Alfred Mifsud in The challenge comes after (TMID, 5 January) is right.

It will not be this year that the effects of the euro will be felt, but in 2008, when the euro will actually be introduced.

The government is now saying that everything is under control and that Malta is on the right track to join the eurozone as from 1 January 2008. But it is easy to say this now.

The effects of Malta’s shift to the euro will not be felt this year, which is the year of preparation, but as from next year, when the euro would have replaced the Maltese lira.

And this is perhaps why, as you rightly pointed out in your leader The year of the election? (TMID, 5 January), the Nationalist Party will in all probability be holding the election this year.

You ask “Will Dr Gonzi call an election this year before the lira is replaced by the euro and avoid – for his party – negative effects because of possible and/or perceived inflation?”

The answer, in my opinion, is yes.

Anthony Caruana

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