Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi declared that if the PN loses the general election he will not be stepping down as party leader. On the other hand Dr Muscat was rather evasive on this issue and gave no clear reply.

Dr Gonzi was speaking during the fourth face-to-face debate between the three political leaders of this election campaign which is now in its penultimate week. The event was organised by The Times, at the InterContinetal Hotel in Paceville and was broadcast live on PBS and the respective political stations. At the start of the debate, Hermann Grech who moderated the discussion stressed to the audience that they had to abide by Broadcasting Authority rules, meaning that they were not even allowed to applaud.

Asked whether the PN has a realistic chance to win the election, given the significant lead which Labour enjoys, Dr Gonzi said that he will keep harping his message and emphasise on government’s track record including on job creation. On his part Dr Muscat said that things can still change, while pledging to do his best to move the country forward.

Towards the end of the debate both leaders were grilled with 20 questions when they were bound to answer by a simple yes or no.

Both leaders said they would ready to go in a coalition with the AD, to publish Cabinet minutes, to remove criminal libel.

On the issue of boathouses Dr Muscat said they will reach an agreement, Dr Gonzi said that this depends on issues of financial compensations which may amount to millions.

However while Dr Muscat said that he was against the privatisation of the shipbuilding, Dr Gonzi hailed it as one of the best government decisions.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that a PN government is needed to create more jobs in tourism, the financial services sector and IT.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat said that a Labour government will mean “a clean break with the past” and will improve upon the success of this administration and address those aspects in which the country has been doing badly.

AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio said that his party does not base its policies on gimmicks.  He claimed that the AD has the required experience if it elects an MP, citing on his experience in the Sliema Local Council. He insisted that the party has its own policies and that it is not a pressure group.

Dr Muscat said that the party has a roadmap based on 20 priorities which are feasible and realistic. He said that the EU projections for this year are below government’s projections. Dr Muscat said that Labour’s proposals are based on those of the EU and the International Monetary Fund, adding that the PL has chosen to be responsible in its pledges.

The prime minister said that unlike the other two leaders he has the right experience to lead the country through economic turmoil. He said that Malta’s deficit is already below 3% of GDP, and is aiming to have a balanced budget by 2016. Asked about the possibility to introduce new taxes, the PN leader listed a whole array of taxes which were reduced during this legislature. Asked about the utility tariffs, Dr Gonzi said that this was the price that government was willing to pay as long as the economy kept going and jobs were created.

Dr Muscat said that the PL is committed to keep its time frames on energy, even though these were not included in its manifesto.  On the other hand he branded the PN’s proposals on energy as ‘hazy’.  The prime minister said that government could not have opted for gas instead of heavy fuel oil, due to a number of issues including the interconnector and the huge financial outlay involved. He added that government has secured some funds for the gas pipeline, unlike the PL’s proposal which will not be eligible for any funds. Dr Gonzi said that the pipeline will take from four to five years rather than seven years to complete. He lashed out at the opposition leader for misinterpreting the EU reports which places Malta’s economic growth as the second highest in the Eurozone.

On pensions, Dr Muscat said that the long term objective is to raise pensions to a minimum of 60% of the national average income. He said that second pillar pensions would lead to unsustainable increases in social security contributions.  The solution he said must be along the lines of active ageing. Dr Gonzi remarked that government has already carried out an extensive pensions reform, raising the retirement age from 61 to 65. He said that in the next legislature the PN will improve pensions further.

Dr Muscat said that the public transform was a big failure and pledged to hold talks with stakeholders to improve the service.  Dr Gonzi acknowledged that this reform has failed to live to expectations, even though there is a fleet of new buses.

Asked about accusations that the campaign has shifted to mudslinging, Dr Gonzi said that the issues that came to light such as corruption and drugs need to be debated. He rebutted claims that the PN has depicted Labour deputy leader as a drug trafficker, with reference to the Safi Labour club. The PN leader insisted that he is bound to say the facts.

The opposition leader accused the PN of character assassination for political goals. Challenged  to substantiate his claim that a cabinet member had piled pressure to release somebody detained in the police lock-up he said that the police commissioner requested information about the case. However according to Dr Muscat the whistleblower is not ready to come forward as there is no protection.

Asked about Dr Abela’s case and the reason for which he did not resign, he said that Dr Abela has a different role and rebutted claims of a ‘two weights two measure’ approach. The Labour leader said that after the election the party will revise the manner in which its clubs are being run.

Dr Muscat dodged questions regarding the resignation of Anglu Farrugia, taking a very cautious approach.

On his part the prime minister recounted how he expressed his willingness to grant a presidential pardon to solve the oil procurement scandal, and bring those responsible to justice. Dr Gonzi said that no cabinet member had discussion with George Farrugia (who was granted a presidential pardon) about any tender, including Tonio Fenech.

The prime minister reiterated that the €250,000 loan offered by Zaren Vassallo places no obligations on the PN if it is elected to government.

On the issue illegal immigration Dr Muscat said the he was never of the opinion that these have to be left drowning. He added that the Immigration Pact solved almost nothing, just as he had said four years ago.

Asked if he will resign on the 10 of March of 2015, if he will not deliver his promise regarding the gas-powered plant within two years, he said that he is confident of completing the project within time.

The prime minister said the experience in neighbouring countries should be an eye-opener to everyone. Asked about his beliefs against divorce, Dr Gonzi dodged the issue completely without pronouncing himself on the issue.