOUIS JOSEPH BORG
Dec 11th 2012, 08:55
no i will never vote for the labour party but for the first time in my life i am happy to see the pn government go!
enough is enough! families and companies face high electricity bills and workers with the private sector always have their job on edge ,WHILE SOME GOVERNMENT CLERKS MAKE A WORLD RECORD OF OVER 30 THOUSAND EUROS IN OVERTIME!
Mark. Galea
Dec 11th 2012, 08:50
Austerity Joe is on the way. He will arrive next March.
Jeffrey Mallia
Dec 11th 2012, 08:34
Flimkien kollox possibli !!
Joe Camilleri
Dec 11th 2012, 08:31
true franco is irrelevant....with or without his vote there still would have been an election in March
PL HAVE VOTED AGAINST THE BUDGET CAUSE FOR THEM THE PARTY COMES FIRST AND NOT THE PEOPLE - A BUDGET THEY VOTED AGAINST BUT A BUDGET THEY WOULD LIKE TO IMPROVE UPON ON........same old with the PL
vote PN and we will live in peace.......vote PL and insecurity and loss of jobs will reign
LOUIS JOSEPH BORG
Dec 11th 2012, 08:48
i voted PN all my life but this time no way!i got nothing in the last 5 years except bills while goverment workers make a world record of 35 thousand euros in overtime! goverment companies like wasteserve go millions of euros off budget . if the goverment was more careful he would have saved alot of money to be used to subsidise the electric bills for families and companies!
John L Galea
Dec 11th 2012, 08:59
@ Joe Camilleri: The PN never voted in favour of a PL budget. This is the system. Also the budget is a vote of confidence in the government and the GOnziPN government enjoys no confidence.
Your scare tactics won't work. Vote PN get Oligarchy, Vote PL get stability and prosperity.
M Borg
Dec 11th 2012, 09:13
@ louis joseph borg
Are you sure that you got nothing from this government during the last five years ? Did you ever go to hospital ? Do you still have a job ? Did you go out in the streets fighting not to have your pension halved ? Did you get children's allowance ? etc..........
There are so many things that we take for granted that were only possible because of Gonzi
Joe ellul
Dec 11th 2012, 10:09
Louis Joseph Borg do you vote because you get or according to your principles? You were going to get alot of things in this budget but now you can't!
paul falzon
Dec 11th 2012, 10:31
@ Joseph Louis Borg - Dear friend, like you I am a disgruntled Nationalist, and yes, was incllined to vote labour. Although i appreciate your concerns which we do share, do not forget the things this country is blessed with most of which thanks to this Government. It might not be flawless....but i guess its the best option.
Joe Camilleri
Dec 11th 2012, 11:25
@Louis
and how on earth do you know the PL will bring what you are saying they will bring lol 25 years in opposition.
and if you are old enough to have lived under a PL government you should know better
ahhhh so now its good that the budget didn t pass cause it never ever did in the history books..........way to move forward - well done
Joe Camilleri
Dec 11th 2012, 11:36
@John L Galea
and how would you know what PL will bring lol after 25 years in opposition - if you are old enough to have lived under a PL government you should know better regarding the stability you are dreaming of
j brincat
Dec 11th 2012, 08:28
So again GonziPN is taking all the possible time allowed by the Constitution.
Is this in the interest of the country?
Hasn't the country already wasted ONE whole year with GonziPN's bickering?
So the uncertainty will prolong to March.
Come off with this farce that the campaign will start on 17th January.
It has already kicked off.
(jb)
Raisa Marie Garcia
Dec 11th 2012, 08:48
Yes it is in the interest of the country... maybe we'll have a peaceful Christmas without a politics ruining the spirit. and i think the PL and Franco already did their part on the interest of the country...oh sorry for their own interests ...
Victor Laiviera
Dec 11th 2012, 08:28
Politicians who use religious events as an excuse to avoid their responsibilities, end up being the butt of ribald jokes. As Bill Clinton found out:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/Bill_Clinton_Will_respect_Jewish_holidays_then_hustle_up__cracker_vote_in_Florida.html
So what if a policeman knocked on your door and handed you your vote? How would that 'spoil' Christmas?
Mr Karl Ciarlo'
Dec 11th 2012, 08:37
It wouldn't spoil it for me but have you thought about all the policemen, activists and all the rest who will have to spend long hours doing just that?
Hossam Helwani
Dec 11th 2012, 08:41
in your case it is like an organised coffee morning, in the countries case it is a very serious decision. Malta is a very small delicate country mr laiviera. Politics are not a morning whim ,
I tend to dissagree with the oil rig in valletta and the open theatre, but even if those were done as I would have wished it does not mean I will vote for a party with no agenda! The pl offerrs only gloom.
Dorielle Soler
Dec 11th 2012, 08:25
Franco Debono is indeed irrelevant. To everybody.
Frans Aguis
Dec 11th 2012, 11:17
not to the 2012 budget
j brincat
Dec 11th 2012, 08:24
Yesterday GonziPN's saga became irrelevant and NOT Dr Franco.
A whole year wasted because GonziPN procrastinated to remain glued to power and presented a scintillating budget as a gimmick when he knew that it won't make it through.
Imagine had the Opposition AGAINST all practice voted in favour of the budget. We would have become a one party state merely to please GonziPN!
(jb)
John Mifsud
Dec 11th 2012, 08:20
@ 'Dr Debono is irrevelant'
This is arrogance in the first degree!!
This party, the PN, once a glorious party, needs a clean-up as soon as possible. If not, the bigger the defeat.
The body language on the PN benches says it all.
Take heed!!
twanny borg
Dec 11th 2012, 08:17
rajt il-blog ta' franco u qrajt id-diskors tieghu. qabbiltu ma' avukat qed jiddefendi xi akkuzat. laqatni wkoll kumment fejn dan ghamillu mistoqija li huwa baqa' ma wiegibx. "Allura semplici taghti risposta. Kemm qlajt bhala assistent parlamentari? (mhux se nsaqsik x’kienu l-achievements ghax nafu x’kienu (cioe xejn)u mhux se nsaqsik ghalfejn ma rrezenjajtx ghax naf li ghal xejn"
C Falzon
Dec 11th 2012, 08:13
Lanqas int imkahhal mas siggu Gonz.. Well done to Franco Debono
Charlene Zahra
Dec 11th 2012, 08:32
Well done for what? For being a show off?
Well done to Gonzi for keeping the country in a good economic state. I am not saying we are living in heaven, but I am truly aware of the conditions other countries are in. They are worse off and some of them by far.
I believe the results we have had in the last years are much more important to consider than Franco's cries for attention
Joseph Parnis
Dec 11th 2012, 09:28
@Charlene Zahra i wouldnt say that Franco Debono was being a show off it was more like telling the truth about Gonzi and his merry Gang as for condition that the country is in didnt you read the General Aduitor report last week
Frank Gauci
Dec 11th 2012, 09:31
Il-Lupu li ma jilhaqx l-gheneb jghid li hu qares Sur Falzon!!!
Carmel Zammit
Dec 11th 2012, 11:00
@ Charlene Zahra
Well done to Gonzi for taking us down the path that rocked countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Portugal. Make no mistake, Dr. Gonzi made in excess of 1 billion euro debt in the last 5 years alone. With such a dismal performance he claims finanzi fis-sod!! What do you call a favourable balance in the consolidated accounts and a budget surplus then?
Carmel Zammit
Dec 11th 2012, 08:06
Considering someone, let alone a member of your party, as being irrelevant is in itself a show of disrespect and constitutes the peak of uncontrolled arrogance. Another manifestation of the politics of exclusion. Coming from someone who holds so much power it is dangerous and threatening to society. Shame.
Joe Tabone
Dec 11th 2012, 08:01
Franco Debono is IRRELEVANT................we've known this for ages, finally we got RID of him!!!
pat muscat
Dec 11th 2012, 07:55
Dr Franco Debono in reality is the 'whistle blower' that GonziPN promised, but never enacted: Debono opened up a can of worms.
This saga of this budget has not been unexpected, but has been planned since June 2012, so that GonziPN would derail the agenda and bring uncertainty to the country, and blame it not on itself but on the PL!
John L Galea
Dec 11th 2012, 07:49
GonziPN wanted this to happen and put the country into more instability. They are just interested in their power games and not in the benefit of the country.
I hope the people have matured and realise how this government have made a mess out of everything.
Monalisa Busuttil
Dec 11th 2012, 07:42
Guts had Dom Mintoff ghax waqqa il-gvern wara 22 xaghar u mhux xgharejn qabel @r.Galea :)
Robert Mifsud
Dec 11th 2012, 07:36
Ghadda u ma ghaddiex ilbudget xorta kien ha jhabbar l-elezzjoni xorta wahda ghax il-legistratura ghalqet once li habbar il budget.
Vera looking forward issa biex jitla l-Labour fil-gvern halli n nies ikollhom perspettiva iktar kostruttiva fuq il-politika u forsi jifthu iktar ghajnejhom illi l-affarijiet li ghamlu n-nazzjonalisti mhumiex daqshekk gravi daqs kemm ipenguhom in-nies.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Dec 11th 2012, 07:34
Is it now not the case that Gonzi is irrelevant? At long last, Debono delivered on his threat. Well done! It was great to be in the parliamentary gallery and see the PN members sit in silence and suffer ... the way they have made the rest of the country suffer for months on end. A government that put the party ahead of the country.
alfred attard
Dec 11th 2012, 07:31
Well done Franco. What Malta lacks is people like Franco, men with guts and men who do not change their principle. I take care of my enemies and God take care of my friends. What kind of people are those who vote against divorce in their country and then support aborition in EU.
Saviour Sam Agius
Dec 11th 2012, 07:30
Dan id-diskors perikoluż ħafna. Ħobbu jew obogħdu, Debono ġie elett min-nies u hemm min riedu jkun hemm. Li toqgħod tgħid li ħlist minnu jew li issa sar irrelevanti mhux denju ta' demokrazija.
Lucienne Dimech
Dec 11th 2012, 07:17
Oh the joy. So on the 9th of March we choose between a late government defeated by one of its own members and an opposition who will honour and improve upon a budget it voted against. Easy choice no?
Eve Axiaq
Dec 11th 2012, 06:51
Franco Debono jibqa mfakkar dak li kixef l-ingann u l hazen ta Gonzipn. Ippruvaw jitfghu t-tort fuqu imma ma rnexxilhomx ghax fil-parlament ghamel diskors qawwi u l-haga hi li hadd minnhom ma qal li Franco qed jigdeb!
Ghaliex il PBS qata d-diskors tieghu?
Anthony Scicluna
Dec 11th 2012, 07:27
If you heard the Live Transmission after the PM spoke, which One did not air for some reason (manipulation par excellence). you would have realised that the Speaker asked PBS to leave Parliament before Debono spoke.
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:00
ghax irrelevanti.
Missek smajtu fuq in-NET...tah kollu.
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:15
Ghaliex il-ONE ma tahx id-diskors? Min xiex jibzghu?
Mill-verita?
Eve Axiaq
Dec 11th 2012, 08:53
X'ghandu x'jaqsam il One jew in Net mal PBS! L-istazzjon imhallas mil poplu ghazel li jaqta d-diskors live ta Franco. Nerga nsaqsi ghaliex??
Jason Coleiro
Dec 11th 2012, 05:49
i lost my confidence in the Maltese politics from both parties because they just keep on hammering us no matter what they say. I am one who is not voting period.
Robert Agius
Dec 11th 2012, 05:13
Oh damn! some people might have to work over the Christmas holidays (like most common mortals). Boo-hoo!!! So now there is no urgency? Flipping unbelievable!
Noel Damato
Dec 11th 2012, 05:06
Tnaqxet l-ewwel gebla favur id-demokrazija u kontra l-Klikkek u oliargisti ta GONZIPN. Spicca z-zmien ta dittatorjat pulit u egoizmu sfrenat lejhom u lejn buthom.
Johann Agius
Dec 11th 2012, 07:16
Zmien il pl Ta eighties insejtu fejn ridt thallas biex ikollok television Tal kulur
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:16
u se nergghu lura ghas-Socjalizmu anakronistiku? Gvern tal-klikka ta gewwa. Li jikkontrolla kollox?
Dan progress!
R Galea
Dec 11th 2012, 04:20
Franco Debono - He's got ballz! Hats off...
John Grech
Dec 11th 2012, 03:00
Grazzi lawrence gonzi...Meta nhares lejn il pajjizi ta madwarna u naraw f liema sitwazzjoni jinsabu nhossni kburi li jiena malti u li kelli Gvern li fittex l interess ta Malta. Joseph kullma jista jikkupjah lil gonzi.
Carmel Zammit
Dec 11th 2012, 07:38
Wake up to reality mate.
W. Cassar
Dec 11th 2012, 07:40
You should thank the Maltese banks and people they are the real reasons why we were not hit hard!
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:02
Meta thares madwarna, fl-Ewropa, tahseb li qed nghixu f'xi buzzieqa
Joseph Buhagiar
Dec 11th 2012, 02:21
It is a virtue to say what is right and to put your foot down to the arrogance which we heard and saw recently. Yet the minister concerned does not resign. Anyway, I hope all of us Maltese have learned (at least those that lived under both administrations) that none of us stand to gain when we leave either party in power IN POWER for more than 10 years. History simply repeats itself.
jonathan saliba
Dec 11th 2012, 01:30
Now labour should take Franco on board too like they did with nicky !!! E....
Frans Aguis
Dec 11th 2012, 11:15
No one took nicky on board.Get ur facts straight.He ran as a nationalist and acted like a nationalist
Edward Farrugia
Dec 11th 2012, 01:27
The Government will legitimately be fulfilling its right to govern as per mandate for FIVE COMPLETE YEARS. The PM's thoughtful strategy of declaring beforehand in his budget speech this intention to call on the President to advise him to dissolve parliament irrespective which way the vote went, indeed reflects a Statesman's witty move which must have embarrassed both FD and JM. Prosit PM
B. Farrugia
Dec 11th 2012, 01:11
Franco Debono will never again be irrelevant, he has written a chapter in Maltese history.
Raphael Dingli
Dec 11th 2012, 01:01
So - here we have it - The PL - with absolutely no policies have indicated that they will implement Gonzi's budget - which they voted against. This is the height of hypocrisy. They have proven again and again that they are not fit for purpose. Someone once said that the electorate deserves the Government it votes for - well lets see how smart the electorate is. The PN is the only safe bet.
Pippo de Marco
Dec 11th 2012, 00:34
Franco Debono has exposed the rotten core of the Gonzi clique, spoken out for truth and democracy and, after giving it ample opportunity to reform, brought down this unprincipled and devisive government.
Despite this, there are people queuing up to heap scorn on him.
It seems to me that some people don't want honesty and transparency in our politics. - i wonder why not ?
alfred fenech
Dec 11th 2012, 00:23
What goes around comes around they say ,let the people decide now and see who was right time will tell
Karl Consiglio
Dec 11th 2012, 00:23
An entire country held hostage just because Franco doesnt like Gatt, thats all, thats how Franco will be remembered.
Frans Aguis
Dec 11th 2012, 00:17
All the nationalists here making this out to be a video game where days in office are point.but who can blame them when Gonzi talks that way.Franco is not irrelevant,thanks to him your desperate election budget which does more harm than good did not go through.
Kevin Camilleri
Dec 11th 2012, 00:15
the most important thing (that the majority of the Maltese brainwashed always forget about) is who will do the good for the country and not who will govern. When looking at what is happening in Italy, Greece, Spain and other countries, and we look back at how we are living in Malta, I do not think that Dr. Gonzi and his team did a bad job! Some mistakes maybe, but definitely not a complete mess!!
Mr raynond ciancio
Dec 11th 2012, 00:12
kif ma regawx semmew ic cikkulata u toothpaste il lejla? bye bye gonzi
Karl Consiglio
Dec 11th 2012, 00:01
An entire country held hostage just because Franco doesnt like Gatt, thats all, thats how Franco will be remembered.
Frans Aguis
Dec 11th 2012, 11:12
Not by me.I will remeber him as the only one who had the guts to say what he felt, regardless of to whom.
Karl Consiglio
Dec 11th 2012, 18:21
Saying what you feel is one thing, threatening is another.
C Busuttil
Dec 10th 2012, 23:55
Wara l-elezzjoni naraw kemm kien irrelevant
Luke Chircop
Dec 10th 2012, 23:51
Nies johorgu jamlu carcades barra??? Ara vera andom kilba al poter !!! Is sewwa jirbah zgur !!!
Ms angela johnson
Dec 10th 2012, 23:45
now lets hope that all the maltese who are living abroad for many years will only have the possibility to vote at any Maltese ambassy/consulate without hoping for any cheap flights/holidays dont they dare put the burden on the Maltese citizen who will be paying for this as those will come and vote and then go back to the country they live in and make their good money and we pay for it with our tax
Joanne Camilleri
Dec 10th 2012, 23:45
The PM has wasted a lot of time for us Maltese. Now our country needs a leader who is able to listen and energize his team to work hard so that the people will see our country grow and prosper!! Change is needed!!
Joe Fenech
Dec 10th 2012, 23:38
I hope you've all seen it coming. PN will get rid of Gonzi and replace him by SImon Busuttil and maybe then win the election.
D Portelli
Dec 10th 2012, 23:31
A general election was due in 2013, it being made 5yrs exactly, so the PL did not win anything and the PN didn't loose anything. Just you know the date now.
Franco acted as he was stating but nothing really changed. PL supporters,you are having an election when it was due, too many words get more harm then good.
Joanne Camilleri
Dec 10th 2012, 23:30
Let's hope for a party that unites!
Joseph N. Attard
Dec 10th 2012, 23:26
Many of the commentators below are absolutely certain that Malta will have a PL government on 9th March. One can only imagine their desperation if by some chance this does not happen. A week in politics is a long time goes the cliche. Let alone three months. I for one prefer to wait. By the way, I do not write Debono off. He has just caused many lapsed Nationalists to return to the fold.
Joseph Micallef
Dec 10th 2012, 23:07
GonziPN is dead. A prayer for his soul full of sins is much appreciated.
Ian Dingli
Dec 10th 2012, 23:14
The only prayers that we need right now are for our economy. which wont survive with Dr. Muscat's plans to reduce Utility tariffs.
Joseph Caruana
Dec 10th 2012, 23:38
So Bad!
Alexander Montebello
Dec 10th 2012, 23:39
Don't count your chickens, mate.
Alexander Montebello
Dec 10th 2012, 23:42
Don't count your chickens, mate.
Karl Consiglio
Dec 10th 2012, 23:57
You cast the first stone Joe?
Joseph Vassallo
Dec 11th 2012, 00:51
But PN is still alive and kicking!
Frank Wilson
Dec 11th 2012, 02:21
Pn is alive, gonzi the best man my vote goes to him not jm double faced
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:18
yes...right...we're in for a few surprises with the LP (or MLP?).
but..then..it's too late!
Kemm se jkun jibku "X'ghamilna b'idejna!"
Malcolm Farrugia
Dec 10th 2012, 23:02
The "Prime Minister" has prolonged this political uncertainty just for the sake if his party's interests, he has lost the parliamentary majority for at least 5 times!
Peppi Borg
Dec 10th 2012, 23:01
Now that we have a caretaker government let's hope that it behaves likewiseand evry process stops.
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:19
that would be an economic disaster.....
Peppi Borg
Dec 10th 2012, 23:00
Let's hope for a clean campaign short of lies, half truths and scaremongering. Tonight even in his last speech of this legislature the PM was an agent of fear and division. How can he aspire to unite this nation?
Ian Dingli
Dec 10th 2012, 23:11
"Let's hope for a clean campaign short of lies" .....just don't watch super 1 and you'll be fine.
Joseph Caruana
Dec 10th 2012, 23:39
Wonderland.
J Martinelli
Dec 11th 2012, 00:34
You must have heard a different speech than the one I watched.
The Prime Minister just outlined the government's achievements which are for one and all to see, touch and benefit from and pointed out Joseph and his predecessors' failures, bad advice and wrong past decisions. Just point ONE half truth in the PM's speech.
Now let's wait for Joseph to implement the Budget he just voted against.
Joe aquilina
Dec 10th 2012, 23:00
al erwih flahar wasal dak li kulhad ilu jixtieq elezjoni u bdil tal gvern go to hell gonzi500 and d rest of your team imsoma team al kelma ha ha ha min jola jihu tisbita kbira ...ex nazzjonalist
Naomi Attard Borg
Dec 10th 2012, 23:15
Bdil ta gvern...fadal sa 10th March biex tkun cert!!
Joe Fenech
Dec 10th 2012, 22:59
"The country had passed major tests which brought other countries to their knees. The government created jobs and raised education standards."
What a w............ ! Disaster is yet to strike. The country is bankrupt but you did nothing about it except borrowing money.
Robert Mifsud
Dec 11th 2012, 07:41
Mostly all countries borrow money. Malta is no exception
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:20
Which country doesn't?
Are we that rich?
Wake up Joe!
j brincat
Dec 10th 2012, 22:58
@Peter Mercieca
"Franco Debono??? Who the hell is he?......ha ha what a relief to completely forget him and his ilk"
AND I say 'Go and tell it to the Marines'
Good night to all - and thanks TOM (though some of my posts did not feature BUT cannot complain)
Il-lejl it-tajjeb - buona notte - buon nuit!
(jb)
Victor Laiviera
Dec 10th 2012, 22:56
Very predictably, Lawrence Gonzi is going to put the Party before the Country and spin the agony out to the maximum possible.
We can have no greater proof of the PN's attitude - cling on to power at all costs.
J Martinelli
Dec 11th 2012, 00:53
Shades of 2008 in the making, Victor Laiviera?
Déjà vu all over again?
B Ellul
Dec 11th 2012, 06:40
What do you want? An election on Christmas day?
Saviour Sam Agius
Dec 11th 2012, 07:32
Kien hemm żmien l-elezzjoni biex tiġi anki xahar qabel il-Milied.
Carmel Zammit
Dec 11th 2012, 07:53
@ B. Ellul
Might as well ask that question to Dr. Gonzi. For months he was aware of the prospects that the budget would be shot down yet he lived in denial. Irresponsibly Dr. Gonzi kept the nation in a state of flux and in suspension mode for over a year. Brazenly, he stretched his stay to the limit. Proof enough of who is really running after power.
twanny borg
Dec 10th 2012, 22:53
mela l-ewwel franco ried inehhi lil karm, gonzi, rcc. fenech, austin gatt, cassar, pullicino u ma nafx lil min aktar. qiesu hu biss tajjeb. pero il-pn xorta igverna hames snin kif ried il-poplu fl-ahhar elezzjoni. dan kien ta' gid ghal pajjiz ghax l-ekonomija marret tajjeb taht gonzipn u dan jikkonfermah kulhadd inkluz l-eu. tajjeb ukoll li l-elezzjoni ssir mall-kunsilli.
P Caruana
Dec 10th 2012, 23:57
Jikkonfermah kullhadd ???? are you living in Mars ???
Vince Piscopo
Dec 11th 2012, 06:22
Il Gvern xorta waqa Twanny tghidu x tghidu!!
David John
Dec 11th 2012, 07:04
Twanny Gonzi iggverna ghal 5 snin kif ried hu u mhux buona volonta tl-poplu ghax lanqas magguranza ma kien baqaghlu fil-parlament.
Saviour Vella
Dec 11th 2012, 07:27
Twanny, il punt hu , li fl' istorja politika to Malta ha tibqa imnizzla li kelna gvern Nazzlonalista immexxi min Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, u waqa ghal hafna ragunijiet li semma Dr. Franco Debono, li kullhadd jaf x'inuma. Li zgur m'humiex xi episodji sbieh ghad demokrazija to pajjizna.
Joe Vella
Dec 10th 2012, 22:41
Nisperaw li in-nies jghamlu l-ahjar ghazla ghal-Pajjizna.
5 Snin ta' stabbilita finanzjarja.
Salvu Borg
Dec 10th 2012, 22:48
Liema 5 snin qed tirreferi ghalihom int ghaliex jekk stabilita tfisser ghalik 5 biljun euor dejn ??? kont nistenna ahjar
j brincat
Dec 10th 2012, 22:52
SKOND ghal min!
(jb)
Ian Dingli
Dec 10th 2012, 23:08
@JB
"A Labour government for those who voted for the Labour Party".....ring any bells?
Karl Consiglio
Dec 10th 2012, 23:58
Agreed! Well said Mr Vella
J Martinelli
Dec 11th 2012, 00:44
@ Salvu Borg
Zgur li mhux xi 5 snin fi zmien Mintoff ghax hlief jittallab ma kienx.
Zgur mhux hames snin fi zmien KMB ghax hlief ghaks, xkafef vojta ma kienx hawn. La ilma, la dawl la telefon ta nies....
Zgur mhux xi 5 snin fi zmien Sant ghax 22 xahar ghamel biss.
Mela dan il-gid kollu fliema 5 snin gie? Bilfors li gie fi zmien EFA u fi zmien Gonzi.
Safar, karrozzi, djar u toroq godda,...
R Axisa
Dec 11th 2012, 05:24
U l-PN kien gvern ta' min??? Qabel l-ahhar elezzjoni Gonzi kien wieghed li l-positijet pubblici kienu se jintlew b'sejha pubblika. Semmili post wiehed li ntela' b'dan il-mod - kollha kien maghzulin mill-ghaqda tal-blue eyed boys and girls.
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:22
b'deficit jibqa niezel u GDP jkompli jikber.
Lil hafna nies , dan ma jinteresshomx
Peter Mercieca
Dec 10th 2012, 22:39
Franco Debono??? Who the hell is he?......ha ha what a relief to completely forget him and his ilk
Joe Fenech
Dec 10th 2012, 23:08
And who the hell is Gonzi apart from a conservative, incompetent, local farmer who entered Maltese poitics?
Joseph Micallef
Dec 10th 2012, 23:08
Dr. Franco Debono hu dak li kixef l-ingann ta' GonziPN u li tefa' lil-gvern tiegħek fid-dustbin ta' l-istorja.
C Cassar
Dec 11th 2012, 11:03
Tefa' l-budget fid-dustbin. Il-gvern ga kien se jxolljieh jigri x'jigri. Wara kollox trid tammetti li din kienet l-itwal legislatura mill-87 'l hawn. M'hemmx ghalfejn nghidu liem kienet l-iqsar...
j brincat
Dec 10th 2012, 22:38
9th March
The longest possible time!
Again in the Party interest and NOT that of our country!
(jb)
Bernard Pollacco
Dec 10th 2012, 22:43
the parties need time to do there campaigning...no decisions can't be taken until after !
Lawrence Zammit
Dec 10th 2012, 22:46
Hu pacencja JB. X'kilba ghandkom ghall-poter .
Ian Dingli
Dec 10th 2012, 22:49
not in the best interest of the country???? Like voting against a budget which you pledged to implement anyway? Leaving the country in limbo for 3 months..... You pettiness amuses me. Please continue.
Naomi Attard Borg
Dec 10th 2012, 22:50
And having an election on 9th March (local councils) and a general election some time earlier to please the labour would be in the interest of our country??
Robb Stark
Dec 10th 2012, 23:22
j brincat,
for cost cutting purposes, 9th March is the ideal date. (local council election)
Why spend extra funds to hold an election a couple of days before?
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:23
you should know better.
That date was speculated on by Labour media for the past 6 months.
It is logical (combines local and general elections).
R Camilleri
Dec 10th 2012, 22:37
Grazzi ghaziz Prim Ministru! J'Alla n-nies jemmnu u jaghrfu t-tajjeb u narawk maghna ghal legislatura ohra!
Victor Calleja
Dec 11th 2012, 07:34
Iva fl'oppozizzjoni.
Michael Sammut
Dec 10th 2012, 22:36
Dream on Prime Minister. Denial to the extreme. We all indeed do know what the PN stands for. It has become the epitome of corruption. All that we fought to eradicate in the eighties. No more, at least not where I am concerned. I am pleased this government has been thrown out, symbolic as that may be. You reap what you sow. A fitting end to the worst PN administration I have ever seen.
Naomi Attard Borg
Dec 10th 2012, 22:52
What was fought to be eradicated in the 80's??? more interesting would be how was it fought...violence??
Michael Sammut
Dec 10th 2012, 22:55
The pen is mightier than the sword, dear Naomi
Charles Debono
Dec 10th 2012, 22:25
Grazzi kbira lil Franco Debono ghax bis-sahha tieghu mhux ser naghmel l-izball li kont ser naghmel, jigifieri kont ser nivvota Labour.
B'determinazzjoni kbira ser nerga naghzel GonziPN
Charles Camilleri
Dec 10th 2012, 22:29
Prosit Sur Debono L-interess tal-pika mhux tal-pajjiz
Daniela Attard
Dec 10th 2012, 22:31
same here!!!!
Nadine Piscopo
Dec 10th 2012, 22:33
Igifiri il-vot tieghek ma jidependix fuq il-pjan elettorali ta' Muscat jew Gonzi, izda fuq l-ispeech ta' Debono... mhux ta' b'xej qieghdin fej qieghdin!
Joe Grech
Dec 10th 2012, 22:33
Mela mhux bhali!
J. Camilleri
Dec 10th 2012, 22:34
hemm bzonn ta' bidla... jien ghalija gvern ma jridx idum hemm aktar min ghaxar snin.
j brincat
Dec 10th 2012, 22:53
Already said so!
But Prosit again Dr Franco!
(jb)
Francis Zammit
Dec 10th 2012, 22:57
Me too.....!!
L Zammit
Dec 10th 2012, 23:34
@J. Camilleri: Biex taghmel il-bidla irid ikollok nies ta' stoffa. Kemm ghadu lura l-PL.
Charles Buhagiar
Dec 11th 2012, 00:00
Ghamel int siehbi affari tieghek!!
Denis Pace
Dec 11th 2012, 08:25
L-ahjar haga ghal PN grat il-bierah fejn heles minn elementi li ttradew il-vot li tellghhom fil-parlament.
Dan kien l-istess sentiment fl-1998, fejn Sant ried jehles minn Mintoff.
Sue Anne Azzopardi
Dec 11th 2012, 08:59
JAlla jkun hawn nies aktar jahsbuwha bhalek. Minkejja kien hemm il-maltemp,
l-kumplament tal-PN baqghu jahdmu u l-pajjiz baqa fis-sod. Grazzi ghal Gonzi PN
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