Gonzi says PN needs an ‘internal reform’ to get closer to the people

 Prime Minister and Nationalist Party Leader Lawrence Gonzi said the PN needs a “strong internal reform” to get closer to the people.

Speaking on Radio 101 about the outcome of the PN’s general council, Gonzi said that the PN needs both ministers and members of the party who are closer to the people.

He added that the General Council had been a positive one, and following the meeting, the PN will continue updating its policies. “We will be working internally on all social aspects, including issues such as IVF and divorce which are also important.

“However, we still cannot forget other issues such as education which is extremely important and a crucial instrument for our economy.”

He said the PN will continue building on the country’s challenges, such as guaranteeing clean energy, a sustainable environment and continue investing in opportunities which would strengthen Malta’s economy.

Gonzi also told his listeners not to wait for the Labour Party: “All the PL has on its mind are the elections. It is not even competent enough to provide solutions to what it criticizes … you know well enough what the PL’s rubber stamp is,” adding that the Labour was playing the liberal trump card, when in reality it was not.

He added that the electorate should “choose right from wrong” when voting: “Do not let anyone sow doubts among you. You all know what the result of the 1996 elections were and you all know the outcome. Let us not forget because that was an important lesson.”

Gonzi said that the PN will be remembered for the jobs it created at a time when other countries where facing financial difficulties. On the Greek bailout, Gonzi said the EU couldn't do without helping Greece.

“The Greek bailout was important because it affects all countries in Europe, including those who are not in the Eurozone such as England.” He said that not helping EU countries such as Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Italy would result in further deteriorating of the economy, for example with regards to exportation.

Gonzi criticised Labour MP Alfred Sant for reiterating that Malta had joined the EU at an early stage. He also criticised the PL for having no one tell the former Labour leader that he was mistaken.

“Hadn’t we not joined the EU, today we would have ended up like Iceland,” he said, adding that Sant, a “Labour’s voice, Joseph Muscat’s voice”, is wrong in criticising the Euro.

Gonzi went on to criticise the PL for not supporting government’s reforms. He said that reforms were necessary if Malta wanted to remain afloat. 

“In a letter the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou wrote to the European Commission he said: had major reforms been implemented years ago, we would have avoided the current crisis,” Gonzi said, adding that Papandreou came from a Socialist Party, just like Joseph Muscat.

“But the Labour in Malta has long been telling us not to do reforms,” he said. “Have I lost votes in the process? Yes, but I have my conscience clear that I’m doing what’s best for my country.”