‘PL’s energy consultant is their own candidate, how’s that for a conflict of interest?’-Gonzi
PM holds public meeting in Labour stronghold of Birgu.
An initially emollient Lawrence Gonzi kicked off a PN activity in Birgu tonight by stating, “we can debate politics without the worries of the past.”
Gonzi soon turned to the topic of the day, namely the Standard and Poor's downgrade of Malta's credit rating.
“The word 'Muscat' is associated with risk. Last November I declared that an election would be held regardless of the outcome of the budget vote. Muscat had a choice, if he wanted to he could have chosen another method to express his disapproval of the government,” Gonzi said.
“Malta’s credit rating was always positive compared to other EU countries. Standard and Poor’s downgrade is related to the budget not passing through Parliament.”
Another factor behind the downgrade pinpointed by the Prime Minister was the doubt over the viability of Enemalta’s debt.
“Standard and Poor’s have been following the political debate in Malta. PL’s energy proposals cast serious doubts over the long term sustainability of Enemalta’s debt,” Gonzi said.
Turning to the current state of affairs with Smart City, Gonzi insisted that work on the project is ongoing.
"We are just slightly behind schedule due to some small setbacks. This is why those who say that they can build a power station in 18 months have it wrong. Smart City is going to be another jewel in Malta’s crown,” Gonzi said.
A visibly bouyant PM had the crowd eating out of his hand at times.
“Labour’s expert is their own candidate, how’s that for a conflict of interest,” questioned Gonzi, to raptuous applause.
"I am not scaremongering, all you have to do is watch the news. Now is not the time to gamble with the country's finances," Gonzi concluded.