Spanish MEP tells Malta: not time for dreams
Spanish MEP Teresa Jimenez-Becerril Barri. Photo: Jason Borg
Malta should not embark on “adventures” during this critical moment for the economy, Spanish MEP Teresa Jimenez-Becerril Barrio said yesterday.
“This is not the time for dreams. Everyone loves change but when you are in such a good position, things can get worse. Just look at the countries around you,” she said.
Speaking at a Nationalist Party press conference, she gave a testimonial about how Spain’s socialists had kept the real financial situation of their country hidden and failed to carry out necessary reforms.
She said her country was now making huge sacrifices to tackle skyrocketing unemployment, with youth unemployment hitting 56 per cent.
Ms Jimenez-Becerril Barrio said former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s had a “flower-power” attitude which he also applied to the economy, leading to the country’s economic woes.
Also addressing the press conference was PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil who elaborated on his party’s proposals for youngsters, namely the strengthening of stipends and incentives for young entrepreneurs.
Speaking about The Times’ debate on Tuesday night, Dr Busuttil highlighted the fact that Labour leader Joseph Muscat praised PN’s proposal to give a grant to 21-year-olds to visit a European country of their choice.
During the debate Dr Muscat mentioned this proposal when he was asked whether he agreed with any of PN’s proposals. Dr Muscat claimed this was one of Labour’s original ideas but it was struck off the manifesto as part of a cost-cutting exercise.
“This is a clear admission by Dr Muscat that when Labour wants to cut costs, the first people to suffer will be youths and students,” Dr Busuttil said.
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29 Comments
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Derek Webb
Mar 2nd, 14:01
Malta unlike any other EEC country aside from Germany is in a secure financial position in comparison to the way other countries have balanced their books. Other countries politicians bleet on about the world financial situation having a massive effect on home countries finances. Given all of this the present government do deserve some plaudits.
Peter Murray
Mar 1st, 11:37
She is right about not dreaming as this will undoubtedly lead to NIGHTMARES - just like Spain is currently enduring and will endure.
E. Azzopardi
Mar 1st, 10:44
From Spain of all countries!!!
David C
Mar 1st, 18:46
exactly, coz they were like us...doing just fine, and they decided to change the government for the sake of changing....and look what happened to them...i don't care who's in government, but i hope it doesn't happen to us if we change...
Robert Agius
Mar 1st, 10:38
Time for more slavery.....Why doesn't she talk about land reform in Spain? That will clear their mess in no time....arguable, not only there either.
Anthony Dalli
Mar 1st, 09:21
Nowhere was it mentioned that Ms Jimenez-Becerril Barrio comes from the EPP - was this intenional?
Anthony Dalli
Mar 1st, 06:50
Although not outrightly disclosed, I believe that Ms Jimenez-Becerril Barrio come from the EPP group.
pat muscat
Feb 28th, 23:05
This MEP is a member of the Conservative Party which is facing allegations of scandals and corruption in Spain?
C. Sammut
Feb 28th, 22:45
Why is it I don't expect any different advice from a speaker coming from a right-wing , conservative party?
A Bezzina
Mar 1st, 11:39
If that is the case, it is even more interesting that she is not supporting Joseph Muscat considering that many of his policies are, in fact, right-wing and conservative ... Laurence Gonzi is the leftist NOT Joseph Muscat! FACT!
Jonathan Camilleri
Feb 28th, 22:08
I think that Malta should not embark in unsustainable debts.
Carmel Serracino-inglott
Feb 28th, 21:31
The writers below want to remain blind and deaf. There is nothing one can do to convince them but there are other people who THINK and by looking see what happened to our neighbours. They wanted change and sure they got it and their countries crushed into a solid wall. Soialism ( called movments if you so wish) will not work. Be honest and start looking. Save our country and vote PN.
Mr F J Brincat
Mar 1st, 08:20
Oh...cut the melodrama Serracino-Inglott.
Mario Camilleri
Mar 1st, 09:38
@Carmel,
The state and mess that these neighbors are in it today is the result of very past. The past under the Conservatives and Nationalists who form part of the EPP made the mess and turned every state citizen to beg for food.
Day after day the PN always talked about Ireland as an example which at the time was seen the heaven on earth. Obviously, today no PN apologist refers to Ire anymore!
A Bezzina
Mar 1st, 11:46
@ Mario Camilleri
I haven't heard Joseph Muscat referring to Cyprus either, to be honest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And if you are interested in evaluating the parties ideologically, then you have to admit that Joseph Muscat is the outright right-wing conservative, and that is why, based on your argument re conservatives, JM WON'T WORK!
Mario Mamo
Feb 28th, 21:02
'Everyone loves change but when you are in such a good position, things can get worse ' No need to tell that to the sharks who are feeding on our taxes blondie. They all know it very well. Once you're here how about a visit to the law courts to see whether change is necessary or not? Please keep the bull... for the corrida de toros sweetheart !!!
sammy cassar
Feb 28th, 23:50
it seems you didn t like what was said......simply because it was the truth. And calling her blondie doesn t make it intelligent.
Glen Micallef
Mar 1st, 08:55
Like :-)
Peter Murray
Mar 1st, 10:49
true Sammy but being blonde -and Spanish to boot -doesn't help the stereotype perception.
A Bezzina
Mar 1st, 11:51
Clear indication of your archaic attitudes towards women ... what a disgusting comment!! Is 'blondie' the best you could have come up with? Always thought that PL diehards are downright misogynists ... but didn't expect to find such clear confirmation!
Mario Mamo
Mar 1st, 20:46
Come on guys!! I also told her sweetheart and I'm considering buying her a grandfather clock. She's definitely sweeter than Tonio. And I AM NOT a Labour diehard. I just don't like to be robbed of the money I pay in taxes and I don't like the arrogance that prevailed in the last years. I am just MALTESE by the grace of God.
Mario Mamo
Mar 2nd, 00:24
A Bezzina is the word 'blondie' the only fodder for your guns?How pathetic!! What about the rest?No contributions for the clock?After all she came here to give the PN a hand in the electoral campaign.What about a silver plate?But wait ...a €5,000 clock is better because it will not land her in court like the plate does. You people are a joke. So goodbye PN and vaya con Dios querida senora.
George Camilleri
Feb 28th, 20:52
Spain is not really in a position to give governing advice... Call another friend, Simon
Joe Bonanno
Feb 28th, 20:19
How come Simon hasn't brought over any Conservative speakers from Ireland, Iceland, the US, France,etc. to tell us not to change? Perhaps its because of the enormous level of debt those Conservative regimes created in their respective countries with the resultant economic collapses.
JOSEPH VELLA
Feb 28th, 20:46
have you forgotten when mlp brought ghaddafi to address an mlp mass meeting?
Mr Peter Korsten
Feb 28th, 23:29
You forgot the best example, though: Greece. It's the socialists of PASOK who discovered the enormous mess that the conservatives left the country in.
Funny also that she forgot to mention that the Spanish conservative party is currently mired in a corruption scandal.
Joe Bonanno
Mar 1st, 13:37
Joseph Vella
Are we talking about the same Gaddafi that was last seen being hugged by L. Gonzi?
Joe Bonanno
Mar 1st, 13:40
Peter Korsten
You're absolutely right. Greece should have been at the front of the list. It appears that Conservatives have very short memories.
The Conservatives in Spain thought the world of Franco. No unions, no labour rights just obey or else!
Peter Murray
Feb 28th, 19:56
Bit rich for any Spanish MP to be offering guidance given that country's derisory track record and one whcih worsens by the day .Perhaps she should provide counsel/advice on graft and corruption -as Spain appeared endemically mired in such scandals.
Please choose the reason of your report below: