Muscat says he can't commit on future electricity prices

at least he is not promising anything

Milli jidher Karl Consiglio jippreferi min jidhaq bih u jghidlu ha nrahhas hemm u ha nrahhas hawn, biex imbaghad meta nigu ghas si u n no, jaghmel il kontra.

Imbasta

@ keith Damato int bis serjeta ? Dahak bina imma min qal tad drydocks Job sikur, tal go listess il kacca ser jibqaw jisparaw f april. min dahak b min ?

morru u ohorgu ajdu viva il labour issa... diga qed jaddikom biz zmin Muscat .. immaginah fil gvern!!! success kiku

@ Ray Abdilla , Ahseb Kemm tista tafda il Gonzi , Il kacca? Haddiema tal GO ? Dry Docks ? Etc Etc !!!!!!

I think much better if we ask Dr Gonzi when electricity billy will be reduced ? I am not sure about it but Austin gatt said if the oil price goes down then electricity will be reduced.


Oil price went down drastically and still same tariffs

@Muscat Pat
Even though politically we probably won't agree. I am sorry to hear about your knee replacement operation and also for you having to pay up to have it privately.

We could have a lot of arguments as to why there is a long waiting list, which is also found in huge countries like the UK etc.. So don't assume that Joe Muscat will be at the helm and solve these things. There are a million factors why. But yes - agreed - people should not be made to wait eons for such an important operation and judging from the pain I see people I know with the same thing- its not nice.
My previous mail to you though, was that Mr. Muscat is playing with words to gain your vote. what he says (and this applies to most politicians) is one thing and what he will do to you when you elect him is another and its not his fault because his hands are tied with circumstances. PS. Oil is purchased at a certain price and then before the batch finishes price cannot go down. Do I like to pay more ? No, but information is the key

Dr. Muscat gave direct answers to most of the questions, such as those on electricity prices. He clearly stated that he would never raise electricity prices at a time when oil prices were going down. How can he commit himself to the prices in 2013, four years from now? Ludicrous. Why does H. Grech continue asking the same question?
"But... Dr. Muscat adops a cautious stand..." - Since when has caution become a negative trait in a political leader? I will gladly take caution over unfulfilled promises any day.

Wow he can't comment on future electricity prices...isn't it obvious why he can't? He'd be committing political suicide if he did so...

Same old Labour tactics...

If we are so blind to see that these tactics are pure gimmicks, then Dr. Muscat is the Prime Minister that we all deserve to have!

@J. Vella, Of course I did not forget them. But you are conveniently forgetting something else. Those taxes you just mentioned were imposed by the World Bank so that the Government can be given a loan to upgrade the Power Station! The contract was already signed up by the previous EFA administration!

That's the truth for you! But since you said that I forgot, i showed that I didn't forget anything. You did though!

I'm sure that if The Times told Joseph Muscat what the price of oil per barrel will be in 4 years' time, he'll be more willing to make that commitment.

if this government cant even forecast for a year with getting in a deficit?? how can he even expect muscat to forecast what will happen in four years. sorry that was a lame question to ask ???? is gonzi going to reduce our electric rates before the next four years ????? that is what should be asked insnt it ???

We have to be proud living in Malta at this moment because there are two things happening which you will not find in other countries. These two phenomena are against all economics theories.

1) In time of recession we have an inflation
2) Oil price went down and our electricity tariffs went up.

Can any expert that post in this site explain these two phenomena??
We live in an island where strange things happen. Wow!!!

@Mr P Zammit.
The truth is that I am PAYING HIGH electricity and water bills TODAY when the price of OIL went down up to 45$. Today it is 77$ BUT NOT 185$ which is currently what we are paying for -through our noses ! As for the health services the future is TODAY. I have paid from my own pocket 1400 euros for two knee operations. The consultant told me I have to wait two to three years to get them free from the state -of -the- art hospital. Instead, I did my operations at an ordinary clinic ( not state -of -the- art) hospital, three days after my visit!
Mind you I dipped in my bank account and paid them. But that is NOT the point. What about the people who could not afford to pay privately? Are,nt these suppose to have the right to have the health service free. People are made to wait so that they pay by stealth.! The health report is already in action, it needs to be put into the second gear, and then third gear, and then at FULL SPEED, where all health services will be paid for!

The Electricity and Water tariffsissue falls upon the shoulders of the Prime Minister and Austin Gatt, they messed the thing up.
Talking of opportunism, the Nationalist Party will clutch to the last straw to get out of the mess that they are in.
@ Ray Abdilla, `Lil- Sant ma tistax tafdah`, the famous bill-boards by Lou Bondi in 1996. Do you remember? Sant won that election.

I'm amazed at some comments inked hereunder. It's crystal clear that some of your readers cannot accept the fact that Dr. Muscat had in actual fact acheived 55% equevalent to well over 35000 votes more than Dr. Gonzi. I understand it's hard to swallow, but for God's Sake, wake up, this is reality. Mr. Louis Grech, Prof. Edward Scicluna, Dr. John Attard Montalto and when the time comes Mr. Joe Cuschieri. GonziPN had been ridiculed to all time low, yes to 40% heeello, yes to 55%

@ A.Cachia............I am very sorry, unless you show good evidence of what you are saying of receiving a bill sky high in 1996 / 98 your case is not credible. Maybe there was a genuine mistake with your bill or others which can happen any time. I am sure that those proposals never seen the tables of the parliament not even for the first reading. Mr. Joe Vella ( P.N. blogger ) is conferming that those were just proposals.Unless some body issue a W / E BILL of 1996 / 98 with SKY HIGH tariffs and should be genuine, this case is close.

Nice comments on Joseph Muscat eh! Like Simply the best .... I agree, simply the best Alfred Sant's cloner.....he use to adore Alfred Sant and many at the MLP headquarters used to call him Sant's poodle.....the interview he gave to the Times about the water and electricity tariffs confirms that he is no different to his former owner....

The Times title says it all: "Muscat says he can't commit on future electricity prices" - so beware to all.........Joseph Muscat ma tistax tafdah....

Ray

-> When asked what he would have done differently : no solid answers AGAIN but just ambiguous and open-ended statements.

-> I wonder why this was not said before the MEP elections. Now he wants cover up to be safe just in case he ends up in government. He never said the same about the Registration Tax - who knows why? heh.

Also reminds me of Alfred Sant, promising one thing before the election (VAT removal) and delivering a worse monster afterwards.

-> Attard Montalto issue; does not admit mistakes - unlike Gonzi who admits that there were many things that could have been done otherwise or with more sensitivity.

-> ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION:

Reasons to speak about it : 'Or else like Marseille, a socialist stronghold, will lose popularity' CONFIRMING the style of labour's 'new' politics: POP!

Veto, and comments like 'If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys' --- do not really show Muscat has solutions - but rather trying to be POPular regardless the consequences!

Muscat Pat
Isn't it Ironic, for utility rates u say Joe Muscat is not nostradamus, however for hospital - it seems he is. As he committed himself to not put any payment (we already pay for it thru other taxes) for health even when told that rates for health are sky rocketing and in 4 years time it could be huge.
How do you tally that ? Utility rates cannot commit - health can commit. Smell a rat ?
of course there is a rat and you smell it as well, but since MLP is your home, you will never admit that Joe Muscat is taking you for a ride by your nose.

Just for the info of ALL those who have a misconception about the water and electricity bills during the time of 1996-1998.

ALFRED SANT had actually implemented the higher tariffs and the water and electricity bills WERE actually SENT OUT with SKY HIGH prices! Higher that those of today. I did not pay the bill i received, and then later on we received an adjusted bill when PN went back into power.

This may not have happened in all of Malta, but in some parts of Malta the bills were actually sent out!

@Muscat.pat
It is even more interesting to see how PL apologists react to the fact that in the last 22 years the maltese have only done one mistake in the general elections, and fixed it after 22 months. Maltese do not seem to have faith in the PL to govern this country. PL just wins Kunsilli and EP.

"Muscat says he can't commit on future electricity prices" - That's the comfort of being in Opposition, you can criticise, huff and puff over issues, with no commitment. Just like me and football, the Leader of the Opposition is a good armchair critic and couch coach!

@ Joe Vella............Congratuation, I think that you are the first Nationalist that after all these years of spinning are accepting the fact that the saga of Dr. Sant W / E bills were just proposals.So I am right by saying that no BILLS were issued, not like to day the fenominal W / E bills went out " BIL QALB ". You are one of those that believe that it was one of the Labour who gave the apple to Eva,and not Adam. You are forgetting that the P.N. was in power between 1986 / 96, 10 whole years, time enough not to leave a HOFRA. Regarding the Health Scheme, it was discussed on a CABINET LEVEL, means it was so sensitive that only Ministers and Secretaries were involved in Castille, means that it was more than proposals,if you know how it goes. But after one of them betrayed them, Gonzi P.N. said that they were just like the BEANO.

It is interesting to hear how all the PN apologists react to the news that unlike Simon and GonziPN Joseph Muscat does not promises pies in the sky! Yes, Joseph Muscat is not a Nostradamus, he does not know the future, but HE knows that when the price of oil is cheap and still charge for energy at sky-high prices, that is called CHEATING!
And , unlike Gonzi, Joesph NEVER cheated on hunters and trappers, on transport employees, and drydocks workers!
Pleases guys, give us a break, accept that PN has had a beating, read the informative article on STOM by the ex PN Minister Michael Falzon, who is pleading for the PN to go to the OPPOSITION to renew itself, cause all semblance of truth needed in politics has dried up in the PN.
Hearing NET News is like listening to news on a country that exists only in an other galaxy!
People are fed up ,real Nationalists are fed up;ONLY GONZI and the GREEDY want more!

@ Patrick Vella

You are right 100%, Cohen and Farrugia lost many votes mainly for their strong opposition towards Dr. George Abela last year, position which they made sure was well shown off to all and loved the shouts of approval from the delegati very much. I know many Labourites, including myself, who did not vote or voted for some other party because of people like these and their behaviour in those infamous days. I don't think I will ever be able to vote for Labour anymore till people like the Cohens, Farrugias, Jason & klikka will be in it, I was a regular Labour voter since 1992, never failed an election, even local ones, many used to call me a Labour brainwashed person till 2008.

They should better take notice as this factor can easily win another election for PN. The latest Labour MEP victory can ieasily reveal itself to be an illusion, people take risks in MEP and local elections but in general ones they tend to be very very careful and voters rarely trust persons like the ones mentioned above to govern them for 5 long years.

Only few words to describe Joseph Muscat
SIMPLY THE BEST !

@ David Jones

Because he is a progressive which amongst other means what was said yesterday not necessarily holds today. He also said that the EU for Malta would be a cross to bear for eternity…...but again that was yesterday and you should not mention it because we are all progressive now........

Thanks Dr. Muscat! Your interview confirms that though I did not vote for PN this time, I will vote for PN (almost no matter what) in the next local council elections (thanks to a disgraceful PL council in Mosta) and in the general election! Dr. Muscat and his friends cannot continue to joke with Maltese people as if they know it all and we are dumbs...

PL blowing mute horns! The movement so gloriously professed by Joe Muscat has had a hiccup - had he the decency to wait he would have saved himself some blushes not that he has the value of shame.

The result for the local councils shows one reality and only one. That the MEP vote was one of protest but when it came to decide who should run a locality the PN was handed three new majorities just the same as when the population was asked to decide who should run a nation, the PN was once again preferred.

To joseph Muscat .
Warrab lill Jason. X'jedd ghandu jghid li lest li jrahhas l-elettriku. Min jahseb li hu biex jiehu d-decizjoni ghalik. Zmienu ga ghamlu u jehtieg jaghmel spazju ghall wicc gdid. Possibli li ma' sibtx lill xi hadd jiehu postu meta ridt taghmel it-terrimot? Hemm hafna affarijiet li jdejquni fil-partit not to mention joseph cuschieri biex jahasra ha post Marlene Mizzi , mara ta veru kif jaf kulhadd x'kapaci kienet tmexxi. Nispera li taqrah dan il-punt u tirrifletti sew x'qed jghid il-poplu u timxi b'mohhok u mhux b'passjoni biex jonqsu l-'floaters' !

@lawrence cutajar
nispera ma tippretendix li nohduk bis serjeta.
@patrick vella
nifhmek ta ghax xokk ta 35000 vot ma tigix tieghek malajr ,biss nahseb l inkwiet tieghek nahseb hu aktar serju ,ghax missek tlabt ghallkummenti tal pm jew ta simon ,jew ta pbo dwar l emoragija ta voti li tliftu. nifhem li nies bhalek ghandhom agenda biss nahseb ghazilt hin mhux opportun.

@ Joe Vella.

So you're saying that if the corruption in the VAT department was caught earlier, we would be living in a 3rd world country? If roads do not crack after 6 months or 1 year, we are living in a 3rd world country? If the mater dei hospital was better designed on space management and involved less corruption in contract issues then we would be living in a 3rd world country? If the oil was not bought wisely, we would be living in a 3rd world country? Then let there be corruption so that we will not fall in a 3rd world country.

@ Jonathan Aguis

If you put all your "IFFs'" together we will still be living with a third world standard of living. No Electricity, No Water, No decent Roads at all, No state of the Art Hospital that offers new procedures one can only dream of 20 years ago, a university with a population of 800 students and the list goes on.

@ I M Dingli

There is nothing proposed by the Government in regards to fees for Health services.

We all know who was in Government when the last fee was introduces for a health service.

@ P. Schembri

Unfortunately not. Not on Alfred Sant or the MLP/PL count though. It was thanks to your new found hero that brought the Government down.

Also, for the same reason, I am not paying a "Taxxa fuq kull bieb" either. Or you forgot about this proposal as well. What about the sewage tax that was in the 1997 Lejber Budget. And yes, what about the Departure Tax?

@ Dennis Catania

For your information the price of oil at the pumps always trail by approximately 4 to six months the cost of oil that it was purchased at.

ELECTORAL COUNCIL SHOCK IN KALKARA AND TARXIEN FOR THE MAYORS

Mayor Cohen of Kalkara lost 9.3% of the valid votes from previous 2006 council election.

Mayor Farrugia of Tarxien lost 9.9% of the valid votes from previous 2006 council election.

These two Mayors, in the general conference of the MLP one year ago, were among four speakers who strongly opposed a motion, so that all MLP paid members, together with the party delegates, can vote for the election of the new leader.

Mayor Cohen and Mayor Farrugia comments please !!!!!!!!!

How can Dr. Joseph Muscat say that Mr. Jason Micallef (On Bondi Plus) did not mean what he actually said ! For sure he was not in his mind.
PL is still a ship with two Captains.

@F Spiteri
"I don't blame you to reason things out this way after 20 years of PN dishonest politics!! In 4 years' time you'll learn about the other side of politics!"

OMG! so you actually DO believe there exist an honest politician!!!! lol thanks for that, needed some humour to lighten my day. I owe my good night's sleep to come to you :-)

Inkun ili intella u nnizzel jekk ghandix nerga naghti sehemi fil-politika biex inkun ghajnuna ghal MLP izda meta nisma lil Jason Micallef iwaqqa l-ewwel ftit targiet li nkunu bnejna nghid li sakemm dan il-persuna jibqa segretarju generali il-partit tieghi qatt mhu ser jiehu ruh. Ghalhekk jien wiehed minn dawk li ma vvutajtx minhabba whud li sal-lum ghadhom fil-partit li darba kien tieghi u ma jridu jzulu b'xejn avolja l-hsara li qed jaghmlu. Jekk joghgbok Joseph warrab lil jason u dawk ta' madwaru sabiex veru isehh it-terrimot. Jekk dan ma jsirx allura b'dispjacir nghid li ma hemm hadd li jrid jara lil MLP lura fil-gvern.

Who can predict, what the price of oil is going to be in 2013 ?

Only GonziPN knows that. This is why the price of electricity in Malta was at it's highest. While the oil was at it's lowest.

the correct answer to the question

@ Galea L,

@ Galea. L

Why don't you take Mr. Martinelli to task on the points he raised, rather on his residency?

May I remind you, that those who emigrated made a personal sacrifice and left their families behind and in the process created two jobs not one. Can you tell what sacrifices you have made and how many jobs you have created for your fellow Maltese?

@J. Vella. But did you ever received one of those bills with those so called exorbitant tariffs? For you information, those same tariffs were used by the EFA administration but spread over a period of years! But of course, you won't say this because it won't do you any good now!

Joe Vella

The magic word is proposed!! Following your same line of thought than the Proposed study by Dr. Gonzi for viability of charging for Healthcare is 'cosa fatta'!!!

@ Joe Galea

Perhaps the PN Governments were wrong in investing in Malta's infrastructure so that you and I when turning a switch on could have light and when turning a tap on could get water. Malta's infrastructure was criminally neglected over the years by successive Lejber Governments.

Perhaps, you and others of the same Political persuasive were happy to live in Malta with standard of living equal to that of a Third World Country.

@ gc Forte

Perhaps there was a BIG HOFRA at Enemalta was due to many years of neglect in investing in Electricity, water and other infrastructure by successive Lejber Governments. Perhaps now Lejber Governments have discovered t hat there is more to Electricity then turning a switch ,or there is more to water then turning a simple tap.

Just a reminder the price of barrel of oil in 1996 - 1998 was at the average of $20.00 per barrel and still the proposed tariffs were much higher then they are today.

How can Dr. Muscat be made to commit himself on future electricity prices when the administration has been for the past 15 years and for the next four under the not so able hands of Dr. Gonzi and his Gonzipn?

Dr. Gonzi did not even commit himself to what he and his cabinet said before March 2008, less than a year and a half ago and Dr. Muscat is expected to give guarantees to reduce the electricity rates if elected Prime Minister in 2013?

Dr. Simon Busuttil has already hinted the Enemalta is overstaffed and whose fault is that? Was there ever a recruiting policy within Enemalta or was the Enenmalta H.R. department run during pre-election periods?

Whose fault is the state and administration of Enemalta, which burden has to be borne by exorbitant Gonzipn surcharges by the general public?


Will be transparency and accountability in the administration not only in Enemalta but in the general administration of the country and Government controlled bodies like MEPA be guaranteed in the next 4 years ?

The People have spoken, loud and clear.

If our Prime Minister had spent the money wisely on Mater Dei, if the VAT corruption was caught before, if many roads are done properly from the beginning, if the oil is bought wisely than the country would not be giving any thought about healthcare can become payable. But with all these revenues that is what the people fearing. True democracy is not saying look at the state-of-the-art hospital we built to see the investment, but true democracy is giving the citizens something were they can see how their money is spent from taxes, like when a housewife go buy groceries and is given a receipt. But we never know exactly where our money goes and so every politician can play with words.

@ David Farrugia,

Wanna talk about gimmicks my friend? Go ask who promised dockyard workers job security before last election. Go ask the public transport drivers. Go ask the M.U.T. Go ask the Mater Dei staff. Go ask the hunters and trappers. And finally, ask yourself: who's the best gimmicker of all, he who promised me four energy saving light bulbs instead of reduced electricity bills? And wasn't even capable of not even keeping that promise, let alone greater ones? Let's talk about gimmicks, Mr. Farrugia.

Muscat cannot commit on future energy prices , but Jason did!
How is it that Muscat commited himself on free healthcare for everyone when he doesn't know the cost of medicines four years fronm now?

Joseph muscat is an opportunistic*

however the PN supporters have nothing left to talk about other than underestimate JM, it seems the shockwave still haven't taught them a lesson last Saturday

Jason Micallef is not running the PL - Joseph Muscat does ....... and he is doing a very fine job. PN bloggers should a have close look at their own house. The PM says one thing and his Ministers say another!

Mr. Martinelli.
I assure you on behalf of any body and all, that you personally will not be charged anything by the Maltese government for water and electricity consumption neither now nor at any time. For this to happen you have to return and live in Malta not in Canada. Eureka!
Now for others living in Malta, whoever you are just say whether in four years time you will be there to vote. And if yes just say how much you want to be charged for water and electricity. Come on wise people who can promise anything but are not bound to keep their word..
I think some might reply nothing; but that will be assuming. In that case ask Fr. J.Borg what it means assuming.

@ O.Gauci........Let me clear this one out once and for all. During Dr. Sant era 1996/ 98, P.N. consultants which Dr. Sant left them in their offices to give advices how to control the BIG HOFRA that Enemalta had from previous P.N. government. Instead of being faithfull to the person that instead of shoved them out, kept them in their jobs, they misled him by giving the advice to raise the W & E tariffs when the price of oil was down. The G.W.U. objected to this and after several discussions, this advice was scraped before even went for the first reading in parliament. If following my comments I have been challenging any body to show me a bill of that period with the raise included. All it was a BIG SPIN which the P.N. are use uncorrectly and even people like Dr. Simon Busutill & David Casa fell for it. Credibility is the key of a gentleman.

@Mario Scicluna
Qas taghaddili min rasi!!Ghax meta ghola id dawl il gvern ghollieh mill ewwel imma meta rahas ma rahsux mill-ewwel!!
barra min hekk ghaw min ivota wkoll habba il kacca u l-insib haga li ghalija ma tigix qabel il familja u issues ohra!!Imma la dan huwa delizzju ta hafna maltin nirrispetta kull opinjoni tahhom!!
Allura issa tipretendi li Muscat ma jimxix mal linja tal EU??Ikun zball jekk il kacca u l-insib ikunu imweghda ghax diga jafu li dal pakett ma jistax jintmess sakemm mux bi qbil mal EU!!U ghalekk il PL gie fdat ghax qal il verita.35000 vot mux cajta ux!!Mux ta b'xejn kien inkwetat GonziPN!!
Ghalkemm nemmen ukoll li sal elezzjoni pjacir lil dak u pjacir lil iehor(ghax l-interessi personali jigu qabel l-interessi tal pajjiz,) u l fatt li dawl u l-ilma ma joghllihomx apposta jakwista ftit voti lura apparti ix xebgha ta weghdi li namghlu fil kotba (u ma nwetquhomx)!!
ekk inhossa jien

@O. Gauci
No you are misled completely!! Gonzi had originally promised that electricity would reflect oil prices ... and this promise was broken as Malta was the only EU country with electricity costs getting higher when oil prices going down. Get informed please!! And for your information, Joseph Muscat criticised the government for this unjustified raise in electricity costs. He NEVER promised that price would go down or anything in 4 years' time ... he would be insane to do this!

@R Gatt:
"You actually believe that there exists an honest politician"
I don't blame you to reason things out this way after 20 years of PN dishonest politics!! In 4 years' time you'll learn about the other side of politics!

@ O.Gauci........Let me clear this one out once and for all. During Dr. Sant era 1996/ 98, P.N. consultants which Dr. Sant left them in their offices to give advices how to control the BIG HOFRA that Enemalta had from previous P.N. government. Instead of being faithfull to the person that instead of shoved them out, kept them in their jobs, they misled him by giving the advice to raise the W & E tariffs when the price of oil was down. The G.W.U. objected to this and after several discussions, this advice was scraped before even went for the first reading in parliament. If following my comments I have been challenging any body to show me a bill of that period with the raise included. All it was a BIG SPIN which the P.N. are use uncorrectly and even people like Dr. Simon Busutill & David Casa fell for it. Credibility is the key of a gentleman.

He said also that for sure utility bills would be charged according to the oil price at that time...that says it all. Why Mr Editor????

Joseph Muscat didn't commit himself but gave a good indication that prices are charged according to oil prices !!!!!!!!!!

PL : Here's the deal.

As long as Jason Micallef is still an active participant in your administration, the party is near certain to lose votes as it seems that nearly every time this guy makes a statement, he goofs up.

@ All those whom have noting better to do and will probably reply to this Comment : Yea ok, sure, in the MEP elections and KL elections PL showed a considerable gain however how am I suppose to entrust in a Political Party that contradicts itself !!

Joseph Muscat ghamel sew li ma ntrabatx li kieku erbgha snin ohra ikun fil-gvern jekk irrahhasx il-kontijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma,pero' zgur li jisma lil unions u ma jkunx arroganti maghhom u ma jghidx li se jivvota bil-qalb bhalma qal il-Prim Ministu Gonzi f'kaz li jkun kontra it-trahhis tal-kontijiet.

Il qassata isolvija min amila. Gonzipn affeg u hawwad mela isolvi l affarijiet hu jekk irid!

@F Spiteri
"So whenever Muscat promises anything ... rest assured they'll come into force!!! Thanks!!!!"

How naive. You actually believe that there exists an honest politician. I can't decide whether to cry or laugh and am currently caught between both emotions; lol quite a sorry sight actually ... almost as sorry as your arguments.

Ridiculous to say the least. How can anyone pretend that JM commits himself on Electricity Bills for 2013!?!?

The question should be, what would he do with these bills today under the present scenario. JM already answered this question i.e. reduce them and leave more money in the citizen's pockets.

That is why the majority gave a vote of confidence to the PL. The PN or GonziPN cannot pretend to continue robbing our vote on election eve with unrealistic promises, which are immediately discarded when re-elected.

Dr. Gonzi, the electorate is learning from its own mistakes, of having trusted you more than once and getting lies in return!! ..and you have even the arrogance of talking of 'broken masks'!

@ Ronnie Gauci
It may not have been an earthquake but it sure was a massive double landslide. And the rumblings will be heard for a long long time.

Decisions on utility tariffs imply political decisions based on values - basically either to leave the market mechanism to dictate the price, or to intervene and help those mostly in need. This is the question that we should ask and not just whether someone can commit something which has to be decided in 4 years time! How can you expect an answer on something that is dictated by the fluctuating market? What we have to ask is what the country has been doing in these last 20 years in environmental policy, and how are we going to catch up with the rest of the EU. That's the true debate!

il qassata ghamluwa gonzipn1, gonzi pn2 u gonzi pn 3 u hadu risposta min ghand il poplu kollu. inutli tippruvaw titfghu il ballun f sieq ir rebbieh..ha jsolvuwa wenzu and co jew inkella jzulu minn hemm ha niggvernaw ahna sur reporter tat times.

Joseph Muscat cannot be trusted on 2 accounts. The W + E saga, where Jason was using the ruse by saying on the national TV on the immediate reduction of the bills should MLP come to power, only for Louis Grech to refuted this claim minutes later. But Joseph Muscat made a hell lot of political mileage out of this issue thus revealing the political opportunism on Joseph Muscat.

On the recent meeting with Employment Commissioner Vladimir Spidla, Joseph Muscat appealed so that the EU does not initiate corrective proceeedings on the deficit incurred. Only that again Joseph Muscat was making political mileage out of this issue prior to the EU issue.

But one of the things that irked me during the EU election campaign was Joseph Muscat's unethical use of Louis Refalo's medical condition in the Gozo meeting.

@ Joe Galea
No one is blaming the fault on the PL, but you can neither put the blame on the govt...the oil price is not at low levels, like we wish them to be&facing a global recession and the govt had to take a decision. The govt was aware of the MEPs election but still took the decision. On the other hand JM did not have the guts and was dishonest to first give an image that he would reduce the bills and now say he is not in a position. Now I agree with him that he cannot give any commitments but why before he gave an opposite impression? I invite all to review the PM speaches during the campaign.He had been saying to JM that you cannot predict future oil price and so you cannot just go around giving the impression that you would decrease them...so now JM gie f diskors il PM.

@F. Spiteri
Wasn't JM that was giving this promise?Dr. Gonzi was honest althroughout&said it will depend on oil price.

@GCforte
Are you saying that in 1996 W&E didn't increase?are you serious?Where you living in Malta?Oil prices didn't increase in 1996 not the W&E.

The leader and the Secretary General of the same party publicly at clear odds regarding the electricity tariffs. Joseph has gone soft on criticizing the government when it set the surcharge and later on reduced tariffs when the price of oil was high? Now that he sees the prices rising again, 'he cannot commit himself' to reduce the tariffs! Some genius!

Joseph promises a lot of things whether they make sense or not because from the Opposition side he can, but if he ever governs, it is then that he remembers that it is 'easier said then done'.

Joseph will continue to change his position about many other things like he reluctantly did in hindsight mind you, that the Yes for EU had won the referendum. He will continue to brag about the MEP elections and the semi-victory in the Local Council elections, having lost three locations, just to appease Labour supporters who, in the end, still prefer to see Joseph as Prime Minister rather than him winning a few skirmishes and lose the war.

The more time passes the more I convince myself that Jason Micallef is PN's best ally. Where is the earthquake promised to us? Kick him out for PL's good.

@O Gauci: The PL never said anything about reducing or increasing the utility tariffs. The PL just pointed out the bad decisions taken by the government about this issue amongst others. Indirectly everyone can formulate a hypothesis. The problem is that the government made many blunders in what regards the country's economy. Now the PN lovers are trying to blame JM and the PL for the disastrer the government has made.

"Muscat says he can't commit on future electricity prices"

FINALLY!!!

An honest & fully-qualified politician capable to govern Malta! That is what we need to hear and not empty promises, Dottor Gonzi!!

Who would be the cowboy to commit himself that electricity prices would go down in 4 years' time??????? I'm sure Gonzi would not mind .... he's used to break promises by now!

What is not written here is that Dr Muscat promised that citizens would NOT pay for government and Enemalta inefficiencies! Now THAT is what I call an honest and sensible promise!!

Dr Muscat criticized Gonzi ONLY for imposing higher rates on families when ALL europe's prices were going down due to lower oil prices.

As a reminder for those who prefer to "forget", Austin Gatt had promised to reduce the surcharge if the price of oil would go below the $85, and at $47 he opted to double the tarrifs!!!

These facts make GONZIPN not credible any longer!!!

And to contrast with GONZIPN, the fact that Muscat won't commit himself on fuel costs in 4 years' time is a positive sign of credibility!

So whenever Muscat promises anything ... rest assured they'll come into force!!! Thanks!!!!

@ Joe Vella...........When I said that nobody can predict and commit himself for a long period of time, I was refering in general,even to Dr. Simon and the P.N. To be credible you have to lift the responsability and solve the problems of today and not what is going to happen to morrow or in four years time. As for Jason, altghough he is the P.L. secretary, he do not make part of the P.L.parliamentaries.What will happen if Jason ends his post before the P.L. will be in government ? Shall we keep what Jason said ?. Dear Joe, did Dr Paul Borg Olivier asked the P.N. M.P`s who voted for the P.L. M.E.P`s ? And for the last, will you be a gentleman and show me just ONE E / W bill from the years 1996/98. ? under Dr. Sant. I am sure that you cannot produce 1 bill because that was the BIGGEST SPIN of the century.

Joseph Muscat is right to say he can't commit on future electricity prices so ALL the EP pre-election talk re rates was a gimmick? Just Alfred Sant 2 in the making.

What a misleading question! How can Joseph Muscat commit himself on future electricity prices? As if it was not Minister Austin Gatt himself that said the the electricity bills will depend on international oil price? And that what is going to do Mr. Muscat. Adjust the electricity bills according to the international oil price. The higher the price.....the higher the bill. The lower the price.....the lower the bill. Exactly the opposite of what the PN administration did.

Now that is what the citizens (who are sovereign, remember) want to hear. No empty and hollow promises. Honesty is the best policy. I am sure that if the goverment, any government of that matter could reduce the rates, it would do it without any problem. But one has to plan well !!!

@B. Agius

the point is that he is saying this AFTER the voting is done. And you call this honesty? This is just Labour's dishonest manoeuvres as history teaches us. Should Joseph Muscat really wanted to be honest he would have decalred this before 6 June!!!!!

THIS TITLE IS MISLEADING

For all those who are defending the words of Jason, he was asked a simple question by Dr. Simon Busutill: When will you reduce the W&E bills (given that LP had been saying that the bills are too high and hence indirectly that LP in govt would reducse them) and Jason replied exactly when we are in government (which may I remind everyone that the next possible date is in 4 yrs time). So he was doing a forecast for 4yrs time...so those who are saying how can you predict oil prices in 4yrs time...then how can Jason do it? Admit it Jason did yet another big mistake...he had also predicted that LP would win the last GE, but they didn't.

And Dr Muscat....so you said it depends on oil prices...so had you been in government last October you would have increased them to because oil prices were sky high. Then admit it that you tried to fool the maltese people with you words. Why didn't you ever replied in this way before the election...so PN were right...skond iz zokk il fergha...alfred sant had acted the same way in 1996.

@J Busuttil
You seem to have a prophetic talent. Pity that you did not predict what GonziPN was going to do to us earlier on, say before the last general election. If people commenting here, are so blind and deaf, one really has to be sorry for them. Dr Muscat is tending out his hand so that everyone can contribute to the benefit of a new era that can take this country out of the alley that GonziPN has lead us into. It is up to us to pick up this invitation and do our utmost to not just support but also do our share so that we all benefit. I say have faith and do not feel cheated by moving on and changing your ideals.

He would've been lying if he said he would! People should start to seriously separate good politics from good policy!

Who care about bills?!

Get to basics and first defend our nation from illegality and lack of ethics in their multiple forms. Only a strong functioning nation can have full control of its future paths regardless of who the politicians are.

@ Joe Galea. Your first paragraph sums up what the PN has been saying all along, i.e,. Labour will dance to the tune as its played. This can be said for Labour's changed stance on VAT, EU membership, Euro adoption, and other matters that escape my terrible Sunday morning memory. Unless you can rephrase it, one can understand that you agree with Labour being opportunistic and reactive, rather than providing direction.

We all remember that Alfred Sant had promised that VAT will vanish, giving the distinct impression that the cost of VATable items would drop by 15%. As you well know, this did not materialise. So by not binding himself, he basically had a freehand to do what he wanted.

Are we in for more of the same here with Joseph Muscat?

As for you remarks of Jason Micallef: well at least we seem to agree on something but thats not an issue for PN followers like me. I think we have our own problems to deal with :(

The question made by the interviewer is illogical. Can Gonzi himself state what prices he will impose for water and electricity in 4 years time. Can the Editor of the times say what will be the price of the paper in say 4 years time? What wages will have to be paid in 4 years time; etc, etc.
The question to be relevant and devoid of innuendos ought to have been:" If you were in government these years would you have charged the same rates for electricity and water as the P.N."
Questions about the present are relevant not about the future except questions regarding social policy, the way to govern, government behaviour, the environment and many such matters including good financial administration.
Whether tomorrow would be rainy or sunny are out of order. The reply would always be it depends.
Gonzi has so resented the route that he is trying to catch at any straw to save his face.
That was and is expected.
He should say why he raised the price of water and electricity beyond the price of oil. That's a reasonable question about actuality.

HEKK TKUNU TRIDU BIEX IKOLLKOM XI TGHIDU! U TTAFFU FTIT MID DWEJJAQ LI GHANDKOM.
JIENA NINSAB KONVINT LI ISSOLTU FHIMTU HAZIN JEW TINTERPRETAW KIF JAQBEL LILKOM.

A very honest political leader and I am very proud that he is our leader.

Joseph Muscat blasted the baloon at the people's face. take care of this man.

@m scicluna inti tahseb li l pn tilef l ellezjoni tal mep u kunsilli imhabba il kontijiet tad dawl u l ilma biss? mela qieghed thgix fil qammar habib .l istaletti li dahhalek go darek dal gvern ma thosshomx jew ma jinteresawkx? il mepa is sahha l ambjent it taxxi il qaghad il wedi bla sens lil haddiema l arroganza grassa ta certi ministri ic civil sar uncivilized tal qalba jamlu li jridu ic cittadin zibel(forsi int le) familji imkissrin id dejn kilna il prim irrid jaqta id dejh it tnejn biex jehles minn certa ministri li mhumiex jiddileverjaw habib il barrakka taf fejn qieghda. feel free

@ Mario Scicluna

L-ewwel haga nixtieq nghidlek merhba u prosit talli vvutajt ghall-ewwel darba lill-Partit Laburista. Rigward l-inkwiet tieghek li tghid x'mort ghamilt b'idejja, m'ghandekx ghalfejn tinkwieta ghax Joseph Muscat bhala mexxej qatt ma qal li se jaghti garanzija ghal erba snin ohra imma qal li bis-sitwazzjoni kin inhi, zgur li ma kienx jiehu l-posizzjoni li ha l-gvern. Inti kif qatt tista taghti garanzija fuq x'se jigri erba snin ohra. Il-politka gdida tal-PL taht Joseph Muscat hija wahda t'onesta u mimlija energija li lesta li toffri lil Malta bi gvern ahjar u mhux bhal m'ghamel il-PN li wieghed il-manna mis-sema qabel l-elezzjoni (taf kemm il-garanzija ta hux!) u malli ghaddiet l-elezzjoni mhux talli ntesa kollox imma twettaq bil-kontra. Ghalhekk trid tkompli tafda fil-PL u tibqa ssegwi l-kliem ta' Joseph Muscat biex tara d-differenza minn leader ghal iehor.

Ic-cittadin jimpurtah mill-kontijiet li jaslu fil-kaxxa ta' l-ittri, U la minn x'jghid dak u lanqas l-iehor.
Xarabank, Bondiplus, u l-bella kumpanija, imhallsin principalment minn flus il-poplu jixxandru fuq l-istazzjon suppost nazzjonali, dejjem iservu biss ta' programmi TRABOKKI biex lill-mistednin Laburisti jpoggulhom il-kliem f'halqhom u mbaghad xi gurnalist gustuz jikkwota biss 5 kelmiet mill-1000 li jkunu qalu. Is-Sinjur Alla biss jaf x'ghad jinstab, jekk jitla' Gvern Laburista, fl-2013 u dan jista' jsir biss jekk jinfethu l-kotba kollha ta' kumpaniji dinosawri bhall-Enemalta, u jkun hemm il-karti kollha fuq il-mejda. Mela qed tammettu li l-prezzijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma f'dan il-pajjiz huma prezzijiet politici u mhux vera stabbiliti mis-suq internazzjonali? Ghax kieku l-media demokratika ta' kwalunkwe pajjiz normali ghal statement ta' Segretarju ta' Partit li jghid li se jrahhas il-kontijiet minn hawn u 4 snin ohra, tghidlu biss biex jaghlaq halqu ghax dak mhux xoghlu. Jew almenu taghtih cans jispjega ruhu biex tara x'ried ifisser, ghaliex il-kuntest tad-diskors kollu li sar qabel u wara l-istatement tas-Segretarju tal-PL thalla kollu barra. Sinjuri gurnalisti meta se tmorru tintervistaw lill-Enemalta halli l-poplu jkun jaf x'qed jigri f'dan is-super-monopolju protett minn kull idea ta' suq hieles. Jew nippreferu nibqghu naljenaw lin-nies?

Where can I see the full interview with Dr Muscat and not just excerpts?

I just read the interview on the times of Malta and it seems the Joseph Muscat, was and is right. The excerpts here together with the title mislead the reader.
This has happened also in the last PL press comference where the times - title - focused on a single question - that of the far right - which almost had little to do with what have been said by the PL leader on the EU electoral victory in the press comference. This is misleading.

Regarding the tariffs my opinion is that a revision was necessary particularly on the water tariffs which encouraged wastage of water. The farsa that followed which was ridiculous! The cowboy minister not listening to anyone and thinking that he was a chosen by the Almighty to guide this country. The surcharge system should have been kept or maybe adjusted. It would have reflected the price of the oil.

Mr Smiley - The less you talk the better - both for the party and for the nation.

I must say " makes sense ".

@ J. Scerri - Pay Now or Pay Later, at the end of the day we have to pay.

Hafna paroli imma meta nigu ghal-fatti - kif tkompli ezatt???

Re the electricity tariffs,for the sake of credibility the STOM should have investigated the GONZIPN workings and not pretend a solution from j.muscat because what gonzipn does effects us the people.Gonzipn dealt with the cost of electricity in a confused manner,first they were all out against hedging gonzi himself said he is not prepared to gamble with the nations finances then he did a colossal U turn and started hedging without trumpet blowing not to appear doing a U turn.Then one of the hedging agrrement he did went astray and enemaltas effenciency took a nose dive after all this he took the easy way out and increased the tariffs to solve this problem not only this he poured salt on the peoples wound by declaring he was voting wholeheartedly to inrease the tariffs.What would the Times have said if this statement was uttered by say ALFRED SANT or JOSEPH MUSCAT.Credibility PLS

Only the PL can promise reduced utilities bills because he knows what ppl are feeling. To whom want to listen the PL simple equation is: GOOD GOVERNANCE MINUS INEFFICIENCIES MINUS REAL OIL PRICING EQUALS REDUCED UTILITIES BILLS, this is what the PL is promising and this was the base of the electoral campaign among others, so yes we do believe Mr. MUSCAT and the PL.

Maybe what should be promised is that a decent salary would guarantee an ability to afford utilities and necessities. At the moment it has become impossible and I am sure many families and single persons are in accord.

@ Mario Scicluna,
Ghandek xi ritrat tal vot? The PN will never learn from the past labour mistakes, you touch the water and electricity bills and you lose the election. There is one thing that i admire in JOSEPH he is not a liar, he is not promising heaven on earth just a few day before the election, like th PN did, but talking wisely.

There are more surprises to come my PN friends,, what about the reform in the rent laws???
how is GONZI going to patch this one up??, LA IFUH U LANQAS JINTEN??.
The PL is not there to solve the countrys problems just yet, this is like a father with a familiy,if the family is in some kid of crisis he has to solve it not ask his SON.

And last but not least, does the PN in power realy yhink that he can treat his supporters like kids and get away with it?? let me rimind you the promisis before the election.
1,Water and electric bills stay as is.
2, Hunting as is.
3,Bus and taxis and mini bus owners, ECC,ECCCE,sorry not enough letters left.

The fact that JM doesn't promise castles in the sky with the sole aim to gather votes lik the PN always do shows thathe is a true leader. How can anyone predict what happens in 4 years' time? In 4 years the world can cange so much. The most important thing is that the PL being a dynamic movement will ontinue changing and updating itself to reflect the realities of times.

The question should have read: If ou were prime ministernow would you decrease the tariffs? I am sure that the answer is ys. Since the oil is t low prices and due to the economic crisis, that would give some breath both to the common citizen and to all businesses from small to large.

Well done Dr. Muscat. Keep alking the truth and be fair in what you say. One suggestion is that you should pack Jason Micallef in a box and send him to the North Pole where no one can hear him. He is the biggest liability to the PL.

@ Ivan Delia

No body is expecting to get rid of Jason Micallef. Please keep him.

What is known and what is factual is the the PL DO GET RID of any voice of reason. Keep it up.

I heard Jason Micallef LP General Secretary on Bondiplus declare more than once that a future Labour Government would, in fact, reduce (Irahhas, he said), the Water and Electricity Tariffs. On the same programme Mr. Grech Labour MEP contradicted him. Now, in this interview Joseph Muscat tries to defend Jason Micallef when he said "that is not exactly what Jason Micallef had said". Please Joseph, dont shoot yourself in the leg, dont repeat the same mistakes your predecessor Alfred Sant used to do. If you continue on this track, you will start losing credibility. You have already started to lose this credibility when you keep stating that this PN Government if to start charging people for Health when you know this is NOT TRUE. Yes now you are a very happy man. You are on top of the world but watch it.

I READ THE INTERVIEW,ALL OF IT.JOSEPH WAS RIGHT,HE SAID HE WILL NOT MAKE PEOPLE PAY ELECT AND WATER BILLS FOR THE EXPENSE OF MISTAKES DONE BY GOV OR OTHER REASONS,WILL NOT PROMISE TO REDUCE BILLS IF OIL PROCE GO DOWN !!!!ONE MUSY HAVE FACTS,NOT PROMISE THEN DO NOT DIELIVER!!!EXAMPLES???GO,HUNTERS,FREE HEALTH,FREE DOCTOR SCHEME,MEALS ON WHEELS,WORK RUNNING AFTER WORKERS,REDUCING TAX,NO CORRUPTION,DOCKYARD WORKERS,READ ALL INTERVIEW THEN COMMENT!!!!!MUSCAT DO NOT LIE!!!!!THAT'S WHY LP WON TWO ELECTIONS IN ONE WEEK!!!!

@ gc Forte

Don't tell us. Tell it to Jason Micallef, the Secretary General of the PL. PL =partit tal konfuzjoni Galore. I get it the Devil made Jason say what he said. Poor Lejber.

What is a fact is that when a barrel of oil was at $20, the proposed tariffs by the Lejber Government then where higher than what are today.

It would, of course, be quite GOOD, if only our Dr. Muscat, or anyone else for that matter, can predict what is going to happen in four years time. The PNgonzi cannot even predict what is going to happen tomorrow, and he's in Govt.

I suppose Mr. Micallef was speaking, if so, that the Tariffs will be reduced, if the LP would be in Govt. tomorrow, and not in the future.

Buit what kind of questions are these? Who can expect anyone to predict what is going to happen in the future? Can our Prime Minister guarantee that he is not going to raise any taxes during the next four years? Can he guarantee that the he is not going to raise any tariffs in the next four years? Surely not and one cannot expect him to give such guarantees. So please
let us make some more interesting and reasonable and answerablel questions .

Muscat says he can't commit on future electricity prices.

Now the M.E.P's Elections are over, So now he is already Confirming that he, is int gonna do the promises that he J.M, Misled the E.P voters to gain a Rikba min fuq jara sal ponta ta Imniehru ! is this Credibility ? ................. NO !

This entraping interview with Joseph Muscat failed . The interviewer used his time to plant words and phrases in Joseph's mouth. Joseph spat them out one by one, using his charm, but refuting the interviewer's personal theories, masqueraded as questions, one by one. Interviewers using entraping questions are more associated with the National Enquirer type of broadsheet than the Times. We have two of those in Malta and that is more than nausiatingly enough. BTW, in Maltese, the word for the English " confidence" is not "kunfidenza" but "Fiducja". Also "politikanti" is derogatory. The word for "politicians" is "politici".

How come does PL have to give solutions, when PN is in office and power. Ridiculous. You come and do my work, and I am paid...............

The intelligent way to approach this is not by reducing the tariffs, but being efficient in generating and consuming.

There are solutions to reducing the tariffs, but one has to act in a broad manner focusing on many aspects.

Generating energy in our country by wind can be done, however if this is the best option to other sources has not yet been sustained.

Do you all know that the poluter pay principle is a big farse. Mhux vera min ihammeg ihallas imma ferm bil kontra, u jekk hemm xi cowboy jismu Mary, immerini. This system does not exist. The so called, elected intelligent people "running" our country, have revised and structured the tariffs, last Oct in the most ignorant manner forcing industries to use more energy to pay less, due to the different bands. Why? Cause we are run by non technical people, who in my opinion cannot take the right decisions, on energy matters.

Thus the way forward in this country is to elect a technical Team responsible for the energy sector.

This is really a XOKK!!! I wonder what Smiley Jason had to say now. Seems being a re-edition of Scherzi a Parte!

@Silvan Mifsud WE WILL not get rid of jason micallef.... we the delegates vote for him to stay there cause we belive in him. on the other way the only person the pn wants to get rid of is pbo. the person who dosent know how to send an email !!!!!!!

@joseph mallia u zgur li nafu x ahna naghmlu ..... staqi li dik il magoranza hemm barra ta 35,000 vot jew insejtuh dan kollu f gimgha ????? jason dak il hin kien taht pressure... u iraguna ta socjalist umli li jixtieq lil partit tijaw irahas il kontijiet ta dawl u ilma bhalma nixtieq jien.... imma sa 4 snin ohra ghad jigri kollox u il-leader wiegeb b mod responsabli hafna !!

@Karl Abela the only leader we have for the pl is JOSEPH MUSCAT . perhaps u can tell us who leads dr gonzi in pn rcc... austin powers........tonio fenech ????

Now lets see whats gonzi pn will tackle the problem of illegal imigration,cost of living,electricity bills.... lets see how he will work the budget for 2010 in the middle of a recession !!!

I listened to this interview and thoroughly enjoyed it. Dr. Joseph Muscat's performance was great, to say the least. Of course Dr. Muscat had no real competition sitting in front of him. His patient answers to silly schoolboy questions demanding senseless future guarantees, an infantile attempt towards the MEP team's integrity and empty cliches.
I thank Sunday Times for bringing out the qualities that enrich this young energetic, brilliant leader and giving such an opportunity for such a brilliant show of political knowhow and acumen by Dr. Joseph Muscat.
Sunday Times, do it again please, and Dr. Joseph Muscat you were brilliant. Keep it up!

As a blogger recently put it, PN = Pay Now, PL = Pay Later

This shows how Dr Muscat is a real man and act according to reality not fantasy world..... How can one commit himself for something happening in 2013.. in the interview he never said he won't reduce the w&e bills but he said that he will act according to reports he'll have for the electoral program..... More realistic than this? What about Gonzipn... he did a lot of promises and last week he just regretted he forgot all about them ,now we're going to see a yearly Father Christmas giving out present for the next election...WOW!!!!!!!

Din gdida....jien kont wiehed minn dawk illi vvutajt ghal ewwel darba labour, kontra l-principji tieghi minhabba l-kwistjoni tad-dawl u l-ilma.

Kulhadd qalli li ser nizbalja, kulhadd qalli li Muscat qed juzha din l-issue biex jirbah il-voti.

Qas biss ghaddiet gimgha u qed jaghti ragun lill-Gvern, li hu bhala Prim Ministru jara l-kontijiet jirriflettu l-prezz taz-zejt u mhux qed jaghti garanziji li jrahhas il-kontijiet.

Qas lahqet ghaddiet gimgha....x mort ghamilt b'idejja,,,!!!!

Some sense and sensibility from the PL camp, at last . With the price of crude oil hitting the $70's again the few months respite of cheap oil may soon be over on the prospects that the global economy may be picking , so how come that some big-mouthed people know what's down the line in 4 years time, when we don't know what's in store for us next week.

Besides that, I totally agree with Mr Marco Cremona's comments that the polluter-pays principle should apply and how.

To all PN Bloggers did you listen to the whole interview? At first I was disappointed but when I heard Dr. Muscat I totally understood his view. He could only anwser for the present and for when the prices of oil were low, who knows what will happen in 4 years time we might not even be here!

He comes up with this only after all the voting in the Parliamentary and Local Councils elections is over. The usual mind manipulating political tactics. Labour never changes.

To all pro PN bloggers:

1. Joseph Muscat isn't the type of person to promise dancing water and then delivers raging fire like someone I know. In the MEP election campaign he simply demonstrated how because of the inefficiency of the government WE, and I mean YOU included, are paying more for less and not getting our money's worth.

2. How Joseph is going to solve our country's problems once he's in government will be seen once he's in government. What do you all expect? That the opposing coach in a football match comes to tell you in what tactic he's gonna play beforehand? Or that Labour is blamed for all the mishaps created by this incompetent government? Or are you trying to create a scenario where every time this government creates "frejjeg" Labour has to solve it, or else?

3. If you were responsible for creating a mishap, you must also be responsible for solving it. Lashing out to your political adversaries for not providing answers is surely NOT being ACCOUNTABLE, Dr. Gonzi. And ACCOUNTABLE is a non existent word in the Nationalist vocabluary.

Interesting interview.I think that Joseph was right about the electricity bills.The fundamental point is that the rates were increased when the oil price was going down!the inefficiency plays an important part about this.About Jason on Bondiplus,i think that he made a mistake and again talked too much!.About the elected MEP's i can say that Joseph doesnt look happy at all and i can understand!If was elected,Marlene Mizzi will be a right hand for Louis Grech which his performance was the best one after Joseph resigned from mep.The only positive thing is that at least there is Profs Scicluna with Louis Grech.. Im disappointed that Marlene wasnt elected as the truth is that she can be a great asset for PL.

To ALL PN Apologists....

Here is what H.E. Dr. Gwido Demarco used to say when asked such Hypothetical questions.. Quote.."..JIENA M`HINIX SAHHAR IMMA POLITIKU.."

That`s All Folks....

I fully agree with M. Psaila that you cannot commit to something like the electricity prices, 4 years in advance. But here is the trouble ... why did smiley face commit himself?? It is of individuals like him that harm the PL

Irkeb Guz!!!! Li jmiss!!!!

PL used the high water and electricity bills the public is paying as the major propoganda in this EP election, stating that it is shameful that the government resorted to such decisions. Then Joseph Muscat comes and tells us that he is not going to give any guarantee on the electricity prices if his party win the next general election! What a contradictio.

To all those who favoured PL in the past election, how do you feel now that your own leader has just stated that he might continue this burden if he becomes Prime Minister?

This is proof that this is the same old PL, rubbing salt into the wound and never providing solutions. Not only no solutions were provided regarding the electricity prices, but the PL used the situation in its favour just to gain votes, knowing deep down that they themselves cannot just get rid of these exorbitant electricity prices and shift the income to somewhere else!

Stagun Politku Gdid with PL.................AS IF!!!!!!!!

On Immigration: Joseph Muscat is very realistic that puts him in a better position to solve the problem.

Contradictory when in opposition! Very telling indeed. Come 2013 I will be banking on Jason's promise.

Any one surprised with government performance with this kind of opposition!!!!!!

Is this the party that is aspiring to run our country? What a farce! They are not yet in power and they already have 2 leaders....Jason says one thing and Muscat says the opposite.

that's why Joesph muscat is a great leader nad will be a great prime minister, he was straight on everything, we love you joseph cause you don't lie to gain votes.

Bdejna!! Ferhanin bir-rizultat u nitkelmu bl-addocc u wara irridu nigbru giehna...ahjar titkelmu b'ras wahda u hsieb wiehed ghax dak li gibtu ha titilfuh.

Min jaf kemm ghajtu meta semghu lil Jason jghid li il'PL ha jbaxxi il kontijiet tad dawl.......Jason ....Jason......Ghax ghandna l'Jason maghna ahna .............mifxulin. Tafu x'qed taghmlu jew ?????????? Jew forsi hekk tfisser li tkun progressiv. Iddahquniex hbieb. Din politica tac-centezmi jghidulha u mhux progressiva.

Good for you, Joseph.

I was taken aback when I heard Jason Micallef commit the PL to reducing the water and electricity tariffs on TV last week. How could anybody commit the country to reducing prices in 4 years time-when NOBODY has any idea what the global (and local) economic situation will be then? And no idea about the price of oil

Enemalta will have to invest close to 1 BILLION-Euros to get its act together in the next few years. Where is the money going to come from? The EU funds will only go a short way in helping get out of this mess. Personally, I prefer an increase in tariffs rather than imposing more taxes on the average taxpayer. The polluter-pays principle should be properly implemented. Those that consume more (water and electricity) should be made to pay more.

But government (present and future) should ensure that there are no loopholes. No theft of electricity and water. No 'cheap' water available through the thousands of illegal boreholes, transported by water bowsers.

Joseph, I congratulate you for having the courage to correct Jason's committment immediately and for acting responsibly.

It is indeed a great pity, that Joseph has to waste his energy to patch up the blunders of his incompetent Secretary General. Jason Micallef has become a liability, which Labour needs to get rid of as soon as possible. He will be a stumbling block in building the movement Joseph is advocating, especially when it comes to attracting moderate voters to the Labour Party!

How can anybody predicts and commit himself 4 years before, and not sure if he will be in government . Why the P.N. strategy are using the word " IF " ?? Even Dr.Simon and Mr. Casa ,have been using " IF " as well. Let me use this word myself. IF you have the responsibility in your hands, it is not the other part to tell you what to do. As for Mr. Jason, I say that he was pressured by Dr. Simon to say what he said,but I believe that it came out of his heart and not from his head, because he is a true Socialist, but it is possible. But nobody is talking about the GAFFE that Dr. Paul Borg Olivier said. " He committed himself that he is going to ask all P.N. members of parliament, IF any of them have voted for the Labour M.E.P". Hallina Pawl.

This is not a party issue and it will only be solved when we start using clean environmentally-friendly energy: wave and solar but not wind. Windmills necessitate massive concrete foundations, and they are extremely noisy.

I've had my fill of politics for this Summer so I won't be watching the interview.I just detect a loaded question from the report above. How can you possibly ask someone to commit himself on anything that might happen in four years time,let alone on prices?. It's not the sort of question that is flung at Government Ministers or the PM.

Whilst it may not be the same old Labour Party,it's certainly the same old 'Times'. Need I ask if this comment will be printed?