Leaders clash in fiery University debate
As expected, the political leaders’ debate at the University of Malta was dominated by corruption allegations, as Panama and Egrant became the two key words common to all the five contenders.
Hundreds of students attended the debate, held inside a packed Sir Temi Zammit Hall, instead of enjoying their break as usual, with a cold drink under the warm sun.
They could not miss this muchanticipated debate, which has been at the centre of media attention for the past weeks, over allegations of students trying to hijack the debate.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was given a cheerful welcome. But the crowd burst into loud applause when Partit Demokratiku Leader Marlene Farrugia appeared on stage. Simon Busuttil was also welcomed with an fierce applause. From the very beginning one could tell that, unlike the debate which took place four years ago between Joseph Muscat and Lawrence Gonzi, it was PN’s turn to garner the biggest support.
The debate was, as expected, dominated by accusations of corruption made by Dr Busuttil and PD leader Marlene Farrugia, with AD chairman Arnold Cassola choosing to attack both major parties, and Patrijotti Maltin secretary Henry Battistino arguing that Malta should return to the time when it belonged to the Maltese.
Six podiums were initially set on stage. Patrijotti Maltin’s Battistino was included in the debate for the first time; another four were assigned to Prime Minister and Labour Party (PL) leader Joseph Muscat, Nationalist Party (PN) leader Simon Busuttil, Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) leader Arnold Cassola and Democratic Party (PD) leader Marlene Farrugia. Organisers announced that they had to remove one of the podiums as Alleanza Bidla chose not to participate in the event.
Opening the debate, Joseph Muscat said that the discussion needed to be a battle of ideas and not a shouting match. He said that it was important that students vote. “We are living in a world where young people have lost faith in their government.” He also said that his government championed civil rights and a number of controversial liberal policies, pointing to his party’s proposals on recreational marijuana, and the regulation of prostitution.
The crowd booed at the mention of the state visit by the Ukrainian President, (which was the reason why Muscat wanted to have the debate postponed.) On the claims of corruption, Dr Muscat said he ordered an investigation himself on the Egrant allegations and reiterated the challenge to Dr Busuttil to step down if the allegations made are proven to be false.
Prof Arnold Cassola, perhaps the one who managed to keep students entertained the most, told students that they should be delighted to have PN or PL because they are promising tax cuts for everyone, “just like father Christmas.”
It was Marlene Farrugia’s turn to woo the crowd. “The first step towards good education is a good example,” she said while referring to the Panama Papers. She said she was here today because she believes there is a need for Malta to change direction. Democracy should not just be exercised on Election Day, but Malta deserves to be governed by a fully democratic government year-round.
Moviment Patrijotti Maltin Leader Henry Battistino began by apologising for not being the skinhead the media portrayed people like him to be. “You thought I would have swastika tattoos, but I am a grandfather of five, a businessman who believes in Christian values.” He said that despite all these allegations, corruption will always be present because it is institutionalised. “The only way to solve this is to have the President elected by the public together with a senate.”
In his introductory remark, Simon Busuttil said Joseph Muscat only called for an investigation after the evidence was removed from Pilatus Bank. “I do not have a company in Panama, and none of the members in my party do.” He said Muscat would not be able to reply were he to be asked if any of his MPs have a secret company. He said Dr Muscat appears convinced but he is failing to convince the public and said that it seems that he already knows that the evidence has vanished. At one point a student was heard shouting, “you’re wasting time Simon, get your proposals out.”
Sparks fly at the mention of corruption
Debate moderator Luke Hili asked about measures to eliminate corruption and Dr Muscat said this government already implemented a number of measures in this regard, but the crowd booed in disapproval. It was at this point that Dr Muscat alleged that there are two PN election candidates who have offshore accounts and told Busuttil to go make the necessary find out. “Even your party president (Ann Fenech) offers to open companies in Panama,” he said.
Prof Cassola said that the only real mistake was done by the students’ parents for always voting for the two main parties. He held a photo of Keith Schembri in his hand and said “this is the real PM.” He later also showed a photo of PN MP Toni Bezzina, who withdrew an application for a development on ODZ land only after public outcry.
Marlene Farrugia started her intervention on “the falsity of the Labour Party.” She said the government failed to implement the Bill on standards in public life simply because the party does not want to subject itself to it.
Simon Busuttil said that while Joseph Muscat removed the time-barring on cases concerning corruption by politicians, the PM is simply not allowing the police to investigate. “The PN is proposing that the most important posts in public life are chosen by a two-thirds majority.” He replied to the accusations made by Prof Cassola, about Toni Bezzina’s application on ODZ land, Dr Busuttil said that he had told Bezzina “you either drop the permit or you’re out.” He pledged that a PN government will not develop the White Rocks complex.
Asked whether he will keep up the momentum in civil liberties, Dr Busuttil promised that the rights introduced by this government will be retained completely. He said a PN government will introduce gay marriage. “I want to build on the good things which were done.”
Marlene Farrugia said that civil liberties are not only about one’s sexuality, they are also about freedom of speech. She accused the Labour Party of being sexist in its comments and also its billboards. She said this should be a time to celebrate and educate students on the choice they need to make on the future of our country.
Cassola claims biggest factory in Malta is employing people with slave labour
Profs Cassola claimed that the biggest factory in Malta is practicing modern day slavery. He told Dr Muscat should tell the Police Commissioner to investigate. “Well it depends, because he might be too busy eating some rabbit.”
Dr Muscat said that he has no
Prof Cassola said that the only real mistake was done by the students’ parents for always voting for the two main parties.
problem in being in a “four against one confrontation”, and the crowd cheered. PN supporters, on the other hand, tried to shout “shame on you.” He called on politicians to keep calm, and that no one should attack personally. Simon Busuttil told Joseph Muscat that he started his legislature with a majority of 36,000 votes so he should not feel so intimidated.
After a couple of questions on the health and job sector, Egrant took the main stage again.
Dr Busuttil avoided giving a clear answer whether he would resign if the allegations prove to be false. “I did not come up with allegations, it was a whistle blower. My job is to address such accusations.” Dr Busuttil avoided giving a clear answer whether he would resign if the allegations on Egrant belonging to the PM’s wife prove to be false.
Simon Busuttil said that if it is
very serious matter to have a company in Panama and if the PM intends to resign if allegations are proven, “then why didn’t you have Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi expelled?”
Student question time was interesting, to say the least. Some students were either party members or known PL or PN supporters. A certain Alexia asked Dr Busuttil on Beppe Fenech Adami. “He was investigated by three magistrates and they found nothing,” the PN leader replied.
A student asked on why Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi are still occupying their post, Dr Muscat said that the issue with him is that, if caught having a company in Panama, he would resign because he has not declared that he has one.
Closing remarks
The debate finally drew to a close after more than two hours. Dr Muscat, the only leader who had more than two minutes left, said that a lot of students have given up on politics and the event today restores some of his faith in the future of politics. He called on students to keep their political activism.
Prof Cassola said that for the last fifty years, winning an election meant that a party won everything, from the police to the banks. He said Joseph Muscat had the opportunity to bring change, but failed miserably. “For those who are tired of seeing people like Keith Schembri leading the country, vote clean, vote green.”
Marlene Farrugia said that four years ago, the country chose to elect a party with a vision. She said this change never materialised, and now the country has to face a snap election. “PD still represents the true ideologies of the Labour Party,” she said.
Dr Busuttil said that it is because of Dr Muscat that the country has to face a snap election. It is far more than a choice between me and Muscat, he said. “Our country is calling upon us to take a decision. On 3 June, there will be a unity in favour of Malta,” he said. “A national force of reason.” His remarks were received with yet another, loud, standing ovation.