Following an impasse on where rescued migrants stranded on the MV Aquarius were to disembark, Malta stepped in to accept them ashore after several EU countries agreed to redistribute the people among them
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Sunday, September 30, 2018
Maltese army to disembark 58 migrants and a dog rescued by the Aquarius
‘Flavour of the day is to speak against businesses; we can never fall for that temptation’ – PM
The 'flavour of the day' is currently to speak against businesses, but despite this 'we must never fall for that temptation', Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said in a meeting on Sunday morning.
Speaking at the ONE Complex in Marsa, Muscat said that the government had to be one with businessmen, especially small-scale ones, who everyday go out to work in their businesses, who everyday open their shops and who everyday risk their money.
He said that over the past years Malta has always moved forward, but warned that this had been done not by instilling jealousy between each other, or by creating a 'have and have-nots' division. Muscat said that the country had moved forward by working together, and said that it must keep doing so to bring more wealth, as it is this wealth that creates more jobs and brings the government more income which can be used to raise pensions, improve infrastructure and create more of its own jobs.
'We stand shoulder to shoulder with our police force'
Muscat gave heavy emphasis to the police force in his address, saying that the government stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with the police, praising it for its work.
He did so whilst making note of what he called a 'recent decision by the courts', no doubt referring to decision to release Liam Debono, who allegedly ran over and almost killed police constable Simon Schembri last May, on bail last week.
The Prime Minister said that whilst he was tempted to comment on the matter, he could not and didn't want to, because his role as Prime Minister is to support and defend the country's institutions at every moment in time.
He said that it couldn't be when they make a decision which he likes, he praises them, and when they make a decision which he may have reservations on, he criticises them. This is what rule of law is, Muscat said.
However, he still hinted at some displeasure towards the decision, saying that the government had to accept, even when they may disagree, bow their heads and keep moving forward.
Muscat also praised the police for their work in localities such as Marsa, Hamrun, Santa Venera and parts of Birkirkara, where news laws prohibiting loitering have recently come into being.
He said that this is not a 'black or white issue', saying that he was sure that the old lady who has a person sleeping in the pavement near her door at night doesn't care whether that person is black or white; all she cares about is that when she goes out for mass the next day, she feels safe. For the feeling of safety, Muscat said, the people have the police force to thank.
'Malta must be part of the immigration solution'
Another matter on the agenda of Muscat's speech on Sunday was that of immigration, saying that Malta had to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Speaking about the arrival of the MV Aquarius, which is expected on Sunday, with 58 migrants 'and a dog' onboard in Maltese waters, Muscat said that Malta could have closed its doors like other countries are 'boasting' about doing, but that would have made the country 'part of the problem' - no doubt referring to countries such as Italy who under the stewardship of Matteo Salvini have resisted in allowing migrants into the country.
He said that the migrants arriving in Malta on Sunday would be distributed amongst four EU countries, and that not a single one of them would remain in Malta - new which was greeted by widespread applause from those present.
Muscat said that all that the government did was to save lives without burdening the country with more weight. He said that what the country did this summer went beyond the humanitarian aid that it should be providing.
He said that he understand people of good will who are worried about the migration situation, saying that there is worry that is justified; but he cautioned against worry that is used by people to spread hate. 'It's easy to organise marches and to wave flags - but let us understand what flags we are waving', Muscat said, calling upon people to understand 'what our values are'. The reference here was to a demonstration recently held in Hamrun by the Maltese Patriots Movement.
He then reminded his audience that shortly after being elected to government in 1971, then prime minister Dom Mintoff had responded positively to UN demands for countries to accept people expelled by an African country, referring to the 1972 crisis when Uganda expelled Asians from the country, with Malta being one of several countries to accept some 300 people.
Mintoff's slogan 'Malta l-Ewwel Qabel Kollox' is often quoted by those clamouring against migration.
"To those who use Dom Mintoff's name; to those who wave flags; let us understand what flag we are waving... next month we will recall the day when Malta had lifted its hand in the UN to accept migrants expelled from an African country," Muscat said.
'We are showing our children that collective transport is the way to go'
Muscat spoke briefly about the recently implemented reform for free school transport, saying that an unprecedented number of children had taken advantage of the service.
He said that not only was the system saving hundreds of euros for thousands of families, but it was showing children that the best way to move around is through collective transport.
Speaking about the government's long term aims in the transport sector, Muscat said that he wanted to improve the infrastructure to the point that the government could provide free transport to all, before also saying that the promise to arrange the country's roads was coming to fruition.
'The question is no longer if we are going to be arranging a specific road; it's a question of when we are going to be arranging it', Muscat said.
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Adrian Delia calls for a full-scale investigation into Planning Authority
Opposition leader Adrian Delia criticised the government for not taking the necessary measures against the Planning Authority's decision to fly in a board member on a private jet to vote on the db Group project
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Joseph Muscat extends olive branch to police
After criticising police heavy-handedness in handling environmental protestors, Joseph Muscat thanks officers for their work and hints at displeasure over court decision to grant bail to youngster who almost killed police officer
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Delia renews call for investigation in Planning Authority spending
Opposition leader Adrian Delia this morning continued to pile pressure on the Planning Authority's chairman for having authorised the payment of a private jet to cart a board member back to Malta from her holiday in Sicily for the vote on the db ITS site project.
He called on Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Planning Minister Ian Borg to take action after the PA Chairman Johann Buttigieg admitted in another section of the media that he "would be an idiot" to authorise such a payment again.
Opposition Leader Adrian Delia today called for a wide investigation into how the Planning Authority is spending its money.
The authority had paid €8,750 to bring over board member, Jacqueline Gili, to vote on the controversial db Group project in Pembroke.
Gili was flown in by private jet from Sicily where she was on a family vacation, and flown back after giving her approval to the project. The vote passed with 10 votes in favour and four against.
Delia said the PA needs to explain how much money it spends on travelling and how much money it spends on what it should be its responsibilities towards the community, such as parking schemes.
What money is being spent by the PA, how much and how are they being spent are the questions Delia said the PA needs to answer immediately.
This situation, he said, shows that the government does not know where good governance starts and finishes.
The PA chairman had taken responsibility for the decision to fly Gili over from Sicily but when the Prime Minister frowned upon the move, he said he would not do it again.
The minister responsible, Ian Borg, had also said action needed to be taken but so far nothing has been done, while the PM had said that he had not been even informed of this decision, Delia noted.
Delia questioned again why of Gili's vote had been unnecessary, why was that amount of money spent? On the other hand if her vote was necessary, why was she permitted to travel abroad in the first place?from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2DIBLUi
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NGOs, family businesses, MFSA: Party whips prepare for upcoming parliamentary sessions
Byron Camilleri (PL)
What is on the agenda for this parliamentary season?
The coming months will see the government continue to pursue its goal to implement a reformist agenda. One of the first laws on the agenda are those related to voluntary organisations, amendments to family business activities and the strengthening of the Malta Financial Services Authority.
What are the most important bills or motions that you believe deserve to be given priority?
The appointment of Malta's first Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is a very important motion that will be discussed and approved in the coming weeks. This is another step among many that this government has taken to strengthen governance and rule of law. The government has also accepted the proposal of the Opposition to appoint Dr George Hyzler as the first commissioner. This is further proof that despite having the biggest majority in history, the government has no problem in being open to scrutiny.
A vote on this appointment shall be taken together with a budget-related vote on 30 October.
What bills or motions do you believe could stir up controversy?
I do not see any bills presented creating controversy; however, I expect anything from the current irrational Opposition. After all, it was this Opposition that voted against extending IVF to more people and against a law intended to protect the victims of domestic violence.
The previous few parliamentary seasons have been defined by animosity between the two sides in Parliament. Do you envisage another competitive year or will there be greater cross-party cooperation?
The fact that we accepted the Opposition's nomination for the role of Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is a clear example of how the government works where cooperation and cross-party debate is concerned. On the other hand, I do expect more infighting between Opposition factions.
Will we see the introduction of more family-friendly measures, such as the changes to the Wednesday session?
Parliament will now be convened between 4pm and 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, whereas Monday sessions will still be held between 6pm and 9.30pm. I look forward to holding all sessions between 4pm and 7.30pm. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions will be held during budget sittings.
There are a number of MPs whose attendance is questioned. Should measures be introduced to ensure greater attendance? Have you spoken to your MPs about the matter?
I must note that parliamentary attendance has improved drastically during this legislature.
Robert Cutajar (PN)
What is on the agenda for this parliamentary season?
So far, the government has informed us of the first 10 bills that will be on the parliamentary agenda. This includes legislation with regard to NGOs, family businesses, the Education Sector, and the financial services sector. Obviously, the budget remains the most important subject. This will be presented on 22 October, with the Leader of the Opposition's reply coming a week later.
It should be noted that while the Government Whip provided me with drafts of the first 10 bills, which will be discussed during the budget schedule, the House Business Committee did not convene once during the summer. In fact, the committee will first meet just hours before the actual Parliament convenes on 1 October.
What are the most important bills or motions that you believe deserve to be given priority?
The budget remains an important event in Parliament every year. Apart from this, the Opposition does not exclude presenting any motions or private member's bills in the coming weeks on a number of subjects. The Opposition will participate actively in every permanent parliamentary committee, where we will give our contributions with respect to the highest institutions of the country, and with respect and duty to the people of Malta and Gozo.
What bills or motions do you believe could stir up controversy?
The bills being presented by the government should not arouse controversy. However, the Opposition does not exclude presenting amendments to see that the bills presented by the government are developed into better legislation than what has been presented.
The previous few parliamentary seasons have been defined by animosity between the two sides in Parliament. Do you envisage another competitive year or will there be greater cross-party cooperation?
One cannot exclude anything especially with regard to the lack of transparency and accountability that has defined the Labour government in the last few years. The Opposition will continue doing its work as it is obliged to do so, by not only criticising where needed but also presenting proposals and solutions in the interest of the common good. When we speak in the interests of the common good, we must have a government who will not be displeased with our work. It is also our duty as the Opposition to be a voice and shine a light on those most vulnerable in our society.
Will we see the introduction of more family-friendly measures, such as the changes to the Wednesday session?
As a matter of fact, as from tomorrow Parliament will start meeting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 4:30, while Monday will remain a 6pm session. One hopes that the decision taken by the government is for family measures and not for other reasons.
There are a number of MPs whose attendance is questioned. Should measures be introduced to ensure greater attendance? Have you spoken to your MPs about the matter?
Nowhere does it result that the reasons Opposition MPs miss sessions are capricious. As Whip, I can confirm that any absence by Opposition MPs has always been justified and have all been accepted by the Speaker. Every MP knows that there is a €50 penalty if he or she fails to attend a session without a valid reason.
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