With the election campaign entering its final hours, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat this evening took part in the final face-to-face debate organised by the Broadcasting Authority.
While both leaders may be praised for keeping calm and composed throughout the debate, at times the atmosphere was rather abject with both leaders regurgitating what they have been saying throughout the nine-week long campaign. Contrary to previous debates of this election campaign when both leaders were put to the grill by journalists, yesterday’s event was probably an anti-climax for viewers since they were allowed to make their case unchallenged.
In a nutshell the hour-long debate served to highlight the choice which the electorate will be face with on Saturday. On one hand Dr Gonzi stressed on continuity and against exposing the country to unnecessary risks, while Dr Muscat laid emphasis on the need for change after almost 25 years of PN administrations.
Round 1
In his opening remarks Dr Muscat said the ultimate choice is between two contrasting styles of politics - the PN’s tribal approach or the PL’s unifying approach.
The Labour leader described Saturday’s vote as an occasion to start a new chapter, when political parties will make way for movements. He pledged that a Labour government will introduce the whistleblower act, remove time- barring on corruption in cases involving politicians and enact a law on party financing, by summer. On civil liberties he said that he feels proud to have backed the introduction of divorce in the 2011 referendum.
Dr Muscat reiterated that his party has taken a positive approach, pledging that a Labour government will not resort to any political discrimination, but rather try to build bridges with its rivals.
The prime minister defended his decision to opt for a lengthy nine week campaign saying that it was “worth it” as it made the choices clearer for the electorate. He said that the most important issues at stake are jobs, financial security and the economy. Dr Gonzi said that the PN’s manifesto is full of concrete proposals such as the new MCAST campus, new ITS premises, and supporting couples to buy their first property as well as a series of family friendly measures.
Round 2
The opposition leader recounted how in 2008 the prime minister had made the same pledges he is doing now, including to keep in touch with the electorate and that government will not detach itself from people. He also referred to a series of letters which Dr Gonzi had sent to GO employees, as well as those working in the shipyards and Air Malta promising them that their job would be safe. Dr Muscat accused the prime minister of not keeping his word, as reality proved to be totally different.
Referring to government’s track record he said the highlight was the weekly €500 increase for cabinet ministers which was decided behind the people’s back. The Labour leader said that his party is taking a realistic approach and is not making wild promises. As a matter of fact he said that the PN’s proposals will cost €1.1. billion as compared to €732 million, which is the total cost of the proposals in the PL’s manifesto. Dr Muscat added that a Labour government would also ensure more accountability for politicians.
Touching on Labour’s flagship proposal to reduce utility bills, he said that the party has proved that this is possible, contrary to what the PN has been saying throughout this legislature. He said that 105,000 households will save up to 30 percent on electricity and pledged that no new taxes will be introduced to compensate for the reduction. Dr Muscat said that the bottom line is that the reduction in tariffs will stimulate economic growth. He said that government is treating self-employed as criminals by imposing draconian conditions on those who have pending tax or VAT bills.
The Labour leader said that no improvements were made in reducing hospital waiting lists and MEPA contrary to what had been promised in 2008 by the PN. On unemployment he said that there are currently 4,600 unemployed youths.
In his reply the prime minister said that if it were for Dr Muscat the shipyards would still be in government hands costing the tax payers €35 million each year in subsidies. Dr Gonzi said that Malta’s performance should be assessed in the context of the global economic situation. He remarked that contrary to neighbouring countries unemployment is still low. He recounted that government was crucial to save 5,000 jobs in the manufacturing industry at the height of the economic crisis in 2009.
The prime minister said that in order not to have an increase in unemployment during the next legislature, at least 25,000 jobs have to be created by 2018. Dr Gonzi said that sectors such as tourism which has registered record arrivals in the last four years, as well value added manufacturing industry, aviation and financial services are the key for job creation.
The prime minister said that with such a good track record in hand and concrete results, there is no need to change direction, as otherwise the country could be exposed to unnecessary risks.
Round 3
The opposition leader accused the prime minister of being totally detached from reality, saying that the middle class is feeling its standard of living being eroded. He said that in the last three and a half years, the purchasing power in the EU has increase by €13 per week while in Malta it went down by €8 per week. Dr Muscat also accused the prime minister of being in denial about rising unemployment.
While acknowledging that the financial services sector was a success, on Dr Muscat remarked that the increase in utility tariffs dealt a severe blow to business and families.
The opposition leader said that education will be the focus of a Labour government not only by building new schools but with greater emphasis to support teachers to develop their professional career giving them the opportunity to take a year of sabbatical leave.
The prime minister replied by casting doubts on Labour’s manifesto highlighting that some crucial aspects of its energy proposal have been left out. In particular he pointed out that the two year time frame for the construction of the gas-powered plant was not included in the Malta. Dr Gonzi said that Malta is one of the few countries with a decreasing deficit below the three percent level of GDP, whilst accusing the opposition leader of giving a series of wrong advices including to move in the footsteps of Cyprus, to keep the shipyards open and against EU accession.
The prime minister referred to the €1,128 million EU package deal reached last month, pledging to dedicate €215 million for tourism, €100 million for industry and 22 percent of rural funds for Gozo.
Final appeal
In his final appeal the opposition leader said that from what it transpired from the prime minister’s remarks during the debate, there is no need to reduce utility tariffs. Regarding the EU financial package he said that the country will spend the equivalent amount in heavy fuel oil in less than three years. He said that Labour will opt for gas,” even if this will not go down well with those taking commissions on oil purchases”.
Dr Muscat reiterated that his party opted for a realistic plan and did not fall to the temptation of getting involved in some kind of auction with its political rival. He added that a Labour government will spell the end to the oligarchy. In his final message he urged first-time voters to trust him, vowing to keep in touch and listen to the electorate throughout the entire legislature.
On the other hand Dr Gonzi said that a Labour government would expose the country to unnecessary risks. While acknowledging that government committed mistakes, he said that its overall performance was still positive and reached its major targets set in 2008. He said that the level of taxation is among the lowest in the EU, in sharp contrast to the time when Labour was in government for the last time when 33 taxes were introduced in the span of 22 months.
He said that the bottom line is that on Saturday voters have to make their choice between red and blue. He expressed his confidence that electorate will once again make the best choice in the country’s interest.