The billboards adorn the roadsides. Smiling children on billboards vying for attention next to billboards of ministers accused of being corrupt.
Thankfully the children are not uttering blasphemy or groans and growls from The Exorcist, so no one can take them to court. Yet in the other billboard, the ministers, Nationalists of course, are being labelled as corrupt.
Now it is a perception that is very easy to glue into people’s minds. But proving that any of the ministers are indeed corrupt is another thing.
It is an effective way of painting all Nationalist ministers on a permanent kickback and cash for favours, but what Nationalist ministers have done has been committed by all the politicians who have landed themselves positions as ministers. It has nothing do with corruption. It has more to do with our political system of appointing party boys to the secretariats. Once party boys are installed in position of power, the machine of favours starts working the wrong way round and strange things start to happen.
This hullabaloo has to do with ethical behaviour and political responsibility, but not corruption. Corruption is indeed present, as it has always been; but there is little evidence that it is being perpetrated by the minister himself.
I stand to be corrected. But until now, this campaign has talked about blinkered ministers and lack of political responsibility, not hard evidence about corruption.
To me the real corruption cases were the ones before 1987 with planning permits and trade licences, and then in the early 1990s with the AWTS. But everything is a pale reflection of what happened before 1987.
So, if a member in a ministerial secretariat was discovered to be dishing out favours or taking bribes, it does not mean that the minister is corrupt. Should the minister take the flak?
Yes, he should take the political responsibility, but it does not follow that the minister is corrupt.
If Gonzi had just once accepted the resignation of Mugliett all this talk by Sant would have evaporated into thin air. Gonzi may well regret that error in judgement.
But back to corruption and campaigning.
It is obvious that what started as a very humpty dumpty campaign by Labour has suddenly taken the PN by surprise. The PN and PM have turned their frequencies to response mode and have been robbed of their initiative to set an agenda.
And the worry in the PN camp is that Sant will pull yet another rabbit out of his hat. This time they expect the Labour leader to come with an accusation that will give them little or no time to respond.
Not all the things that Alfred Sant says are funny, but his latest reference to the corruption at Freeport is quiet funny. It involves a person who is well known for his political sympathies and those sympathies are not with PN, AN or AD but, strangely, Labour.
For good or for bad, the man in question is such a well known Labourite that he is known in his circles by a nickname, which happens to be the name of a very well known Labour minister.
Alfred Sant has taken out his secret weapon and unleashed it on the enemy. This secret weapon is mustard gas; it kills all, maims all and does not distinguish between good or bad, capable or incapable and competent or incompetent.
He says the whole Cabinet is corrupt.
All? Did you say all?
It must be the DNA, something in the molecular structure of Nationalists. According to the geneticist Alfred Sant, they must all be damned corrupt.
This is when the man loses me.
Mortal sin! On his revelation of the secret health report, no one can blame Sant if he stands up and shows what was being discussed. Ray Xerri’s – the author of the report – affidavit is rather farcical.
Come on, in the years before Gonzi became PM, I am hundred and one per cent sure that the Cabinet did discuss the idea of looking at removing some free health services.
And so, what is the big deal? Is this a mortal sin?
Again shame on the politicians for relegating this fundamental issue to the coliseum. And shame on those traditionally loquacious economists for keeping their mouths shut.
All out war It is all out war. I am faced with two sets of acquaintances, one who ask me how could we even live under Sant, and the other saying they would rather die than living under Gonzi. And then another smaller group questions if I have any DNA left in my system that is green. The hysteria has reached incredible heights and proportions and at times it is rather farcical.
Cassolata Well since we are on the popular subject of farce, there is nothing that should beat Arnold Cassola’s decision to contest two elections, the one in Malta and the one in Italy.
I have nothing against Arnold, but surely he cannot think that it is acceptable to stand in two different sovereign countries at the same time for two separate national elections. Come on, Arnold are you Maltese or Italian?
He knows, does he not, that his chances of election in Malta are very small, but strangely rather good in Italy. And let us face it, there is nothing like a fine tiramisù in the narrow streets of Rome, nothing like the dolce vita and nothing like the vibrant evenings in Italy’s towns.
If the Maltese Greens had any sense they would have convinced Arnold to choose between being a Maltese or an Italian, though everyone knows that really and truly Arnold is Maltese and the only things that are Italian are his smelly toes.
Now, this does not diminish my respect for the Greens, my esteem for their right to campaign and for their anger at being sidetracked by the hysterical Nationalists who believe that people owe the PN government a living.
But in my tradition of being a pain, I could not but refer to this Cassolata.
Surely, the Guinness Book of Records has a new episode to report here: a politician who stands for two elections in two different countries with two separate electorates. Wow!
Lino has the solution The hunters are gathering next Saturday and Sunday to listen to Lino Farrugia.
The man will probably tell his fellow brethren that he has the keys to keep them shooting at a bundle of feathers. The man who loves to dress up in white suits and ridiculous white shoes has used these occasions to hurl abuse at all those who think that hunting and trapping should not continue.
On Saturday and Sunday, Lino Farrugia will preside over “yesterday’s men”. Men who thought they would blast the birdies to bits and pieces and that no one would stop them.
Well, as in so many other cases, the chickens have come home to roost. And the only way Lino will have his way is to organise a coup d’état and take Malta out of the EU.
And yes, together everything really is possible.
Soaring prices and a free lunch Oil has hit $102 a barrel and everyone is still talking of growth in the economy and cutting the surcharge and cutting taxes. Someone should give all politicians an electric shock to get them back to their senses.
This country is obsessed with giving anything and everything for free. And this must be the only nation to offer Maltese citizens the chance to return to their country and avail themselves of a free airline ticket.
But please do not worry chums, the next Prime Minister is going to solve all the problems, in fact the next PM has already figured out how the government will be offering more services by collecting less money and taxes.
It is called reverse thinking, and it overshadows everything the English speaking Maltese by the name of Edward de Bono suggests with his lateral thinking.
And since we are at it, has anyone offered a free air ticket to millionaire Edward de Bono to return to his mother country and vote? Yes, because even millionaires love free lunches.
And if de Bono does decide to return to vote, do please inform him:
That if he votes PN he will keep Sant out of Castille.
That if he votes MLP he will keep Gonzi out of Castille.
That if he votes AD he will piss off a lot of people at Castille.
That if he votes AN he will piss off a lot of people at Castille.
That if he does not vote, he will be exercising his right.
That if he does not have a vote, he is indeed a lucky man!
COMMENTS
03/05/08 2:16 PM, Victor (Gozo)
The Nationalist Party are doing their utmost to remain in power. The Majority of the ministers are corrupt and their Leader is presenting himself alone thus trying to persuade the people that he had done well. Our wages are Donations. I mention "Lufthansa Technik" That after 4 years attending Mcast a Mechanical Fitter only earns lm80 (186Euro) a week. I mention also the wages of Security officers that are being Paid lm1.50 an Hour and also the working conditions of the Postmen which are terrible like their wages.I have a list of companies that pay workers peanuts but I can't mention the names. How can we trust GONZI
03/05/08 2:08 PM, Victor (Gozo)
We must not re vote PN. PN cheated us on many things. He promised work in Gozo but here we are suffering alot. The majority of Gozitans work in Malta but with a a very low income Job. We must try Dr Sant and not let hardcore Nationalist which are gaining thousands of Euros in income impress your vote. E
03/04/08 8:42 AM, MY DNA IS PURE BLUE
MY DEAR FRIENDS, GHAX LILKOM HBIEB NAJTILKOM U MUX DNA DIFETUZZ,
lABURISTI GENWIENI IFTHU GHAJNEJKOM U TAHSBUX LI JEKK JITLA SANT HA NIMXU AHJAR, QASS BIES KIEN KAPACI JILQA L`ISFIDA TA JPO, AHSEB U ARA KEMM HA JITLA BRUSSELS U JAFATCA LIL DAWK IL KAPIJIET TAL EU.
TAJN U TAJN BISS.....HEKK IRIED JIRBAHA L`ELEZJONI IS SUR SANT, JIEN NISTAQSIEH GHAL LIEMA RAGUNI MA QALILNIEX XSER JGHAMEL BIT 850 MILJUN TA L`EU,.......... FIN 1996 TAJNIEH IC CANS U TILFU
03/04/08 7:10 AM, Bertu z-Zabbari
Some people are giving the impression that if Sant is elected, the sun will rise... Cool wages, clean air, cheap property prices!!!
My God! Where were you in 1996-1998?
Unbelievable.
03/04/08 6:38 AM, Edward
Start a business Ian like I did .YOu are realy in pain I was like you but after some sucrifices I made it (Under Pn)
03/04/08 4:49 AM, Ian
Dear Edward,
'If you are paying income tax your are earning quite a bit?' Is it enough?.... 1/4 of my net goes to Tax and Nis.. A relative working abroad, laughs at my payslip when compared to his...even if his designation is much lower than mine. I am not implying that under MLP goverment this would radically change but reading these sort of comments..'if you pay incometax you are earning quite a bit'...is just ridicolous...
03/04/08 3:23 AM, Edward
Dear Gaby if you are a monkey you get peanuts for a wage .If you vote Labour you will still get peanuts and NO CHANGE left in your pockets!There is no such thing as a free meal
By the way if you are paying income tax then you are earning quite a bit. And if you are on minimum wage you are not paying Income tax on Over time .Gaby your English is horrible , you must be an MLP elf.
03/04/08 12:39 AM, Me from Zejtun
Hi Gaby...
Actually I was going to do your same mistake! To be sincere I did that in 1996 (my first vote)... After that I promised to myself not to do it again :)
Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on ME
This time round, 1 goes to PN and 2 to AD.
03/04/08 12:21 AM, Even I from Pembroke
Gaby from pembroke you have all the right to do so, good luck to you and may be in five years time you will come and tells us that you do not know how you will be spending your extra cash earned during the five years under Mlp.Then I will let you know how much I might have suffered.
03/04/08 12:17 AM,
03/03/08 11:28 PM, Gaby
Next Saturday we are going to decide the Future of Malta. I voted PN last election and was really cheated. Where are the quality jobs? Where are the good conditons for workers? Where are the good wages, Is your wage a donation like mine?
Previously I had no trust in Mlp but today seeing that all the media is against him and have good proposals such as Reducing the Surcharge by Half.Give first Time Buyers 17000eur, No Tax on overtime , I think that we must give a chanse to a man who suffered alot in Life DrSant. Gd Luck to Mlp from the Heart. Ex Pn
03/03/08 11:27 PM, Gaby Pembroke
Next Saturday we are going to decide the Future of Malta. I voted PN last election and was really cheated. Where are the quality jobs? Where are the good conditons for workers? Where are the good wages, Is your wage a donation like mine?
Previously I had no trust in Mlp but today seeing that all the media is against him and have good proposals such as Reducing the Surcharge by Half.Give first Time Buyers 17000eur, No Tax on overtime , I think that we must give a chanse to a man who suffered alot in Life DrSant. Gd Luck to Mlp from the Hear. Ex Pn
03/03/08 3:24 AM,
Maybe that was why Dr Karl Chircop (Labour MP) did not want to go to the Police Commissioner. Maybe he knew he was a Labour supporter...
L-aqwa li nitfhgu it-tajn!
Issa we'll see after the elections if Dr Sant takes all these people he's accusing to court!!! We'll wait and see... Who knows maybe Min jistenna jithenna... or else, JITHERRA
03/03/08 3:21 AM,
Dear MArtin,
Pity you didn't answer my question regarding the Freeport scandal.
Can you please answer me?? Please??
03/03/08 3:17 AM, DUDU
Dan kif l-MLP ma' Jattakawx lil ta' L-alternattiva?
03/03/08 3:13 AM,
Dear "Slimiz"MARTIN ,
We both agree that this corruption business is ALL SMOKESCREEN .The REAL ISSUE is that if we are not going to have DR GONZI we have to have a prime minister by DEFAULT ; it will be a coward mudslinger who only goes about opposing EVERYTHING Gonzi did.
He did not REALY accuse Pullicino Orlando with corruption , he only IMPLIED , like chickens always do.
03/03/08 3:12 AM, Martin Sliema
The NGO Favur Ambjent Ahjar did not think the Mistra case is simple mud slinging. It has just issued a press release condemning the issue of the outline development permit by MEPA to build the large discotheque on Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando's land. It seems the PN's only reply to these claims of corruption, supported by documentation distributed to the press, are to accuse the MLP of mud-slinging and shed a tear or two just like JPO did yesterday.
03/03/08 3:09 AM, Martin
Do you want to give you my details to check it out ok!just give me your email ok
03/03/08 3:05 AM,
Oh MArtin MArtin!! You're an ex-nationalist eh???
Go tell it to the marines.
Maybe you can answer the question being put in the other blog: Is it true that the persons being claimed of corruption re Freeport is an MLP supporter? Just keep in mind that Dr Karl (MLP) representative on Xarabank claimed that corruption from PN is happenign at Freeport.
Maybe you might know something about this case.... you seem to know a lot of things about Jeffrey...
03/03/08 3:00 AM, Martin (Sliema)
I voted PN last time.... sorry not this time.... it will go to AD or even MLP;
Jeffrey said a day ago he does not know to whom he rented his fields. Today he said he contacted the rentee to retire their application!!!
EXcuse me?!! Does he know or not to whom he rented the fields!!!
And do not put comparisons with Mangio and Vella case. This is just a smoke screen to hide the confusion Jeffrey has created.
Please spare us the cries.....
Once the nationalist party stood up for Liberty and dignity. I cannot see a trace of that now.
Ex-nationalist
03/03/08 2:49 AM, john
Guys , this is an issue of WHO WILL BE PRIME MINISTER FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
Dr Alfred SANT or Dr Laurence Gonzi .Please remain focused.
If Dr Sant was man enough he would have faced JPO in front of the press , But Sant ,all he is interested in is MUDSLINGING.He is fu***in good at it , and I mean it But is he good to run our country? My answer is a defenite NO , because all he has been doing for the past SIXTEEN years is beating around the bush.Can anyone think hard and tell me of FIVE good governance measures he made while he was PM. Not infrustractural projects please.I want to hear of imaginative strategic moves where Malta as a nation went onwards.
Who cares if our MP's are corrupt , it is up to us to vote for them.Can anyone of us "cast the first stone?"
If there is anyone out there who thinks that if a party gets to power there will be no corruption , he would better think again because he will be grossly disappointed.
It is the responsibility of EVERY citizen to uncover corruption IMMEDIATELY , not take profit and make allegations of "ghaddew il-flus " allegations , at the end of an electoral campaign .If one was careful and analysed what Sant said , he did not say that Jeffery was corrupt , he said :"GHADDEW IL -FLUS" , on the bill boards and the sunday papers we have "SKANDLU TAL_ MISTRA FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBBLI" and a picture of JPO and Dr Laurence Gonzi.As any lawyer worth his salt may tell you , JPO will subsequently lose the battle against THE mudslinger per excellance Alfred Sant. Because I did not hear Dr Sant say that JPO corrupted anyone he only iMPLied!
We have seen theses kind of attacks on Michael Frendo , Richard Muscat , and several others .its called CHARACTER ASSASINATION.
03/03/08 2:29 AM, Annabelle Gozo
No 1 – PN said that VAT is going to remain 15% before general election 2004. Guess what happened after this general election. There was an increase of 3% to 18% and this means that from every Lm100 in your pay slip, Lm18 are to be spent on taxes.
No 2 – PN said “finanzi fis sod” before the same election. After this election all public holidays that happened to be during the weekend were canceled. Because of this we ALL (Including you lor) 5 public holidays. Was the PN lying about finances?
No 3 – PN that criticized MLP because of the raise in electric bills have introduced a whole new tax that is the surcharge!!! That’s why it can easily be reduced by 50% because it is an unfair tax.
No 4 – I look around me every day and I don’t agree with you about the high improvement in our environment. I have a driving license and I can secure you that more than 35% of our roads are rubbish. I have seen more development in these last 2 months than in the past 20 years. Maybe he is afraid to loss the general election!?! Fishing for votes!
No 5 – Do you really thing that 5 bulbs per year (only for 2 years lol) is a better proposal than a 50% reduce in surcharge!!! Come on!!! Please!!!
No 6 – Gonzi insists that there is no VAT on Education while there is VAT on school uniforms and school books!!! Once again, COME ON!!! He must be joking!!! Do you imagine sending children to school without uniforms and books!!! LOL (naked lol)
No 7 – Do you remember pn saying we are going to build back the Manuel Theater!!! It was a PN proposal in 1996, 1998, 2004 and once again in this election!!! You really can’t say don’t trust Alfred sant when your leader is Gonzi!!! LOL
No 8 – And why Gonzi is saying that “flimkien kollox posibli” and I really can see that he is hiding all his ministers!!! That is defiantly not a “flimkien”!!!
No 9 – Do you know that corruption in our country has highly increased that a statistic for transparence International is placing Malta near Thailand!!! WAW!!! We don’t need a change you say!!!
No 10 – Finally I agree with you lor: We also need a change of ppl!!! HAHA
Lor, I can bet all my money that in your life you will always vote for PN but you definitely can’t deny that us floaters makes the deference!!!
(Floater that voted PN in 2004, now voting for MLP for a less arrogant government!!!)
03/02/08 11:33 PM, NEED AN ANSWER URGENTLY
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER???? .........
Is this true what Saviour Balzan said regarding Freeport corruption? is it true that the person who Dr. Sant accused about corruption is a Labour supporter?
Someone please answer. The PN should make a story about this. If this is true, this is really hypocrit. An explanation is awaiting from Dr. Sant. URGENTLY
03/02/08 11:30 PM, Floater
dear Alex Cutajar
Please do us a favour and shut up. Hope you're not the one from zabbar!
03/02/08 10:07 PM, John
lil RJ banana , il-pensjoni mhix baqra li se tibqa tahlebl li jien zgur hu li Kullhadd ried imur madwar mejda biex tigi diskussa u Dr Sant qal issa naraw u nghamlu studju u Konferenza u mbghad wara GHAXAR snin (2014) naraw x'niddeciedu , f'kelma wahda ghal - taht it-tapit. U inbatu jien u int Banana, se nghixu b'pensjoni ta' Lm 4,000 ? Siehbi huma mohhom mistrieh mil-pensjoni!
03/02/08 12:01 PM, John
Alex why are you looking away from MLP. Look within the party , Mangion writes that employers can pay flat rate for Overtime and presently MLP is paying its workers at flat rate.HE WILL DO THE SAME TO YOU AND ME, can't you see ?
He is not affected he has 87,000 Euros payed for one contract for PENDER PLACE , and more money from his companies and rents for flats "tax free".
He wants you to work CHEAP LABOUR.
PN wants you to work quality labour.
03/02/08 11:44 AM, drinu
Eleonor would you like a hand out of 17000 Euro and when you resell or divide the property , pay 34,000 Euro?
03/02/08 11:35 AM, dudu
Alex you are back to the future , the Law courts open tomorrow and Jeffery will be first in the queue to take libel action against a coward mudslinger.
Then if Vella & Mangion are not busy in their many business interests ,they will go and make a libel suite. It would not cost them much , but it will serve its purpose
Mintoff is the type that if he wants to tell you something he will face you, no tricks no gimmicks and no beating around the bush.At 92 he would have done a better job than this little 60 year old coward
03/02/08 11:16 AM, JohnC
Saviour worth a front page and inner spread sheet with the published documents about the MLP scandle don't you agree? Pity there is not another Sunday before the election.
03/02/08 10:50 AM,
Alex the documents have been published, obviously you cannot see them because all you can see is RED
03/02/08 10:40 AM, Alex
I am saying that Dr Mangion and Dr Vella made a libel against Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando because they did not avoid tax,it is a lie.Dr Mangion and Dr Vella are persons of integrity and Pullicino Orlando to hide his scandal tries to throw mud but to no avail because he will get penalties and fines.
The Last Chance for Workers in Malta to elect a Party who cares.
**Reduce the Surcharge by half
** Give Eur17000 to first time Buyers
**No tax on overtime
**Health Services will remain free
**Job security to all workers
**AirMalta,Enemalta workers will have job security.
**Malta and Gozo be a success
Mghandix ghalfejn nisthi li nesprimi ruhi bil-lingwa t'art twelidi.Ghandna lingwa li hi mitkelma u rikonoxxuta fl-EU u dan ikkonfermah il-Prim innifsu f'Xarabank!!!! Insejt siehbi jew ma rajtux???
Dicenza ma kellekx int meta l-anqas biss irrispondejt fuq dak li ktibt jien!
Il-punti minn 1 sa 4 illum il-gurnata huma parti mill-istorja ta' pajjizna bhal ma hi parti mill-istorja ta pajjizna r-revoluzzjoni socjali li ghamel il-MLP lura fis-snin 70!! Dan kollu nirrikonoxxih!
Penzjonijiet, skemi tas-sahha bla hlas, bonuses, childrens' allowance,Vot ghal dawk li ghalqu t-18 il-sena, kumpaniji li lil pajjiz irrendewlu l-miljuni- Baqar jahilbu siehbi!!! Dawn tippruvaw tnessuhom biss iva dawn ukoll huma parti mill-istorja t'art twelidna.
Ghar-rigward il-kwestjoni tal-mghatab nistiednek tasal wasla s'hemm u tara u tmiss b-idejk oltre minn hekk : ixxomm ukoll!!
20,000 impjieg! Kemm minn dawn huma fissi?
Inselli ghalik!
03/02/08 9:44 AM,
Alex says: Permit approved. (becuse AS says so) Alex says:Mangion and Vella went to court allura they are innocent.(This is how MLP reason)Dear Alex the accounts are public for all to see if there is no rental income being shown allura they did not declare anything and so they have avaided tax. So they are liable to penelties and sorry to say, it has a smell of corruption. To add insult to injury they only have shown expenses through out the years. The result is that they managed to add on a lot of recuring losses which in the future might make good for anyone who would like to take over the company from them and dump its profits into this company.
03/02/08 9:41 AM,
Alex says: Permit approved. (becuse AS says so) Alex says:Mangion and Vella went to court allura they are innocent.(This is how MLP reason)Dear Alex the accounts are public for all to see if there is no rental income being shown allura they did not declare anything and so they have avaided tax. So they are liable to penelties and sorry to say, it has a smell of corruption. To add insult to injury they only have shown expenses through out the years. The reuslt is that they managed to have gain recuring losses which in the future might make good for anyone who would like to take over the company from them and dump its profit into this company.
03/02/08 9:33 AM, Eleonor Saliba
ATT: ALL FIRST TIME BUYERS: Do you want Eur17000 from The government to buy your first property:Choose Labour
03/02/08 6:53 AM, Alex
Dear James,
The Permit has been approved, this is the truth. But what do you think that a Minister did not careless about a decision taken in court that the employees who were being paid for issuing road licenses will be fired and Dr Mugliett defended them and kept the working in the ADT.
Dr Sant was honest when he accepted democracy and changed his policy regarding EU.If Pn is elected many people will emigrate Like Dr Tony Abela told a one news journalist.
Education is in the Heart Of MLP thats why there will be dicussions regarding implementing or not the reception class which was essential in many European countries.
James trust me and The MLP polices are very good. Honestly this time I will vote Labour to safeguard jobs for all workers.
James I dont know why you hate so much the labour polices because they reduce your water and electricty bills, no tax on overime,incentive first time buyers and give vat refunds on education.
The Last chance for Malta-Gonzi wants to introduce fees on Health also and is denying black and white facts. I dont know the credibility of Gonzi where he promised the Vat will stay 15% and now it is 18%. The cost of living with this tax increased alot!In 2005the Government introduced a new withholding tax of 12% to be levied on all sales of real property.It realy increased the prices of Property. James you must vote Labour also!!!
03/02/08 6:31 AM, James
Dear Alex,
I appreciate your enthuisiasm but for correctness sake, lets be fair to the readers. The MEPA has not as yet approved the full development permit. So Dr Sant is nothing but jumping the gun and trying to gain political mileage. Unfortunately even when faced with facts Dr sant, like yourself believe perceptions and nothing else.
If Dr Sant has workers at heart he should give us example with the Super One staff and not paying them 1:1 as a rate for overtime.
Was Dr Honest honest when he said partnership won??? In fact it won so much that we are now members of the EU. Was Dr Sant honest when he scared everyone that our economy will be destroyed if we become members in the EU? We have had the best economy for years.
As for conditions, it really shows you never worked abroad. In Belgium, people pay as much as 50% in income taxes. No labout Government has ever decreased income taxes twice in a row. And no one will.
Last chance for me. You are right, to enjoy such a beautiful place, as if Alfred Sant and his proposals, I will have to leave the country I love so much. Wil not let Dr Sant ruin my sons' education.
03/02/08 6:21 AM, Alex
Dear James,
Dr Sant was right beacuse Dr Pullicino Orlando asked for the application to be stopped. Why he asked now to stop the application? Because Dr Sant revealed the Scandal.Come on It is good that Labour Government will reduce the Surcharge by Half.It is good that the first time buyers will be given Eur17000. It is Good that Dr Sant gave Job Security to all workers!!even who were employed now just to vote pn a week before election. Dr Sant is Honest and Has workers in his heart!!I think Dr Gonzi is not saying the truth and is tryoing to win the election not democratically. Last Chance for Malta and for workers of AirMalta, Enemalta,Shipyards, and all workers. This is the Last chance for workers who are suffering under the worst condition of work in Europe.Last Chance for You!
03/02/08 6:07 AM, James
Dear Alex,
You have nothing to smile about. If MLP filed a libel. That is one against more than 20 filed against MLP false allegations. You are missing the wood for the trees. Why was Dr Sant afraid to confront Dr Pullicino Orlando. You know why, because he is afraid of confrontation, because he is just throwing mud. He is comfortable making false allegations when there is no one to defend himself.. WOW what a new beginning..
Honestly who is fed of surcharge is already benefitting from not paying already.
03/02/08 5:57 AM, Alex
Dr Charles Mangion and Dr Vella went to court and made a libel against Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando for false allegations against them thus trying to hide his serious scandal.Lufthansa Technik workers do not be paid Overtime and instead Time in leu is implented.Dr Sant always said the truth. Those workers who are paid Donations and treated as Slaves in their work they must give an answer Next Saturday!! It is you time to give an answer to the present Government! Who is fed up with the Surcharge must give an answer on the 8th March!
03/02/08 5:49 AM, Stefan
Dear Anton (Naxxar), I am not trying to fool anyone. Th etruth is that MLP wants us to take another loan with commerical interest. Raelity bites istne't it. MLP was not able to come with proposals like Shared ownership etc. Besides the fact that you have to give the government's chare back whgen you sell iyt, will definitely increase the property prices, as then you have to include what you have to give as well. Dear Anton (Naxxar), it clearly shows that you are in in my sitautrion of trying to buy a house. MLP suppost partit taz zghir. It does not seem like it. Why does MLP want to remove haf the surcharge when 30,000 families do not pay it. Proposals on overtime????
Many as well do not pay tax on overtime. Infact many do not pay any tax.... What kind of proposal is this???
Who is trying to fool who. Be careful. Dr sant might be fooling you too..
03/02/08 5:06 AM, John
Well Alex , make your calculations about the OT , BUT remember that under Dr Sant we were discussing such things as TIME IN LEU , FOUR DAY WEEK and FORGET OVERTIME "GHANDNA HOFRA" was the excuse.
Mangion and Vella were avoiding taxes , so much for "ZERO TOLLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION" where is the "BORD TAD-DIXXIPLINA"?
03/02/08 5:00 AM,
03/02/08 4:59 AM, John
Why didn't Sant go by Helicopter? He would have 'discovered" il_Maghtab ta' Gewwa ENGINEERED Land Fill.But Freddie does not even use a mobile phone and does not watch TV .How would he know?
For the trees which look burnt , its what they call sea spray after a GRIGALATA.They will grow ,don't worry.
OK BIG BROTHER?
03/02/08 4:15 AM,
Because I live there
03/02/08 3:59 AM,
How can you continue saying that Maghtab was closed ??? Because they planted trees , which are dying already ?? or because the trucks are still going in there ??? hmm I wonder .. cause I think that everyone is doing the same... hear what they want ti hear and i am speaking for bith sides
03/02/08 3:08 AM, Alex
Will Malta have the change needed?
MlP Proposals reach everyone: The factory workers and those who work in the private sector and will not pay tax on overtime. Today I can Be very proud that Dr Sant promised that nobody either Nationalist or Socialist will loose his/her job. The rumours by hardcore nationalist supporters that MLP if elected will throw nationalist people out of their job is A BIG LIE.Nationalist don't be worried and hate Dr Sant. I hope that there will not be a campaighn of Lies about Dr Sant.
03/02/08 2:33 AM,
Dear Anton (Naxxar) yes it i true that if you stay forever in that particular house you will not give the money back, but your children or your grand children will whenever they sell the house after your death. U ara the accumulated interest then.
03/02/08 2:03 AM, John
If 80% of workers earn less than Lm 7000 a year (OT Included) and the no tax income threshold is Lm 6000 , who is going to profit from the "No tax on OT" MLP proposals,the poor Super One workers?
03/02/08 1:30 AM, Anton ( Naxxar)
Why are you trying to fool people Stefan? The Labour Proposal is that 17000 Euros will be given to buy a house and if you stay forever in that particular house you will not give the money back.But if you decide to sell it obviously one will profit from the house then the eur17000 will be given back for another couple who really needs it. I agree with the Reduction in Surcharge, I agree not paying Taxes on overtime, I agree with such good proposals. Everybody knows the qualities of jobs in Malta Stefan. The Mlp must be given a chance to safeguard the workers. Please note that our wages are very Low, not like the property prices and the cost of Living. This is a reality. 17% of the population are in a risk of poverty. 80% of the workers gain less then a lm7000 a year. We need a change as quickly as possible
03/02/08 1:04 AM, Stefan
Dear Charles Vella and Marco spare us with copying and pasting from Labour websites... At least have the decency to tell us what you think about the labour proposals...
Besides. Voting labour secures jobs? since when. I am to understand that between 1996 -1998 unemployement shot up. What about the 17000 Euros given to young couples. Given??? my foot it is a loan with comercial interest rates. YOU HAVE TO GIVE IT BACK...
What about quality jobs? Isa manufacturing the old style (tessuti) high quality jobs as MLP call them?
Our wages are lower than thos ein teh EU true, BUT ALSO our TAXES.
Lets be more rational.. Shall we..
03/02/08 12:39 AM, Charles Vella
Voting Labour Secures Jobs! The Proposals of The Mlp are excellent. Reduce the Surcharge By Half,Giving Eur17000 to first time Buyers,Vat refund on Education related Items. No tax on overtime the rates paid as the collective agreement,The Self employed will be given Half the Surcharge as tax credit.If I lose my job and have a loan I will be given a year moratorium.Create Quality Jobs in various sectors! Why are the PN not saying the Truth in this election. They have the support of all the media excluding one news. The workers had enough , promises not kept etc. The spinning of the reception class, it is very immature politics of pn trying to describe such an option for discussion by the Mlp if elected as damaging our Kids. The Pn have a strategy to destroy and spin various lies to re win the 8th March election like in these last 20years!!The Last chance for Democracy in Malta. Choose Labour
Our wages compared to European countries are donations.The cost of living is one of the Highest in Europe. I have a list of companies in the Public Sector that the wages of the workers is a donation, not reaching Eur698 a month(lm300)Honestly I am Speaking The workers are suffering alot. I know security companies that pay the workers Eur3.49 (lm1.50 an hour).This is the reality!! I know friends of mine that are suffering a lot regarding conditions of work.
03/02/08 12:16 AM, Ralph
Ghaziz RJ Banana 70.
Inwiegbek bil Malti ghax ktibt inti hekk. Lanqas kellek id dicenza li tikteb bl-ingliz go forum li jinkiteb bl-ingliz. Ma jimpurtax.
Jien nistaqsik haga wahda. Li kieku fl ahhar 5 snin kien hawn Alfred Sant la konna:
1) nidhlu fl Ewropa,
2) La kien ikollna Smart city
3) La kien jitlesta Mater Dei
4) La kien ikollna l EWRO
5) La kienet tinghalaq il Maghtab
6) La kienu jinholqu 20,000 impjieg
tridni inkompli.. ghax ma nieqafx.
Zgur li kien ikollna hames snin ta allegazzjonijiet infondati ta korruzzjoni. Infakkrek illi il Giddieb ghomru qasir, u ghalhekk Alfred Sant ghamel 22 xahar biss. In nies ma fdatux u nehhietu min nofs.
L-istorja tirrepeti ruha.
03/02/08 12:09 AM, Joe Vella
Why does Labour supporters keep on insisting that the PN has been in government for 20 years? How come you forgot the 22 months in which Labour introduced 33 new taxes, freezed EU application etc.
You are so ashamed of those times that you don't even mention them.
And now you want us to all go back and embrace those times and vote Dr Sant again.
03/02/08 12:05 AM, mica
Alfred SAnt is still there after 16 years ,because he is obstinate and hard headed.Even if MLP loses the election he will make his utmost to continue at the helm.Such a big party as MLP should have better leaders and add more credibility.Come on labourites make courage and get rid of him.
03/01/08 11:36 PM, RJ banana 70
Dr Gonzi ghogbu jibghat ittra lilna haddiema ta' l-Air Malta sabiex iserhilna mohhna li f'eventiwalita'li jhekk jerga jkun fil-gvern,l-impjieg tghana huwa ssikurat!
Kif nista' nserrah mohhi meta' :
Kien il-partit tieghu fil-gvern li berbaq flus il-kumpanija f'xiri t'ajruplani li faqru l-kumpanija'
Kienu huma li lilna l-haddiema nehhewlna l-half days fil-jiem tas-sajf;
Niftakar zmien fejn ahna l-haddiema konna nigu ppremjati fl-ahhar tas-sena permezz ta' bonus ghax bis-sahha tal-hidma tghana u amministrazzjoni tajba tac-Chairman Albert Mizzi l-kumpanija kienet tirregistra qligh;
Mhux hekk qed jigri llum. Illum ninsabu mehdda! Nghalquhom ie. ''nipprivatizzawhom'' b'referenza ghal xi sezzjonijiet partikolari;
Illum sagrificcju haddiem! Heqq mhemmx zidiet ghalik! Collective agreement skadut!!!!;
Kumpanija tirregistra t-telf u fil frattemp jibqghu jigu ngaggati l-haddiema;
Ara tghatix xi garanzija ohra li jhekk il-PN jerga jkun fil-gvern u l-kumpanija tispicca privatizzata INTI tirrezenja?
U ta' l-ahhar! Tridu tfakkru l-passat? Mela le!! Fejn hu dak li waqt mass meeting kolossali kien qal li jaf lil min qatel lil Ray Caruana u lil Karen Grech?? Min jaf? Forsi dan xi sigriet ta' Fatima iehor u ghad iridu jghaddu ghexieren ta' snin forsi ssir gustizzja ma min hasad hajjet dawn iz-zewgt fil fjur taghhom!! Min ma jghidx il-verita jew jostorha huwa GIDDIEM U MHUX TA' MIN JAFDAH!!
03/01/08 11:11 PM, Marco
Voting Labour Secures Jobs! The Proposals of The Mlp are excellent. Reduce the Surcharge By Half,Giving Eur17000 to first time Buyers,Vat refund on Education related Items. No tax on overtime the rates paid as the collective agreement,The Self employed will be given Half the Surcharge as tax credit.If I lose my job and have a loan I will be given a year moratorium.Create Quality Jobs in various sectors! Why are the PN not saying the Truth in this election. They have the support of all the media excluding one news. The workers had enough , promises not kept etc. The spinning of the reception class, it is very immature politics of pn trying to describe such an option for discussion by the Mlp if elected as damaging our Kids. The Pn have a strategy to destroy and spin various lies to re win the 8th March election like in these last 20years!!The Last chance for Democracy in Malta. Choose Labour
03/01/08 10:58 PM, Alex
The County needs Good Governance- Many jobs are at serious risk (AirMalta, Enemalta,and Shipyards)The conditions of work of Lufthansa Technic workers are terrible like their wages.Our wages compared to European countries are donations.The cost of living is one of the Highest in Europe. I have a list of companies in the Public Sector that the wages of the workers is a donation, not reaching Eur698 a month(lm300)Honestly I am Speaking The workers are suffering alot. I know security companies that pay the workers Eur3.49 (lm1.50 an hour).This is the reality!! I know friends of mine that are suffering a lot regarding conditions of work. I
03/01/08 10:56 PM,
vv
03/01/08 10:51 PM, Decided
So Charles Mangion and Karm Vella made false declarations 10 years ago. What actions have the inland revenue and MFSA taken in this regard? What actions will be taken, now that the cases are out in the open? Will the two gentlemen be treated like us common mortals, or will they get away scott free, with the blessing of the Government (possibly successive Governments)?
03/01/08 9:21 PM, john
03/01/08 9:17 PM, john
If Dr Sant was so sure of what he was saying , why did he avoid Jeffrey? If Dr Sant's case was solid , then he should have FACED Pullicino Orlando , not call an "spontaneous" press conference while the so called MLP journalists kept Pullicino Orlando busy in Gozo to lose the Ferry! Was Mr Mudslinger prepared? He even had a big poster for the occasion ,and a few hours after the Press Conference we had ALL Malta with the Poster "L-Iskandlu tal-Mistra Flimkien Kollox Possibbli".
Dr Sant is an expert mudslinger who chickened out from facing Jeffery and accuse him in his presence.IS THIS GOOD MATERIAL FOR A PRIME MINISTER?
Come to think of it he is still afraid of facing 92 year old DOM MIntoff!
03/01/08 4:16 PM, patrick
PN is corrupt and has been corrupt for a long time now. What is being uncovered now during this electrocal campaign is peanuts if one knows has been given to the friends or friends of friends of the PN.
I have supported the PN about 10 years ago but i cannot accept anymore arrogant ministers and this corrupt government for another 5 years.
During the PN's electrocal campaign sometimes i got the impression that Gonzi and PN seemed to advise us to close our eyes and ears for these accusations of corruption. It seems that corruption is not our business but we should only judge them by what they have given us.
In my opinion, they have been elected there for 20 years and they had a duty to perform and give us what they did in these long 20 years. Of course i thank them for doing their job. However we can never accept corruption because a government is doing it's job as if this is not our business. By the way if there are any Nationalists who think that there is no corruption i advise them to go to a psychologist. They need to open their mind:) One proof of this is their very nice new headquarters being built by their well known friend contractor who has taken every large construction project i think in these last 15 years.
03/01/08 3:48 PM,
Come on Alex be a sport and admit this time Alfred made a bu bu, and due to this he finished up with alligations of his two of his party members and to be honst with you Jeffrey this time might be right..
03/01/08 3:11 PM, Alex Cutajar
That is false Allegation on Dr Charles Mangion and Dr Vella!!!
The nationalist party are in a corner and try to make false allegations dated 10year time. Why did Jefrey Pullicino Orlando did not report them to the Police? The Board of Mepa officials resigned,and in a few minutes Gonzipn appointed other officials just 6 days before election.The Permit has been granted my friend.
If Mlp In Power:Will give lm7100 to first time buyers. Reduce the Surcharge by half to all the families and give tax credit to self employed. Refund on vat related items!!
03/01/08 2:57 PM, Still Imhawwad
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER???? .........
Is this true what Saviour Balzan said regarding Freeport corruption? is it true that the person who Dr. Sant accused about corruption is a Labour supporter?
Someone please answer. The PN should make a story about this. If this is true, this is really hypocrit. An explanation is awaiting from Dr. Sant. URGENTLY
03/01/08 2:50 PM, Floating Voter
I made my calculations who would do me best in the next 5 years! After all I'm sure that everyone do this:
So : I checked my last electricity/water bill for the last 6 months and I was charged 86 Euros for surcharge. (I am an eco-friendly persons, and so do my utmost not to waste). So, if MLP is elected I will save 86 Euros per year (half surchage of whole year). I am never entitled to do overtime (my employer never give us overtime). So, I won't get anything from this particular MLP proposal. (I heard only 20% of Maltese workforce works overtime) ..... On the other hand, the PN proposal to reduce the income tax brackets will surely affect me positively! This will mean hundreds of Euros in my pocket..... Whom shall I vote?? hmmmmmmmmmmmm.......
03/01/08 2:43 PM, No Permit YET
Dear Alex (Cutajar)....
This time Sant got it wrong! Full permit has not been granted!!!
OOOppsssss.....
Sorry Alex! you should have given him the right information to your newly found leader!
What about the missing LM9000-LM12000 which Mangin and Vella forgot to include in their income tax return??? I thought that the poor workers in the MLP did not even have enough properties for them, let alone renting it to rich companies!! Uxx Workers Party! They should rename it THE RICH PARTY!
03/01/08 12:55 PM, Mark
Do Not Forget:The budget for 2004 included an increase in the VAT rate to 18%. In 2005the Government introduced a new withholding tax of 12% to be levied on all sales of real property.The tax lead to an increase in property prices, disadvantage foreign buyers and generally fail to achieve its objective of stabilising the local housing market.labour leader Alfred Sant made clear that the MLP promise to reduce the power surcharge by half applied only to households. and also given Tax credits to self employed to give a boost to the purchasing power and control the cost of living.No Tax on overtime-overtime rate as in collective agreement-Vat refund on education related items-Are these good?or not Ivan
03/01/08 12:40 PM, Ivan
Alex,
Which permit are you talking about?? The one that has not as yet been approved by MEPA??? Or the one invented by Dr Sant???
03/01/08 12:34 PM, Alex
This is the Scandal:
permit allows developers to turn all the sensitive ecological area into a paved platform, and build a number of rooms including a dome structure, eight metres high. The night club will have an estimated capacity of 4,000 persons.
03/01/08 12:26 PM, Ivan
Alex,
we would prefer you give us your comments and not copy paste from the Maltastar website. You could have just given the link.
Besdies, which part of "Full permit not yet granted by MEPA" you do not understand. This was a statement by MEPA itself..
where is the scandal?
03/01/08 12:17 PM, John
Sorry I forgot the MFA president and ex-MLP candidate Dr Joe Mifsud , he is glued to his seat.They say he learnt a lot from Dr Sant , just look at the sorry state football is in Malta : Corr .......ion (not that word again)
03/01/08 12:14 PM, Alex
NEW SCANDAL!!!
Mepa has issued a permit for the building of a 2,000 square metres night club at the scenic Mistra Bay, on fields owned by Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, the Nationalist Party MP and candidate who presents himself as Malta’s environment protector, and was even awarded the Green Politician of the Year Award.he permit was issued despite opposition from environmental authorities, the Department of Agriculture, and the Mepa executive board itself. Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando’s land at Mistra is so ecologically sensitive that it is protected under various environmental regulations. It consists of saline marshes, a rare natural habitat, and is scheduled as an ‘Area of Ecological Importance’ and a ‘Site of Scientific Importance’ (SSI). Moreover, it is also protected under the EU’s Birds and Habitats Directives, as it is recognised as a candidate ‘Natura 2000’ site.
03/01/08 11:56 AM, Chris
Sorry Saviour, but some people don't believe it.....
Kindly explain to me the connection between changing electoral trademark and Dr is a Liar?
I wonder which good work from Dr Sant you are refering to. The devaluation of the lira, Partnership rebah, repetition class, against smart city, against Euro adoption, etc etc etc..
Well if this good work for Dr Sant, Than I bet Dr. Gonzi's work is nothing but EXCEPTIONAL...
03/01/08 11:48 AM, Alan
Dear Undecided,
I, like you, was not going to vote. However you are very right in saying that it is not a matter of voting or not voting. I don't think we can afford not to vote. I am not really fond of the PN, but MLP just showed us (especially in the last 3 weeks) that they never changed. Cheap politics to win the election. So if MLP wins, from the pot into the fire.
Better safe than sorry, I geuss
03/01/08 11:44 AM, R Azzopardi
For me, the MLP are more credible than GonziPN (I wonder why the PN changed their electoral trademark...hmmmm I wonder). Dr Gonzi proofed one thing to all the Maltese & Gozitans. That he is a born liar and should, in my opinion, apologise to the whole nation. Quoting some PN enthusiasts who wrote earlier, thank God that this is the last week. Dr Sant, keep up the good work.
03/01/08 11:44 AM, Imhawwad
Is this true what Saviour Balzan said regarding Freeport corruption? is it true that the person who Dr. Sant accused about corruption is a Labour supporter?
Someone please answer. The PN should make a story about this. If this is true, this is really hypocrit. An explanation is awaiting from Dr. Sant. URGENTLY
03/01/08 11:39 AM, Peter
AJMA HEJ WAT A GUFF.
03/01/08 11:34 AM, Brian
Charles,
How can Dr. Sant say that Joeffrey Pullicino Orlando is corrupt, when the full permit has not been approved as yet, as the permit requires the go ahead of the Malta Tourism Authority. What corruption???????
Dr. Sant knows he has nothing to loose now as it is his last chance to become Prime Minister, so he is shooting left, right and centre, hoping to hit something, somewhere. He didn't even wait until the permit was issued. Why? Because he is using everything he could, to gain political mileage. This shows how desperate he is to win. He is ready to do everything to gain power.
He does't realise that the only thing he is shooting at is his foot.
03/01/08 11:32 AM, Santissimus Sbalius
This time Sant got it wrong! Full permit has not been granted!!!
OOOppsssss.....
Sorry Charles!
What about the missing LM9000-LM12000 which Mangin and Vella forgot to include in their income tax return??? I thought that the poor workers in the MLP did not even have enough properties for them, let alone renting it to rich companies!! Uxx Workers Party! They should rename it THE RICH PARTY!
03/01/08 11:25 AM, Ex Undecided
Dear Saviour,
Unfortunately I have to cancel my booking for the pasta feast in Sicily for the 8th of March. Up to last week I was convinced not to vote in this election. I was fed up of all parties.
However seeing what is going on, especially due to the proposed introduction of the Reception Class, I changed my mind. My wife is expecting another kid, and I cannot afford to send him/her in a private school. If Labour is elected, and my kid goes to a government school, he/she will have to finish University or school a year later than others who attended a private school! This means a lot to a worker's family!
This changed my position. Though there is not much to choose from, I decided to vote. Anyone wanna guess whom I wil be voting? ......
Can I have a refund please? he he he
03/01/08 11:04 AM,
Charles you were surely watching one tv and missed hot news about Charles Mangion and one of his companies on net tv dating back from when Alfred Sant was Prime Minister and they (net tv) are saying that this is still going on to date.
03/01/08 10:48 AM, Charles
Izjed korruzjoni Sur Balzan.
Issa ghandna lil Geoffrey Pullicino Orland ukoll. L-art tieghu gewwa l-Mistra sa jaghmila diskoteka. Imma miskien ma jafx bieha ghax krijha lil terza persuna sena ilu. L-applikazzjoni ghal permess ghamilha 3 snin ilu.
Corruption and more Corruption.
03/01/08 10:41 AM, John
Inbidel Nikol Cauchi u dahal Mario Grech , Inbidel Guzeppi Mercieca u dahal Pawlu Cremona ,konna wahidna u dhalna fl-Ewropa , telaq Eddie dahal Gonzi floku , kellna il-Lira dahhalna l-Ewro , inbidel is-seklu u ilna b'dan l-imqammel ta' Sant SITTAX 'L SENA.
Min ma' jbiddilx iqammel , Big Brother!
03/01/08 10:30 AM,
"Min ma jbiddilx iqammel"..
You said it right my anonymous friend. So why MLP leader has been there since 1992? Why didn't MLP chnage the leader? Why didn't MLP change its tactics to address an electoral campaign? (please note since 1996, Dr Sant has always address the election by throwing mud with regards to corruption).
You are so right. l-MLP tqammel, and now we need a change in the opposition leadership and mentality...
03/01/08 9:55 AM,
What taxes are you talking about, the ones that the PN reduced during the past two years and will be doing so again this year. Or are you talking about the taxes that will be introduced to replace the surcharge.I am confused can you help me out here? With thanks.
03/01/08 9:32 AM,
Im sorry for that Jo but it is time to look infront of you.If we continue to pay more taxes you will soon start gazing franatically at the wall of your house because you wont find money to pay for your health.I would like to remind you that at that time you are refering to, there was a fight to bring the edcucation for free.I dont know why your father was doing what you mentioned.I hope you get this flashback too.Its time to change Jo.'Min ma jbiddilx iqammel'.
03/01/08 9:17 AM, Jo
When I see some of the icidents which are happening, I truly wonder if we Maltese are gifted with a truly short memory? I sometimes have flashbacks from when I was a child, of the SMUs armed with shields at Floriana, people who had no freedom and were persecuted because of their political beliefs , a large poster with a man lying face down in a pool of blood while an innocent man was being charged with this murder, going to other's people houses in secret to learn when the private schools were forcibly closed, my father gazing franatically at the wall in our house because he did not know where to find money to pay for our education because instead of being paid for overtime he was given time off instead. Labour was in government at the time and has never apologised for all this!!! Now their leader comes up with the phrase N O R E G R E T S !!!
03/01/08 8:51 AM, Voter Abroad
The plane tickets to get us to Malta aren't free though admittedly much cheaper than we're used to. However we would be much happier if we could vote by post or at the closest Embassy/Consolate and avoid having to take leave from work and going through all the hassle of travelling for a couple of days just to vote. Very few countries in Europe still require people to have to come home just to vote. Then again very few other countries' citizens would bother to travel just to vote.
03/01/08 8:44 AM, Noel Sant
Sant's baseless accusations are nothing new in politics. Senator Joe McCarthy came to power in the 50's in Wisconsin USA by accusing opponents and critics of being Communists without having any proof. A lot of innocent people suffered from this. Watch George Clooney's movie Goodnight and Goodluck or check him out on wikipedia and you'll see what Sant is going for.
03/01/08 8:34 AM, Frans
Dr Sant had two chances to comfront Dr. Pullicino Orlando regarding corruption at a Mistra discotheque. The fact that he did not do it and organised a hasty press conference, so make sure Dr. Pullicino Orlando is not there, shows that Dr Sant is only throwing mud.
Same old stories, Dr Sant. we've had enough., Thank God only one week to go...
03/01/08 6:35 AM, Jason
Saviour
The Corruption issue is very tricky to handle for a nation with our culture. We happily accept a parliament-driven constitution given to us by the British that makes any member of the executive dependent on the votes of his constituents and the censorship of his party-fellows, but then we don't follow the British example and enact a Public Disclosures (Whistleblower) Act or a Freedom of Information act to offset all that power.
You ask what the level of corruption among Ministers is - the answer is, we'll never know until the civil servants remain gagged. But anyone who does know the civil service will tell you just how deep problem runs - and it doesn't start, and certainly doesn't stop with the Ministers - but surely, it's only they who have the authority to create mechanisms to ensure more transparency. Until we're satisfied with the simplistic 'Martin Debono Doctrine' - which in an interview with this newspaper, appears to be that having people of integrity in key positions is enough to avoid corruption - and until we accept that Ministers have a right to 'jaqdu' their constituents - there's not a ray of hope.
03/01/08 6:34 AM, Floater
After watching Sant and Gonzi on Xarabank of these last two editions, I made up my mind!
Although I would have loved to have another option, I have no other alternative than to give my No. 1 to PN and 2 to AD.
Good luck to all
03/01/08 6:30 AM,
Gonzi made it clear that if health is not kept free while he's a PM, he WILL resign. Did we had the same statement by Dr Sant?
03/01/08 6:29 AM,
As a floating voter ,in my opinion i think that the whole campaign is a bit strange.What i've seen on the tv stations and newspapers is that both parties attack each other on nonsense things. In my opinion i think that corruption was always in the scene...what a big fuss? ...I think this election is all about the 2 leaders which eventually that is all about...And from both leaders in my opinion Dr Gonzi is the most credible...One week more ...finally :)
03/01/08 5:44 AM,
Dear Joe,
Dr. Gonzi has lied to you again when he said that the report was shelved.For your information Alfred Sant just revealed another report that says that in April 2005 the same document that GONZIPN did not discuss and shelved, was presented to the EU.Exactly a year after the document was shelved.You can see it in the news today.This is a flash news.Another bomb.This PM wants to take us for a ride.Not me exactly cause I never beleived he shelved that report, but the people who support him.He must be ashamed of himself.And by the way another case of corruption in the MEPA was revealed this afternoon.Lets see in the coming week who is a liar and who will laugh the most!!!!!
03/01/08 5:39 AM, Marco
Are we living better or in Malta it became the Survivor of the Fittest? Are the ministers arrogant towards us or they support us in our difficulties? Are the wages good or are Donations compared to cost of living? Is the Surcharge effecting our pockets? Is the prices of Property high? Are we treated by employers as workers or as slaves?Did the increase in Vat effect us?Do we need Tax Cuts when we do the overtime? Do we need refund on education related items? Do we need better governance? Do we need more money in our pockets? Do we need a negative approach from the men in power? Do we need a party which has been in power for nearly 21years cutting 22mths? Do we need jobs of lm1.60 an hour the rate of wages of securities.? Do we need work in Gozo?Do we need a government that agrees with employers to make the first 100hours of overtime paid with the normal rate? Do we need a government that do not care of students who fail in O levels and cannot enter Mcast? Does Malta needs a new beginning or note? 8th March we will decide in a peaceful manner! Do employers of Air Malta,Enemalta and Shipyard have a guaranteed job? Is the government working with a divide and rule policy towards drivers thus sending an sms to report people.Dr Sant Today reveals second damming report about PN's intentions to charge for health care.Can we trust Gonzi?
03/01/08 5:24 AM, Joe
Dr. Gonzi received a repor which recommended fees for medical services. Dr. Gonzi shelved the report and fees were never introduced.
Dr. Sant, in 1997 facing huge deficits created by none other than him, hastily introduced fees for doctors certificates and 'free' medicine.
Who are you trusting this time around?
Are Cabinet ministers now relegated to discuss only what the MLP thinks suits them?
Just another MLP campaign of lies, twists, spins, panic, Miss Prints, computer meltdowns, rubbish dump golf courses, repeater classes, gandotti under Valletta but no feasibility plans, utter refusal to answer questions etc. etc.
Not only Malta needs a pair of steady hands, Malta needs a clear mind, a forward vision and a manager who delivers what he promises.
The above cannot be attributed to Dr. Sant.
03/01/08 4:15 AM,
Yes as if GONZIPN will say on the eve of an election that the proposal is approved by the cabinett and that the hospital will not be anymore for free.I cant beleive that the so intelligent people that put comments in here say that Gonzi rejected the proposal!!!!!What else can he say!!!!!!?I would like to remind you that for him this is an important election to remain the leader of the GONZIPN Party.From the day he was appointed as leader he never won an election neither a simple stupid local councill election.If he will loose this election he will be kicked out from the GonziPN party.
03/01/08 3:57 AM,
Dear Floater, stop beating a dead donkey. It was a proposal that was rejected. In the same way that Sant should be rejected, but it could be that his facile lies and shallow policies will capture the transient imagination of the floaters.
03/01/08 3:49 AM, Floater
Dear Floater 1 instead of explaining to me what floater means better if you explained me what exactly was meant by those two simple lines on the document Alfred Sant presented.
03/01/08 3:36 AM, Floater 1
Dear Floater,
You should have used another name instead of floater such as staunch labourite and by the way you forgot to finish with viva l-labour. Keep in mind floaters do not comment but decide privately where to cast their vote.
03/01/08 3:34 AM,
Dear Alex, if you are as miserable in Malta as you suggest, you may of course leave for elsewhere in the EU, now that we are in, and hope that your hero doesnt take Malta out of it whilst you are there! Malta is currently going through its best economic boom since independence, which on March 9th seems likely to come to a sudden halt.
03/01/08 3:04 AM, Floater
If there is corruption it has to be defeated.If GonziPN was a man with 'PAR IDEJN SODI' when Alfred Sant accused him that he has corruption in his cabinet he should have invited him to talk together and find a solution for the best of this country.Instead he keeps calling him 'MIGNUN'.Im sure that for the next week we will have to laugh at cause Alfred Sant when he says something he always meant it and if he accuses GonziPN of corruption is because he has proves like the 'SAHHA B'XEJN'.If Gonzi was a real man he should have accepted the resign of Jesmond Mugliett.About the 'SAHHA B'XEJN' I really get offended by the PM when he tries to turn it in some poor words not to loose votes.Does GONZIPN think that the Maltese people doesnt know to read and speak English.Can anyone explain what 'THE CABINETT HAS APPROVED'?Can anyone tell me what they exact meant with the words 'FEES FOR THE MALTESE CITIZENS WILL NOT BE INTRODUCED FOR THE MOMENT DUE TO POLITICAL UNDERPINNINGS'?Dont offend my intelligence dear PM.Dont worry the maltese citizens will judge on the 8th of March.
03/01/08 1:23 AM, Angie
Dear Eleonor,
You tell us that Dr Sant learnt from his own mistakes and poaid for it in opposition. Now he wants us to give him a chance. Didn't he say he had NO Regrets????
To me, that is not a person who has learnt from his mistakes, and thus if trusted will do teh same mistakes he did in 1996. Thanks but no thanks.
02/29/08 11:26 PM, carma
Dear Savious,
Can you please tell me why you are not publishing my comments?
02/29/08 11:25 PM, Alex
Are we living better or in Malta it became the Survivor of the Fittest? Are the ministers arrogant towards us or they support us in our difficulties? Are the wages good or are Donations compared to cost of living? Is the Surcharge effecting our pockets? Is the prices of Property high? Are we treated by employers as workers or as slaves?Did the increase in Vat effect us?Do we need Tax Cuts when we do the overtime? Do we need refund on education related items? Do we need better governance? Do we need more money in our pockets? Do we need a negative approach from the men in power? Do we need a party which has been in power for nearly 21years cutting 22mths? Do we need jobs of lm1.60 an hour the rate of wages of securities.? Do we need work in Gozo?Do we need a government that agrees with employers to make the first 100hours of overtime paid with the normal rate? Do we need a government that do not care of students who fail in O levels and cannot enter Mcast? Does Malta needs a new beginning or note? 8th March we will decide in a peaceful manner! Do employers of Air Malta,Enemalta and Shipyard have a guaranteed job? Is the government working with a divide and rule policy towards drivers thus sending an sms to report people.Arewe receiving excessive fines?
02/29/08 11:24 PM, Carma
Dear Saviour,
You seem to be losing your independent mind in today's article. You are admitting that there is corruption but you are not holding the ministers and their boss Gonzi responsible. I am sure that the corruption that we have is instigated by the ministers and PM - most of the favours are to their own canvassers or constituents! Furthermore may I remind you of the convicted liar (on the last day before the last elections) that is Eddie with his now infamous words "Min ma' jiggillitx il-korruzzjoni huwa korrot". I rest my case!
02/29/08 10:59 PM, Eleonor
Does Malta needs a Change in government? This is the question that all Maltese people are asking. Do we need a reduction in the Surcharge, Vat refund on education, No tax on education, A remuneration of Eur17000 to first time buyers or not? Do we have jobs of quality or our wages are donation compared to Eu Countries? Do we need an Honest Government?If were happy as we are we Vote Gozi if Not we give an opportunity to a man who suffered a lot who fought against the worst Discease and who is trying to give people who are suffering another chance.Dr Sant learned from the mistakes he made, he payed for them in oppositon and now he is asking you to give labour a chance.
02/29/08 3:55 PM, Albert
Saviour could not have said it any better. Corruption allegations are the only assets left for MLP dicredit the trust worthiness of the PM. Simply because they finally realise that the election was based on choosing between sant and gonzi. Now they just realised it. 9 days before elections? That is a bit too late. Don't you think?
After more than 20 libel suits, we hear that ALL CABINET is corrupt. what is next?? All Malta is corrupt???
Dr Sant does not realise that he is only damaging himself. As Saviour said, corruption will always be there, be it PN or MLP in government. We want to hear more about how MLP's proposals will really give us the new beginning.
Of course, not those 14 which are already implemented.
02/29/08 3:19 PM, Joe Borg
This is the only space where real freedom, freedom of saying things straight, freedom from fear of cencorship, freedom to express your opinion can be done. Well done Saviour and MaltaToday. Really a good job.
And yes I agree with you, this corruption witchcraft is turning into a complete farce for Dr. Sant. It may turn in the end the last blunder of his political carreer. Off with the old Labour that is now, on with a new version, with new faces. It is sad that it took about 15 years for labourites to realise it.
02/29/08 11:44 AM, Dion Borg
The fact that any Maltese can successfully participate in a fellow EU state’s parliament, is a credit both to Arnold and Malta – moreover Arnold did raise a number of issues that affected Malta in the Italian parliament and let just say ‘made his presence felt’.
It would be a pity if “foreigners” show that they acknowledge Arnold’s credentials, whilst we are cornered to opt for the ‘lesser evil’ rather than freely expressing our choices and confidence.
Good luck Arnold…hope you’ll be given the opportunity to represent us in Malta….as I’m sure it’s your wish.
02/29/08 11:01 AM, Dion Borg
The fact that any Maltese can successfully participate in a fellow EU state’s parliament, is a credit both to Arnold’s credentials and Malta – moreover Arnold did raise a number of issues that affected Malta in the Italian parliament.
It would be a real pity if “foreigners” show that they acknowledge Arnold’s credentials, whilst we are induced to seek the ‘lesser evil’ rather than freely expressing our choices.
Good luck Arnold…hope you’ll be given the opportunity to represent us in Malta….as I’m sure it’s your wish!
