The opposition’s reply to Budget 2008 was typical of the Labour Party, presenting nothing new, with no vision for the country and simply depicting the facts in a negative light, said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
Giving his initial reactions to journalists regarding the opposition leader’s reply to the budget speech in Parliament yesterday evening, Dr Gonzi said the MLP’s proposals would drive the country to bankruptcy.
He expressed concern that Labour leader Alfred Sant excluded important sectors like the environment.
Dr Sant excluded this sector and a number of other important ones in his speech, even though the government is investing so heavily, said Dr Gonzi.
The prime minister said he would be giving more detailed reactions in a counter-reply in Parliament on Wednesday, but criticised the opposition for being detached from popular opinion regarding Budget 2008.
“We received very positive reactions from constituted bodies, who said the measures put forward in the budget would help both the country’s economy, as well as families.
“There was a national consensus on this, and this shows that the Labour Party’s criticism went against popular support for the budget’s proposals,” said Dr Gonzi, adding that the Labour leader has been consistent in putting forward the wrong suggestions.
The MLP’s proposals have no substance; they never explain how they plan to finance their proposals, which are superficial and would have a negative effect on employment, salaries and the future of our children, said Prime Minister Gonzi.
When the Labour Party was in power between 1996 and 1998, the country had record levels of unemployment and a record deficit level, said Dr Gonzi.
The Labour leader himself did not consider the effects of his promises, he said, adding that Dr Sant’s speech revealed a sense of panic, since the budget was generally accepted by citizens.
Asked about his opinion regarding the Labour leader’s proposal to have no income tax on overtime hours worked, the prime minister said Dr Sant should see what happened in countries that introduced this type of measure.
Such a measure in other countries had a strong negative effect on government revenue, said Dr Gonzi. He added that government revenue had vanished between 1996 and 1998 when the Labour Party was in government.
Replying to another question about the government’s budget proposal regarding the breast screening programme, Dr Gonzi said the opening of Mater Dei Hospital allowed for the provision of better healthcare services.
“We know we have the equipment to begin this programme, which we are certain will be overseen in an excellent manner by our specialists,” said Dr Gonzi, adding that he hoped the Labour Party would not be using healthcare issues as part of the political game.