June 2009 Elections
24 May 2009 11:25
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Government intends to remove free health care following June 6 elections - Muscat
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Despite promising free health care on the eve of the 2008 General Elections, the government is planning to start charging for primary health care.
Labour Leader Joseph Muscat was addressing a mass meeting in Ta Qali on Sunday when he referred to the front page story carried by newspaper il-Kulhadd earlier that day.
The article revealed that during cabinet meetings, the Gonzi administration discussed that due to the “current situation,” primary health care is no longer sustainable and thus each person will have to be registered with, and pay for, a private doctor.
This, the article said, was in line with what was planned before the 2008 General Election. The article also said that the government planned to keep this decision firmly under wraps, so as not to undermine the Prime Minister’s repeated assurances that health care would remain freely available.
Dr Muscat said: “we are here to say to Lawrence Gonzi that we will not let you steamroll over us.” He insisted that if the PL promised that primary health would be free, “we will keep our word.”
During the mass meeting Labour Leader called for the people to believe in a better tomorrow when he addressed the struggling families, students, pensioners, self employed, middle and working class.
The families, pensioners, unemployment, illegal immigration, VAT fraud scandal and environment were among the topics raised by Dr Muscat during the mass meeting.
Labour Leader Joseph Muscat was addressing a mass meeting in Ta Qali on Sunday when he referred to the front page story carried by newspaper il-Kulhadd earlier that day.
The article revealed that during cabinet meetings, the Gonzi administration discussed that due to the “current situation,” primary health care is no longer sustainable and thus each person will have to be registered with, and pay for, a private doctor.
This, the article said, was in line with what was planned before the 2008 General Election. The article also said that the government planned to keep this decision firmly under wraps, so as not to undermine the Prime Minister’s repeated assurances that health care would remain freely available.
Dr Muscat said: “we are here to say to Lawrence Gonzi that we will not let you steamroll over us.” He insisted that if the PL promised that primary health would be free, “we will keep our word.”
During the mass meeting Labour Leader called for the people to believe in a better tomorrow when he addressed the struggling families, students, pensioners, self employed, middle and working class.
The families, pensioners, unemployment, illegal immigration, VAT fraud scandal and environment were among the topics raised by Dr Muscat during the mass meeting.
Families - More families are struggling to make ends meet. The solution offered by Dr Gonzi was to increase the utility tariffs, Muscat said. Instead of investing in the people, and thus in the economy, Dr Gonzi chose to increase the burden on the consumers to make up for the deficit.
Pensioners - Dr Gonzi is bragging that more pensioners are opting to continue to work, however, the PL is querying the “real” reason behind it, Muscat said. Are the pensioners working to further their own aspirations, or because they cannot cope with the cost of living? Muscat asked.
31% unemployment - Muscat said that in six months unemployment increased by 31% or the equivalent of 11,000 unemployed. “Dr Gonzi is no longer stating that 7,000 jobs were generated during his administration,” Muscat added.
Employers will now lower the working conditions, as well as the salaries, to the detriment of the workers, Muscat added. “We want workers to work with each other and not the other way round.”
VAT fraud case – Muscat also demanded an explanation on the VAT department fraud. He challenged the Prime Minister to quantify the corruption and how much will it cost the taxpayer. “Who will be politically responsible for this fraud case?” Muscat asked.
Muscat said that had it been a self-employed who did not enjoy the protection of the system, he would have already been arraigned in court. “Those who let this corruption happen need to shoulder their responsibilities.”
Illegal Immigration - “In October we told the government not to sign the immigration pact, because it was on a voluntary and not on a mandatory basis… nine months later, Dr Gonzi is calling for a mandatory burden sharing,” Muscat said. He accused the government of wasting time on such an important issue.
The Labour referred to the Marsa area as a “shameful situation,” where immigrants are being exploited on a daily basis. He also retaliated that this current situation is straining the relationship between the Maltese and migrant community. It was “unacceptable” that the working taxpayer is losing his work because the system is not creating a fair playing field.
Dr Muscat also called for an explanation on the 33 immigrants landing in Gozo. On 13 May a group of 33 immigrants landed in Qbajjar Marsalforn.
Environment – Dr Muscat accused Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi of choosing an outdated power station to the detriment of the environment. He said that between 40 to 60 tonnes of waste will be generated from this power station, which will end up in the communities of Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga and Marsascala.
Muscat said the power station will not be cheaper and will drastically increase the level of pollution in the area. There is a high a rate of people suffering from asthma and cancer because of wrong decisions, Muscat added.
Labour leader said that he was not the only one to question the tender for the power station. Former Nationalist Minister Michael Falzon had also questioned the tendering process. Moreover, Prof. Edward Mallia had also said: “this government can no longer be trusted” on environmental issues.
Bird life and hunters not trusting Dr Gonzi – During a secret meeting held in Buskett, between high official of the Nationalist administration and some hunters Dr Gonzi said that both Bird life and the hunters did not trust him.
Muscat said that the teachers, taxi and mini bus drivers, as well as the dockyard workers and nurses are also not trusting Dr Gonzi. He said that Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi broke too many promised to be trusted anymore.
“I believe that this country deserves more. I also believe that tomorrow will be a better day for everyone and not for the chosen few.”
Pensioners - Dr Gonzi is bragging that more pensioners are opting to continue to work, however, the PL is querying the “real” reason behind it, Muscat said. Are the pensioners working to further their own aspirations, or because they cannot cope with the cost of living? Muscat asked.
31% unemployment - Muscat said that in six months unemployment increased by 31% or the equivalent of 11,000 unemployed. “Dr Gonzi is no longer stating that 7,000 jobs were generated during his administration,” Muscat added.
Employers will now lower the working conditions, as well as the salaries, to the detriment of the workers, Muscat added. “We want workers to work with each other and not the other way round.”
VAT fraud case – Muscat also demanded an explanation on the VAT department fraud. He challenged the Prime Minister to quantify the corruption and how much will it cost the taxpayer. “Who will be politically responsible for this fraud case?” Muscat asked.
Muscat said that had it been a self-employed who did not enjoy the protection of the system, he would have already been arraigned in court. “Those who let this corruption happen need to shoulder their responsibilities.”
Illegal Immigration - “In October we told the government not to sign the immigration pact, because it was on a voluntary and not on a mandatory basis… nine months later, Dr Gonzi is calling for a mandatory burden sharing,” Muscat said. He accused the government of wasting time on such an important issue.
The Labour referred to the Marsa area as a “shameful situation,” where immigrants are being exploited on a daily basis. He also retaliated that this current situation is straining the relationship between the Maltese and migrant community. It was “unacceptable” that the working taxpayer is losing his work because the system is not creating a fair playing field.
Dr Muscat also called for an explanation on the 33 immigrants landing in Gozo. On 13 May a group of 33 immigrants landed in Qbajjar Marsalforn.
Environment – Dr Muscat accused Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi of choosing an outdated power station to the detriment of the environment. He said that between 40 to 60 tonnes of waste will be generated from this power station, which will end up in the communities of Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga and Marsascala.
Muscat said the power station will not be cheaper and will drastically increase the level of pollution in the area. There is a high a rate of people suffering from asthma and cancer because of wrong decisions, Muscat added.
Labour leader said that he was not the only one to question the tender for the power station. Former Nationalist Minister Michael Falzon had also questioned the tendering process. Moreover, Prof. Edward Mallia had also said: “this government can no longer be trusted” on environmental issues.
Bird life and hunters not trusting Dr Gonzi – During a secret meeting held in Buskett, between high official of the Nationalist administration and some hunters Dr Gonzi said that both Bird life and the hunters did not trust him.
Muscat said that the teachers, taxi and mini bus drivers, as well as the dockyard workers and nurses are also not trusting Dr Gonzi. He said that Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi broke too many promised to be trusted anymore.
“I believe that this country deserves more. I also believe that tomorrow will be a better day for everyone and not for the chosen few.”
Anglu Farrugia - Deputy leader Anglu Farrugia said that not only during the Gonzi administration unemployment increased to new heights, but more workers are finding it difficult to find work.
Dr Farrugia said that governments in other EU member states are holding discussions with all social partners to create jobs. Yet, the opposite was happening in Malta, where Dr Gonzi chose to lambaste the unions and associations rather than holding social dialogues.
“The European Union is not trusting him anymore, Gonzi lost control of the country,” Farrugia added. He thus urged the people to vote for the Labour MEP candidates to implement what the government is failing to do.
The Sunday Labour Party mass meeting kicked off in style with crowds gathering to watch bands and DJ performances.
Dr Farrugia said that governments in other EU member states are holding discussions with all social partners to create jobs. Yet, the opposite was happening in Malta, where Dr Gonzi chose to lambaste the unions and associations rather than holding social dialogues.
“The European Union is not trusting him anymore, Gonzi lost control of the country,” Farrugia added. He thus urged the people to vote for the Labour MEP candidates to implement what the government is failing to do.
The Sunday Labour Party mass meeting kicked off in style with crowds gathering to watch bands and DJ performances.
More June 2009 Elections
Joseph Muscat visits commercial outlets
Astronaut urged all to vote in the EP elections
Vote for candidates in favour of a social and ecological Europe - Zminijietna
No reform at MEPA, unsustainable development continues – Nature Trust
Health Care fundamental to Malta and Gozo - Kirill Micallef Stafrace
Joseph Cuschieri visits local language school
Muscat meets shoppers and shop-owners
Edward Scicluna files two libel cases against PN media
Joseph Cuschieri to sue Nationalist media over Mument article
June 6 - Send a message against broken promises
Edward Scicluna to sue PN media
FZL hit Freedom Square urging all to vote on June 6
Early voting kicks-off at former Trade Fair Grounds
Health, immigration and employment high on Kirill Micallef Stafrace's agenda
Gonzi lost control of spiralling cost of living
Comments
peter - 30 May 2009 11:11
Mela Dr. Gonzi qabbad task force biex tistudja kif is-sahha tigi
bil hlas, u jien nghidlu lil Dr. Gonzi ghax ma taghmilx task force
biex tistudja jekk il flus li suppost imorru ghal min ma jahdimx
etc. etc. jitqassmu kif suppost mhux ahna in-nies onesti inhallsu sa l`inqas euro, u haddiehor jiftahar li qatt ma hadem u xorta bil-karozza, ipejjep u jekk mhux b`xi boat ukoll, u fuq
kollox ma jhallasx euro taxxa, ghax dawn in-nies hekk iridu
jghixu min fuq haddiema onesti u il gvern ihallihom.
manuel - 30 May 2009 09:24
If Dr. Gonzi wants us to believe him he should have put it straight to the board in the terms of reference, that any reference to healthcare against payment was out of the question. Since he did not put it black on white, his intention was to introduce healthcare against payment. It is as simple as that, Dear Prime Minister. And please, stop trying to take us for a ride. We've had enough of your gimmicks.
peter - 28 May 2009 13:13
Mela sewwa, fuq xarabank qal li is-sahha b`xejn hija principju
li hu u il pn ma jiksrux, issa kollox bil maqlub. Jien nixtieq naf
lil dan il bniedem min baqa jemmnu?. Ghax nahseb lanqas
siehbu Peppi ma ghadu jemmnu.
Gigi D'arcona - 27 May 2009 19:26
Hekk Sew
L-isptar Mater Dei inbena bil flus tal-poplu kollu u se jkun jista' juzah min jiflah ihallas.
saviour bueja - 25 May 2009 20:38
Ta' Qali mass meeting was excellent, Dr Joseph Muscat really knows how to lead a party , he has leadership, he loves those who are not well positioned in society, labour party must continue to stress this matter, must also stress that the nationalist party do work for a certain class, certainly not for the low class, may God help Dr Muscat in all his performance as he really deserve to be a Prime Minister in the near future, the working class needs him.
Alfred Galea - 25 May 2009 16:12
Charge on primary health care;unemployment on the increase;cost of living going up;VAT fraud case;illegal immigration issue;the environment - what environment?;hunters and trappers disillusioned;extension of the delimara power station saga makes me go nuts; etc. etc.
EXPLAIN OR RESIGN DR. GONZI
Jos - 25 May 2009 12:37
Jekk niftakar sewwa il prim ministru kien weghdna li jekk qatt xi darba jdahhal xi hlas gas servizzi tas sahha JIRREZENJA .
vera li kull weghda qatt ma nzammet anzi jaghmel ezattament il kontra imma jekk issibu rekording taghha please semmughwa halli jiftakar.
vera gvern bla direzzjoni u hlief jintaxxana mhux qieghed.
joanna - 25 May 2009 11:37
jien ma nafx imma sistema l-gdida ga bdiet tahdem.jien biex naghmel appuntament ma specjalista kelli nmur ghandu privat hallas 50ewro ghal bicca karta biex jaghmluli apputament fl-istess section ta dan is specjalista.nahseb li ga bdejna nhallsu bla ma nafu u nixtieq nara issa lil montesin issaqsih beix jaghmel promise fuq is sahha
mario scerri - 25 May 2009 10:11
Dr Anglu Farrugia w Dr Joseph Muscat prosit tad-diskors tajjeb li ghamiltu.
Apparti l-atmosfera sabiha w il-briju li kien hemm.
Roderick - 25 May 2009 08:49
Great atmosphere - well done PL
edward - 25 May 2009 08:07
It was so nice to see the grand mass meeting held at mfcc a big success. I was so happy seeing all those people under one roof to listen to Joseph Muscat he is a dinamic leader who speaks the workers' language. He feels what we the common people feel. He is the modern Mintoff of this 21 century and he already has the full support of the whole nation from all sectors of malta and gozo. We are truly the greatest nation on earth as we are looking farward to have Joseph our great leader leading us as i was listening to his speech yesterday and he said that after the 6-06-09 election we are going to start and pay for our health service i wrote about this in the maltastar several days ago and i can confirm that what He said yesterday is right and true it was discussed in the cabinent and approved and soon we have to foot know twice for our medical attention first by paying our national incuranse and second by being presented by the bill after we attend the hospital. I will ask this if a maltese who do not have money to be treated in hospital will be turned down at mater dai while an illegal immigrant needs the same treatment he will get it could GONZI PN explain this to us even if he speaks know and ever i will never belive him as his trak record is so danted the no one does belive him. To end here i have one more small thing to say on 6-06-09 do all go out and vote for all PL candidates as only PL is our only true rapresentatives. as we thank our great leader JOSEPH
Lawrence Galea - 24 May 2009 21:45
Come June 6 the Gonz must be given a lesson he shall never forget.
a.cachia - 24 May 2009 21:40
What a great meeting.What a LEADER keep it up JOSEPH.
E catania - 24 May 2009 20:31
Great atmosphere
Great crowd
Great organization
and most of all GREAT speech by Joseph Muscat
well done .......vote labour for MEP and Local councils
Nick Bonello - 24 May 2009 19:13
What a great coordinated performance!
Thanks to all those who toiled behind the scenes to prepare the place for such a memorable vent.
To the PL leadership I say, You were great. The new and old laburisti are four square behind you. Roll on 6th June,
Joseph, keep it up you are doing great.
Tarcisio Mifsud - 24 May 2009 19:06
What are you waiting for Dr. Gonzi to resign?
You are a PM of less than half of the Maltese Nation, but you still want to dictate as if you have the majority behind when this is not the case.
After destroying our economy, you are going to even worsen our environment further, but not choosing the correct tender for a new generation plant.
It is becoming clear you are now the second Prime Minister, as the first Prime Minister Austin Gatt decides on his own.
Raymond Barbara - 24 May 2009 18:45
This is the way it has to be done.
This is the way for the Victory !!!
This is the Leader who now leads Labour and will soon lead Malta as the New Modern Prim Minister.
Thanks for all you are doing !!!
We the citizens on the other hand would thank you back by voting for all the Labour MEP candidates, that is our first Victory.
kenneth farrugia - 24 May 2009 17:41
DR.JOSEPH MUSCAT WAS EXCELLENT DURING HIS SPEECH . WELL DONE FOR EVERY ONE . WE ARE ONE
louisborg - 24 May 2009 17:41
great mass american style very good speach from dr muscat ,very impressive pl in front
Andrew Camilleri - 24 May 2009 15:26
Well Done for every one...........great mass meeting .
t.farrugia - 24 May 2009 14:19
Very well orginised mass meeting. Dr. Joseph Muscat was excellent during his speech.
keep up this good work.
Antoine Vella - 24 May 2009 13:27
It was a great speech by Joseph and a well organised event!
Antoine Vella
Mtarfa
R.Degiorgio - 24 May 2009 12:31
Watching the mass meeting and amazed from this modern-american style im watchin! Well done all organizers...hopefully we will get more like this more often! Like we youths say...Tal genn!
Charles Muscat - 24 May 2009 11:39
We are watching and enjoying an excellent show via One production. I know that there are others watching and waiting for the message of Deputy Anglu Farrugia and Leader Joseph Muscat. It's great to see the thousands that packed MFCC TA'Qali