Labour will continue to listen - Muscat
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
The Labour government will continue to listen and will serve as a united team, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told an ecstatic crowd that gathered on the Granaries this evening to celebrate the Labour Party’s unprecedented victory last Saturday.
Dr Muscat promised that in spite of the result, Labour will not grow too big for its boots and he called on the people to speak to him personally if they saw any of Labour’s MPs become bigheaded.
“The people have elected us and we will give our all to the people... The government I shall be administering for the next five years is showing that it can move from one era to another serenely. We are all Maltese brethren... We campaigned as a movement and we will remain a movement.
“You have chosen to be protagonists, and we will be protagonists, not just here but also in Europe,” he said.
This, he said, was the nation of George Borg Olivier, Dom Mintoff, the nation “we gave birth to as a people”.
He promised to carry out his duties responsibly saying that this week felt like a year “but there is nowhere I’d rather be but among you”.
His government, he said, would ensure that those who took bad decisions shouldered responsibility. It would rectify injustices without creating new ones.
He also reiterated that Labour would implement what it promised.
“This is a pro-business government that will create jobs. We will embark on our mission to create jobs in Gozo and in Malta,” he said to applause.
The meeting was earlier addressed by EU minister Louis Grech and PL deputy leader Toni Abela.
Mr Grech said that when the PL said Malta for all, that was what it meant.
“We are committed to meet your aspirations. You are the protagonists. You will set the future. Our programme was not for the election but for the future and we are committed to deliver.”
Dr Abela said the PL was promising to listen.
“We want you to influence our decisions...”
He said that at no point would Labour tolerate corruption.
“It is our privilege to serve you... We will be honest, tolerant and respect workers. The country cannot stay divided,” he said.
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Paul Meilak
Mar 17th, 19:41
Its not what you listen, its what you do.
Alfred J. McEwen
Mar 18th, 18:16
That is correct ..do listen and ACT on the listening. WE voted you in and hopefully expect results by fixing the roads and the illegal immigration problem for starters., something the previous administration failed to do properly on the former, and nothing at all on the latter.
John Cassar
Mar 17th, 19:40
You have promised quite a bit and I am sure that the absolute majority that elected you in an unprecedented manner expect you deliver.
Listening is an important trait of all leaders but ultimately your actions (and those around you) will speak louder.
At this point I wish you well and augur that our nation will benefit from your leadership and vision.
Peter Murray
Mar 17th, 19:22
Michael Magri
Again I state that Mr Muscat is not yet "great" nor the finished article as what exactly has he achieved for you to declare him as such-what is a great man.?He himself would not wish you or anyone else call him such until he has proved himself-which I believe he eventually shall- and finally great orators prove nothing as its only actions that live on not words.Just look at Obama
Michael Magri
Mar 18th, 08:31
Peter Murray.The fact that Dr Muscat has COMPLETELY and SUCCESSFULY CHANGED and REVIVED the Labour Party into a very Effective `Movement`, the result of which being the resounding electoral victory, is enough proof that he can do the same to our Country. Forget Pres. Obama. I see a lot of difference between the Clear FORSIGHT and Strong WILL of Prime Minister Muscat`s to that of Obama`s..
Josephine Muscat
Mar 17th, 18:02
Good so if ure listening please make sure that both Carmelo Abela and Joe Sammut get what they deserve. As it rather seems that the movement is there for those who saw eye to eye with Alfred Sant. Let s work hand in hand but these two gentleman need to have a full time responsibility with PL
Joe Tabone
Mar 17th, 19:05
Josephine,
You cannot expect that everyone is a Minister, we have to give the pensioners like Joe Mizzi, George Vella and Karmenu Vella their space. The persons you mentioned have to wait their turn. Maybe next Cabinet.
G Caruana
Mar 17th, 16:37
Will continue to listen & ignore.
E. Azzopardi
Mar 17th, 14:38
Great leaders must be good listeners, besidesf course, having many other good attributes.. Those who don't are doomed.
And we have seen this lately/
Joseph cutajar
Mar 17th, 14:07
The only great man I know is Jesus Christ ...Great crowds followed him and listened to him ....but at the end they turned against him , Mintoff was a great man too, but at the end the crowd turned against him also .
Joe Tabone
Mar 17th, 13:40
Can he start by listening to us people and stop the environmental destruction by contractors and hunters?!
G Caruana
Mar 17th, 13:26
The listening & door to door visits are over & we're very grateful, now do something about it.
Joseph Portelli
Mar 17th, 11:48
do not just listen. See that appropriate action is taken and report to the people who voted labour.
Carmel Brincau
Mar 17th, 12:18
if you followed Disset yesterday Dr.J.Muscat has explained that soon he will call for new ideas to create work and jobs,so help me GOD ,because it took more than 7 Days to do so ,give peace a Chance Please
Joseph Grech Attard
Mar 17th, 14:33
I beg to differ Joseph Portelli. I would rather have him report to the people, rather than only to those 'who voted labour!'
Lucienne Dimech
Mar 17th, 11:46
If Joseph will be what he is saying we are fine. I hope he will keep his word though. He is a politician after all
Carmel Brincau
Mar 17th, 11:50
give pease a chance please
A Trapani
Mar 17th, 18:40
what has peace got to do with it all Carmel ?
Carmel Brincau
Mar 17th, 11:38
This is a message the PN should take for serious to be also a good opposition in the parliament,then re shuffle all delegates from top to bottom and let young ideas participate for the good of Malta Taghna Wkoll
Kurt Waschnig
Mar 17th, 11:32
Prime Minister Dr Muscat delivered a great speech and it shows his determination to make Malta a better place for all. “It is our privilege to serve you... We will be hoest, tolerant and respect workers.” It was very important for Malta that the PN lost the general election. Only the PL has a vision for Malta and will lead Malta to a prosperous future.
I Mercieca
Mar 17th, 12:59
Time will tell.....
Kurt Waschnig
Mar 17th, 10:27
Prime Minister Dr Muscat delivered a great speech and it shows his determination to make Malta a better place for all. “It is our privilege to serve you... We will be hoest, tolerant and respect workers.” It was very important for Malta that the PN lost the general election. Only the PL has a vision for Malta and will lead Malta to a prosperous future.
Francis Sammut
Mar 17th, 10:16
I know some people are not going to agree, but here goes. Why did Dr Muscat stated that those not elected are going to be given a compensation? Lots of people were angry and thought it was stupid when Dr Gonzi introduced it last time, so why continue with a bad and expensive idea? If I'm not mistaken last time Gonzi gave them each close to 80000 euros! I ask, is this fair?
Joe Grech
Mar 17th, 09:17
@Joseph Muscat and the PL for whom many, myself included voted:
In today's Times it is being said that Charles Polidano seems to be doing as he pleases and just putting Mepa Enforcement to ridicule.
The public is watching....Will this speculator be put in his place and put right any building construction abuse?
Will PL really serve the country's best environmental needs?
Michael Magri
Mar 17th, 09:15
"Dr Muscat promised that in spite of the result, Labour will NOT grow too big for its boots and he called on the people to speak to him PERSONALY if they saw any of Labour’s MPs become bigheaded."
What a statement from a great Statesman.. What a difference from what we have been accustomed to during the past 25 years of pure political arrogance...!!!
THANK YOU Prime Minister Muscat..
Peter Murray
Mar 17th, 09:02
It is not listening we want ..but ACTION.There used to be a bank in the UK that liked to be known as the "listening bank" -well guess what?They are no longer in business!
Joseph Apap
Mar 17th, 08:58
The new Prime Minister is proving to one and all that he can be a great Leader of all the Maltese Nation
Giocchino Attard
Mar 17th, 08:54
pl is always best choice
Joseph Grech Attard
Mar 17th, 08:45
Now, yes, one can call Joseph a statesman. There is change coming all over the world. Malta & Italy have started. The Vatican followed! It is such changes that the world needs. A change of mentality for unity, that is ihherent in persons of goodwill. rather than arrogance, provocation & corruption, It is by such words &, later, by example, that one can speak of inner peace. Let us all fight evil.
Joe Pace Asciak
Mar 17th, 08:41
“You have chosen to be protagonists, and we will be protagonists, not just here but also in Europe”. To whom are the pronouns you and we referring? The antithesis (you – we) is already clear in the choice of a mega cabinet.
Marie Therese Debono
Mar 17th, 08:18
Prosit u prosit tassew .. a big welcome to the new style of politics in Malta
Ronnie Callus
Mar 17th, 08:17
Lessons are being given by this young gentleman Prime Minister to the other side where they were disconnected from the people.They were more interested in their pockets than the peoples' needs. Dr.Gonzi a long time ago has told us that he is going to put his ears to the grounds, but we all wonder where he placed them!!
Michael Schembri
Mar 17th, 07:23
Kif tista tkun kontrik Joseph?! Irid ikun xi wiehed injurant li qabad u sadd widnejh ghal dak li tghid, ghalaq mohhu fuq kull ma tghid u ghad trid taghmel, u libes maktur b'kulur ta partit iehor ma ghajnejh.
eric farrugia
Mar 17th, 07:14
Mintoff was our Saviour of yesterday
Muscat is our Saviour of Today
Well Done Joseph
David Magro
Mar 17th, 07:08
Dan hu li rebbah lil PL. be with the people for the people. Prosit tal messag Joseph & Team and good luck.
Josef Borg
Mar 17th, 06:03
This is the man....No doubt.
Paul Zammit
Mar 17th, 05:45
@JM
I won't believe a single word u say mate unless you start delivering immediately! U said that the PN kept fuel costs high while fuel prices declined anywhere else in Europe. That implies that the PN was keeping fuel prices high for some reason unknown to us. Now that it's you in gov and since Malta does not hedge, we are expecting fuel prices to decline significantly WITHIN THE COMING MONTHS.
Ka Busuttil
Mar 17th, 04:51
What about the resignations being asked for left, right and centre?!
E. Vassallo
Mar 17th, 04:45
Will continue to listen....actually you are there also to govern.....stop with the rhetorics and start working
Phil Zammit
Mar 17th, 03:54
Now the rubber hits the road.
While promises are cheap, the greatest LP transformation is Dr. Muscat's attitude and emphasis that this will be a govt. of service to ALL without prejudice.
If he can wipe out the old PL mentality of billigerence, vindictiveness and favoritism, he'd really bring the PL out of the 60's.
Now Malta can prosper with a fresh, clean, determined leadership! God Bless.
Mark J. Magri
Mar 17th, 02:37
As it seems like, Malta has a very good and honest premier!
I together with people of goodwill am congratulating Dr.Joseph Muscat to achieve and fetch every goodness and wealth to oue beloved Country.
God be with you dear Joseph and HE blesses all your hard work to save our country's prosperity.
GRANPINTO
Hamrun.
Karl Abela
Mar 17th, 00:59
Nothing new here. Usual sales talk and no beef. This election campaign will come back to haunt labour...sooner rather than later...
DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA,MA,MAG.JUR.[EU Law],LL.D.,
Mar 17th, 00:32
TON.............listen to THE VOICE OF DIVINITY................TO LISTEN = YOU HAVE TO REMAIN SILENT WHILE OTHERS COMMUNICATE, NOT YOU TALK,TALK, & TALK AND others are subjected to only LISTEN..............GET THE FEELING Dear ? Divine Blessings.
Mr. M. Camilleri
Mar 16th, 23:35
Grazzi MALTA!!!!
ryan formosa holt
Mar 16th, 23:33
this man is trying to make everything,like to be the perfect man somehow, we are waitng for you to begin your job mr prim minister.
Barry Harding-Rathbone
Mar 16th, 23:33
Prosit lill-Prim Ministru Muscat. Partner and tiegħi I huma tant eċċitati fil-riżultat u ħerqana li jiċċaqalqu tagħna lura malajr ħafna.
Rt Rev Dr Barry Harding-Rathbone
James Brown
Mar 16th, 23:15
Muscat irid l'ghaqda u dak li jistholqila Malta
daniela caruana
Mar 16th, 23:02
So proud of our leader Joseph Muscat.
Alex Buds
Mar 16th, 22:58
Well it should - with such a monster-size cabinet funded by taxpayer euros, it's got plenty of ears available...
Peter Simpson
Mar 16th, 22:58
At last, an end to stupid divisions amongst us!
Reuben D. Spiteri
Mar 16th, 22:43
Speeches are for the gullible or easily-impressed. I'll judge him on his actions and not his words.
An. Vella
Mar 17th, 12:26
I disagree. While actions are definitely more important and indeed we should judge from them more than anything, speeches already show you who can govern. Before the election JM's speeches were all on having a Malta for everyone and he focused on talking on the so-called roadmap, while LG and co. focused on dividing PL and PN supporters (blue & red, 'iggeluna nisthu', ect). For me that is enough.
j camilleri
Mar 17th, 14:02
Sour grapes :) you will never change.
Gustav Svensson
Mar 16th, 22:40
Im not exactly a Labour supporter but I think change in leadership is healthy, PN was fat and happy and did let corruption florish..not much happend in Malta without a brown envelope..
Mr Mike Farrugia
Mar 16th, 22:27
The problem with any government is the public service. Very often, what the ministers are fed (by heads of departments), is a far cry from reality. Ministers must open a link to all the grades. A website, an office, a telephone number....any thing that can allow suggestions to be heard.
Joanne Micallef
Mar 16th, 22:21
Ieli snin ma nkun konvinta daqsekk mill Gvern li qed imexxi pajjiezi
M Briffa
Mar 16th, 22:18
Excellent speech by an Excellent Prime Minister and a Great Man!! Well done Joseph...you are our Future....WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!!
Hildbrand Bianco
Mar 16th, 22:15
Jekk joghgbok ibqa zomm kuntatt Joseph man nies tul il 5 snin shah li gejjin. Mexxina il quddiem b kemm sahha tiflah. Taht Gonzi sar gid, ejja ha nkomplu nziduh dal gid. U proset fuq li trid lil kullhadd jahdem mieghek, anke nazzjonalisti. Kemm jien kburi li jien Malti taht Prim Ministru zghazugh Joseph Muscat. Viva l ghaqda, viva l Maltin.
Hildbrand Bianco
Mar 16th, 22:11
L ewwel haga proset lit times ta kemm kontu fair fil kampanja elettorali.
Tghiduli xejn imma dar ragel zghazugh Prim Ministru li ghandna f pajjizna f Malta, ghandu l kwalitajiet kollha tajbin li kellhom il kbar Mintoff u Eddie Fenech Adami, u nghid ghandu kwalitajiet terga ahjar. X hemm isbah milli jrid l ghaqda. Kemm int kbir Joseph. X vizjoni ghandek, veru sebah jum gdid ghal kullhadd. Proset.
Patrick Scicluna
Mar 16th, 21:54
This is a way forward to politics.....a great speech , by a great person indeed. I'm looking forward to see great achievments by this Priminister
V. Fenech
Mar 16th, 21:51
Issa ibghat ta l-Ewropa lil Franco Debono ma Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, u tinsiex lil Mulgiett ghax hsara ghamlu bizzejjed. Lanqas ikunu tad-dahk jekk jibqghu maghkom l-ohrajn.
Michael Herrera
Mar 16th, 21:19
Prosit !! PL ...No doubt
DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA,MA,MAG.JUR.[EU Law],LL.D.,
Mar 16th, 21:11
WELL DONE ------------- THIS IS THE MESSAGE OF IL-PARLAMENT TAL-POPLU TO OUR PM & HIS CREW..................HEED IT PLEASE IN THE SUPREME INTERESTS OF OUR COUNTRY. Divine Blessings.
anton murcia
Mar 16th, 22:18
Well said Dr. Bezzina
Denis Pace
Mar 17th, 10:41
continue to listen??? to all those businessmen and contractors who pledged loyalty (and more!) to the new government.
Tridx thallina sur Bezzina!
J. Camilleri
Mar 16th, 21:09
Moviment Kbir!!!!!!!!!
*Joseph Brincat
Mar 16th, 21:01
Labour will not grow too big for its boots and he called on the people to speak to him personally if they saw any of Labour’s MPs become bigheaded.
THIS IS WHAT I CALL THE NEW POLITICS
Matthias Farrugia
Mar 17th, 01:55
and in gozo we had 1 person controlling everything...as if the island "hallijila il nannu" yes im talking about queen Giovanna
Still cant believe we got rid of all the rubbish
Rebecca Bartolo
Mar 17th, 10:00
This is the part of his speech that stuck in my mind too. Before the election , Dr Muscat was being made out as if he would say anything to win the election, but as we can all see , he has kept the same clean politics and serenity even after a massive win. Well done , Prime minister.
Denis Pace
Mar 17th, 10:42
just read the other article about illegal development!
Ara ghalxiex dhalna!
Anthony Falzon
Mar 17th, 11:08
What about labour supporters becoming big headed.....such as the illegal development by polidano as reported in today's times, lets see what action , if any, will be taken.
DUNCAN FABRI
Mar 16th, 20:59
What a great speech by a Great Man!
Vince Piscopo
Mar 17th, 07:28
A great man with a great vision for our country. I have full trust in you honorable Prim Minister and I know you will succeed in your governance all in the same way as you did to impeccably transform the Labour party into a movement. I am so proud to have always been a true follower of PL as a "suldat tal-azzar" who inherited sound values from my father who was part of Dom Mintoff's cabinet.
Peter Murray
Mar 17th, 09:03
I voted for him Duncan but this is a wee bit soon for such an accolade -as great is a much mis-used-indeed abused- term
Michael Magri
Mar 17th, 14:20
Mr Murray.. Yes.. A Great man indeed PM Muscat IS.. and a GREAT speach indeed it was. So far, in my `long` years of following local politics, i have heard NO ONE talk with such strong feelings of `UNITY` and `BROTHERHOOD` amongst us Maltese and Gozitans alike, IRRISPERCTIVE of our political / religious beleives..
Thanks a MILLION Prime Minister Muscat.. You Are On The Right Track...
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