Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi declared that rather than focusing on the party’s internal rifts, the biggest challenge ahead for the country is to create more jobs and focus its efforts to avoid ending up “humiliated” like neighbouring EU countries due to their dismal economic performance. At the same time he remarked that while other countries are battling with youth unemployment, the internal rifts within the party continue to dominate the local political scene.
Dr Gonzi’s remarks, which were broadcast yesterday morning in a half-hour interview on Radio 101, went probably unheard because all radio stations were off air at the time due to some scheduled maintenance works on the Gћargћur master antenna that was expected to be back in operation by 3pm. As a result, one could only listen to the broadcast online.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister tried to play down recent political developments that led to Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando resigning from the PN’s parliamentary group on Thursday. According to Dr Gonzi, the most important event of recent days was the announcement made by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that Malta along with Germany was the only EU country that managed to keep unemployment below the level of 2008. According to the same report, Malta was one of five countries were there was an increase in the gainfully occupied over the same period of time. The Prime Minister said that over the years the PN’s legacy was that of placing the country’s interests above any other consideration.
Touching on the current political situation, Dr Gonzi said that Dr Pullicino Orlando’s resignation is not extraordinary even though it is the first such event in the last 60 years. The last time that Malta had a coalition government was between 1953 and 1955 when the PN and the Malta Workers Party led by former Labour leader Sir Paul Boffa joined forces for the third and last time. Prior to that, both sides had brief stints in power following the 1950 and 1951 general elections.
During the interview, the Prime Minister referred to the fact that the former PN backbencher has pledged his support to the government in implementing proposals promised in the electoral programme. He added that since 2008, the government had also to contend with the international crisis and other issues that were not listed in its manifesto, such as the introduction of divorce. Moving on to more recent events when three government MPs did not toe the party line, resulting in the ousting of the Home Affairs Minister and Malta’s ambassador to the EU, Dr Gonzi stated that these MPs will not be allowed to contest on the party ticket in the next general election.
Dr Gonzi said he feels sorry for the country because the Opposition is only concerned with grabbing power while trying to block out all the successes the country has achieved. As for the general election, he said that it would be held at the right time in the interest of the country.
Dr Gonzi said when Parliament reconvenes in October, it will have a busy schedule ahead, which will include the Cohabitation Bill promised by the PN way back in 1998 and which will be published in the Government Gazette in the coming days. The Prime Minister blamed the introduction of divorce “which was not in the electoral programme” in the middle of the legislature as one of the reasons for the delay to move the Cohabitation Bill. Taking a dig at Dr Pullicino Orlando, the Prime Minster said that two years ago he was totally taken by surprise when the former PN backbencher out, of the blue, announced the tabling of this Private Member’s Bill. “Nevertheless, the Bill was approved in a democratic manner and the country moved on,” remarked the Prime Minister.
Dr Gonzi also referred to the IVF Bill, emphasizing that there is an urgent need to regulate what he repeatedly described as “the law of the jungle”, which still prevails locally. In addition, the much-awaited Whistleblower Act, which has been on the agenda for months, and a Bill to give Parliament more autonomy will be up for discussion in the second reading. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to once again reiterate his intentions of staying in power at least till November to present the 2013 budget.
Dr Gonzi stated that opting for the “easiest way out and calling a general election might not be in the country’s best interest right now”. However, if circumstances dictate otherwise, then “MPs will have to shoulder the responsibility for their actions”. Taking a swipe at the PL, he challenged the Opposition leader to openly declare the promises he is making behind closed doors in his meetings with different lobby groups and organisations “in an attempt to lure them in return for his support”.
Dr Gonzi added that the electorate will judge both sides according to their track record. “While I can boast of the government’s track record in the economy which was able to rise to the challenges brought upon us by the international crisis, Joseph Muscat can offer no guarantee as he is still unproven,” stated the Prime Minister.
Dr Gonzi warned that a repeat of the 1996 scenario, “when Labour came to power but failed to keep its word on most of the promises” will not be allowed. Upping the ante, he accused the PL of being an accomplice in the “frame-up attempt” on Richard Cachia Caruana. He said that initially Joseph Muscat backed both Karmenu Vella and Joe Mizzi, but then both Labour MPs failed to give evidence in front of the PN executive committee “by hiding themselves behind an affidavit”. Dr Gonzi reiterated that if such allegations were true, both MPs should have informed then Labour leader Alfred Sant, and not kept their cards close to their chest for so long.
Regarding the meeting held on Thursday with EU Commissioner John Dalli, he took the opportunity to stress the point once again that Malta will not budge on the Cost of Living Allowance adjustment (COLA) and the retirement age. The Prime Minister confirmed that Mr Dalli handed him a list “including the names of some party officials” who had attempted to hack his website. Mr Dalli later handed the same list to the Police Commissioner and asked him to investigate the matter. Dr Gonzi said that once the investigation comes to an end, its conclusions will be made public.
Asked whether he is still optimistic that the PN will be confirmed in power come the next general election, the Prime Minster sounded upbeat. He said that it is highly encouraging that 20,000 jobs have been created in the last four years at the same time that 20,000 students graduated from MCAST and university. While acknowledging the difficult times being faced by party and the fact that Labour right now has a commanding lead in the polls, he expressed his belief that the electorate will take a decision in the best interests of the country.