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Chamber - economic well-being must prevail over political differences
Chamber of Commerce concerned with possible rejection of 2013 Budget, saying economic well-being must prevail over any political differences
7 December 2012, 12:00am
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
1 min read
Malta's chamber of commerce reiterated its "grave concern" at events likely to unfold this Monday, if the government's budget is not approved by Parliament, prompting early elections for 2013.
"The national interest and our economic well-being must prevail over any political differences," it said.
In a statement, the Chamber of Commerce said that the potential consequences of interrupting the smooth continuity of business are simply too large to contemplate. The chamber noted that tax and duty collection may be thrown into disarray to the detriment of public coffers, fiscal morality and the reputation of the country as a stable destination for business.
It added that the rejection of the budget will also put incentives for business, training programmes and social security benefits at risk.
"The country so far has weathered the international storm as a result of private sector initiative. Malta must not risk being thrown in a similar predicament as some of its close neighbours due to political differences," the chamber said.
The Malta Chamber pointed out that it speaks for the private sector which is an innocent party in this matter.
It addition, the chamber stressed that the business community must not be made to suffer the consequences of political differences.
"If we truly believe that the private sector is the motor of the economy, we must not undermine its past efforts which served to keep the county well afloat through such challenging times whilst other larger economies succumbed. Seeing our efforts go to waste is not the way to encourage private sector initiative."
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The government has tied the Budget vote with a vote of confidence and that is the situation regardless of what the Chamber believes. The problem lies within the PN. It is the trouble within its ranks that has brought over this crisis. Chamber should say that the sooner we end this farce the better because business confidence is dwindling.
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The continued insistence of the Chamber at this very late stage shows blatantly that the Chamber is not the innocent party it is trying to portray itself to be but an active and unscrupulous member of the GONZIPN clique. How can it be otherwise when the same Chamber has been unconvincingly oblivious of the situation developing over the last year. The Chamber should remove its mask, stop feigning to speak for the private sector, and declare its position vis-a-vis its very clear allegiances with the PN. The Chamber should have long, long ago adhered to fiscal morality and not hide behind it now when it is very very clear that the Clique in power, Chamber included, are on the way out.
Lawrence Covin •
These merchants.....these members of the chamber of commerce.....these 'negozjanti'...what exactly do they trade in?
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This is the chamber looking after it's own interests. Profits first, Malta second.
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Has the Chamber of Commerce turned into a GONZIPN spokeperson?? Are they so very afraid that their relationship with GONZIPN might take a different twist if PL wins the general elections? These guys are a bunch of hypocrits too! To release two different statements about the same subject in just 24 hours, makes it clear that there's alot at stake! Where were these guys for the last 4 years? hibernating, or living in the attic??????? We don't want your opinion now!
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We have been living in uncertain times for over a year and the Chamber never raised its voice. It should address its concern to the Government because it is the one who should muster a majority in Parliament to have the budget approved. If the numbers are not there we should go for elections.
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The Chamber should have long ago urged government to call electi8nsat least as late as September when Frenco had it very clear to gonzi that he should go for the budget. Do not now put the blame onthe opposition as everyine know what is the role of the opposotion
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Oh, yes, of course, the Chamber of Commerce has Malta's interest at heart. The arguments raised by the Chamber today should have been brought to the attention of GonziPN months ago when the possibility of having a rejection of the budget and an early election was already looming.Now it's too late, dear Chamber.
