The Malta Labour Party’s extraordinary general conference kicks off today with the two main issues to be discussed being the party’s social and economic regeneration plan, on which there seems to be consensus, and the party’s stand on the European Constitutional Treaty, which is expected to be a difficult nut to crack considering the opposing views on the matter.

The regeneration plan was drawn up by the party to serve as a basis to an electoral manifesto for the next general election. It contains a number of proposals which the party would put into effect should it return to power following the next general election. It was drawn up following several one-to-one meetings with various organisations and social partners.

The party’s position on the European Constitutional Treaty is more of a hot potato. The MLP parliamentary group has already made its position known: it recommended that the Labour delegates should vote in favour of the treaty but with a number of reservations on the matter. The parliamentary group is saying that, at this point in time, a “yes with reservations” is the best possible option.

Former Prime Minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici is leading an all-out campaign against the position taken by the parliamentary group. He is calling on delegates not to vote in favour of the ratification of the treaty, primarily because it reaffirms and amplifies the negative consequences of the accession treaty signed in Athens in 2003.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici also heavily criticised a clique within the party, which he still forms part of, for leading an “orchestrated campaign” against him as to ensure that his message did not reach most of the party delegates. Despite this, Dr Mifsud Bonnici insisted that he was drumming up support for his theory.

Another problem for the Labour party with regard to its position on the Constitutional Treaty is the Moviment Laburista Popolari (MLP), spearheaded by Dr Anna Mallia. The movement was launched on 7 June and accused the Labour Party of complicity with the Nationalist government on the ratification issue. The movement is saying that a “yes” vote would be a vote against what being a true Labourite means.

Parliament will be debating the EU Constitutional Treaty as from Wednesday.