Following the parliamentary debate on new development boundaries the size of Siggiewi, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s government is realising that its political hypocrisy is not convincing the people, said Opposition Leader Alfred Sant. Environment and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino had felt the need to hold a press conference to explain the confusion over the process, said Dr Sant during a social evening at Marsascala. The Nationalist Party, he said, had extended the boundaries to appease its friends of friends and those close to its heart.

The government had hidden behind the excuse that zones were selected in order to do justice to those who were left out of the 1988 scheme. Dr Gonzi’s government is using these people to do favours.

The MLP leader said that the PN is governing in a way that is not acceptable. It is, he said, shameful that no serious account of the beneficiaries of the process has been produced. These people will benefit from a hefty increase in the price of the land they own.

Dr Sant said that the whole exercise was aimed at paying off debts the PN had with its friends and making arrangements with would-be financers of the party’s forthcoming general election campaign.

He also quoted Mr Pullicino as having said – four years ago – that no extensions were needed, as a better usage of existing urban areas would solve all the problems. The MLP leader said that gross political hypocrisy and partisan calculations are harming the national interest.

Dr Sant concluded his speech by saying that Dr Gonzi is to be held responsible for everything that is taking place. When he was appointed party leader, Dr Gonzi had promised a new way of doing politics. However, his politics – to help the party’s friends – resemble the PN’s style of the 1960s and earlier.