Muscat: EU's €1.2 billion to Malta not at risk
Picture- Reuben Piscopo DOI
UPDATED - Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today gave an assurance that the €1.12 billion allocated to Malta in the EU's Budget talks are not in risk.
Addressing a joint press conference with the president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, after a lunchtime meeting, Dr Muscat reacted to yesterday's EP resolution which was interpreted as a rejection of the EU Budget (The multi-annual financial framework). The resolution criticised aspects of negotiated deal but was not an outright rejection of the seven year budget which still has to be voted upon by the EP after further negotiations.
"Let me give my reassurance that we do not envisage a situation where the Maltese allocation can be jeopardised. We will be very careful about this. But our aim in the next few weeks would not simply be to adopt a passive approach but a more balanced approach where differences can be bridged," Dr Muscat said.
He was given a very warm welcome by Mr Schulz who said it was an "exceptional pleasure to welcome a real friend" in these new official circumstances.
He recalled working closely with Dr Muscat within the European Parliament as colleagues of the Party of European Socialists.
Dr Muscat is in Brussels ahead of the traditional spring EU summit which is expected to focus on growth and employment.He is accompanied by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna.
Asked whether he would ally himself with French President Francois Hollande, who is pushing for growth, or German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is seen as a defender of austerity, Dr Muscat said: "We will side with common sense."
He said Malta was committed to good governance but would push for a balanced approach to economic growth and job creation.
Dr Muscat pointed out that as a former MEP - like several other current EU heads of government - he could push for a balanced outcome, helping other member states to understand the position of Parliament, which is open to negotiation.
Mr Schulz stressed that the Parliament did not want to see the EU "repeat the mistakes" of countries that failed to balance their budgets.
Earlier, Dr Muscat said he was nostalgic to have returned to the European Parliament building after a long absence and was proud to have come back as the Prime Minister of a "staunchly pro-European Government" which had three former MEPs in its top ranks.
Dr Muscat said he was very committed to continuity with the previous Government when it came to "most issues" but with a more progressive outlook towards a social Europe focused on growth and good governance.
Dr Muscat and Mr Schulz demonstrated their close friendship to the press, embracing each other as they walked down the red carpet entrance of the European Parliament Building. "Here is your Prime Minister," Mr Schulz told the Maltese press proudly.
Dr Muscat will tomorrow have a meeting with EU Commission President Jose' Manuel Barroso.
Dr Muscat and Mr Schulz in their press conference.
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Charles Muscat
Mar 15th, 11:59
Min jirbah elezzjoni irid jikompera ir rebha ma vapur gdid se jvara, jinkisru ix xampanja ghal lewwel darba imma meta il vapur ivara bnazzi u maltemp kollu ghalieh.
Charles Muscat
Mar 15th, 11:47
What does not at risk means>? JM will put it in a pocker machine to gamble it?
Jonathan Camilleri
Mar 16th, 08:16
lol, we will see that is just your impression..
Francis Saliba M.D.
Mar 15th, 06:38
@JSultana yesterday 20:21
Dr Gonzi did not need to explain to intelligent readers that the allocation of 1.2 billion euro that he had negotiated successfully depended on the approval of the entire EU budget. The incumbent Prime Minister Muscat is now responsible to clear that hurdle. Let us pray that Muscat will prove to be as successful to retain Gonzi’s allocation.
Jonathan Camilleri
Mar 16th, 08:16
Yeah, we will wait and see, he's been PM for less than a week, the world was not made in a day, I guess.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Mar 15th, 06:37
@JohnBugeja yesterday 20:0
The question is not whether Prime Minister Jos Muscat will make every attempt to retain the allocation Gonzi had obtained for Malta. The question is: will he succeed? It is you who need God’s help to understand plain English because I stated clearly that I pray that he will succeed.
Ray Pisani
Mar 14th, 23:18
It is obvious why I feel Malta has a good future ahead and am proud of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Joseph Muscat who worked so hard and effectively in just a few days, and who is respected by his colleagues in Europe and that he will obtain what is the best for Malta and give it to all the Maltese.
Proud again to be Maltese.
john grech
Mar 14th, 22:19
qabel ma noghqodu nitkellmu fuq il 1.2 billion
jista xi hadd jghadilna kemm hadna min dawk il 850 miljun???
u kemm tajna lura
veru li tajna 66 miljun fis sena
u gibna lura biss 25% tas suppust 120 miljun fis sena?
jigifieri gibna biss 33 miljun biss fis sena?
john grech
Mar 14th, 22:12
when we talk about the 1.2 billion
did we forget about the 850 million that gonzi pn did get from malta?????
that is 120 million each year
but what did we got
only33 million and we gave back 66 miliion
min jixtri il hut fil bahar jieklu jinten
same for these 1.2 billion
these are allocated money
jigifieri tista tehodhom u tista le
Chris Debono
Mar 14th, 21:06
Come on Dr Muscat Show us how to deal with the EU because so far we had what they gave us not what we diserve.To all the negative comments remember that his is in brussels today because he won last week election with 37.000 votes.
S.M. Cuschieri
Mar 14th, 20:31
Now is that an answer to all those who so quickly jumped to the conclusion that Opp. leader Gonzi lied to us......?????????
mark borg
Mar 14th, 20:49
Sur Cuschieri why the NINE QUESTION MARKS ? Do they represent PL's extra seats ?
Karl Consiglio
Mar 14th, 20:31
Well let's hope so.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Mar 14th, 19:46
@James Sultana today 18:12
The NP claim of an allocation for 1.2 billion euro for Malta in the proposed EU budget was absolutely correct when it was made and until it was obstructed by the EU parliament. Now that the whole budget is renegotiated, Muscat has the chance to prove his mettle by retaining Gonzi’s acquisition. So help us, God.
John Bugeja
Mar 14th, 20:05
Do you have any doubt whatsoever that PM will be doing his utmost to ensure that the budget is retained? If you are in doubt so help YOU God!!
James Sultana
Mar 14th, 20:21
Francis, your beloved party leader's claim was that he has acquired the funds, and this is what he kept repeating ad nauseum : he never said that the agreement between the head of states was subject to the approval of the EU parliament. On every occasione he kept insisting on "Gibna il-flus". The truth was that it was a PROPOSED ALLOCATION YET TO BE APPROVED.
mark borg
Mar 14th, 19:15
sems like some PN elves, have not yet got to their senses, after the historic, comprehensive defeat. learn to live with it and remember Labour already has a record for the consecutive years in government. 1971 -1987
VIVA IL LABOUR !
Denis Pace
Mar 14th, 20:42
Thank you Joseph for confirming what Gonzi acquired for Malta.
The truth eventually prevails.
What's with the staunchly pro-European government? Does he know that the PN is no longer in government!
carmel parnis
Mar 14th, 19:09
IS sur R GAUCI irid idahhaq lol iva skond hu il 1128 miljun gejjin bis sahha ta Gonzi u jOS MUSCAT.COM Jista ighdilna x ghamel Muscat biex gibna d ak l ammont ?
Claire Busuttil
Mar 14th, 19:07
u aqtawa ja nies xewwiewa....it tnejn li huma, haqqhom prosit...la jahdmu ghal pajjizna
Susan Cassar
Mar 14th, 19:01
Hemm ahna ..for the EU 1.12billion is nothing..sounds funny but really it is
Patricia Graham
Mar 14th, 18:51
I don't believe Dr Muscat can say this. The EU are looking for cutbacks everywhere and rightly so.
Our new PM has a whole mess to clean up, (from the previous Government) and I personally would support a freezing of funds until Malta shows it is actually a full member of the EU and not just a 'pick and mix' variety.
Paul Meilak
Mar 14th, 18:47
Joseph Muscat kien qalilna li l-Ewropa se tkun is-salib tal-millenju !
mark borg
Mar 14th, 19:08
dak ghax kien ghadu ma ma jafx B' AUST imma u id disastri li se kien jiret min warajh.
m. borg (slm)
Mar 14th, 20:41
Grow up.
Keith Davis
Mar 14th, 18:09
Nistaqsi, dan il gvern ser jiehu jew jirrifjuta l-honorarja ta 500 euro fil gimgha biex jibqa konsistenti ma dak li kien jghid?
j camilleri
Mar 14th, 18:32
Mela hsibtu mejjet bil-guh bhall gvern li kellek jew.,. Trid tidra issa illi dan lahaq ghax diterminat li jxammar il-kmiem u jahdem u jaghti lill Malta dak li jixraqilna u mhux joqghod cicci beqqi go kastilja taparsi jaghmel kuntatti fuq il-facebook. Daqshekk qziez.
Frank Zammit
Mar 14th, 18:45
Mr. Davis .....how many times does the new PRIME MINISTER has to repeat the same thing. NO........there will not be a 500€ increase. He must have repeated the same declaration at least 10 times.
V Mercieca
Mar 14th, 18:56
JM irrifjuta diga iz-zida meta kien fl'oppozizjoni
Joseph Grech
Mar 14th, 19:12
@Keith, ser jirrifjutaghha, imma minn flok 8 Ministri dahhal 14, li jammonta ghal hlas GHOLA minn kif konna fi zmien il €500 :)
mark borg
Mar 14th, 19:15
Keith jaqaw ghadek stordut min nhar il hadd ?
Daniel Borg
Mar 14th, 19:18
Ara vera mandekx xi tghid keith.. nithasrek, nies bhalek itelfu l voti lil pn
eddie bonello
Mar 14th, 19:28
Inti qieghed tghix f'Malta jew iccassat wahda nobis. Ma tafx li l-Prim Miistru Joseph Muscat ilu jghid zmien li din l-onorarja ghal gvern laburista ma' tezistix..
robert pace
Mar 14th, 19:29
Mela int ma smajt xejn habib ilu jghidlek mux ser jehodom ghomor habib!!!!!!!Qum ftit irqad bhal gonzinu
C. Bartoli
Mar 14th, 19:35
Allahares izid l-honorarja ta 500 euro fil gimgha mhux bizzejjed ili biz zieda tal ministri l-ispiza ser tirdoppja tal ministeri
John Bugeja
Mar 14th, 20:07
Mr Davis, this ridiculous question was an absolute waste of blogging time.
Roy Fava
Mar 14th, 17:58
Xejn fis sod missu kien l islogan tal PEenne
Francis Saliba M.D.
Mar 14th, 17:58
Please do not treat the Maltese as if they were all idiots. If the EU budget proposal has been rejected so has Malta’s allocation of 1.2 billion euro. This will have to be renegotiated. That is a golden opportunity for Muscat to prove his worth by obtaining a better deal with the help of his socialist EU allies. OREMUS!
James Sultana
Mar 14th, 18:12
Francis, if someone tried to treat the Maltese as idiots it happens to be the leader of your beloved party who in a clear attempt to deceive and to gain last minute political mileage he went on TV straight after coming from Brussels up till the eve of the election boasting about the money OBTAINED and how these will be SPENT.
All this when he knew that there was nothing approved by the EU yet.
Frank Zammit
Mar 14th, 18:59
Ohhh there u r.......ready to start poking the government r we? Why not turn your energy into something productive and help your party analyse the result more closely. One would have thought that a trashing of the sort that your party has suffered would be enough for people like u to understand that your type of criticism bears no fruit; it is counter productive buddy, change your ways.
R. Gauci
Mar 14th, 17:47
Grazzi Dr. Muscat u Dr. Gonzi, illum nistghu nghidu li bis-sahha tat-tnejn gejjin dawn il-flus.
Mario Buhagiar
Mar 14th, 20:20
the only comment that is worth reading... I'm ashamed of calling myself Maltese sometimes thanks to other people -.-
Joseph Attard
Mar 14th, 17:45
I believe such beings are called camaleonti.
censu busuttil
Mar 14th, 17:33
Lil shabi in-nazzjonalisti (ghax huma Maltin ukoll) ibqaw sejrin hekk u dhaltu gol-hajt u tridu tidhlu gol-hajt aktar bil-kummenti taghkom. Il-budget ta l-EU ma gies approvat ghalhekk ghad ma hemm xejn sod.
Vincent David Caruana
Mar 14th, 17:28
Until the PN revamps itself all of you PN bloggers will remain the same. Once you open your mentality you will think what is beneficially for Malta not for your party. Until than I kindly ask you to give the new government room to implement his electoral programme as promised and than, when needed, criticise. But please stop your arrogance as if Malta was stolen from your 'golden' hands.
J. Camilleri
Mar 14th, 17:14
Qed ninduna sfortunatement kemm hawn nies li ma gewx parti mill-moviment u qed jikritikaw lil-Joseph. Fidi mghandomx dawn in-nies! Jew ghadhom ma indunawx li huma kienu zbaljati ghax hadu tkaxkira prima klassi. Nies li l-partit l-ewwel inbad il-pajjiz
joseph saliba
Mar 14th, 17:53
Who is aware of how wrong he was about the 'millenium cross'.
A Bezzina
Mar 14th, 17:12
I'm embarrassed instead of him!! How can he say he represents a 'staunchly pro-European Government' when 10 years ago, he was a key figure in the anti-EU campaign, and 16 years ago, his party FROZE Malta's application to join the EU?!?! Seems he only changed his mind about the EU after being elected MEP & realising that it was worth a change of heart for such good earnings!!!!!
R. Gauci
Mar 14th, 17:45
Mela allura int anqas f'San Pawl ma temmen ghax dan kien bniedem mill-aghar, sa qatel u kkonverta biex sar qaddis u ta lilna l-Maltin il-fidi.
Ghandek titghallem Sur Bezzina li l-UE hi mimlija EU sceptics u generalment ikunu dawn in-nies li jgibu l-ahjar rizultati ghall-pajjizhom u hadd ma jippunta subghajhom lejhom ghax l-issue pro/anti UE qieghed biss f'mohh 4 ffissati go Malti u mhux Brussels.
Abe Sammut
Mar 14th, 17:11
Tafu li il-budget ta dr.gonzi tal 1.1 biljun kien gie rejected? so le mhux hu gabhom. Stop praising him gonzi min dejjem kien jghodd il flieles qabel ma jfaqqsu bhal ta smart city u brazil.
S. Cuschieri
Mar 14th, 17:35
Le ma giex rejected - qed jghidlek Joseph Muscat stess li ma giex rejected!
John Mifsud
Mar 14th, 17:06
I agree that we are part of the EU thanks to the PN, but the electorate, immediately after we joined, always wanted the PL to represent us there.Remember the MEP's 2009 elections?
The PN was against the vote to women,the introduction of children's allowance,the 6 monthly bonus,old age pension,the vote to 18 year olds etc.but later made them its own.Therefore please take your head out of the sand
Catherine Caruana
Mar 14th, 17:05
My thanks for the great financial package go to Dr.Gonzi.Dear Prime Minister you have good enough reason to wear that smile on your face as you found everything ready for you on a silver plate.May this money be used reasonably for the good of the country.
Jade Schembri
Mar 14th, 16:59
So great to see Prime Mnister Joseph Muscat reassuring Malta over the work done by the previous government instead using this to his party's advantage.
Gaby Spiteri
Mar 14th, 16:54
Many of your here, are the reason to why PN lost with such a disadvantage!.. The 1.2M Gonzi got, Muscat gets to keep... just like the free hospital, social services, womens' vote - other benefits - Mintoff got, and Eddie got to keep.. Daqs kemm ftahar Gonzi li se jhalli l-isptar b'xejn!.. so what that Thanks to Mintoff?? Open your minds!
Mr Lawrence Calleja
Mar 14th, 16:52
Tal-misthija. Imma dan veru? Jista jkun li Joseph Muscat ser jipprova jiehu l-krittu ghall bravura ta' Dr Lawrence Gonzi li rnexxielu jgib lejn Malta 1.2 Biljun euros minghajr l-ebda ghajnuna tal-PL li anzi kull ma ghamel kien hsara. Dawn il-flus lejn Malta qatt ma kienu f'periklu li jigu imma hawn min biss jitkellem bhall pappagall.
C Cassar
Mar 14th, 16:49
Muscat is clearly out of his depth already. U-turns will be common in the coming months/years.
Still, less than 5 years to go.
Henry S Pace
Mar 14th, 16:49
' the Prime Minister of a "staunchly pro-European Government"
The PM forgot completely that in 2003 he vigorously campaigned against Malat's entry
into the European Union. hE even advised other countries not to join the EU
' O tempora o mores - O times, o manners!
Paul Meilak
Mar 14th, 16:47
JM messu jara kif jirranga xi haga ghal kaccaturi wkoll !
Eve Axiaq
Mar 14th, 17:55
U ghaliex le? Ahna mahniex ta tieni klassi.
Martin Saliba
Mar 14th, 16:44
Claire Pace Harmsworth , eda thalat il gass , mux LNG , mal bass . Laqas taf li id diferenza bejn il PN u il LP hija kif ha issir l impjant tal gass mux jekk isirx jew le . Igifieri dik il link li poget pogetja ghalijom it tnejn u eda tikritika il partit tija stess bla ma taf . Int wahda minn dawk li ghadek ma waqaftx tikritika il gvern il gdid meta mhemx fuq xiex , laqas ghadiet gima .
Henry S Pace
Mar 14th, 16:43
The PM forgot that he campaigned against Maltas's entry in the European Union.
o tempora o mores - O times, o manners
robert pace
Mar 14th, 19:32
Miskin Sur Pace ahjar torqod 10snin li gejjin ghax mur irbahlu 35,000 forsi tnaqqas 10,000 f-5snin u ta wara u ta wara ma imbghad nahseb tkun bhali fil qabar. Mhemmx xtghamel issaportajna hafna le? what goes round comes around as the saying goes.......
James Grech
Mar 14th, 16:38
Post election syndrome. Unbelievable but true, PN apologists' comments now only talk of gloom and doom. What a transformation!!
Joanne Micallef
Mar 14th, 16:34
Its great that Dr Muscat is an ex MEP, I'm sure we will all benefit from this fact
Jay Aquilina
Mar 14th, 16:17
ALL maltese should watch please
http://audiovisual.europarl.europa.eu/AssetDetail.aspx?g=17d7738b-45a7-416f-8a63-f9e4a606129d
Joseph Fenech
Mar 14th, 16:15
Issa c - cans li jiziedu l - 1.2 Billion Euro !!!!!
George James
Mar 14th, 16:07
All the thanks goes to former pm Dr. Gonzi who negotiated for the 1.2 billion now it up to pm Dr. Muscat to spend it wisely across our beloved nation!!
R. Gauci
Mar 14th, 17:49
Nice words Mr. James, from a true Maltese.
Kim Ddemajo
Mar 14th, 16:06
Thankyou dr Gonzi for your fantastic negotiations that EVERYONE is going to benefit from. Dr muscat will be spending what you worked so hard for, let's hope he spends it well I have my doubts ....
Anthony Psaila
Mar 14th, 16:05
spending them is not a big deal..getting them is - grazzi Dr Gonzi.
Gilbert Busuttil
Mar 14th, 15:58
I wish Dr. Muscat the best of luck in government but to actually describe the present government as a "staunchly pro-European Government" is an insult to all those who battled to get Malta in the EU.
Victor Laiviera
Mar 14th, 16:47
Only if you live in the past.
N~ Buttigieg
Mar 14th, 15:55
Oh why thank you Dr. Muscat! You must have worked REAL HARD to get them for us!
S. Cuschieri
Mar 14th, 15:53
Thanks to Dr. Gonzi who worked hard to achieve the 1.2 billion .... yesterday many people were already questioning this after they read an article.
S Zammit
Mar 14th, 15:53
Malta and the PN are going to miss Dr Gonzi for sure. After all he kept the ship(MALTA) afloat and steered it safely to the port. But thats life. Even Jesus christ was choosen to be crucified after all the good things he had done. Hope that at least sun will keep shining on Malta. Have to wait and see. Good luck.
Vincent David Caruana
Mar 14th, 17:23
It takes a lot to compare Dr; Gonzi to Jesus Christ. You must be one of those PN supporters that whatever the PN did was fine, I feel.
m. borg (slm)
Mar 14th, 20:43
Comparing gonzi to Jesus is like comparing a grain of sand to the universe.
m farrugia
Mar 14th, 15:46
they would have been at risk had you and your party had their way some years back
Mr. M. Camilleri
Mar 14th, 15:44
Ħudu BREAK NIES!!!!
Tafu li hemm differenza ta' 36,000 vot!!!!!???
Guido Farrugia
Mar 14th, 20:21
Kont naqra konservattiv ta. 36.000 vot aktar, 39 ghal 26 siggu parlamentari, 9 distretti maggoranza u hafna w hafna aktar. Qalb mugugha tghid ajma.
Karl Abela
Mar 14th, 15:42
Grazzi mill-Qalb Dr Gonzi!
stephen mifsud
Mar 14th, 15:41
great start Joseph ... so much better then you know who???
m. borg (slm)
Mar 14th, 15:36
To all gonzipn PN apologists, looks like you did not get the message the people have voiced.
You got the whooping of your life, your party is in thatters and instead of wasting time at the wailing wall why don't you put up your sleeves and help in giving your party a good old fashioned spring cleaning it deserves.
Praising gonzi now will not change PL's 9 seat majority, get it?
R Xuereb
Mar 14th, 16:05
Nice one M. Borg totally agree
S Vella
Mar 14th, 15:35
Well done Prime Minister Joseph Muscat!!
m. borg (slm)
Mar 14th, 15:30
Asked whether he would ally himself with French President Francois Hollande, who is pushing for growth, or German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is seen as a defender of austerity, Dr Muscat said: "We will side with common sense."
A diplotic stateman in the making.
Well said Dr Muscat.
J. Stafrace
Mar 14th, 15:27
It's a positive start for the new govt.
L Zammit
Mar 14th, 15:58
J'Alla ma jinqala ebda inkwiet bhal ma kellu Gonzi tul il-hames snin ta' legislatura
Terence Zammit
Mar 14th, 15:25
This I believe was the same amount but in maltese money left by the labour govt in 1987 but with the difference we did not need to pay taxes to the european union!!!
W. Cassar
Mar 14th, 15:24
So much for being anti-eu.... another thing the PN got wrong.
Jonathan Deeley
Mar 14th, 15:21
Francois Hollande is "pushing for growth". Are you sure about that ? If so, why is he sending a clear message that anyone who creates wealth in France will be taxed until the "pips squeak". Sorry but he is yet another 'Champagne Socialist' without even a rudimentary knowledge of economics.
K. Vella
Mar 14th, 15:20
Grazzi Hon Lawrence Gonzi ta' xoghol li ghamilt....
Malta tibqa grata ta xoghol siewi li ghamilt. GRAZZI
Karl Consiglio
Mar 14th, 20:32
Prosit, well said!!
Leslie Darmanin
Mar 14th, 15:18
Funny that the Labour website "Matastar" is at this moment taking Gonzi to task for depicting the financial package a "done deal", thus implying that he was disingenuous.
Then comes along the new PM and says and says the package is not at risk.
Either his media is off message, or he is being disingenuous.
Kurt Magro
Mar 14th, 15:16
must admit ... Thanks Lawrence Gonzi for that !
G Caruana
Mar 14th, 15:16
Fejn kellu jispicca Mr.No to Eu...tghid Svizzera fil Mediterran fuq l'agenda ukol
Marco P Attard
Mar 14th, 15:13
Ahh finally a striped tie!! Can't stand that usual light blue one!!!!!!!!!
Good choice!!
cesco di luigi
Mar 14th, 15:11
So after all the EU is not such a just confraternity where one gets ones dues irresepective, it's more like a parochial institution (or worse) where lobbying and patronising is order of the day? Not quite the ideals I thought Europeans aspired for. A bit like a jungle or the parish priest's office some decades ago. What happens if you're no good at negotiating? Not quite cricket is it?
Michael Bugeja
Mar 14th, 15:07
Proset Joseph, please make sure that we have it,and I always thought all along ,that Mr. Gonzi finalized the deal.Jidher li l-parlament gie mbierek mill Papa ghax flimkien saru.
Roderick Micallef
Mar 14th, 15:06
From the blogs below I can clearly see that most people didn't even understand this article, The 1.2 Billion Euros discussed here are NOT the funds that Malta already took from the EU but are the next Budget and is the allocation of funds listed for Malta in the coming budget.
Which means that we still need to get these 1.2 Billion Euros, one needs to see how they will be allocated and spent!
G Schembri
Mar 14th, 15:00
Now Joseph Muscat is our Prime Minister, love him or hate him we should all be behind him were the interest of the country is concerned. We can criticize him at home, but in international affairs let us support him. Let us not jeopardize what Lawrence Gonzi worked for. It doesn't matter who got them, the important thing is that we get them.
Joseph Borg
Mar 14th, 14:59
Imma kif il maltin ma jinbidlu qatt. Issa gabhom Gonzi jew gabhom haddiehor hemm xi problema? L-importanti hu li jigu. Kieku nista anke jien immur ingib ghal pajjizna. Wara kollox mhux ghalina u ghal uliedna. Ejjew niehdu gost b'dak kollu li nistghu nakkwistaw irrelevanti min igibhom. Jiena qatt ma maqdart meta Gonzi qal li gab dawk il flus ghalkemm kont naf li mhux approvati mill Kunsill ewropej.
Maria Xuereb
Mar 14th, 14:58
Jiena bhala laburista dejjem ghidt u nibqa nghid li dak li jisr tajjeb nghidlu tajjeb u dak li jsir hazin nghidlu hazin, Alla hares Gonzi ghamel kollox hazin. Kollox tajjeb zgur li ma ghamilx ghax kieku din l-elezzjoni ma kien jitlifha u allura bil-gudizzju tal-poplu zgur ma ghamilx kollox tajjeb imma tajjeb ghamel u Joseph qal li dak li sar tajjeb mhux se jinbidel imma l-hazin ser jinbidel.
David Magro
Mar 14th, 14:56
Att John White...Jekk Gonzi gabhom, Joseph iddefnda li gab ta qablu u ma tilef xejn.....sour grapes!
A Spiteri
Mar 14th, 14:55
Mr Schulz, only THANKS to Dr Lawrence Gonzi and his team. In Maltese we say XOGHOL IL-BIEZEL (Dr Gonzi) JIEKLU L-GHAZZIEN (Labour Party) Grazzi mil-qalb Dr Gonzi. Kien jaf li se jitlef pero baqa jiggieled ghalina u ghal-Malta taghna. Dr Gonzi, you will be missed
Victor Caruana
Mar 14th, 16:29
Saqsi lil EFA kemm kien kiel minn xoghol il-biezel (Mintoff) meta sar PM hu! Ahleb Guz!
Paul Meilak
Mar 14th, 14:54
Btw, Mr. Schulz is a Socialist. JM was under his administration when he was an MEP; Mr Schulz was the chair of the Popular European Socialists party (PES) at the European Parliament.
Wilfred Camilleri
Mar 14th, 14:52
So Dear Leader comes out and debunks all the inane comments by PL apologists who yesterday came out with guns blazing heaping scorn on Dr. Gonzi about his negotiations for Malta's share of the EU budget! They cried that Gonzi had lied and made promises that he wouldn't have been able to keep regarding the negotiated funds. So much for working together for a better Malta.
V. Grech
Mar 14th, 14:52
Grazzi Lawrence Gonzi for the €1.128 billion. Qadt mínt se tkun minsi
Jason Zammit
Mar 14th, 14:51
Inkredibli...min jumejn ilu bdilna id diska ta 25sena u tfajna ohra ta kollox pozitiv....Woowwww Joseph ....jekk int ragel ta laffarijiet tieghek missek atilna li tant kemm inegozja tajjeb Gonzi , anke jekk tinqala xi problema dawk il flus xorta ser nehduom.....mela tiprova tiehu il mertu int ukoll ......
S Farrugia
Mar 14th, 14:51
I'm sure that all these money will be well spent under this govt.
S Farrugia
Mar 14th, 14:48
Dawk li qed tahraqhom qalbhom ghall-progett tal-power station li tahdem bil-gass u l-istorage tal-gass nghidlu biex jinzel sa Birzebbuga ha jara fejnhom l-istorages. Din kollha ghira bazwija ghal dak li ma rnexxielux jaghmel il-PN tort tal-inkompetenza grassa tieghu.
JOHN WHITE
Mar 14th, 14:36
Yes he is our prime minister Mr.Schulz but he was not our prime minister when those 1.2 billion were brought to our country.
Andrej Psaila
Mar 14th, 14:51
And what difference does it make to you as a citizen of this country?
Shall we withdraw women's right to vote under a PN government, because they were not the ones who gave them that right... Utter nonsense and sour grapes, lets grow up... All of us. Thanks Dr. Gonzi for bringing that sum, and Good luck Dr. Muscat in administering them well.
M Grima
Mar 14th, 14:54
What a silly and puerile comment.
A M Bonello
Mar 14th, 15:00
Why not join this country as being a country of togetherness,Mr John White.
*Joseph Brincat
Mar 14th, 15:19
JOHN WHITE not our prime minister when those 1.2 billion were brought to our country.
European Parliament rejects Gonzi's €1.2bn
M. Spiteri
Mar 14th, 15:24
come on John, issue your WHITE flag to a new labour government
ANTHONY PAVIA
Mar 14th, 15:34
Mr White, may I remind you that Malta's coffers held as much money when the PN was elected in 1987. Moreover we did not need to repay 40% of it back, like now with the EU's contribution. It was all ours! It has now been replaced by a DEBT MOUNTAIN 15 times the size of that original sum, and an impoverished national asset portfolio.
David Spiteri
Mar 14th, 15:36
argument miskin
Edward Cuschieri
Mar 14th, 15:41
They were not brought to our country. In fact, we need to re-negotiate because the EU voted against that budget which allocated those 1.1b to malta.
Renato Balzan
Mar 14th, 16:12
If I recall well, 4 days ago there was an article about the 1.2 billion being at RISK! Thank you JOSEPH!
jm busuttil
Mar 14th, 17:16
All of you PL apologists you can shout, bark you can say anything thanks to Gonzi and his hard working team that this money will be spent by Joseph Muscat, even those who voted for him ( JM) know, don't start damaging what you managed to win a few days before.
You can work hard over the years to win votes but you can loose them all and plus in a few months.
Maria Frendo
Mar 14th, 14:33
Must give another thanks to Gonzi for such great negotiating! Thanks Gonzi! You will be missed.
D. Xerri
Mar 14th, 14:50
Well Gonzi would Not Surely be Missed by The Massive 55% that Sent Him and His Colleagues on the Opposition Benches !
Philip Borg
Mar 14th, 14:56
I will not miss him.
May he retire in peace together with AG, Simon, RCC and all the company.
The election result is proof of that!
PB
Jay Aquilina
Mar 14th, 15:17
surely not my be and those all voters of the PL
N. Agius
Mar 14th, 15:40
Yes maybe he will be missed by 43.34% of the population, but surely NOT by the other 54.83%...
Ronnie Callus
Mar 14th, 16:04
Tell it to the 35.000 voters plus ! who proudly sacked out Gonzipn's party. Tell them to tell you on which issues they thrown him out. I heard a lot uttering bad words against the party on how they were treated after buying new buses, after recieving reassurance in their jobs-Drydocks, TeleMalta, Airmalta, SeaMalta, Bird catchers and much more. Gonzi was for a clique and not in Malta's interest.
Saviour Aquilina
Mar 14th, 14:33
Thanks to the PN for that.
Ronald Cauchi
Mar 14th, 15:00
What pathetic sycophantic comments. Why should we be grateful to Dr Gonzi for what he did, or Dr Muscat for that matter either if he does just as good. As far as Im concrned I owe no gratitude to any politicians. They get elected to serve and if they do well theyre only doing what they get paid for. We need to grow up and stop treating our politicians like tinpot gods.
twanny borg
Mar 14th, 14:31
inkredibbli!! l-istess nies hawn taht li maqdru lil gonzi qed jiftahru bl-akwist tieghu ta' 1028 miljun ghal pajjiz. kwazi kwazi mhux qed jghidu li gabhom muscat. halluna kif ma tisthux!
A Persiano
Mar 14th, 15:24
you are 100 million euros short :) its 1128 million
Mr B Vella
Mar 14th, 14:27
well Done Dr Muscat we are sure that you will make us proud.....!
A Cuschieri
Mar 14th, 15:49
Well done? M'ghamel xejn ghadu!
Andre Sammut
Mar 14th, 15:54
Lol int bis serjeta?! Lil muscat qedt tirringrazja!
A Bezzina
Mar 14th, 16:14
Proud?! I'm embarrassed instead of him!! How can he say he represents a 'staunchly pro-European Government' when 10 years ago, he was a key figure in the anti-EU campaign, and 16 years ago, his party FROZE Malta's application to join the EU?!?! Seems he only changed his mind about the EU after being elected MEP & realising that it was worth a change of heart for such good earnings!!!!!
twanny borg
Mar 14th, 14:25
tghid se jinnegozja mill-gdid biex igib aktar milli gab gonzi 1023 miljun?
D. Xerri
Mar 14th, 14:52
Dawk is-6 Biljuni li tella Dejn fuq ras il-maltin kellu bzonn Innegozja Gonzi qabel Warrabnih :)
Dawk IL-WIRT li halla lill Malta !
Mr CHARLES TANTI
Mar 14th, 15:47
jekk gonzi gabom il flus MALTA TANA IL KOLL ha igawdi u mux il blue biss sur twanny
L Zammit
Mar 14th, 16:05
Kull ewro li jonfoq minnhom hemm it-timbru ta' Gonzi fuqhom. Grazzi mill-qalb Dr Gonzi.
Anton m
Mar 14th, 14:20
So after all, what the previous Prime Minister acquired, will be retained, contrary to what some sceptics stated in another article.
T Mifsud
Mar 14th, 14:19
Thank you for all the work Dr. Gonzi. Now Dr Muscat the onus is on you use it wisely, for Malta.
M Cutajar
Mar 14th, 14:26
Dr Muscat was waiting for you to tell him so.
M Grima
Mar 14th, 14:57
He will definitely not squander it on a new parliament, a roofless theatre, a shocking Valletta entrance and on giving himelf and his cabinet a weekly payrise of €600.
T Mifsud
Mar 14th, 16:02
Actually he did because he requested my vote!
Claire Pace Harmsworth
Mar 14th, 14:15
Did our Prime Minister inform Mr Schulz about the new gas power station proposal? I'm sure Mr Schulz is aware of what happened in Germany as shown hereunder:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-12/europe-gas-carnage-shown-by-eon-closing-3-year-old-plant-energy.html
Roderick Camilleri
Mar 14th, 15:24
Ms Harmsworth
I wonder if you have read all the article. Bloomberg is reporting that gas power plants are loosing their battle to coal plants, because coal is relatively cheaper.
1. Coal is cheaper than gas which is cheaper then Fuel.
2. Are you suggesting that we should use coal???
John L Galea
Mar 14th, 15:28
You have to read the whole article. The problem is that in Germany coal fired power stations are taking over not respecting the environment as they are cheaper to run, that's why. In Malta the situation is different as there is no competition to the gas-fired plant. So you tried to make a point against it but you have to take everything into context.
Mr CHARLES TANTI
Mar 14th, 16:39
Mr.Shulz illu informed more than ayear ago
Wenzu Cole
Mar 14th, 13:55
"Here is your Prime Minister," Mr Schulz told the Maltese press proudly.
Anyone wants to add anything????
Paul Meilak
Mar 14th, 14:47
...who struggled to keep your country out of our European family !
Matthias Farrugia
Mar 14th, 14:47
yes 37000+
Julien Cachia
Mar 14th, 14:59
i am not proud of him ! I am proud of Dr Gonzi that managed to negotiate the 1.128Bn
Lawrence Attard
Mar 14th, 13:37
Prosit PM uza il-hbieb tieghek ghal gid ta' Malta. Nawgurallek success.
P BORG
Mar 14th, 14:44
I bet Zapatero did the same thing...
Darrell Borg
Mar 14th, 15:18
Probably you meant 'prosit Gonzi'
Tony Mangion
Mar 14th, 13:36
Off for a tremendous start!. Attent Sur Prim Ministru li ma tmurx tidhol "gas down" go xi hajt, kif kien ihobb jghidlek Simon il-kbir.
Edward Cuschieri
Mar 14th, 13:22
Viva Joseph! Its so great to live under the best prime minister the world has ever had.
S Azzopardi
Mar 14th, 14:52
haha tih cans ha jibda jurik xi issarraf mhux qas ilu gimgha
Michelle Attard
Mar 14th, 14:59
Oh my God... please tell me that we're not supposed to take your comment literally...
Matthew Attard
Mar 14th, 15:00
I would refrain from commenting again....
Ms Marianne Mercieca
Mar 14th, 15:01
X'int bombastiku :)
Rose Agius
Mar 14th, 15:05
Don't be so bonbastic..he has not been in office one week yet..How can you say he is the best IN THE WORLD! He still has to prove himself as a Prime Minister.
Maria Frendo
Mar 14th, 15:05
Easy there...it's only been 4 days...wait 4 years then speak
B Abela
Mar 14th, 15:29
the world???? oh dear.
Paul Meilak
Mar 14th, 13:19
Here is your PM who struggled to keep your country out of our European family !
Joseph Arpa
Mar 14th, 14:34
Mr.Meilak over the years Labour have proved many times that they are better at EU politics than PN, they beat they at their own game!!! The EU subject is closed once and for all. The people decided at the 2003 elections and now Dr.Muscat will lead us forward. Please find something else to nag about!!
Leonard Brincat
Mar 14th, 14:38
Bl istess argument bazwi tieghek tiehux il bonus - il leave -is sick leave u il penzjoni ghax meta Mintoff ghamilhom tghidx kemm ajruh l oppozizzjoni u ma riduhomx u kienu jghidulu li biex jixorbuha inbid l anzjani ser ittihom il penzjoni. Ir rieda tal poplu kienet li nidhlu fl ewropa jien ghadni sal lum xettiku imma il maggoranza tirbah u acettajt ir rieda tal poplu.
D. Xerri
Mar 14th, 14:56
You are WRONG !!
No-One from the PL was against EU membership - They were against Joining at that particular stage in Time because Malta was not Ready yet at that time !
Time proves more than that P.Meilak - since 2 MEP Elections were won by a Massive Vote for PL so the people know whose best to trust in the EU and who can bring the best for Malta.
A Cachia
Mar 14th, 15:47
Mr. Meilak - I think you should save your energy for the future.....you cannot keep this momentum for the whole 5 years!
Mr CHARLES TANTI
Mar 14th, 15:51
taf kemm sa idum tikteb inti din il frazi ta hawn fuq paul 20 sena u aktar
Ronnie Callus
Mar 14th, 15:54
@Paul Meilak:
Halliena Pawl. Ahna ma' nimxux kontra x-xewqa tal-poplu li f'referendum uriet li trid dik it-triq. Ara Gonzi ma' ghamilx hekk fil-kaz ta' referendum ta' Divorzju. Donnok ghadek ma' tridtx temmen li giet mewga 'Malta taghna lkoll' li kaxkritkom maghha ghax bqajtu tghidu mod iehor - Blu u Ahmar. Il-poplu tahilkom il-lezzjoni ghax se' tibqu tiftakruha.
Paul Meilak
Mar 14th, 16:44
Joseph Muscat kien wiehed minn dawk li qalilna ma nadhlux fl-Ewropa u li jekk nidhlu se ngibu Miljun lira biss !
m. borg (slm)
Mar 14th, 13:15
I bet PL has more true friends than gonzipn ever hoped to have.
For all those who doubted PL's and Joseph European credentials should now dismiss them with relief.
S. Cuschieri
Mar 14th, 15:52
why because he's hugging schulz??
Ronnie Callus
Mar 14th, 13:01
Well done Dr.Muscat. You are making us proad. This is God's gift.
David Azzopardi
Mar 14th, 15:04
Int bis serjeta??
Darrell Borg
Mar 14th, 15:20
Bis- serjeta ?? Qisu innegozjahom hu , Grazzi Gonzi!!
Leslie Darmanin
Mar 14th, 15:23
What's he done to make us pround? He's off begging to get the money the PN government negotiated and which at this point is being denied by his so-called partners in the European Parliament.
It is not God's gift, it is a PN gift that the former government worked hard for but was viciously punished at the last election by an ingrate electorate.
The electorate's punishment in return? LABOUR.
Wilfred Camilleri
Mar 14th, 15:41
Let's not go overboard! Next thing you will be proclaiming his a saint!
Norman E Grech
Mar 14th, 19:14
Taf x'mumiex jghidu dawn li ikkummentawlek, li ghandhom 5 snin ifarfru t trab mit tkaxkira? Il fatt li kull sena irridu inhallsu il fuq minn Euro 500 miljun li Gonzo QATT ma kien isemmihom!
Claire Busuttil
Mar 14th, 12:53
good luck
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