From Mr S. Cachia

I read with great interest the report by Noel Grima which gave us an account what the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi had to say in his monthly press conference (TMIS, 6 March).

What attracted my attention most was the way Dr Gonzi reacted to a straightforward question made by your correspondent about the ratification of the European Constitution.

Dr Gonzi declared that no contradiction existed between the Treaty and the Constitution of Malta, insisting that the Constitution remains supreme in Malta.

He added that the government sees no need to ask for the Constitutional Treaty to be approved by two thirds of the House of Representatives since what is technically required is just a legislative motion put through by the European and Foreign Affairs Committee.

So according to the Prime Minister, the ratification of the European Constitution is literally a simple procedure that should allay any misgivings. Gonzi maintains that the people of Malta had, by voting yes to full membership to the European Union, bound themselves to obey whatever it dictates.

The Prime Minister has clearly told the people – do not complain (teqirdux) because I will ignore your complaints. His master's voice has spoken. Long live the king. Gonzi’s unilateral declaration was made as other member countries of the European Union reacted negatively to the question of the ratification of the European Treaty. Therefore one would not be so wrong to conclude that the question of the treaty is not a trivial manner after all. However, in all fairness it must also be noted that three countries have ratified the treaty through a parliamentary vote.

Spain, France, Holland, Denmark, Britain (all seasoned members of the EU) and the new entrants, Poland and the Czech Republic, felt the need to consult the people on the question of the European Constitution through a referendum.

This is being done, despite the fact, I must admit, that the mentioned governments have no obligation to do so. The result of the referendum in itself might not be binding, by surely is a guide line to gauge how the people feel about it.

One might ask, why should the Government of Malta hold a referendum, which after all is not binding, that will further dent the country’s battered coffers

Certainly the Nationalist government's position regarding the referendum for EU membership, was entirely different. Then all depended on the will or the people; imagine what would have happened had the Labour Party won the general election, and ignored the outcome of the referendum held in March.

So Gonzi, with the Nationalist Party confirmed once again in power and Malta's entry in the European Union approved, reigns supreme. The electorate can be sidelined. Gonzi in the meantime is respectfully waiting to see what the Labour Party has to say about the European Constitution. One might ask why, when all that is required is just a motion put through by the European and Foreign Affairs Committee? Gonzi, no matter what the people of Malta and Gozo might say regarding the European Constitution do not do us any favours, move the motion and be damned! There is no need to wait for what the Malta Labour Party has to say. After all it is all futile.

The Nationalist Government enjoys the majority in the House of Representatives, so the final outcome is loud and clear. Malta will ratify the European Constitution.

It seems that the Nationalist Government will have no respect for the will of the people. So once again I urge the Malta Labour Party not to fall into the PN's trap. Stay completely out of it and do not participate when the motion for ratification of the European Constitution is approved.

There are many ways how to show our disapproval of the way things are being done, but in my opinion the most the MLP can say in June is, that the European Constitution is a matter for the people and insist on a referendum being held, even if one has to concede that it will not be binding.

The MLP should continue looking for ways to show that the people of Malta and Gozo are not happy with the different way Gonzi is doing politics. Such a stance will only gain respect for the MLP. If the MLP decides to play into Gonzi's hands, I am afraid the consequences could be grave. The MLP should not be seen as being so feeble.

Gonzi's way of doing politics is irritating different sections of the people, even those who were staunchly in favour of Malta's membership to the European Union.

The MLP's way, with due respect to the fact that we form part of the Socialists' group in the European Parliament, is to show the people of Malta and Gozo that we are a determined party that, once returned to power, we will have the guts to say no to the European Union in those matters that do not protect our island's interest.

Thanks Alternattiva Demokratika for being in favour of a referendum on the ratification of the European Constitution.

Let us by 2008 not allow Gonzi to gloat that he did it his way. Members of the Opposition stand up and be counted.

Let us join forces. Let us convince the people that we are really an alternative government. Let us look to 2008, play our game by the fairest means and be convinced that the Maltese electorate is behind us.

The MLP’s position in the issue of the ratification of the European Constitution should be a clear sign that we are not ready to let Gonzi have his way. So far, enough measures have been implemented or are planned to be introduced which will further burden the people. Such measures, particularly those hitting the welfare state, will surely divest the MLP of the right to declare itself the party of the people, the party which really has the cause of the workers at heart, the party that never shunned the responsibilities to do what was in Malta's best interest, while being aware of the weight different classes can carry.

Certainly Gonzi's different way of doing politics is nothing but detrimental to the interest of the people, especially the lower classes.

Saviour Cachia

MARSASCALA