Thursday, 20th November 2008
The government's very messy affair
There was a time when the Nationalists cried blue murder when a former PM introduced water and electricity tariffs that would have left many people and businesses in the red.
There was a time when this person was attacked and accused of having lost his social conscience because of these bills! Well as they say, a week is a long time in politics and 10 years seem like a century.
Things do have the tendency to turn right around every now and then! For how on earth is this government acting differently from Alfred Sant?
Has the root of all evils suddenly become the Holy Grail? Have those poor, bankrupt-to-be businesses become millionaires who can afford any electricity bill all of a sudden?
Have pig-headedness and political arrogance changed their names to courage, solidarity and all the hogwash some ministers are trying to feed us?
How come the government acted as if it doesn't give a toss and "forgot" to draw up a social impact assessment? How come it is only now that the government has realised that Enemalta is in a shambles?
What has the government done to cut waste before passing the burden onto all those who work hard to earn a decent wage? How come all the bills are retroactive and we have to wait till God knows when to get some form of relief since the solar panel initiative is only open for the few who can afford it?
Why is this government being so hard-headed with the Unions? Is this the same party that accused Dr Sant of all things under the sun because he was hard-headed and thought he was Mr know-it-all on the EU issue? How is this government's attitude different?
It is only the completely blind who believe the PM when he says that the government did consult the social partners. Since when has dialogue been reduced to a power-point presentation and take-it-or-leave it offers?
Since when has dialogue become going on the table with a fait accompli? And why all this fuss dear ministers?
The price of oil is plummeting isn't it? Why do we get a whole chorus of teeth gnashing when the price of oil goes up and then a load of excuses when the price goes down? Why did the government have to mess with the surcharge now just as we had started to hope for some financial relief in the future?
Didn't Minister Gatt say that he will think about reducing the surcharge only when the price is below the $85 a barrel?
Oh yes I completely forgot! He was referring to the refined price not the one from the oil rig. I say, what a very convenient and timely bunny out of that hat!
Why throw more burdens on hotels which already have the daunting prospect of a bad 2009? Why kick an assaulted victim in the face instead of giving a helping hand?
At the time I'm writing this letter the PM has agreed to meet the unions after the historic protest in Valletta.
Whatever the results from this meeting (and I do hope we get some positive news or we're in for a hugely negative Christmas) the seed of insecurity has been sown, the foundations of fear and negativity well laid and the untold damage on the PN done! Congratulations are in order for all those responsible for this messy affair.
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Comments
Mr Martinelli defends the Gonzipn Government because he lives far away and does not feel the pinch whatever Gonzipn does.
You must live in our country before you speak, we are the ones who will pay, when the bills arrive, so please stop defending the gov., you only read what's happening not live it.
Wait for it, the next thing will be the drainage tax (door tax) much maligned by Eddy when Sant proposed it.
Joe, we all read and follow the news, but you have to live here to witness the banality of this present administration.
MD Fenech-----what are you on about?? Sour Grapes?? Let me tell you MD fenech I did my level best to see another PN government, I wrote on every paper and on every blog, and at my place of work I did the little I could to secure some lost votes for the Party!! I went to every meeting and I spoke on every social occasion I could to promote the PN!! So much so I got contacted and thanked by a party official after the election!! But this kind of politics is not what I bargained for!! I voted for FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBLI.....not the "......I know better than you stupid!" politics.........................
If you are unhappy about W&E tariffs, there was no need to publish your letter on the Times, you could have written to the PM.
Which Union negotiates starting with the minimum acceptable terms? Has Mr. Cunningham not consistently hear for that Unions go for 100% but would always be happy if they get 60%?
The situation as admirably described by Mr. Cunningham is that the government made calculations weeks ago when the price of oil (crude or refined) was substantially higher. It cannot be re-calculating on a daily basis simply because negotiations are ongoing. There is a mechanism which re-sets tariffs every six months, therefore in the longer term, the rates will average out.
It is not true that consultations did not take place. It is however true that the Unions did not like what they heard and in some respects, they had good suggestions. Mr. Cunningham must have written his letter before hearing about the Unions' meeting with the Prime Minister.
Anything else is for free in Malta why pay for water and electricity. No wonder the government is broke and with a messy balance of payments. Where is Robbin Hood.