'PM has lost all political credibility' – Joseph Muscat

During his weekly Sunday speech, Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat said that the way the ministerial increase was announced is yet another proof of how the Prime Minister is lacking political credibility.

On November 1, a parliamentary question raised by Labour MP Anthony Agius Decelis revealed how the Ministers were pocketing two pays: the salary of being a Minister and the salary of being a member of parliament, Muscat said.

“Two and a half years on, we discover that the Cabinet had decided to give the Ministers the raise two months after the last general election, without informing anyone,” Muscat said. “The way how the decision was taken in concealment and the time, just shows how cut away Gonzi is from reality.”

Muscat recalls how the decision was taken at a time when Laurence Gonzi, “acting like the weatherman” was calling out to the Maltese and preparing for the “storm which is to come.”

“Meanwhile he was raising the salary of his Cabinet,” Muscat claimed.

“However, even more surprising, is how I ended up in the middle when Gonzi said that all MPs and the Opposition Leader were also to get a rasie,” the Opposition leader said.

Muscat explained that in another parliamentary question, this time raised by Labour MP Leo Brincat, it was revealed that on May 5, 2008, the Cabinet had decided to double the salary of both the Speaker and the Opposition Leader.

“And I am sure that I receive only one pay,” Muscat said. “Apparently I have to receive an arrears cheque of €50,000.”

“It is scandalous that at a time when each sector in the economy is passing through difficulties and have to make huge sacrifices to keep up with all the increases, the Cabinet agrees to the pay rise. It was simply not the right time to do it.”

Muscat expressed sympathy with the "middle class", saying he understood how much they were suffering and for this, he said, he would not accept the pay rise.

However, he also passed on the idea that he would go by the suggestions of others and open “a transparent trust fund”.

“Many have suggested taking the money and put it in a trust fund to help those who are in need,” Muscat said.

Maternity Leave

Referring to the rejected proposals on the maternity leave extension by the EU Council of Ministers with Malta, along with a majority of member states, voting against, Muscat branded this “as another vote against the family.”

“The maternity leave extension is not only an incentive to encourage women to join the workforce, but it is also one of the best methods to solve the pension problem,” Muscat claimed. “More women working means more contributions to the economy and in our case would mean an increase of 9% women working.”

Muscat recalled a scientific report conducted by Labour MEP Edward Scicluna in which he states that, opposite to what government said, maternity leave would cost €5 million and not €12 million.

The BWSC contract

“For the ninth consecutive time, a parliamentary question raised by Evarist Bartolo has remained without an answer,” Muscat said.

The Opposition leader was referring to a question raised by the Labour MP in which Bartolo asked the Finance Minister about the screening of the BWSC subcontractors and whether any of them were ever involved in cases of corruption.

“The questions have been repeatedly asked since May, and each time Fenech replies the answer will be given in other sitting,” Muscat said.

The Labour leader accused government of “being selective when interpreting the Auditor General’s report”.

Muscat also promised that if Labour was to be in government, a review of how the Public Accounts Committe operates will be carried out.

"We cannot be in a situation where a minister whose decisions are under investigations, ends up asking the questions himself," Muscat said in direct reference to Transport Minister Austin Gatt.

Muscat also expressed confidence that the truth will emerge over the BWSC contract.

In a reply to a question about Enemalta’s debts amounting to €500 million, Muscat said that half of the debt is a recurring debt from the building of the Delimara power station dating back to 1989.

“And amidst all these debts, Enemalta’s top employees have spent €150,000 in conferences, travel and parties.”

Muscat claimed that these people, under a Labour government, will be held accountable.