Prime Ministerial candidates Lawrence Gonzi, Joseph Muscat and Michael Briguglio went head-to-head at the Intercontinental Malta this evening, in a debate organised by The Times.
Prime Minister and PN leader Lawrence Gonzi said he would not step down immediately if the PN lost the election but said the people had made the right decision in voting for divorce.
PL leader Joseph Muscat said he was in favour of qualified migrant pushbacks to Libya and against a referendum on spring hunting. He revealed that he has handed the police commissioner information about a minister who pressured the police to release a suspect.
Both leaders said they would be willing to govern in an eventual coalition with Alternattiva Demokratika, whose chairman Michael Briguglio argued that second pillar pensions were necessary. Dr Briguglio also called for voters to give AD a shot at airing – and forcing parliament to vote on – its proposals in parliament.
Who do you think fared the best in the debate? Vote in The Times’ poll at www.timesofmalta.com/elections let us know.
Some key points from the debate:
- Gonzi indicates he won’t resign immediately if PN loses the election;
- Muscat favours migrant pushbacks to a “stable Libya”, opposes spring hunting referendum;
- Both parties willing to form coalition with AD;
- Briguglio argues second-pillar pensions “a necessity”;
- Arriva “still hasn’t reached standard we expect”, Gonzi admits .