PARTIT KOMUNISTA MALTI

The Communist Party calls on the Maltese Government to reduce the price of gas

2012-01-26T14:24:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party calls on the Maltese Government to introduce measures to reduce the price of gas for domestic use. The Party notes that the removal of subsidies and liberalization in the distribution of gas resulted in massive increases in the price leading to more social inequality and higher profits to the private sector.

“The Party insists on measures to ensure that gas price is reasonably priced to crerate a situation where low-income families are able to use this essential energy regularly, as other families that are “comfortable”. NSO statistics shows that 87% of Maltese households make use of gas. This proves that gas usage is essential. The situation is critical when statistics show that 56,000 persons, or one in seven of the population, cannot afford to heat their house.”

“The Government’s policy on energy is an anti-social one, and nobody can deny that this policy is increasing social inequalities in society, between the haves and the have-nots. The Party stresses that the policy of subsidies is not an inducment to waste. On the contrary it protects the disadvantaged if operated in a just manner. Taking Argentina as an example among many others, The Kirchner government distinguish between what is gas for domestic use and what is for commercial or industrial use. The Party stresses that the taxation system should be one that favours social justice and not increase inequality. to The party also notes that globally the price of gas for domestic use is, in large part, subsidized”.

The Communist Party of Malta therefore reiterates that “it will continue to work so the social aspect in the basic use of energy is given priority by the political class".

The Communist Party of Malta shows solidarity with Somali refugees.

2012-01-19T10:28:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta shows its solidarity with the Somali refugees who recently fled from Libya to Malta. The Party understands the unhappy situations that they had undergone in Libya, where several reports have shown that people of African nationality were victims of racial hatred, both during the civil war, as well as today.

“The evacuation of persons of foreign nationality during the civil war in Libya was discriminatory towards persons of African nationalities, and as a consequence many of them were killed.”

The Communist Party believes that the policy of detention of refugees does not honour those who proclaim themselves champions of human rights. The people of Somalia are suffering from famine, lack of clean water and, of medicines. According to the latest United Nations reports, there is an exodus of around one million Somalis to other countries.

The Party calls upon the Maltese Government to protect the rights of these disadvantaged people, victims of capitalist policies, which brought upon them war, poverty and famine.

The Communist Party of Malta on the visit by USS Whidbey.

2012-01-14T13:45:00.003+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta is once again noting the flagrant violation of the Maltese Constitution by the present Administration. The visit to Malta of the American warship USS Whidbey is a clear evidence of how the neutrality clause is being violated.

“This U.S. war vessel was directly involved in the 'illegal' War against Iraq. This War had the support of several imperialist countries, including the USA, England and France, with the support of other satellite countries which comprised of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain and others. This war did not have the approval of the United Nations.”

The Party sees the consensus reached by the two major parties as a threat to the Maltese Constitution, to amend and to review the neutrality clause, with the main aim to adhere to imperialist policies.

The Communists affirms that “the policy of neutrality should be further strengthened, so that no Administration would find any excuse to engage Malta in a conflict. Neutrality should serve Malta to work for a peaceful agreement in conflicts and for humanitarian aid”.

Solidarity with Greek trade unionists

2012-01-10T11:25:00.002+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta expressed solidarity with Nikos Photopoulos, Trade Union leader of GENOP / DEI, and six other colleagues, who are under trial for their full participation in the ‘sit in strike’ protests, held last November at the general headquarters of the Public Corporation for Computing, against the Government’s decision to impose austerity measures and job redundancies.

“The Party believes that Trade Unions have every right to defend and safeguard worker’s rights and conditions. Dismantling of this right means the resurgence in Europe of the fascist era, where workers and leaders where put in prison. This happened under Franco’s regime in Spain, Germany under Hitler, Italy under Mussolini, and Chile under Pinochet”.

“European and Greek workers have every right to refuse to pay for the economical fiasco made by others. The Communist Party of Malta joins with other communists and worker’s organisations to condemn the actions taken by the Greek authorities in the prosecution of the trade union movement. These workers are facing a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years”.

The Communist Party criticises the economic policies of the EU.

2012-01-06T15:39:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the attitude that is being taken by the European Union where every day it is distancing itself from the path to a Social Europe. The creation of regular and decent jobs and the social protection for pensioners and the unemployed are no longer on the European agenda.

“The corporate model, which in history was associated with Italian fascism, where the Unions were forced to participate in the social and economic fora, is leading to the dismantling of worker’s rights. They are also deceiving the Trade Unions claiming that by leaving the system in the control of the European institutions, better social policies and more democracy will result.

“The fact is that with the fall of the Soviet Union, the EU felt that any left wing counterforce has vanished, thus neo liberal policies became triumphant and is increasingly exploiting the workers and threatening people’s sovereignty.”

“EU priorities are for a reduction in labour costs, dismantling of social policies and the privatisation of statal pension systems. Employers are also demanding more direct tax cuts and are also refusing to contribute towards the sustainability of the Welfare State System”.

“The Communist Party of Malta maintains that a Europe of Capital has always existed, while there was never a Social Europe. In fact, the European Social Charter was never put into practice. Today the European Union is finding ways and means to retreat from the concept of a Social Europe. In Latin America, neo liberalism has been successfully dismantled.

The Communist Party of Malta congratulates AKEL of Cyprus

2011-12-29T23:11:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta congratulates the Workers’ Progressive Party of Cyprus, AKEL for managing to obtain good results in the local elections held on December 18th, in spite of many difficulties.

In coalition with other progressive parties, AKEL had 18 mayors elected, 8 of which are AKEL party members.
AKEL’s Secretary General Andros Kyprianou said in a statement that, “it was a rewarding result in the face of the war being waged by the opposition parties to isolate AKEL and despite the problems that Cyprus is facing”.

The Party not only kept its position but also increased the percentage of votes over that achieved in the last General Elections. Compared to the last local elections held in 2006, AKEL increased its seats by five.

The Communist Party of Malta sent a fraternal message congratulating AKEL for the positive results achieved.

The Communist Party of Malta comments on Russia and Korea.

2011-12-20T19:20:00.005+01:00

The Communist Party congratulates the Russian Communist Party on the result obtained in the last parliamentary elections, where the Party managed to obtain 20% of the popular vote, which translated into 92 seats (12.5 million votes). Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Communist Party of Russia has again managed to increase its support and has become the second largest party in the country, while the other Left party, The Just Russia Party, has achieved 8.6%, which translates into 64 seats.

“Both parties are collaborating together in the cause of the working people, and to combat the poverty problem in Russia. Poverty has increased due to neo-liberal policies that were adopted by the United Russia Party led by Vladimir Putin.

The Communist Party also expressed its solidarity with the Korean People on the loss of Kim Jong Il, the Korean leader. The Party calls upon the U.S. Administration to change its policy of embargo against the Korean people. This embargo has caused major difficulties which resulted in food shortage and lack of medicines.

The Communist Party of Malta believes that the US should treat DPRK as it treats Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Kuwait, Etophia, Turkey, Honduras, Haiti and Qatar. Sovreignity of the Korean peninsula should be safeguarded, so that the two people move towards the re-unification of Korea.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals workers at Air Malta to contest the next coming general elections.

2011-12-11T19:26:00.004+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta has once again expressed solidarity with Air Malta employees who are facing an uncertain future with regards their employment with the company. Bad planning and the easy access for low-cost airlines brought about difficulties for Air Malta to compete with low cost airlines. Low cost airlines are massively subsidised and the sector is not unionised.

“The Party appeals the workers at Air Malta, to organise themselves politically, and proceed to nominate a candidate/s, to contest independently the next coming general elections with the specific aim is to push forward their interest and to safeguard their jobs. The Communist Party will surely support this candidate”.

“The political parties in Malta do not really represent the interest of the working people. The restructuring process is nothing more but a neo liberal concept to privatise all national airlines across Europe in the coming future”.

We believe that all transport workers should ‘unite’ in solidarity amongst each other on industrial level and, also organise themselves on a political level”.

Communists condemn Parliament’s position in favour of Partnership for Peace.

2011-12-09T18:11:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the position taken by the Maltese Parliament vis a vis Partnership for Peace (PfP), where today there seems to be a consensus between the Government and the Opposition to allow Malta to continue to partecipate in the PfP. Initially, this decision was taken by the Nationalist Administration behind the people’s back.

“The Party sees this as a flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Republic of Malta. As a neutral country, Malta must keep away from military blocs. The PfP forms part of a NATO programme and it works independently from the U.N Peace keeping operations. NATO uses PfP to safeguard its imperialistic strategy”.

“The government of Cyprus, which has a military base imposed on it, refuses to join Partnership for Peace. We believe that this should be an example for Malta which boost that it embraces a policy of neutrality”.

The Communist Party appeals the Government to respect the right to strike.

2011-11-30T12:28:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta deplores the attitude taken by the Maltese Government, when once again the Government has shown its anti-democratic credentials, when without any warning, and without informing anyone, the Government amended the Industrial law hindering transport workers from their right to strike. The right to strike is protected by the International Labour Organization (ILO) statute.

“This ploy was not a surprise to us, because the Nationalist Party embraces the same values of the European Union, neo liberalism. Where referenda, general elections, and the right to strike, are seen as a direct threat to the hegemony of the European financial Institutions”.

“The recent event that took place in Greece and Italy, where leadership of the country was entrusted to non-elected technocrats is a case in point. While the actions being taken by the Government in Malta, particularly in the public transport sector, is a continuation of this neo liberal agenda”.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals to the Director of Employment and Industrial Relations to take this issue with urgency and find an appropriate remedy so that the right to strike by all workers is protected. The right to information and also the right to open consultation should not be undermined. The Government should respect the democratic process, and withdraw the amendments made to the Act on Employment and Industrial Relations.

“The Party appeals to the Trade Unions to unite and work together on this important matter. The Communist Party will also do its part by taking this issue to the European Parliament with the help of our comrades in the United Left Block”.

The Communist Party of Malta congratulates the Spanish United Left Block electoral success.

2011-11-22T21:05:00.002+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta congratulates the United Left Block , which include the Communists, The 'Indigniatos’ Movement and the Left Socialists for the success in electoral results obtained in Spain.

“The United Left Block has increased its rapresentation from 2 to 11 deputies in Parliament, and has gained more support, where from 3.77% (970,000 votes), has now obtained 6.95% (1,600,000 votes)”.

The Communist Party notes that whenever social democratic parties adopt right wing social and economic policies, they lose the popular support. The Party believes that the future for the Spanish people will be tougher. The right wing People's Party which now has an absolute majority will push forward a more neoliberal agenda, and will take measures in favour of banks and against the people.

The Communist Party of Malta expresses its solidarity with the Spanish working class and the progressive movements that are offering strong resistance to protect the the interests of the working people.

“The Party hopes that in this scenario, there will be no anti-democratic actions as those taken recently by the EU and the Financial Institutions in Greece and Italy”, stated the Communist Party.

“European Institutions threaten Democracy”, Communist Party of Malta.

2011-11-15T09:38:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the anti-democratic actions that are being committed against the people of Greece and Italy. The European Union and the capitalist financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank are imposing technocrats as leaders of interim goverments, without consulting the people through elections. The Party believes that these countries should go to the polls. Indeed the Communist Party of Malta is supporting the European left block in its call for elections.

“The working class has every right to oppose austerity measures and have every right to elect parties who they believe that they will protect their interests. The current situation in Greece and Italy is dangerous. Anti-democratic tactics were also applied in the case of the European Treaty to come into force. The European Treaty is a neo liberal concept.”
“The Communist Party of Malta sees this capitalist interference in both countries as a threat to sovereignty, and could be a step towards fascism. We are concerned that fascism will be imposed if the working class succeeds in putting a stop to the austerity measures”.
The Party expresses its solidarity with the working people in Greece and Italy and is giving its full support to the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Italian Communists, in their struggle to protect the working class from the capitalist onslaught and for democratic participation and representation.
The Party is also concerned that the anti-democratic tactics, will be applied in similar situations in the future. Capitalists are feeling threatened by democratic measures. The are scared of losing their hegemony. The party appeals to the Maltese MEPs to be on the alert, as there is a possibility thatEurope will find itself in the same situation, as in the 1930s, which lead to an era of fascism.

COMMUNIST PARTY's 2012 BUDGET PROPOSALS

2011-11-10T18:14:00.003+01:00

“Budget 2012 should give importance to working conditions, the standard of living and strengthening of social services", said the Communist Party.

“The government should stop supporting economic policy based on precarious work. The State is there to protect the right for a decent work. The Party urges the government to include this aspect in the budget”.

“With regards the standard of living, the Communist Party believes that the greatest negative impact on households are the result of the increase in energy prices, including that of electricity, water and gas, three resources that are essential in every day life. The Government should seek to safeguard the basic consumption, while penalising wasteful practices”.

“In the financial area, the Government must work for a sustainable financial situation, but not at the expense of public services and social benefits. Without social services and benefits people at risk of poverty could reach 144,000, according to official statistics”, said the Communist Party.

The Communist Party therefore demands that the government should target areas that are generating big profits, such as the financial sector, on line gaming, and banks to increase its revenue while renouncing any policy of privatization in the health, education and pensions sectors.

“Social housing: Government should reform the system by investing in social accommodation to be offered to the public for renting at reasonable rates. This must also include a progressive policy regarding empty property, which must be utilised for the benefit of the country and the people”.

The Party insists on an increase in the national minimum wage and pension so that workers and those who retired after life long work enjoy a decent life.

“Immigrants should be safeguarded from exploitation and slave labour conditions”, concluded the Communist Party.

"Someone should answer for the Public Transport fiasco"

2011-11-03T14:08:00.003+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta expresses its solidarity towards all those people that had to face difficulties in order to make use of public transport, due to lack of proper public consultation, haste and arrogance. Many were late for work while others were forced to absent themselves from work. This resulted in everyone having to wake up earlier in order to arrive at work on time.

The Party sympathises with all those people that whenever they tried to express their concerns regard the service, many were ridiculed and told that they did not understand how the service works.

"The Party therefore believes that there is no credible excuse for this fiasco. We expect that someone should bear the responsibility for all this. We also expect that the money paid for the planning of the routes, should be returned back to the state, so that the Government could use that money on social services.

"The Party also expresses solidarity with those workers who were made ‘sacrificial lambs’.”

Members from the Communist Party of Malta will join tomorrow’s protest for a just and efficient public transport. We appeal the general public to join and support these courageous youths, who are organizing this protest.

Victor Degiovanni
Secretary

The Communist Party of Malta expresses its concern on the newly appointed U. S, Ambassador.

2011-10-21T14:45:00.002+02:00

“The visit to Malta, by the US Secretary Hilary Clinton en route to Libya and the appointment of Gina Abercombie Winstanley as the new US Ambassador in Malta is of great concern, if the visit was really one of courtesy”, stated the Communist Party.

“The fact that Ms Gina Abercombie Winstanley, served as Deputy Coordinator for foreign policy and programs against terrorism, is of alarm. Indeed one wonders, what role Malta is playing in this regard and why there was the need to erect a new Embassy at Ta 'Qali?”.

“The approval to Malta by U.S. Government , the sum of $ 4.675million to built a capacity partnership between the two nations, with the premise that it serves to counter terrorism, is a direct violation of Malta’s Neutrality”.

The Communist Party of Malta argues that the American concept of ‘anti-terrorism’ is actually not one that confronts terrorism, but is just an excuse to achieve it’s imperialistic goals. Throughout history and even presently, U.S. policy has always embraced and helped to strengthen regimes, paramilitary governments, and as well terrorist groups, so to safeguard its interests, at the expense of all those innocent people killed.

The Communist Party of Malta therefore calls on the leftist and progressive groups to take a position against this imperialist strategy in Malta.

The Communist Party of Malta criticises the ‘neo liberal’ proposals for pension reform.

2011-10-17T13:15:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta notes the proposals put forward during a recent ‘Business breakfast’ organised by the Malta Institute of Management, where it was suggested that the age of obligatory retirement would end, and that part of the pension system should be privatised. These proposals are of grave concern.

“Subtile maneuvers are being made to increase support for the introduction of the second pillar scheme, where the ultimate aim is that the pension system will gradually be privatised.”

The Communist Party of Malta understands that there is also a threat at European level, to link retirement to longetivity. This is a form of ‘modern slavery’ where the person is forced to continue working till his health conditions deteriorates. Medical research shows that although most people live longer, does not mean that the person will remain healthy and capable. The Communist Party stands firm against any increase in the retirement age.

The Party therefore calls on the ‘pensions working group’ to adopt policies that enhance the basic state pension, so that any social contributions go directly into a special fund dedicated only for pensions, as was also suggested by the pension working group, with the difference that it should be administered by the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), which includes unions and employers.

The Communist Party of Malta expresses solidarity with Matthew Bonanno.

2011-10-11T10:22:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party condemns the "Allied Newspaper Ltd" for the termination of employment of Matthew Bonanno, a journalist employed with The Times. The Party urges Mr. Bonanno to seek redress before the industrial tribunal.

"According to what Mr Bonanno stated in the local media, where he explained about his Facebook comments with regards the Minister’s Austin Gatt university visit, the Party sees this as an unjust dismissal. We were surprised how a paper that preaches freedom of expression, takes such a disciplinary action.”

The Communist Party of Malta sees no justification for this journalist dismissal. The Party expresses solidarity with this worker.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the massacres of civilians in Sirte.

2011-10-05T19:01:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns NATO merciless bombing of civilians in Sirte. The Maltese Government should take a clear position on this issue. We can’t ignore reality and not condemn NATO for what is taking place in Sirte. Malta ’s position up to now has been supporting NATO. This position is undermining Malta ’s Neutral Status and is putting Malta in an ambiguous position.

“Reports coming from the war zone are stating that the allied forces are bombarding schools, hospitals and private houses, with the tragic consequence of great loss of life, which includes women and children. People in Sirte are also suffering from severe shortages of food, water and medicine supplies”.

“While we support the efforts made by the Maltese Government to give medical and humanitarian aid to Libyans, we cannot remain silent at these atrocities. NATO actions in Sirte, goes directly contrary to the UN resolution of a No fly Zone”.

The Communist Party of Malta welcomes the left wing victory in France's Senate.

2011-09-30T10:06:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta welcomes the results in the French Senate Elections where for the first time in the 53-year history of the Fifth Republic, the left political forces won by a majority of seats.
“The Communist Party of France obtained good results along with the anti-capitalist party and other left wing factions, which gained at least 26 seats. The Communists alone gained a new seat from the previous elections, and now has a total of 15 seats. The French Socialist party won 141 seats and the Greens obtained 10 seats”.
“This results shows that communist parties in Europe are gaining more support. Communists in Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Latvia, Germany, Denmark and Czech Republic are all represented in their National Parliaments and also in the European Parliament”.
The Communist Party of Malta augurs for more positive results for the Communists and other progressive forces for an alternative Europe based on environmental sustainability and more social justice.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the United States attitude with regards the setting up of a Palestinian State

2011-09-23T18:42:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the United States attitude against the setting up of a Palestinian State, while finding no difficulty in helping Libyan Rebels and recognizing their Transitional Council. US is doing everything to prevent the recognition of the Palestinian state in the UN General Assembly even by vetoing against the resolution. This action, once again, brings into the open, the double standards and imperialistic interests in the Palestinian Question.

“We condemn the French President Nicolas Sarkozy who is playing a 'dirty game', which serves only the interest of US imperialism, by preventing the vote on the Palestinian resolution from being taken”.

“Unless this resolution is not resolved, and if the State of Palestine will not be recognized, other issues dealing with the question of security, water, lack of food, medicine, and the Palestinian refugees issue will not be resolved”.

The Communist Party also condemns the state of Israel, for the hundreds of Palestinians that are held in Israeli prisons, amongst them many adolescents. The Israeli Government has up to now, illegally occupied, Palestinian territories.

“Malta started supporting the Palestinian Cause under the premiership of Dom Mintoff, back in the early 1970’s. This support was continued by Dr Guido Demarco both when he held the presidency of the UN General Assembly and later on when he held the post of Foreign Minister in Malta. We demand that the present administration follows in these steps.

The Communist Party calls on the Maltese Government and Dr Tonio Borg, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to vote for the recognition of a Palestinian State in the UN General Assembly. The Communist Party also salutes Moviment Graffiti for their activism and their consistency in favour of the Palestinian Cause.

The Communist Party on Moody's report.

2011-09-21T12:39:00.002+02:00

Moody's agency whose only aim is to protect the interests of the capital market is again putting pressure on the Government to reduce State expenditure. One of the solutions proposed is to reduce public spending on social benefits and to freeze wages. The agency is nothing more than a corporation to protect the capitalist’s interest.

The Communist Party of Malta states that Moody's warning is one that conceals the reality that the capitalist economic system has failed to meet the needs and social expectations of the people. Some Maltese Economists who are of the same opinion as Moody's are suggesting to the Government to review Malta’s social services expenditure and to increase the retirement age.

The Communist Party sees these warnings as a step towards the introduction of further austerity measures on the people, who are not to blame for the failure of the economic system. The fact that Malta's national debt is not a sustainable anymore means that the wealth generated is not equally distributed.

The Party calls for a fairer tax system where income taxation should be increased on those who earn more than the average income. The same applies for the financial and banking sectors, online gaming and those agencies that sell property to foreigners.

”Empty properties for speculation purposes should be also be taxed. The Government should also take further measures to combat tax evasion, where GRTU claims that this tax evasion by speculators amounted to 300 million Euros”.

The Party believes that in light of the present situation as announced by agency Moody’s, the Government should withdraw the increase in the Cabinet’s Honorary. The Government should also review and reduce salaries of Consultants, CEOs and Chairmen of Corporations. We are stating this in solidarity with those workers who are on a minimum wage, whose income is relatively poor.

"The working class should not accept further cuts in social benefits and increase in the retirement age”.

“Malta’s National Energy Plan should be socially just”, Communist Party of Malta.

2011-09-13T17:07:00.007+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta states that the figures issued by NSO on energy consumption in Malta, is a signal to the Government to implement a national energy plan which is socially just.

“The National policy should safeguard the basic consumption of ‘household’ energy. The Party calls on the Government to encourage the private sector to invest more in renewable energy, so the industry will be more sustainable in the future without any state subsidies. By these measures the Government can assist more families in their basic energy needs. The families should not carry the burden of energy subsidies to the private sector.”

“Thirty-five percent of Malta’s energy consumption is being used in households. This gives a clear picture that this energy is still an essential commodity in the families’ daily life. This also shows that many families are already making great sacrifices to reduce energy consumption and this, in affect is reducing their quality of life. 98% of Maltese households are already making use of energy saving lamps, while 78% of Maltese households are switching off their water heaters when not needed.”

“With regards the use of gas, the Communist Party notes that 72% of Maltese households are making use of this basic commodity, which is essential in their daily life, therefore, we call upon the Government to re-introduce subsidies on gas cylinders for domestic use. Cylinders for domestic use should be distinguished from ones used commercially. This could be done by the use of different colours”.

The Communist Party of Malta criticises the government’s incentive scheme for the installation of photovoltaic panels. This system benefits only the well to do, while excluding many others without means. The Party believes that the Government should solely invest in renewable energy, by making use of government buildings and school roofs, for the benefit of all.

Communists appeal Government to stop supporting Imperialist Policies.

2011-09-05T23:03:00.008+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the Maltese Government for turning Malta ’s foreign policy, from one of neutrality into one that supports imperialist countries desire for power and war. These ties were exposed by Wikileaks in the international media.

“This foreign policy, surely does not promote peace and social justice. This also goes against the neutrality clause enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Malta ”, said the Communist Party.

“Documents that have been discovered recently in Libya by humanitarian groups revealed the intrigues that has been going on between the so-called democratic countries of the west, with the Gaddafi regime, where a large number of persons were victims of US renditions,were interrogated and tortured in Libyan Prisons, In return as compensation for this service, the CIA and MI6 were passing information to Qaddafi about the Libyan opposition.

The Communist Party of Malta urges the Government to stop being a stooge of US imperialism. The Government should not allow any foreign military and naval ships to make use of Malta ’s facilities. Our foreign policy should aim for international solidarity, humanitarian aid, sovereignty, and peace. The Communist Party of Malta will continue to work for the preservation of Malta ’s neutrality.

The Communist Party of Malta on populism and the bending of History.

2011-08-29T23:59:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta understands the present situation where a sentiment is growing in favour of removing all honours given to Colonel Gaddafi in the past.
We believe that historical events should not be meddled with to simply accommodate populist policies. History must be taken in the context of its era and not subject to on how we look at it today, because then we will end up changing history according to our views.

The Communist Party of Malta reiterates that it does not agree with the proposed changes. But, if there will be pressure to change past policies, where Malta honoured certain political leaders, then it must do the same towards those other politicians who embraced colonial policies such as the ex British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Then his bust should be removed from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Winston Churchill’s record was a horrendous one were colonialism was concerned, especially in Africa and India. The former President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosvelt was critical of Winston Churchill’s colonial policies, where most of these countries suffered massacres in order to be subdued to British occupation.
The colonial policies had the aim to exploit countries in Africa, as well as in Asia, out of their natural resources and to enslave its population.

The Communist Party of Malta therefore appeals to the political class in Malta that before taking any decision to remove the honours given, they should consider historical validity and realise that the honours are now part of history and recorded in history books.

Communist Party of Malta shows Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

2011-08-25T17:01:00.007+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta is again expressing its solidarity with the Palestinian people, which up to date are still deprived of their homeland which is still illegally occupied against United Nations resolutions approved by the absolute majority of the member states in the General Assembly.

The Party also condemns the Israeli authorities for imprisoning thousands of Palestinians in Israeli jails without trial. The Israeli government continues to carry out ethnic cleansing by approving the construction of settlements on the occupied lands, and is still defying the international community. In this defiance the Zionist regime is comforted by the attitude of some powerful nations who always turned a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the Zionist regimes.

The Communist Party augurs that the UN will approve the resolution to create the State of Palestine and hope that the Maltese government will have the courage to vote in favour of this resolution.

The Communist Party of Malta takes a more cautious position on the Euphoria in Libya.

2011-08-22T21:16:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta while ideologically always takes a position in favour of the people, on this issue, we appeal for a more cautious approach, about how things will evolve in Libya after Gaddafi, since the transition was not a peaceful one.

“Until today wherever there was a military intervention by NATO, the reverse affect occurred. This can be seen in the cases of Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The only issues that were resolved were the splitting of Kosovo from Serbia, as well as the taking over of Iraq’s natural resources by imperialism”.

The Communist Party of Malta reminds that the regimes of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, of Idi Amin in Uganda, the Shah of Iran, Taliban in Afghanistan were all created by imperialism, in order to bring down progressive governments. These regimes had to be eventually forcibly removed by the same western powers that had installed them. We augur that there will be no such repetition in Libya as imperialism always looked upon its own interest, far from social justice.

The Communist Party of Malta calls upon the Libyan Interim Government to respect the dignity of all African migrants in Libya, which up to now have never been respected. We also appeal for a secular, just and equal society.

The Communist Party of Malta’s position on Safi events.

2011-08-19T11:08:00.001+02:00

The recent events that took place at Hal Safi detention centre give a clear warning to the European Union and the Maltese Government to take a clear position on human rights issues. The European Union has to lead by example, if it wants others to follow.

The Communist Party of Malta criticizes the political stand being adopted by several European Governments with regards to the detention policy, when these same countries condemn other governments and regimes on human rights issues. The Party believes that this is nothing more than ‘hypocrisy’.

“Closed detention centres are nothing more than concentration camps. The European Union has to admit that detention policy goes against human rights. This policy is withholding freedom to those persons fleeing from poverty and war.”

On the Libyan issue, the European governments spoke with a sense of solidarity towards the Libyan people, but on the other hand they chose to exclude African nationalities from the whole process of evacuation of foreign people and workers from war torn Libya.

“The European Union should take a clear position on these issues, and not continue to ignore this reality. On the other hand we would like to show solidarity with the members of the armed forces of Malta, the police and other civilian workers who work in these field and have to face the problems that arise.

The Communist Party condemns EU double standards on violence in the Arab world.

2011-08-11T16:06:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the double standards being shown by the European Union with regards to violence in the Arab world and the Kurdish problem. This can be seen by the agreement reached between the European Union and the Turkish Authorities to put pressure on Damascus to end violence.
“The Turkish Authorities are responsible for numerous human rights violations against the Kurdish population in South Eastern part of Turkey. During these last 25 years more than three thousand villages were burned by the Turkish army to keep Kurdish region under their control”.
“Turkey is also finding support from other countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria and the U.S. The aim of this alliance is to pull back the Kurds from their region and to keep the Kurdish people divided, so to hold control over their land, culture and natural resources. The Kurds comprise 20% of the population in Turkey, 15-20% in Iraq, 8% in Syria and 7% in Iran”.
The Communist Party of Malta believes that the EU should hold a clear and just position on the Kurds’ issue. The Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) should be recognized as a legitimate political force and all the land occupied by foreign military powers should return to the Kurdish people. We also appeal for the creation of a self government for the Kurds.

The Communist Party of Malta opposes the part privatisation of the pension system.

2011-07-28T09:14:00.003+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta opposes the part privatisation of the pension system.

The Communist Party of Malta calls ‘shameful’ the proposal put forward by the Chairman of the Pensions working group. The Chairman is once again appealing to the Government to immediately introduce on a mandatory basis a second pillar system based on a private scheme.

The Party deems this proposal to be the first step towards the privatization of the Pension system in Malta. The same method is being applied in the public healthcare system where essential services are not provided anymore in the community, as in the case of the dental care service. The long waiting lists for an appointment at Mater Dei Hospital are forcing patients to seek care in private clinics.

The Communist Party of Malta believes that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure sustainability of the pension system, firstly by establishing a pension fund. Secondly by increasing women and immigrants participation in the labour market, as this will increase further the social contributions. Enforcement against tax evasion will also be a beneficial to the sustainability of public finances.

“Family- friendly measures should also be encouraged so to address the problem of low women participation rate, while an increase in taxation on the financial and banking sector will help to address the sustainability of the pension fund”.

On a positive note, the Communist Party agrees with the increase in the social contribution by those families whose income is above €17,000 per annum. On the other hand, the Party disagrees with the idea to give away part of the pension scheme to a private insurance. The social contribution to a private insurance will increase more than it is today. International studies show that it will go up to 20%, when today the maximum is 12%.

The Communist Party of Malta, being a party embracing Socialist ideals can never accept the privatization, partly or wholly of the pension system in Malta. The workers should not accept more of the neo liberal policies.

The Communist Party of Malta calls the situation in Air Malta as a 'betrayal'.

2011-07-19T12:48:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the comments made by Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi last Sunday, during an interview on a radio program, where he publicly stated that the Nationalist government will not guarantee an alternative employment to those workers who will loose their job as part of Air Malta ’s structural reform. The Party calls this statement as a ‘betrayal’ to Air Malta employees.

The Government is indicating that the workers will be the ones to carry the burden for the financial crisis of Air Malta . The fact that the CEO is being paid €500,000 to carry out a structural reform is offensive to all those workers whose jobs are threatened. This same offence is also targeted at all those workers who are on a minimum wage income in Malta ”.

”Workers must realise that the Party in Government is there to safeguard the capitalist class, and if there is a situation were the working class find itself in an industrial dispute, the government will not take their side. The Communist Party appeals to the workers to seek unity amongst themselves. “Where there is unity there is strength”.

The Communist Party reiterates that it is Government's responsibility to guarantee the right for an alternative employment within the public or state sector. The right for a job has nothing to do with ‘state subsidies’.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the blatant disregard of the Constitution.

2011-07-12T11:01:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the Governments’ policy to allow foreign military vessels to make use of our Port, as this goes against the principles of Neutrality, which is entrenched in the constitution.

“The government's excuse that warplanes are allowed to land in Malta because of emergency reason does not hold water with the arrival in Malta of HMS Ocean in our port. The Government have no justification, legally, morally and politically to do so”, stated the Communist Party.

The Party maintains that this policy is endangering National Security, whenever NATO warships and warplanes enter out ports or land at the airport, especially now that the Libyan leader has threatened to retaliate against those countries participating in the war against him.

“Politically, the fact that Malta was used in the evacuation process of people from Libya on a Humanitarian basis was a positive step, but the fact that African nationalities were left stranded in a war torn Libya , makes us question the real reason behind this policy”.

The Party believes that the Government is putting himself in a contradictory position when in one moment it is advocating for human rights and at the same time it is recognizing the Libyan Rebel Council. Various international sources are reporting atrocities committed by the Libyan rebels on people of African nationalities, and also, that the rebel council is not adhering to the Geneva Convention.

“The policy that Malta should embrace should be based on the concept of Neutrality. History teaches us that wars and conflicts are an instrument for power, to protect certain political interest and not for humanitarian reasons. What it is occurring in Libya right now is an evidence of this”.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals Arriva for the right for fair play.

2011-07-04T18:47:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta deplores the discharging of 58 Bus drivers from the public transport company Arriva, who refused to work in protest as they did not accept the changes introduced by the company in the last minute. Employees have all the right to stand with what was agreed upon in the contract.

“The Party notes that this is a violation of worker’s rights. In such circumstances the company should have accepted their claim as just. The workers should be treated fairly”.

“It is not healthy the way the Company addressed the situation, by finally employing foreign workers on a short term contract. This is an indication that the same method will be applied by the company on other industrial disputes”.

“The Unions should be aware, that the hiring of foreign workers will bring about inferior conditions of work and will minimize the union bargaining power. The European Trade Union Confederation classifies this as social dumping”.

The Communist Party of Malta expresses its solidarity with those workers who were discharged from the company without given the right to contest this decision.

The Communist Party also appeals to the company to give workers a more just wage than the one offered. If there is the need the Government should subsidise more the service so all social conditions are met.

The Communist Party of Malta applauds the resistance shown by European workers against the austerity measures.

2011-07-01T17:56:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta fully supports the resistance of the working class in Greece, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Britain, Italy and Belgium against the imposition of austerity measures by the European Commission, the IMF, the World Bank and the European Central Bank.

The Party once again asserts that "the European Union has lost its social direction. The measures that are being taken by several European leaders to combat the economic crises, is nothing more than the continuation of neo-liberalism, which the European Commission wants to continue to enforce as a pretext to restore the Euro stability".

The Communist Party of Malta states "that the vote taken recently in the European Parliament to introduce a common EU package of austerity is condemnable, as it is based on the dismantlement of collective bargaining, a reduction in wages, deregulation of the labour market, a more rigid tax system on the workers, and the privatization of more public services”.

The perseverance France and Germany, is also condemnable. They are insisting that the granting of a 'bailout' to Greece should be tied to an austerity package which will include a reduction of € 2.2 billion in public sector wages, a reduction of € 5 billion from pension and social security, lower taxes for employers and more taxes on the workers and the massive sales of state assets amounting to € 50 billion.

The Communist Party of Malta supports the struggle of the Greek Communist Party and other communist parties in their respective European countries in their fight against the austerity measures. The Party believes that a Social Europe cannot be built on a neo liberal foundation.

The Communist Party of Malta deplores Government's policy towards the Selmun Palace workers.

2011-06-28T13:45:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta gives its full support to Selmun Palace Hotel workers and their families, who again have protested to protect their jobs.

“The Party states, that while these workers in two days time, will end up registering for work, the present Nationalist Administration had voted in favour of an increase of €500 per week in the ministers honorarium over and above their salary”.

“The Government continues to burden the families with more austerity measures, by laying off workers, increasing the energy tariffs, and more privatisation of public services. These are the same neo liberal policies adopted by the European Union

“The Government’s policy is not in the interests of the working class, but one that safeguards the privileges of the few. It is scandalous that the new CEO of Air Malta, appointed by the Government is given a payment half a million euro, to introduce tough measures and reforms that will affect negatively Air Malta and Selmun Palace employees, with some of these workers also facing redundancy”.

We appeal Government to employ workers in the public sector or in other public entities.

Emigration: The Communist Party calls Italy ’s agreement with Libyan Rebel Council “shameful”.

2011-06-23T09:48:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta described the agreement reached by the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, with the Rebel Council in Libya to curtail the flow of emigrants to Europe as ‘shameful’.

“This is a similar agreement that was reached by the Italian Government with Muammar Gaddafi, where most of the immigrants were denied of their right to seek asylum”.

"This agreement is ‘shame’, as reports are claiming that people of different African nationalities are being persecuted, killed and abused by some of these armed rebel groups in Libya who are participating in the civil war against the forces of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.”

The Communist Party of Malta appeals the Maltese Government to take a clear position against this agreement. We condemn the Italian Government in failing to respect the right of asylum.

“We also condemn the policy that was adopted by the Maltese Government and other European countries by excluding African nationalities from the whole process of evacuation of foreign people and workers from war torn Libya. We consider this as an act of hypocrisy”.

“Selmun Palace Workers should not be used as scapegoats’”.

2011-06-23T09:47:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta suspects there are ulterior motives behind the case of the Semun Palace Hotel workers.
We are convinced that the Selmun Palace workers are being used as scapegoats to put psychological pressure on Air Malta employees, so that they will be forced to accept any kind of reform”.

“If so, these tactics does not augur well for an Industrial Democracy. Selmun Palace workers should be given outrightly an alternative employment and treated the same as the other Air Malta employees.”

“The Communist Party of Malta reiterates that the blame for the failure of Air Malta and its subsidiary companies should not be placed on the workers, but should be carried by all those who, because of their decisions, landed Air Malta in this crises.”

“The purchase of RJ 70s, the disastrous investment in Greece, the privatization of MIA and the introduction of low cost airlines were all decisions that ultimately led to Air Malta’s failure.”

“The issue of low cost airlines should be addressed by the Government with haste. The fact that, these airlines are competing directly with our national airline, are subsidized, and employ workers with inferior conditions of work, put the national airline in an unfair disadvantage. The International Transport Workers' Federation condemns this as social dumping"

Government should not heed Barroso’s proposals.

2011-06-23T09:46:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta deplores the attitude taken by the European Commission on calling upon the Maltese Government to implement reforms on the cost of living adjustments and the state pension system.

“These proposals for reform are nothing more than the dismantlement of the welfare state system in Malta . These same neo liberal proposals and others are being imposed on Governments across Europe in an attempt to solve the capitalist crisis”.

“The European Strategy 2020 and the “Euro Plus Pact” are intended solely to dismantle the present conditions of the workers, with the pretext of more competitiveness and stability of the Euro.”

The Communist Party of Malta supports the stand taken by various Unions and left political parties in the European Union against these unjust austerity measures directed at the workers, when these economic crisis was not of their own making.

“The Government should introduce reforms to improve COLA to be more realistic, increase the minimum wage and sustain the state pension system and not privatise it”.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns Nationalist MPs behaviour.

2011-06-11T16:40:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta deems the vote in Parliament against the motion tabled by the Labour Party, as a selfish vote that safeguards only the interest of the few.

"It is unfair that the people are asked to make sacrifices, while politicians take an increase in their salaries. There is no justification for this whatsoever. "

"To have politicians in society who look at politics as a sense of financial power and status is not the way politics should be. The Communist party of Malta aim, is to safeguard the interest of the working people and their families.

At the same time the Communist Party of Malta unites in solidarity with the 58 workers who were redundant from Selmun Palace Hotel, a subsidiary of Airmalta. We call on the Government to comply with labour rights and give alternative employment to these workers, in the public sector. "

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the killing of Palestinian Activists.

2011-06-11T16:39:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the killing of 11 Palestinian Peace Activists by the Israeli Army on the Golan Heights near the Syrian border, Sunday 5th June during a peaceful demonstration.

“The fact that, everyday the Palestinian people are being persecuted and assailed by Israeli military forces, is nothing more than State terrorism.”

“It is shameful how the European Union and other organizations, such as United Nations remain silent on this, while the Palestinian people are being denied their rights.
The silence of the United States and the European Union when crimes are committed by the Israeli regime against innocent civilians speaks louder then words or action”.

The Communist Party of Malta joins forces with other Communists and
worker’s parties from the United Left Group of the European Parliament who support the setting up of a Palestinian sovereign State.

"We appeal to the Maltese Government to have a clear policy towards the Palestinian cause. Government should condemn without hesitation these cold blooded killings of these Palestinian activists.”

The Communist Party of Malta deplores Members of Parliaments’ attitude towards the Referendum result.

2011-06-07T12:14:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta deplores the attitude of some of the members of parliament who are stating that their decision is either to vote no or abstain in the forthcoming legislation on divorce.

"The Party considers this decision as going directly against the will of the majority, which was expressed in the recently held referendum. The divorce legislation should be passed in Parliament without a division now that the electorate had expressed itself on this matter. Parliamentarians should not obstruct this”.

The Communist Party does not understand the argument brought forward by these same parliamentarians that the ‘vote yes’ in parliament goes against their conscience. Malta, today is a modern country and member of the European Union, therefore a complete separation should exist between the church and the state.

"The Members of Parliament duty is to serve these exigencies and not moralise about this legislation. Parliament is not a confessional place but an institute were laws are legislated".

One should mention here that in the case of the African migrants, none of these Parliamentarians, who are talking about conscience today, brought forward this argument when these migrants suffered the injustice of being left in war torn Libya, when other nationalities were being evacuated to Malta. The Communist party asks “Were not these civilians as well?”

The Communist Party of Malta appeals to all the MPs to respect the electorate decision and not to abdicate from their duty.

The Communist Party of Malta congratulates the Maltese people for it’s victory.

2011-05-29T18:00:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta welcomes the position taken by the majority of the Maltese people who expressed themselves in favour of Divorce.

“The Catholic Oligarchy, which for centuries had a hegemony over the Maltese people, have today suffered a defeat. The people have confirmed that they want to secular the country and separate the State from the Church.”

The Communist Party of Malta notes that the Nationalist Party had also suffered a defeat because of it’s conservative policies, which are not in the interest of the Maltese family.

“The reality shows that the anti-social policies, of the Gonzi Administration are the real causes for the breaking up of marriages and not the attainment of the right to divorce”.

The Communist Party believes that it was the duty of the political class to legislate in favour of this right and not hide behind a referendum. On the other hand the Maltese people showed themselves to be mature, by not falling into the trap that the Maltese political class had laid down for them, and voted in favour.

The Communist Party of Malta on the right to divorce.

2011-05-25T14:42:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta reiterates its position that the right to divorce should be introduced by the State, whatever the outcome of the referendum will be. This will do away, once and for all, with the discriminatory situation that exists in Malta, where those who can afford to, can obtain a divorce from another country.

The Party deplores the undemocratic maneuvers and the moral threats that the Ecclesiastical Authorities are using against the electorate. The campaign against divorce is resuscitating the bad memories of the 1960s, where those faithful that wanted the state to introduce civil marriage, were humiliated by the Church Authorities, threatened with ‘hellfire’, and denied from receiving the sacraments.

"The religious political struggle is once again with us, in an open attempt to stop a civil right from being introduced. The right to divorce exists in every other European Union country”.

“The Nationalist Party is at fault here as the party is not recognising that there should be a complete separation between the Church and the State. This clearly shows that the Nationalist Party needs to modernise itself”.

The Communist Party of Malta re asserts its sympathy with those who have a broken marriage and are seeking a solution to form another family.

Communist Party of Malta participates in the 20th Communist Seminar

2011-05-17T09:53:00.005+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta participated in the 20th Internatioinal Communist Seminar held in Brussels between the 12th and 15th May Victor Degiovanni delivered this speech.

Comrade Chairperson, Comrades,

Firstly, I must thank the National Council of the Workers Party of Belgium, for organizing this Twentieth International Communist Seminar and giving all parties participating here a platform to express our opinion on the subject being discussed this year

Communist Parties, forged by the revolutionary experience of the working class, under the banner of Marxism Leninism, strengthened by the science of dialectical materialism; understand the need for the unity of the Communist movement, and of all other progressive forces in society to defeat once and for all the capitalist system.

Capitalism which up to now had the ability to survive one crisis after another has now entered, into a long tunnel which has no end. This present economic crises is deep and has left the Capitalist system moribund, The measures that are being taken to save capitalism from it’s eventual demise, offer no solution at all, as the whole structure of capitalist economy is based on a free market where the selling and buying of commodities are the main requisites, for the system to survive.
Austerity measures are being taken in a futile attempt to save the system. These Measures are hitting the working class from every possible angle, redundancies, cuts in wages; jobs on short term contracts, with no basic benefits such as leave or sick leave
Cuts in social spending such d as health care and education are making life more difficult for the working class, making them poorer, thus, in this scenario the workers are consuming less.
Karl Marx had predicted this in his “Communist Manifesto”

Quoting directly from Marx:
“The development of Modern Industry, therefore, cuts from under its feet the very foundation on which the bourgeoisie produces and appropriates products What the bourgeoisie, therefore, produces above all, its own grave diggers. Its fall and the victory of the proletariat are equally inevitable”

Imperialism which as Lenin had stated, is capitalism at its’ highest stage, has overstretched itself, over the neo-liberal project of globalization. The triumphalism over the fall of the Soviet Union and the socialist community in Eastern Europe manifested itself in these ambitious projects, which led to diverse aggressive wars against Iraq, Serbia, Afghanistan and now Libya, while capitalists and bankers were busily constructing the structure of this present economic crisis. The failure of Capitalism, to consolidate upon the victory over socialism in 1989, paved the way for its own downfall

Now let us examine what our role as Communist parties should be, in this precise moment in time, when all that we have strived for, seems to be within our reach.
What is mostly necessary here is the need for unity within our movement. This goal must be our prime target.
If we take a good look at the Communist movement, in all the countries, especially those in Europe, we find two, or three separate Communist parties, in each respective country. Progress towards unity is being attained, as parties unite into one block during parliamentary election, but more still needs to be done. Let us remain separate but let us combine our struggles, this way we will be more effective.

We must also unite with the all progressive forces in order to defeat the capitalist system and its imperialistic mechanisations.
Capitalism was, and is still effective, because of the hegemony; it has on the population of the advanced western countries. In order to bring its fall once and for all we must combat to break this control. However this is not an easy task. As we all know that the ruling class have absolute control over the media, and whenever their control is threatened they use harsh methods to regain control. The manner, in which the bourgeoisie use the media today, is no more different then how Goebbels used it in NAZI Germany. Our task is to expose this. We must also show their duplicity, their lies, and their half-truths. We must find a very subtle manner, to accomplish our task.

This is where we have to be more clever then them, and use their tools against them, we must fight back using their own media structure. We have to do this because most of the time our media reaches only the progressives and that is just like preaching to the converted. We want to reach out to the whole of the working people in each and every country, especially those workers, who are misguided and believe the myth of western democracy. We must prove to them the fact that it is only the dictatorship of the capital and nothing else.

Today when austerity measures are being imposed and higher energy prices are being lambasted on the workers, our task has become easier.
In Greece the Communist Party (KKE) is mobilising the Greek workers against the austerity measures being imposed on them by a Social Democratic Administration.
A Similar situation has also arisen in Spain, while in Italy, and in Britain, the same is occurring under right wing administrations.

Workers are being made to bear the brunt of the capitalist crises, which was not of their own doing. Communist Parties everywhere must follow the example of KKE, with the help of progressive Trade Unions fight capitalism globally.
It is of Paramount importance today, that we must be effective.
In the 1930’s a similar situation gave rise to fascism which had to be subdued by a World War with great sacrifices, and great loss of lives.

Long Live Marxism Leninism

Communist Party of Malta participates in a Palestinian Conference in Cyprus

2011-05-17T09:44:00.004+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta participated in an international conference organised by AKEL in Nicosia during last February. This address was delivered by Victor Degiovanni

Comrade Chairperson, Comrades

Firstly, please allow me, to thank the Progressive Party of the Working people of Cyprus (AKEL) for inviting the Communist Party of Malta to this fora dealing with “The Palestinian problem and the Solidarity of the Left to the Struggle of the Heroic People of Palestine”

Like all other people deprived of their homeland the Palestinian people had to endure endless hardships, sorrows and pain of seeing loved ones butchered in front of their eyes, the agony of being victims of Zionist aggressions all with the direct aid of US imperialism while the EU looks on silently approves.

UN resolutions when breached, it is a normal practice either for the UN to intervene militarily, or sanctions are used against that respective country that had not adhered to UN resolutions. However the Zionist state of Israel has been breaching all the resolutions put forward by the UN with regards to the Palestinian question. No actions were ever taken by the UN against Israel. This was always with the aid of a U.S. veto.

Israel is allowed to construct the wall of shame when even the International Court of Justice in The Hague advisory committee had declared this to be in breach of international law.
Palestinian Israeli talks are kept intentionally in a deadlock by Zionist policies and agendas that of refusing to give up occupied territories and using this as delay tactic against the setting up of the Palestinian state. Also the continued building of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, which is again contrary to UN resolution, has the explicit intention to deny the setting up of a Palestinian State.

The military aggressions by Israelis against Palestinians like the recent one’s in Gaza has brought about destruction in the region and deaths of thousands and thousands of innocent victims, amongst them women and children in different regions ranging from Lebanon to Gaza. This is genocide, yet we have not seen anybody answering for this crime in the Hague. The Mossad has carried out a policy of assassinations of Palestinian political leaders all over the world one such killing took place in Malta in the early 1990’s. Its not possible to mention all the war crimes perpetrated by the state of Israel, in such a limited space of time.

The present blockade against Gaza by Israel is criminal and goes against all the rules of human rights, yet Israeli commandos attack with impunity, in International waters, the Turkish “Mavi Marmara” which was carrying humanitarian aid to the population in Gaza, killing peace activists, and yet an Israeli court says that these actions were legal under the rules of war

We must unite in our condemnation of the Zionist state of Israel and pressure on our respective governments to act in defending the rights of the Palestinian people.
We must now show more then ever, more than solidarity towards the Palestinian cause

The Communist Party of Malta deplores the international migration policy.

2011-05-10T18:52:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the strategy of the Government of Malta, the European Union, and NATO, as they are playing a political game in the current situation of migration, and are abdicating from their responsibility to save lives of those migrants who are in distress at sea.

The Party believes that we should be more realistic and accept the phenomenon of migration. We should give migrants all assistance and support. The solution is not to evade from responsibility, but to accept that migration is now part of our lives and that the population should accept this fact. We also note that the role of NATO in Libya is of an imperialistic nature and does not give value to human lives.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the European Union countries that are fleeing from their responsibility towards human life, by failing to give assistance to migrants fleeing from Libya. Foreign people who were not African were given all assistance to evacuate from Libya, whilst African nationalities were not given such assistance.

”It is ironic how these EU countries point their fingers at other countries for disrespecting human lives, when such blatant violation is the order of the day by these same countries, in the face of migration. It appears that EU wants to remain passive on this issue, while migrants continue to loose their lives at sea”.

It’s good to remember that the European Union concept of Frontex violated the right for a migrant to seek asylum in another country. We also note that Malta’s position against Frontex was not on humanitarian basis, but on political grounds, which classified migrants as numbers.

The Communist Party of Malta welcomes the agreement between Al Fatah and Ħamas

2011-05-05T11:10:00.002+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta welcomes the agreement between Al Fatah and Ħamas and all other Palestinian factions to end the political division between them, and to have a single voice, united in the struggle for the creation of the Palestinian State. This agreement was reached through the mediation of the Ad interim Government of Egypt.

“We would like to remind, that next September, the Palestinian people will be asking the General Assembly of the United Nations to declare officially the creation of the Palestinian State according to the borders existing in 1967. The Communist Party of Malta expects and urges the Maltese Government to vote in favour of the resolution creating a sovereign, independent Palestine.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the illegal occupation of the Palestinian lands by Israel, declared as an illegal occupation by the United Nations and violates international laws. The Communist Party condemns the violent repression and murders that are constantly committed against the Palestinian people by the Isreali forces.

The Party augurs the Palestinian people in their bid for the recognition of a Palestinian State and reminds them that the Maltese people were always close to their cause and supported them in all international fora. The Party notices and supports the declarations recently passed by the United Nations, the IMF and other international organizations, in recognising that the Palestinian people are able to govern a viable Palestinian State.

On this historic occasion we remember and salute the Palestinian martyrs who suffered and who gave their lives in the noble cause for the creation of a Palestinian state.

The Communist Party of Malta acknowledges the fact that there will be sectors who do not like to see the end of the divide between the various Palestinian factions. We call on the Palestinian people to challenge them and strengthen unity amongst the Palestinian people.

Diskors tas-Segretarju tal-PKM fl-okkazjoni ta' l-Ewwel ta' Mejju

2011-05-02T12:05:00.007+02:00

Dan id-diskors gie moqri min Victor Degiovanni waqt soiree sabiex jimmarka l-ewwel ta' Mejju gewwa l-Kwartiri tal-Partit Komunista Malta nhar il-Hadd l-ewwel ta' Mejju

Hbieb,

Illum iltqajna hawnhekk sabiex niccelebraw l-ewwel ta’ Mejju. Il-Jum Internazzjonali id-dedikat lill-Haddiem.

Ic-Cirkustanzi li haddiem sab ruhu fihom illum jixbhu hafna lill dawk ta’ mitt sena ilu, bid-differenza li dak inhar il-haddiem ma kellux drittijiet, u illum, id-drittijiet li klassi tal-haddiema kisbet bi gliediet kbar fil-passat, qehdin jittiehdu wiehed wara l-iehor.
Il-Klassi tal-flus, jigifieri l-klassi kapitalista, llumm sabet ruha fi krizi li ghaliex il-politika Neo-liberali falliet, u sistema kapitalista tinsab moribonda fuq is-sodda tal-mewt.

Qedhin issieru attentati sabiex johrogu min din il-krizi bil-politika falza, u zbaljata fil-kuncetti taghha, billi jiehdu mizuri ta’ awsterita, ‘mponuti fuq il-klassi tan-nies tax-xoghol, mizuri, li qed ifaqqru lill-haddiema u l-familji taghhom. Bir-rata tal-qghad dejjem jghola, bit-tnaqqis tal-livel tal-pagi, Minhabba prezzijiet dejjem jgholow, u bil waqfien tal-beneficcji socjali bhal, sahha u edukazzjoni, li l-familiji sa issa kienu jgawdu minnhom.

Dawn il-mizuri mhumiex sejrin isolvu il-krizi kapitalista, anzi, sejrin ikomplu jgharqu lis-Sistema, ghaliex il-haddiema huma l-mutur ta’ l-ekkonomija kapitalista, jekk dawn ma jinkosmawx, jigifieri ma jixtrux kollox jistagna.

F’dan ix-xenarju il-komipitu tal-Klassi tal-haddiema huwa li jqum u jinaqghad ma shabu il-haddiema tal-Grecja, tal-Portugal, ta’ Spanja, dawk Inglizi u kif ukoll ta’ l-Irlanda, johrogu fit-Toroq jipprotestaw, ghal bidla, ghal-Dinja Socjalista, mibnija fuq ix-xoghol u l-hidma, Minghajr theddid ta’ gwerrer, minghajr imperjalizmu li huwa is-sors tal-gwerrer tal-llumm, inkluz dik li qed issirr gewwa il-Libya llumm.
Nixtieq naghlaq billi nikkundana lin-NATO tal-assasinju ta’ iben il-mexxej Libyan, kif ukoll tat tlett neputijiet zghar tieghu.

The Communist Party’s Mayday Message.

2011-04-27T19:13:00.002+02:00

On the occasion of Worker’s Day, celebrated internationally, the Communist Party of Malta is conveying this message.

“We recognise that presently the working class has lost much of its rights and is in a critical situation where it is difficult for workers to defend themselves against this right wing neo-liberal onslaught fostered by the Neo-Liberal policies being championed by the European Union”.

“The European Strategy 2020 and the “Euro Plus Pact” are intended solely to dismantle the present conditions of the workers, with the pretext of more competitiveness and stability of the Euro”.

“Workers are experiencing inferior conditions of work, in a massive competitive market, through the introduction of precarious employment with no job security, low wages and reduction in their conditions of work. Some workers are also being denied the right of association with a trade union and the right to collective bargaining.”

“We are also witnessing actions by the workers in various European countries, supported by Communist Parties, namely those from Greece, France, Spain and Portugal, who are demonstrating against the austerity policies imposed upon them by the ruling capitalist class in the European Union.”

“Workers in Malta should be aware of the regressive policies that are being legislated in the European Parliament to dismantle worker’s rights. The workers should take the example of other European countries where workers have taken to the streets and are present standard of living and their conditions of work”.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals to the working class to become once again a militant force and recognise who is their real class enemy. These enemies militate in political parties that defend the interest of the capitalist class, to the detriment of the workers and their families. This could be seen by the fact that these political parties in Malta are not very eager to address the problem of precarious employment and class struggle.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the Central Bank Governor’s neo liberal stance.

2011-04-21T12:33:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns without any reservation the comments made by the Governor of the Malta Central Bank about the economic situation in Malta, where he appealed for cuts in social spending, dismantling of the welfare state and also objected to the granting of the cost of living adjustment.

The Party notes that the Governor failed to propose real social economic solutions, and also failed to criticise the lack of enforcement in tax evasion. The Governor was more interested in pushing forward a neo liberal agenda on the same parameters of the European Union, to introduce cuts in social spending, that we classify as ‘working class rights’.

“The ‘means testing’ concept is a tool for the breaking down of the universality of social welfare, and also to deprive families in need from these rights, as is happening in the case of minimum wage earners and pensioners”.

“Once again, The Communist Party of Malta maintains its position against the introduction of private pension schemes. The State should not abdicate from this social responsibility, as the governor of the Bank is proposing. The same applies to the National Health Service which should not be subjected to any ‘means testing’ and should remain free.”

The Communist Party of Malta sees the Governor in the same light as other right wing politicians who, in order to reduce inflation, advocate the implementation of anti social measures against the working class, who are not to blame for the present capitalist economic crisis.

Manwel Dimech

2011-04-17T11:27:00.006+02:00

Nhar il-Gimgha 17 ta' April il-Partit Komunista Malti ppartecipa fil-miexja ta' Commemorazzjoni ta' l-gheluq tad-90 Anniversarju mill-Mewt tal-Hassieb riformatur Maltu Manwel Dimech hawn taht qedhin nirriproducu id-diskors commemorattiv li ghamel is-Segretarju tal-PKM Victor Degiovanni

“Manwel Dimech kien l-ewwel persuna f’Malta li hadha kontra l-isfruttament tal-Klassi tal-Haddiema. Huwa kien ukoll il-persuna li ssielet ghal-helsien ta’ Malta mill hakma barranija bl-ghajta tieghu Maltaghal-Maltin. Ohrajn kienu johlmu biss biex jehilsu lill Malta mill hakma Ingliza. L-Ghan Taghhom kien li Malta tkun parti ‘ntegrali mill-Itaja. Manwel Dimech kien bniedem li emancipa lilhu nnfsu mill-kundizzjonijiet li sab ruhu fihom minhabba l-mizerja u l-injoranza li kienu gew mhollija fiha l-massa mhux privilegjata tal-poplu Malti. Kemm mil-hakkiema ‘nglizi kif ukoll min dawk il Maltin ghonja li kull ma kien jintereshom, kienu l-isfruttament u l-profit.

Il-Knisja min-nahha taghha kienet tippriedka l-karita imma kenitx appogatt lill Dimech imma ghamlitlu gwerra ghaliex, mhux ghax ma fehemitx l-ghanijiet ta’ Dimech, imma ghaliex rat fih, ribell li seta jkisser l-ordni socjali ta’ dak inhar. Il-Knisja kellha pozizzjoni privelegjata ghaliex kienet hi l-hakkiema tal-poplu Malti wara l-awtorita Ingliza. Il-Karita li kienet tippriedka l-knisja kienitx bizzejjed sabiex teghrfa lill-popolin mill mizerja li kien jisab fiha, ghaliex li ried li jsirr, kienet, il-gustizzja socjali, li Dimech kien il-hin kollhu jitkellem dwarha. Din il-gustizzja socjali kienet principju Socjalista li ma kienetx ghada tigi ppratikkata, fi zmien Manwel Dimech, la f”Malta u l’anqas fl-Ewropa. Kellha tkun Ir-Rivoluzzjoni Russa, sabiex dan il-kuncett gie ezecertitat fil-prattika, kemm mis-socjalisti li kienu hadu l-poter u kif ukoll mill-klassi kapitalista tal-pajjizi tal-punent, li issa kienu fehmu li jekk ma jghamlux hekk kien sejjer jigrilhom bhal mal-gralhom shabhom il-kapitalisti Russi
Il-Hasra kienet li dan l-avvanz Manwel Dimech ma kellux x-xorti li jarah., principalment minhabba l-fatt li huwa kellhu hafna gheddewa li ‘kkonfoffaw kontrieh u malli faqqet l-Ewwel Gwerra Dinijija huwa sab ruhu eziljat min Malta fuq Degriet tal-Gvernatur Ingliz Henry Leslie Rundle u maqful gewwa l-kamp ta’ koncentrament ta’ Sidi Basr gewwa l-Ixandra fl-Egittu. Dimech wara l-gwerra ma ngiebx lura Malta ghaliex il-klassi gholja u l-Knisja ma rieduhx jerga jigi lura. Huwa miet fl-ezilju, Nhar is-17 ta’ April fl-1921, il-bghod min familtu u min pajjizu Malta li huwa tant habb. Ta min isemmi hawnhekk li dan il-principju tal-gustizzja socjali wasal Malta wara it-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija jigifieri aktar min tletin sena wara l-mewt ta’ Dimech.
Illum insselmu lill dan il-hassieb Malti li ghalkemm l-ghedewwa tieghu irnexilhom li jnahhuh min nofs, Il-pjan viljak taghhom fallilhom ghal-kollox, ghaliex il-hsieb tieghu ghadhu haj. Daq li hsieb ta’ Manwel Dimech baqa ma tkissierx ghaliex dawk li gew warajh xerdu it-taghlim tieghu, li ghadu fostna sa z-zminijiet tal-lum. Manwel Dimech kien ghalliem denju li fetah it-triq ghal-emancipazzjoni tal-klassi tal-haddiema f’Malta.”

: “Security should be assured in energy production”.

2011-04-12T12:33:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta calls on the Government to take seriously the issue of national security and sovereignty when planning for the production and generation of energy in Malta.

“The political differences with Italy on the migration issue, exposes a weakness Malta could face to maintain its sovereignty in the energy sector. The neo liberal approach to connect Malta with a European grid is a direct threat to our security, as we could be easily blackmailed over energy”.

The Communist Party of Malta believes that to protect the social and security of the energy production in Malta, the State should not abdicate from its responsibilities. Liberalisation leads only to the privatisation of this sector. The privatization of the gas sector has resulted in prices three times higher for the consumer.

The State should provide and guarantee continuous power on a national basis. We also believe that the government’s role should be to invest in other renewable sources of energy.

PKM deplores Ryanair’s comments

2011-04-07T10:54:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta deplores the comments made the representatives of Ryanair and considers this as interference. The Ernst & Young report gives a clear picture that the low cost airlines are direct competitors with our National Air line. This situation is creating an unfair competition, and is a direct threat to the sustainability of Air Malta. The fact that low cost airlines across Europe are being subsidised, gives these companies an unfair advantage in the civil aviation market.

The Communist Party expresses solidarity with all workers at Air Malta who are the victims of past administrative errors which were not of their own making. The Party understands fully the Pilots Unions ‘ALPA’ where they are showing concern over the same report as it lacks detailed information on the wrong measures taken over the years which are affecting workers today. Most of the work that Air Malta employees used to do was outsourced to private companies. This has created a situation where many workers are seen as surplus to the company.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the Government's policy which was always in favour of privatisation. This had the effect of workers losing their jobs and others suffering from inferior working conditions. Several public companies that had been privatised are employing new workers on atypical job contracts which results in precarious jobs. A typical example is several workers at GO and Malta Post PLC who are being employed on atypical job contracts and others face the thread of becoming redundant.

The Communist Party of Malta commemorates Freedom Day.

2011-03-31T11:01:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta looks upon Freedom Day, as the day when the Maltese people gained an absolute sovereignty from British Colony. The same is happening in the Arab World today, where people are fighting against their pro-imperialist regimes, supported and in many instances imposed upon them, by the western powers. "The last foreign military base in Malta was dismantled in 1979 and then Malta embraced a policy of neutrality that was later enshrined in the Maltese Republican Constitution. The Communist Party of Malta calls on all politicians that embrace Malta’s policy on neutrality to push forward proposals for peaceful solutions and mediations, away from imperialist greed and interests, wars, and spread of weapons. Bloody conflicts will only bring misery, suffering, poverty and hunger on the populations.

"It is worth remembering that in 1997, our island served as a “bridge of peace” in the Palestinian crisis, when the former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat met David Levy the then Israeli Foreign Minister. in Malta, at a meeting of foreign ministers from the 15 countries of the European Union and 12 Mediterranean nations".

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the Imperialist Strategy in Libya.

2011-03-25T08:51:00.000+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the tactic by western military forces which are misinterpreting the UN resolution for a 'No fly zone' by carrying out an imperialist war against Libya.

The hypocrisy of Western countries knows no bounds. These same countries which are at war in Libya today, remain silent to the barbaric attacks by Israeli forces inside Gaza, and are also silent in the invasion of Bahrain by the ruthless military Saudi dictatorship, with the tacit support of the US Administration, to crush the popular uprisings in that country.

The Communist Party was even not surprised by the remarks made by Dr Fenech Adami to for Malta to be used as a military base in the Libyan issue. When Dr Fenech Adami was Prime Minister he took the wrong decision to allow Malta to be used in the illegal war against the Iraqi people.

The Communist Party of Malta believes that the Libyan issue can only be solved through diplomatic initiatives, as expressed by the African Union and several other independent countries in Latin America

NATO's entry in this conflagration does not auger well for peace.in the Mediterennean region.

The Communist Party of Malta endorses the Maltese Government’s decision to uphold Malta ’s neutrality.

2011-03-21T09:55:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta supports the decision taken by the Maltese Government for Malta to remain neutral, and not used as a military base, in the Libyan crises. The same view was expressed recently when a majority of the persons interviewed through an opinion poll, conducted by a local newspaper ‘Maltatoday’, favoured Malta’s Neutrality.

The Government should always stand with Malta ’s policy of neutrality and disassociate itself from any military blocks, be it NATO or any other block. With regret, we can say that Malta has been involved directly in other nation’s wars, such as the war in Iraq . This war was opposed by the anti-war movement and the United Nations.

“Whilst it is very important that Malta offers humanitarian aid and hospitality means, we should not allow our national airport to be used for military purposes. That would be a grave mistake and a betrayal to Malta ’s Constitution.”

The Communist Party of Malta supports the call made by various foreign leaders, including the call made by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, to end this conflict diplomatically. Throughout history, US imperialism only accepted armed revolutionary struggle for change when it was in their interest, like the coup d’état in Honduras a few months ago, while up to this day it still does not recognize the Cuban revolution.

We strongly appeal the international community to allow the Libyan to decide for themselves, what their future will be.

The Communist Party of Malta does not agree with a Referendum on Civil Right’s Issues.

2011-03-17T10:15:00.000+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta does not comply with the position being taken by the Maltese political class and the Yes-Movement to accept that the issue of divorce be settled by a referendum.

“The proposal for a referendum on this sensitive issue dealing with divorce which is a civil right, is condemnable, as it gives right to the majority to impose their believes on minorities.

The campaign to legislate for a referendum is undermining the real concept of the state, to protect all minorities in society. Minorities should all be treated equally as others”.

“To shift, the introduction of such a civil right, in the electorate hands, is nothing more than the abdication of the State to legislate for minority rights. The political class should not shy away from such issues because of the fear of losing votes. This is only a betrayal by the political class against minorities”.

“It is regrettable that people with opposing interests and others without interest are being given the chance to cast their vote to block such civil right. The Communist Party has misgivings about what will happen in the case of other civil rights issues, such as LGBT rights. Are we going to give these decisions to the electorate?”.

The Communist Party of Malta believes that with a referendum on this issue we have given the power to conservative and reactionary forces, including Church institutions to exert their ideological influences on the Maltese political class and the electorate. We are repeating history. We have put the clock back to 1962.

The Communist Party of Malta is against the referendum and will not be an accomplice to deny the right to divorce.

The Communist Party of Malta opposes the European Strategy 2020

2011-03-10T11:15:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta opposes the European Strategy 2020, whose aim is for further liberalization of the European internal market. If adopted, this strategy will lead to further deregulation of the labor market and the dismantlement of more public services, such as the postal service.

"The austerity measures and the dismantling of the working conditions are an integral part of this strategy. It’s shameful that this liberal approach is finding support from various political groups in the European Parliament. "

The Communist Party of Malta notes, that this strategy, if implemented will continue to put burden on the working class and will increase poverty in Europe . Political groups that are in favour of this approach are supporting a more flexible labor market, which means more precariousness and fewer rights for the workers and changing the present pension system into a private, profit motivated, one.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals other political parties to oppose this strategy and support the European Trade Union Council and other social and left movements who are objecting to this agenda by stating that employment development in Europe is becoming more fragile. They are calling for a European ‘fair’ labour market’, where stable and protected work contracts, good wages with ‘equal pay for equal work’ and robust unemployment benefits will make sure that economic progress will be widely shared and is not reserved to the privileged.

The Communist Party of Malta notes that a Social Europe cannot be achieved by cuts in social spending, free trade of services, privatization, deregulation of the labour market and more neo liberal economic policies.

The Communist Party of Malta supports the Arab people revolutions against neo-liberalism.

2011-03-01T10:18:00.002+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta supports the ongoing revolutions in the North African, Middle East and Arabian Gulf countries. The party believes that these revolutions are all against the Capitalist neo-liberal economic policies. It is clear that the wave of protests in nearly every country is being lead by the working class who are demanding for the total dismantling of the existing economic system, and the downfall of pro-imperialist regimes.

The Communist Party of Malta supports the people’s revolutions, and pays tribute to all martyrs who fell in this struggle. The Party condemns without reservations the ongoing violence in Libya, where the present situation has degenerated and may lead to a civil war.

We note that the situation in Libya is the same as in other countries in the terms of the capitalist crisis, high prices and unemployment, but with the difference that the revolution had its beginnings as tribal unrest. The Communist Party of Malta is highly concerned that the end result will not be in favour of the Libyan people, especially when there is the threat of foreign intervention by NATO, so the West would gain control over the country's natural resources.

“The future of Libya should only be decided by the Libyan people and, not by any foreign intervention”.

The Communist Party of Malta understands that the real alternative for these people, who are revolting against the system in their respective country, can only be achieved by socialism.

The Communist Party of Malta calls for the right of divorce.

2011-02-14T22:22:00.002+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta believes that divorce is a civil right. The Party believes that Catholics have the right to their belief not to divorce and to follow their Church religious teachings, but they do not have the right to impose their beliefs on others.

"People under going marital family problems should have solutions to solve their problems. Persons, who had a failed marriage and are now living with a different partner, should be entitled to regulate their relationship legally”.

“The fact that the rich people can go abroad and apply for divorce in another EU Country is creating class discrimination. People from the working class strata whose finance does not allow them to travel and live abroad for a period of time which is a requisite by the respective country, where the divorce is applied for, are being deprived of this right. All countries of the European Union, including those who are Catholics, have laws where divorce is recognized as a civil right”.

The Communist Party of Malta does not agree with the referendum, as it beliefs that divorce is a civil right and not a political game. The Party would like to remind that when Malta was in the process of ratifying the European Treaty, which was going to affect the daily life of every individual person, because of its neo liberal policies, the people were ignored.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals that the discussion in Parliament will be on how this right is made available and not on how to deny it.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns GO’s redundancies directive.

2011-02-14T22:18:00.000+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta describes the decision by GO to reduce its workforce as an attempt to break unity among the workers.

“The company is using a language that does not give the real picture behind this exercise to reduce workers. The Communist Party of Malta asks about the weak investment Go made in Greece, whether it is the real reason why the company wants to reduce workers?”.

It is important to remind that in the past years when the company was state owned, workers used to enjoy good conditions of employment. Today, after the company had been privatized many of the regular workers had no option but to terminate their employment. While many of the new employees that the company is employing, are being offered only precarious conditions of employment, such as jobs on a few months’ contract, part-time work, and ‘self employed’.

The Communist Party of Malta deplores such a move as this is changing the existing working conditions, thus giving the company absolute control over the working conditions of the employees and thus weakening the trade unions. The Party expresses its solidarity with the worker that had been dismissed illegally by the company.

The Communist Party of Malta strongly suspects that this shift towards redundancies will lead the last 150 workers who currently enjoy a regular job to be replaced by other new workers with precarious conditions, as it is happening in the Postal sector.

The truth about the DPRK

2011-02-14T22:02:00.005+01:00

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the constant target of US Imperialism. After the Second World War the lower part of the Korean peninsula was occupied by the United States, who were the cause of the Korean War were the military Forces of the DPRK nearly managed to drive the US occupiers out and liberate the whole of the country from foreign domination. The intrusion of the newly formed UN who even then had a policy of two weights two measures, ordered the DPRK to retreat back to the position they had, prior to the war a cease fire was declared by the UN but an Armistice was never signed.
The US installed puppet military dictatorial regimes which lasted up to the 1980's, up to this day Korea remains split into two countries. The US which still controls the border between the two parts of Korea have nuclear armaments on the korean mainland yet they complain because the DPRK now have similar armaments. The DPRK is a country that is still at war and is often the victim of US backed provocations from the South. The living conditions in the DPRK are the result of the economic embargo and having to spend more then it could afford on defense. US imperialism should be blamed for the shortcomings in the DPRK. Every country has the right to choose its path even if this does not suite the US policy of World domination.

The Communist Party of Malta’s position on the events taking place in the Arab World.

2011-02-03T09:41:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta looks upon the events in the Arabic countries as a people's revolution against the capitalist system which has brought about only social inequality, poverty and imperialist domination over the people. The only fear is that fundamentalism will emerge victorious.

The fact that the Maltese Government has found himself in an ambiguous position on this issue is nothing new. Other Governments that have supported American imperialism and its’ capitalist economic system have also found themselves in the same position. The EU through the European Parliament is still taking right wing positions, as if neo liberalism and U.S. imperialism are ideologies that promote social justice.

The Communist Party of Malta believes in a new social order where socialism, social justice and global peace prevail, and not imperialism that creates war and greed, nor neo-liberalism that creates modern slavery.

”It would be better for Malta if as a nation we endorse neutrality seriously and should not ally ourselves with reactionary and imperialist forces. The allowing of naval warships in our ports, do not augur well to keep a neutral position to promote peace and social justice in the Mediterranean. We condemn the Maltese Government for not keeping the policy of Neutrality and in doing so is ridiculing the Maltese Constitution”.

The Communist Party of Malta concludes by paying tribute to the peoples of Arabic countries who are protesting against the regimes imposed on them by western imperialism.

Support for the joint statement of DPRK

2011-01-18T10:36:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta fully supports the joint statement released on January 5, 2011 by the DPRK government, political parties, and other social organizations where they set forward important proposals to the South Korean authority, political parties and other organizations to improve the inter-Korean relations, promote national reconciliation and unity.

The danger of war on the Korean peninsula must, without fail, be defused to ensure peace on the Korean peninsula and achieve peaceful reunification of Korea.

We consider it the most realistic proposal to mend the inter Korean relations now at the lowest ebb for the north and the south of Korea to conduct dialogue and negotiations.

We call upon the South Korean authority to sincerely approach the discussion on the important issues to promote national reconciliation and unity and open a landmark phase of peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula as proposed by the DPRK.

We extend full support and solidarity in appeal of the DPRK government, political parties, and organizations for the peaceful solution of the Korean problem.

The Communist Party of Malta on the situation in Tunisia

2011-01-17T22:45:00.001+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta gives it’s full support to the Tunisian people who are struggling for freedom and working class emancipation.

" Tunisia which for years was admired and supported by the West for its capitalist economy and it’s support to imperialism, is now in a revolutionary situation where the workers' movement supported by the Communist Party of Tunisia and other progressives are calling for a radical change to improve the people’s conditions."

Tunisia could be an example for the working class in Europe who are currently bearing the brunt of the austerity measures and high prices of energy and food imposed by the international markets.

The Communist Party of Malta compare these events with those that occurred in Thailand last year where people were killed and communist leaders imprisoned for protesting against poverty and against the military imposed government, with the King’s blessing.

The Communist Party of Malta regrets that again, the European Union failed to take a clear position on this issue, as it had done previously in the case of Thailand .

We believe that the Communist Party of Tunisia should be involved in the talks that are being held presently to form a new Government and should not be excluded as it is currently being done. Any change in government should be in the interest of the working class and Tunisian people. We deplore the fact that the bourgeoisie are again trying to hinder the revolutionary process.

The Communist Party of Malta gives it’s support and solidarity to the leader of the Communist Party of Tunisia Hamma Hammami who was imprisoned by the ousted Tunisian President Ben Ali. Hamma Hammami is still in prison along with other Communists.

PR: The Communist Party of Malta about the increases in energy prices

2011-01-12T10:01:00.000+01:00

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The Communist Party of Malta notes that the increase in the price of energy and gas will lead to a new social poverty. These increases are directly affecting the working classes and the pensioners. Many workers with low income are finding it more difficult to keep their present standard of living. National statistics confirm this.

”It is shameful that the political class in government is not being sensitive to the problems that the people face everyday. The use of energy and gas are an essential resource in the daily life of every family, and it should oblige the government to take the necessary social measures so that this commodity remains accessible to everyone”.

"Trade Unions are all of the same opinion that the government is abandoning its social policy and is adopting a right wing agenda where only the powerful and the rich succeed.”

The Communist Party of Malta believes that right wing governments lack in social conscience. This can be seen by the huge increase in the salaries of Government MPs, while the cost of living increase given to the people was a mere pittance. Only the workers are bearing the burden of the austerity measures.

"The social gap under the present Nationalist government is being widened. We urge the Government to take immediate measures in order to protect those with low incomes and pensioners, while reintroducing ‘a subsidy policy’ on essential basic commodities and taxing more capital gains”.

Message to KPL on the 90th Anniversary of its founding

2011-01-04T13:15:00.004+01:00

Dear Comrades,

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Malta sends warm fraternal greetings to its fraternal party the Communist party of Luxembourg on the occasion of its 90^th Anniversary from its founding on January 2^nd 1921.

From its birth The Communist Party of Luxembourg had struggled for the interest of the working class against capitalist exploitation, and fought valiantly against the fascists occupiers during the Second World War with many of its cadres sacrificing their lives in that arduous struggle.

The Communist Party of Malta acknowledges your parliamentary work and your ability to win parliamentary seats in the national parliament and also representation in many communal administrations, thus enabling the party to continue the struggle for the improvement of the conditions working class also from within your country’s’ legislative assembly.

The publication of the newspaper “Zeitung vom Letzebuerger Volleke” on a daily basis was also a great achievement, and shows the support the KPL enjoys among the working people in Luxembourg.

The Communist Party of Malta augers that the celebration of your 90^th Anniversary further strengthens the Communist Party of Luxembourg in the forthcoming struggles against the imposition of austerity measures on the working class to make good for the present capitalist crises.

The Communist Party of Malta encourages the Communist Party of Luxembourg to continue on the path of active struggle, so that along with other fraternal parties from all over the world will put an end to exploitation of men by men, for the abolition of the moribund capitalist system. , For the dissolution of NATO. EU and all other Imperialist instruments of aggression.. Moving forward, towards, a better socialist future, which will ensure world peace.

Long Live Marxism Leninism

Long Live the Communist Party of Luxembourg

To the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam

2011-01-04T13:15:00.002+01:00

Dear Comrades,The Communist Party of Malta sends warm fraternal greetings to the Communist Party of Vietnam on the occasion of the 11^th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. And Augers success in all the tasks to be undertaken by the congress which we are sure that with the Ideological foundations set by the founder of your party the great Ho Chi Minh and under the banner of Marxism Leninism that the Communist Party of Vietnam will continue on the path towards Socialism. We are assured that the heroic people of Vietnam who gave U.S. Imperialism it’s greatest defeat will again rise up for the occasion in the development of Vietnam as a highly Industrialized Socialist country a task that will be set up by this Congress which will contribute towards world peace and friendship among nations. The Communist Party of Malta, again augers every success to, the 11^th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. A party, that is striving to increase, the social well being, of the people of Vietnam.

Long Live Marxism Leninism

Long Live the Communist Party of Vietnam

To Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba

2011-01-04T13:15:00.000+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta sends its warmest fraternal greetings to the leadership, central committee, activists and cadres of the Communist Party of Cuba on the occasion of the 52^nd year from the triumph of the Cuban Revolution.

We auger that the Cuban Revolution which has inspired the Latin American Continent, and also the rest of the world, will continue to surmount all the obstacles, that the empire puts forward in order to hinder the social progress of the Cuban people . The Cuban Revolution will continue to receive solidarity from the Communist Party of Malta and from all the progressive people in the world’

Long Live socialism

Long Live the Cuban Revolution

The Communist Party of Malta commemorated 150 Anniversary from the birth of Manwel Dimech

2010-12-26T22:57:00.005+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta commemorated on the 25 of December the 150 Anniversary from the birth of Manwel Dimech. A delegation led by the Party’s Secretary Victor Degiovanni placed a floral wreath on Manuel Dimech’s Monument in Castille Square Valletta.

The Communist Party of Malta deems Dimech to be the founder of the Progressive Movement in Malta. He was active and founded the movement of ‘Xirka ta’ l-Imdawlin’(League of the Enlightened) in 1911. This movement was active in areas such as labour rights, education, the fight against poverty and struggle for Independence from the British Colonial Domination and even published the newspaper called ‘Bandiera tal-Maltin’.("The Maltese People's Flag") People from every sphere of society were inspired by his teachings and many followed in his footsteps, including British soldiers.

Dimech politically was a mixture of Utopian Socialism and Nationalism invoked the wrath of the Catholic Oligarchy, the Maltese ruling class, and the British Colonial authorities. On the outbreak of the first World War he was arrested by the British authorities and on the pretext of being a Turkish spy he was interned in Sidi Basr Concentration Camp in Alexandria Egypt. After the end of the War both the Catholic church and the Maltese ruling class opposed his return to Malta. Dimech died as an exile in Egypt in 1921 and was buried in an unmarked grave. Today he is considered to be a Martyr for the cause of the Maltese working class..

2010-12-19T14:13:00.000+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta on the salary increase to Ministers and MPs.

2010-12-16T10:27:00.003+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta strongly believes that the increase in salaries announced to Ministers and Members of Parliament is offensive to all working people. Many families are experiencing a reduction in their standard of living and poor working conditions.

"The fact that several categories of workers are being forced to bear the burden of the economic crisis and unjust energy tariffs is massively out of tune with the increase announced, of 600 euros per month to all Ministers and members of Parliament’s. When in the last fiscal budget, the cost of living increase for all workers and pensioners was only of 1.16euro per week."

The Communist Party of Malta reminds the Government to be sensitive about all those employees working on minimum wage, part-time and short term contracts who are experiencing inferior working conditions, low wage and sometimes even redundancy.

"The increase announced by the government is an insult for the working class and their families. Recent European statistics show that 59,000 people (14.6%) in Maltaare at risk of poverty."

The Communist Party of Malta believes that it is not ethical that the people’s representative should accept such an increase, when the rest of the workers are being made to carry the burden of the crises..

We appeal to all Trade Unions, political parties, civil society, students and workers to make their voices heard against this ‘shameless’ measure.

Statement of the Communist Party of Malta

2010-12-16T10:17:00.001+01:00

On the occasion of 19^th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il’s assumption of the Supreme Commandership of the Korean People’s Army

the Communist Party of Malta extends its warm greetings of congratulations to him

Leader Kim Jong Il, who assumed a heavy responsibility of the KPA supreme commandership at such a time as the imperialists were stepping up the anti-socialist offensive against the DPRK, frustrated the aggressive schemes of the imperialists and ensured the security of socialist Korea by strengthening the army into invincible powerful forces.

As he, with the conviction of sure victory and iron will, stood in the van of the army and the people, socialism of Korea could be saved from crisis and its invincibility demonstrated throughout the world.

Under his wise Songun leadership, the DPRK has now turned into a powerful political, ideological and military power.

The Communist Party of Malta is convinced that the DPRK’s cause for building a great, prosperous and powerful nation would be finally accomplished under Supreme Commander of KPA Kim Jong Il’s wise leadership.

The Communist Party comments on the situation at Air Malta

2010-11-17T14:52:00.002+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta agrees with the proposal being put forward to set up a steering committee, where all trade unions representing Air Malta employees will be included. In other circumstances the Maltese Government acted on its own initiative, without any consultation, such as, in the case of Sea Malta, the Postal Service and the Gas Service, were privatization was the sole consideration.

“For once, the Centre Right Government is admitting that the national airline is of a major strategic importance to Malta, both for the economy and for the social wellbeing of the Maltese people.”

“The introduction of new laws to deregulate the aviation market in the European Union in the early 1990s has altered the service for more cost cuttings, inferior working conditions and the dismantling of national airlines across Europe. The shift towards 'budget' airlines has brought significant changes. Airlines such as Easy Jet and Ryanair have grown at the expense of the traditional national airlines. This growth was brought about as a direct cause of the neo liberal policies of the European Union.”

We believe that the Government should stop ‘outsourcing’ work to private entities, as part of the reform, as this work could be performed by Air Malta Employees, as was done in the past. This managerial behaviour is resulting in losses to the company. We suggest that measures are taken to minimize direct competition by low cost airline, to avoid having a duplication of destinations from the two airlines operating from Malta airport. The policy taken to privatise Malta International Airport has negatively affected our Airlines.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals to the Maltese Government to protect our National Airline and ensure that no worker is made redundant throughout the reform.

To the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece.

2010-11-14T13:06:00.001+01:00

Dear Comrades,

Please allow me to convey the congratulations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Malta to the Central Committee and all the cadres of the Communist Party of Greece for the substantial electoral gains made by KKE in the recent regional elections. These gains reflect the tireless effort made by your party to increase the support of all the workers in Greece is bearing results. The Communist Party of Malta wishes more success in forthcoming struggles that the Communist Party of Greece undertakes in the interest of all those who toil for their livelihood in Greece.

Fraternal Salutations

Victor Degiovanni

for the

Central Committee

Communist Party of Malta.

The Communist Party of Malta supports the minimum income standard

2010-10-31T09:50:00.002+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta supports the call by the United Left Bloc in the European Parliament for a decent minimum income standard to combat rising poverty across Europe. In Malta the introduction of a minimum income by law was introduced way back in the 1970s by a Labour Administration. This labour legislation introduced for the first time social justice at the workplace.

“It is offensive that the Government has, in Budget 2011, tied an increase in minimum wage with job training, when training is supposed to be a worker’s right. This is nothing but discrimination to workers with low income and this will increase social exclusion and class inequalities”.

“The proposed Framework Directive for a minimum income standard is mathematically formulated based on at least 60% of the median income in each European country. This measure will be of a benefit to workers on a minimum wage to enjoy a decent life. This will also be an effective tool to fight social exclusion, poverty and unemployment”.

The concept of a minimum income standard is on the same basis of that of the living wage but differs in methodology as the living wage is based on the whims of the employers and the type of Government, while the minimum income standard is directly linked with the minimum wage income and is mandatory by law.

"Euro statistic figures show that even after social reforms, some 85 million people will remain at risk of poverty in the EU. Neo liberal policies, such as cuts in social expenditure and jobs, austerity measures, and low wages are putting families at risk of poverty”.

The Communist Party of Malta supports the call from the streets by the workers across Europe, mainly in Greece, Spain and France who are demanding a change in policy to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

We urge the Maltese Members of European Parliament to support this European framework directive for the introduction of a minimum income standard based on a 60% on the median income.

Anti-Social Budget

2010-10-26T00:55:00.001+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta states that the Budget 2011 is an anti-social budget, where the Government is denying the working class the right for a decent wage to those workers with a minimum wage. It is offensive that the Government has tied an increase in minimum wage with job training, when training is supposed to be a worker’s right. While high-wage earners are giving job training without any conditions. This is nothing but discrimination to workers with low income and this will increase social exclusion and class inequalities.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the fact that the Government has not used the same measures with regards middle and upper class families who choose to send their children to private schools.

"The campaign against exploitation at work must be restrained by new work legislations for secure jobs and decent wages. The measure announced by the Government seems to be attractive, although we fear that this will not be effective, if the Government will continue to apply the same method used in granted contracts on the least minimum bid. The government should ensure that workers are employed on 40 hours week and not on precarious jobs.

The working class is still carrying the burden of the austerity measures announced in previous budgets and of today, where the cost of living has not been subdued. The prices of energy tariffs and gas which are classified as basic commodities are still high in prices to the detriment of the working class.

The Communist Party of Malta deems this Budget as ‘contempt’ towards the working class where each day they are experiencing a decline in their quality of life. We note that this Government has no interest for the working class.

PR Budget 1911

2010-10-11T18:21:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta urges the Government that the Budget 2011 should address the problem of poverty and social inequality facing every day the Maltese families. The Gonzi Administration is responsible for introducing slowly heavy austerity measures on the Maltese population during these last few years.

“We believe that the problem of the ‘national deficit’ should no longer be carried by the working and middle class, but a fiscal policy should be applied to the upper classes, tax evaders and the financial sector.”

The Communist Party of Malta believes that the real factors for the increase in social inequality are related mainly to the problem of high cost price and loan rates on property prices bought by young couples, the reduction in social benefits and state subsidies, as well as the reduction in value of wages and pensions. Government needs to address these aspects by implementing adequate social policies and measures to improve the standard of living.

The Government should also address the problem of precarious employment as soon as possible, as this problem is undermining the standard of living which the working people had made sacrifices and struggled for during the past years. We appeal that the income tax should not be reduced as others quarters are demanding, but on the contrary we believe that the rate of 35% should rise to 40% in order to have sustainability of the 'welfare state’, which until now was the main factor leading to the improved standard of living.

The Communist Party of Malta calls on the Government to change its anti-social direction and together with the Trade Unions implement a package of social measures to give a new breath to the Maltese families. Electricity and water rates should not be used to offset this Government’s erroneous neo liberal policies.

The Communist Party of Malta, on the ‘Working Time Directive’

2010-10-05T13:29:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta criticises the ‘Working Time Directive’ as being vague and very open to various interpretations.

The Communist Party of Malta believes that the way the directive was formulated, is a direct threat to increase the 40 hour week to a 48 hour week work, as this directive refers only to working hours per week and not to overtime. The name given to this directive confirms our concern. Communist and other Workers Parties represented in the European Union Left Group are of the same opinion. Trade Unions of a Communist leaning are also objecting to this directive.

“The fact that part-time employment as an extra job is not included in this directive and the fact that the worker can be obliged to work more than a 48 hour week, as long as the average overtime is not more than 8 hour per week, over a period of three months, uncovers the hidden agenda that exists to change the 40 hour week, work legislation”.

The Communist Party of Malta in favour of decreasing the 40 hour week to a 35 hour week without a decrease in pay. This will translates into more family time for the workers, improves in health and safety and an increase in new jobs.

Victor Degiovanni

Secretary

The Communist Party of Malta’s position regards Gaddafi and the Immigration

2010-09-10T11:19:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta notes that the immigration issue is not only a humanitarian problem but also an economic one. The problem is also connected directly to global climate change migration.

The fact that Libyan Leader Gaddafi highlighted the issue during his visit to Italy shows that the problem is not limited to Europe but also to several other countries, mainly in North Africa . Any solution proposed to this problem must not be used for ‘cheap’ political aims and should respect human rights. This appeal is directed towards the European Union, where the present actions by the French Government against the Rom people are to be condemned.

The Communist Party of Malta recognises that the North African countries are facing the same problems, among them Libya , Tunisia , Egypt andMorocco

The fact the European Union is resorting to “money” to solve part of the problem shows that there are no real solutions and no political will to show solidarity with the immigrants and the peoples of North Africa . The idea of a “Fortress Europe” seems to be the only agenda of the EU.

The Communist Party of Malta believes that emigration is a global phenomenon which cannot be ignored. UE countries must understand that the opening of frontiers is essential to solve part of the problem.

Such an opening will mean the creation of a multi-cultural society where tolerance and respect will reign supreme, particularly in the field of religion, traditions and even food consumption.

Libyan leader Gaddafi comments in Italy should be considered in the context of free speech, so dear to the Western ideas.

The Communist Party of Malta proposals on Pension reform

2010-09-02T16:27:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta appeals the general public to study and analyse closely what is being proposed with regards to the pension reform.

“The fact that the report on pension reform was prepared by a private entity does not augur well that pensions will remain guaranteed by the State. If this was not so, private consultants would not have been engaged to prepare the report”.

“Neo liberal Governments are trying to make us believe that the pension crisis is blamed on longer life spans, but this is only a myth. The real problem to the lack of funds for an adequate pension scheme is due to the bankruptcy of the neo liberal economic fiscal policies, which brought about precarious employment.

The Communist Party of Malta notes that the European Governments, amongst them the Maltese Government are not willing to sustain policies on social justice.

The fact the Nationalist Government is going to bring in the private sector to administer the second compulsory pillar scheme is a clear indication that the State wants to abdicate from the Social responsibility. This is the same method used by Margaret Thatcher Administration in UK back in the 1970’s, which proved to be a failure.

The Communist Party of Malta believes that the real reforms should lead to actual solutions, whereby the State pension fund is increased by a specific generated income.

“The solutions recommended should not be of a burden on the workers. We suggest a minimal increase in social contributions, both by the workers and the employers. Increase in taxation on the financial and banking sector of 5% on the profits accumulated. More control on tax evasion should also be enforced. Companies with at least 20% of their payroll on part-time work should be subject to a ten percent increase in their employer’s social contribution, so to increase governments’ revenue through social contributions and to address the present abusive system of part-time work. Jobs created should be on a full-time basis, with job security and decent pay. While Family-friendly measures should be encouraged so to address the problem of low women participation rate.”

The solutions that are being proposed by the European Union Commission are regressive as these include the increase in retirement age up to 70 years, more austerity measures, privatization of public services and more cuts in social services.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals to the Left wing Parties and Movements in Malta to continue to militate in favour of a State guaranteed pension mechanism where the 40years contribution be reduced to 35 years. ‘Second compulsory pillar scheme’ or partly privatization of the system is not the solution, but a more just fiscal mechanism that ensures an adequate generated income for the State to sustain pensions and social services.

Clarification on Orizzont Interview

2010-07-20T10:58:00.000+02:00

Ittra: “Il-Qawmien mill-ġdid tal-Komunisti”

L-ewwel ħaġa rrid nirringrazzja lis-Sur Gaetano Micallef ta’ l-intervista li għoġbu jagħmilli u li xxandret fil-pubblikazzjoni ta’ l-Orizzont ta’ nhar it-Tnejn, 12 ta’ Lulju taħt it-titlu “Il-Qawmien mill-ġdid tal-Komunisti”. Nixtieq nagħti prosit lis-Sur Gaetano Micallef għall-mod professjonali ta’ kif wassal din l-intervista .

Ħafna minn dak li ntqal matul din l-intervista jagħti l-impressjoni żbaljata dwar kif iħares lejn ix-xenarju politiku l-Partit Komunista Malti llum. Dan ma huwa tort ta ħadd, forsi għaliex il-mistoqsijiet kienu aktar ta’ natura storika, fejn jien kelli nirrispondi għall-mistoqsijiet relatati mal-passat ta’ żmien il-gwerra bierda, u anki qabel.

Il-Partit Komunista Malti jixtieq jiċċara xi punti mal-qarrejja ta’ dan il-ġurnal. L-ewwel nett, il-Partit Komunista Malti mhuwiex partit Stalinista, u qatt ma kien. Il-Partit Komunista Malti twaqqaf fl-1969 meta l-era Stalinista kienet ila ferm li spiċċat.

Il-Partit Komunista Malti jemmen li għandu jimmilita f’ambitu ta’ soċjeta plurali. Xhieda ta’ dan hi li l-Partit kien ikkontesta l-elezzjoni Ġenerali ta’ l-1987.

Preżentament il-Partit Komunista Malti qed jaħdem fi sfera nternazzjonali ma’ Partiti Komunisti u Xellugin favur Ewropa Soċjali. Dan qed jagħmlu billi jipparteċipa f’diversi fora u b’kuntatti diretti ma’ diversi Partiti Komunisti u Xellugin rappreżentati fil-Parlament Ewropej. Fosthom Die Linke (The Left) fil-Ġermanja, the Portugal Left Block, l-AKEL li huwa l-partit fil-Gvern ġewwa Ċipru, ma’ KKE it-tielet l-ikbar Partit fil-Greċja u oħrajn.

Lokalment qed naħdmu ma organizzazzjonijiet oħra xellugin. Xhieda ta’ dan hi l-Gazetta Żminijietna li fil-passat kienet l-organu tal-Partit Komunista. Din illum hija amministrata minn kumitat indipendenti ta’ nies b’idejal xellugi li ġejjin minn kull sfera tas-soċjeta, kif ukoll mill-Partit Laburista, l-Alternattiva Demokratika, Trejdjujins. Sintendi l-PKM huwa wkoll rapprezentant f’dan il-kumitat .

Il-Partit Komunista Malti iħares ukoll b’mod miftuħ lejn l-avvenimenti progressivi u soċjali li qegħdin jseħħu fl-Amerika Latina, fejn diversi pajjiżi fosthom il-Veneżwela, l-Urugwaj, il-Bolivja, l-Ekwador u oħrajn inspirati mir-Rivoluzzjoni Kubana qegħdin jeleġġu gvernijiet xellugin fejn anki l-Partiti Komunisti qed ikunu nvoluti f’dan il-proċess u qegħdin isiru rebhiet kbar kontra l-oligarkiji li fil-passat kienu jaħkmu b’dittatorjati Faxxisti appoġġjati mill-Istati Uniti.

Il-Partit Komunista Malti ser jkompli jaħdem fi sfera Ewropeja fl-interess tal-klassi tal-ħaddiema, il-konsumatur, il-pensjonanti u nies oħra emarġinati. Li hu zgur, il-Partit Komunista Malti mhux ser jappoġġja l-politika neo liberali mħaddma mill-Partiti tal-lemin u ser jkompli jaħdem favur sistema ekonomika soċjali u ġusta.

Nirringrazzjak ta’ l-ispazju li għoġbok tagħtini sabiex nagħmel din il-kjarifikazzjoni.

Interview in Maltese daily L-ORIZZONT

2010-07-20T10:52:00.000+02:00

Il-qawmien mill-ġdid tal-Komunisti
minn Victor Degiovanni, Segretarju tal-Partit Komunista Malti

Fl-aħħar jiem il-Partit Komunista Malti ħareġ diversi stqarrijiet li ssorprendew lil bosta proprju għax ħafna ħasbu li dan il-partit ma kienx għadu jeżisti. GAETANO MICALLEF iltaqa’ ma’ VICTOR DEGIOVANNI, is-Segretarju tal-Partit, beix jara għaliex wara diversi snin reġgħu tfaċċaw fix-xena politika lokali.

Għaliex erġajtu waqqaftu l-Partit Komunista Malti?

Biex inkun preċiż mhux erġajna waqqafnih. Konna diġà neżistu imma konna daqxejn kwieti. Li ġara kien li wara l-avvenimenti tal-1989 u d-disfatta tal-elezzjoni ġenerali tal-1987, ħafna mill-membri telquna għalkemm irnexxielna nżommu l-kwartieri ġenerali u l-arkivji.

Issa ħassejna li rridu nagħmlu ħoss… li għadna neżistu u ma spiċċajniex. Meta riċentament ħriġna l-ewwel stqarrija fil-mezzi tax-xandir, speċjalment dawk tan-naħa tal-Lemin, ipprovaw jinterpretawha qisu li mietna u erġajna qomna. Fil-fatt bqajna attivi għax kellna r-rivista “Żminijietna” li konna noħorġuha u issa, permezz ta’ nies b’tendenzi xellugin, qegħdin nużawha biex nipprovaw nagħtu leħen lix-Xellug.

Fil-pajjiż it-tielet partit qatt ma qabad. Intom beħsiebkom tkunu partit li għada pitgħada taspiraw li tikkontestaw l-elezzjoni ġenerali jew grupp li jwassal l-ideat komunisti?

Is-sistema elettorali li titħaddem f’Malta mhix waħda demokratika għax ma tagħtix lok għat-tielet partit. Trid iġġib 17% tal-voti fuq livell nazzjonali biex iġġib 2% f’distrett wieħed.

Is-sistema elettorali tagħna hija tajba li kieku titħaddem kif suppost. Imma f’Malta ħafna jqisuh bħala sagrileġġ li tkompli tivvota fuq il-kandidati tan-naħa l-oħra. Biex titħaddem tajjeb is-sistema trid tkun tali li jekk għandek 30 isem fuq il-lista l-individwu jivvota mill-ewwel sat-30 fl-ordni tal-preferenza tiegħu. Mentri ħafna jivvotaw fuq il-kandidati tal-partit tagħhom u jieqfu hemm. B’eċċezzjoni meta jkun hemm xi ħadd li jagħmel ‘cross voting’ għax xi ħadd ikun għamillu pjaċir.

Fl-opinjoni personali tie għi l-votazzjoni għandha ssir fuq livell nazzjonali u mhux fuq distretti u l-persentaġġi jittieħdu fuq li vell nazzjonali. Biex tkun aktar ġusta. Mela jekk partit ħareġ 30 kandidat ikunu jistgħu jivvotawlhom minn Malta u Għawdex kollu. Qabel l-elezzjoni tal-1987 konna diġà pproponejna li l-pajjiż isir distrett wieħed u l-vot isir fuq il-partit. Fis-sens li partit jippreżenta l-kandidati tiegħu f’ordni ta’ preferenza kif jixtieqhom jitilgħu u jekk jirbaħ ħames siġġijiet jitilgħu l-ewwel ħamsa u jekk jirbaħ għaxra jitilgħu l-ewwel għaxra.

S’intendi l-partiti l-kbar ma qablux magħha kienu … kemm il-Partit Laburista u kemm il-Partit Nazzjonalista.

Imma f’dan ix-xenarju kemm taħseb li l-Partit Komunista jista’ jtella membru parlamentari?

Li naspiraw li nkunu parti minn blokk xellugi. Bħalissa m’aħniex f’pożizzjoni li ntellgħu siġġijiet fil-Parlament. Anke għax il-maġġoranza tal-poplu, billi huwa Kattoliku, jaħseb li jekk jivvota lilna jkun qiegħed jivvota kontra l-Knisja. Li mhux minnu. Għax persuni Kattoliċi naċċettawhom fil-partit. Bħalma naċċettaw min għandu twemmin reliġjuż ieħor għax nemmnu fil-libertà tat-twemmin.

Imma matul is-snin il-Komuniżmu ma kienx kontra l-Knisja?

Dak ġara bħalma ġara fil-kwistjoni politiko-reliġjuża f’Malta. Meta fir-Russja saret ir-rivoluzzjoni l-Knisja Ortodossa ħarġet favur l-‘establishment’ allura spiċċat l-għadu tal-gvern il-ġdid. Fit-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija ħarġet favur l-Istat u ħeġġet lin-nies biex jiddefendu lill-pajjiż mill-invażjoni tal-Ġermaniżi. Barra mill-fatt li ħafna Komunisti huma ateji. Għax il-mod kif il-Komunist iħares lejn il-ħajja huwa wieħed xjentifiku. U meta tħares lejha b’dan il-mod qiegħed taqta barra l-ispiritwalità.

Ħafna jemmnu li l-Komuniżmu miet snin ilu. Allura ma taħsibx li qegħdin tipprovaw tqajjmu xi ħaġa li d-dinja tal-lum ma tridx?

Il-kollass kien tal-Unjoni Sovjetika mhux tal-Komuniżmu. U ġabet bidla totali fid-dinja għax riżultat ta’ dan il-kollass l-klassi tal-ħaddiema fid-dinja llum hija ferm agħar minn meta kienet fi żmien l-Unjoni Sovjetika.

Għall-fatt li issa hemm superpotenza waħda, l-Istati Uniti, li tħaddan politika ta’ kapitaliżmu u tista’ tiddetta kif trid. Qabel kienu jgħidu li hemm it-theddida Sovjetika imma t-theddida ma kinitx dik ta’ gwerra imma li l-ħaddiema jagħmlu bħalma għamlu r-Russi fl-1917 meta waqqgħu s-sistema kapitalista.

Imma matul is-snin saru atroċitajiet mill-Unjoni Sovjetika fosthom fi żmien Stalin.

Saru żbalji imma ħafna minnhom huma miżin ter pretati. Mhux qiegħed nipprova niġġustifika dan im ma jkun hemm affarijiet li trid tħares lejhom miż-żewġ naħat u mhux min-naħa waħda. Meta ngħid miż interpretati jiġifieri bil-propoganda. Ngħidu aħna l-korruzzjoni fi stat Kom unista mhux aċċettata. Jekk tinqabad tisraq lill-Istat, li fl-aħħar mill-aħħar huwa n-nies, mal-ħajt ipoġġuk kienu. Ħafna minn dawn ma tistax tqishom bħala vittmi ta’ atroċitajiet.

In-natura tal-bniedem hi egoista u s-sistema soċjalista hi bbażata fuq il-kollettiv fejn kulħadd jagħti sehmu u kulħadd jieħu kemm għandu bżonn. Mhux li taħtaf għad-dannu ta’ sieħbek. Mhiex kompetittiva bħalma hija fil-Punent.

Imma anke l-poplu Russu warrab il-Komuniżmu. Allura x’sar ħażin?

Mhux warrab eżattament. Għax partiti Komunisti għad hemm fir-Russja. U huma b’saħħithom anke jekk m’humiex il-‘leading force’. Li ġara kien li ma kellhomx tlellix fis-soċjetà tagħhom u meta bdew jaraw it-tlellix tal-Punent ħasbu li se jkunu l-istess mentri llum spiċċaw agħar.

Il-fatt li ħafna pajjiżi warrbu l-Komuniżmu ġej mill-fatt li minnu nnifsu ma jattirax lin-nies jew għax dak li għamlu l-mexxejja tal-passat biegħdu lin-nies mill-Komuniżmu?

Aktar naraha minħabba l-propaganda. Ħafna drabi l-Unjoni Sovjetika kienet tagħmel propaganda ‘heavy handed’ li ma tantx jinżel man-nies speċjalment meta tqabbilha mal-propaganda “attraenti” bħalma jaf jagħmel il-Punent. Żbalji jsiru. Imma jekk sar żball ma tfissirx li kien hemm tmexxija ħażina.

Imma ejja nitkellmu fuq il-Komuniżmu llum u jekk għadux relevanti. Jekk tieħu l-Greċja għandhom partit qawwi li qiegħed wara l-istrajks li qegħdin isiru fil-pajjiż. Fil-Portugal huwa t-tielet forza fil-pajjiż barra li kemm f’dawn il-pajjiżi kif ukoll fi Spanja u l-Ġermanja għandhom membri mhux biss fil-Parlament tal-pajjiż imma anke f’dak Ewropew fejn jifformaw parti mix-Xellugin li huma t-tielet l-akbar grupp wara d-Demokrastijani u s-Soċjal-Demokratiċi.

Għandek ukoll l-Italja fejn ir-Rifondazione reġgħet qiegħda tissaħħaħ barra li qegħdin jerġgħu jingħaqdu gruppi Komunisti li kienu nfirdu wara d-disfatta li ħadu fl-aħħar elezzjoni ġenerali meta tela’ Berlusconi.

Donnu li n-nies tirrikorri lejn il-partiti xellugin jew Komunisti fi żmien meta jkun hemm problemi fil-pajjiż imma mbagħad f’elezzjoni ma jafdawhomx bit-tmexxija tal-pajjiż. Taqbel?

Insomma, f’Ċipru l-Partit Komunista qiegħed fil-gvern. U fl-Afrika t’Isfel jifforma parti mill-gvern ta’ koalizzjoni. Trid tqis ukoll li f’ħafna pajjiżi tal-eks-Unjoni Sovjetika hemm tendenzi fil-Lemin li qegħdin jipprovaw jagħmluha illegali li jkun hemm partit Komunista fil-pajjiż.

Biex induru fuq l-ideoloġija Komunista. X’inhi?

Ideoloġija Komunista essaġġ ma teżistix. Huwa l-mod tiegħek kif tħares lejn il-ħajja li tagħmlek Komunista jew le. U dan il-mod inbidel wara l-Ewwel Gwerra Dinjija meta s-Soċjal Demokratiku nqasam u l-Franċiżi u l-Ġermaniżi marru favur il-gwerra meta fis-Socialist Internationals kien hemm riżoluzzjoni kontra li gvernijiet Soċjalisti jipparteċipaw fi gwerra imperjalista. Għax il-vera raġuni għall-Ewwel Gwerra Dinjija kienet għax il-Ġermanja ma kelliex kolonji daqs kemm kellhom Franza u l-Ingilterra.

F’Malta hawn min jgħidlek li hemm differenza bejn is-soċjalisti u l-komunisti. Mentri l-ideoloġija hija bejn wieħed u ieħor l-istess. Il-metodu huwa differenti għax is-Soċjal Demokratiċi ċaħdu r-rivoluzzjoni u aħna qatt ma ċħadniha. Ir-rivoluzzjoni mhux aħna nagħmluha imma l-poplu jagħmilha.

Hu jasal għaliha… lanqas aħna ma nwassluh.

Aħna rridu nkunu hemm biex meta l-poplu jagħmel rivoluzzjoni ngħinuh u mmexxuh. Dak ir-rwol tagħna.

Skont il-Komuniżmu kif għandu jitmexxa pajjiż?

Żgur mhux billi bniedem jisfrutta lill-ieħor. Is-sistema kapitalista hija bbażata fuq l-isfruttament. Min inħaddem lilek u nagħtik paga imma fl-istess ħin qiegħed nagħmel qliegħ minn fuqek.

Għax meta tagħmel il-kalkoli ssib li meta ħaddiem jagħmel erba’ sigħat xogħol ikun għamel tajjeb għall-paga tiegħu u l-ispejjeż tal-produzzjoni u l-erba’ siegħat l-oħra huma qliegħ għal min iħaddmu.

Hija sfruttament tal-ħaddiema kif qal Marx bit-teorija tas-‘surplus value’.

U kif taħseb li għandha tiġi rranġata s-sitwazzjoni?

Il-flus għandhom jerġg ħu jmorru għand il-ħaddiema. Kulħadd jaħdem għal għan wieħed u l-qliegħ jinqasam. Erħilha li ħafna nies fl-Unjoni Sovjetika ma kinux jagħtu xogħlhom u din kienet waħda mir-raġuni jiet għall-kollass.

Imma taqbel li l-Gvern jikkontrolla kollox?

Fil-Komuniżmu l-poter sup post jibda minn isfel u jitla’ ’l fuq mhux bil-maqlub. Meta persuna tinħatar deputat parlamentari trid tirrifletti dak li jkunu dde ċidew in-nies ta’ taħ tha.

Kollox ibbażat fuq kumitati u dawn jiddiskutu bejn iethom x’hemm bżonn f’qasam jew ieħor. Bejniet hom jaħtru persuna li tmur titkellem f’kumitat għola bħall-parlament. U hemm hekk iridu jgħidu x’ikunu jridu n-nies. Jekk le jew twarrab jew l-Istat ikollu dritt ineħħiha mill-kariga.

Fil-prattika kemm tista’ tmexxi b’dan il-mod? Gvern kemm jista’ joqgħod jirrikorri għall-poplu kull darba li jrid jieħu deċiżjoni?

Skont fuqhiex. Eżempju, fuq l-affarijiet esterni ma tis tax toqgħod tmur tikkonsulta n-nies jekk pajjiż ieħor jattakkak. Imma f’affarijiet ta’ kuljum li jolqtu lill-poplu għandu jkun il-poplu li jieħu d-deċiżjoni.

Ħafna jħarsu lejn pajjiżi Komunisti bħala pajjiżi oppressivi anke għall-fatt li, eżempju, ikun hemm partit wieħed biss. Xi twieġeb?

F’pajjiż Komunista jew Soċjalista suppost hemm soċjetà ugwali u m’hemmx klassijiet. Issa l-partiti jir rappreżentaw interessi tal-klassijiet. Ma jfissirx li ma jkunx hemm ideat differenti fl-istess partit imma la l-partiti jirrappreżentaw il-klassijiet m’hemmx lok għal aktar minn wieħed jekk is-soċjetà hija ugwali.

X’futur tara għall-kapitaliżmu u l-kommuniżmu?

Nemmen li dak li ġara fil-qasam ekonomiku internazzjonali ħalla impatt fuq il-kapitaliżmu u eventwalment irid jinbidel għax jekk jibqa’ sejjer kif sejjer waslet id-daqqa tiegħu. Għall-Komuniżmu nara futur għalkemm ħadd ma jista’ jbassar il-futur eżatt x’se jkun. Wara kollox biex joħorġu mill-kriżi diversi pajjiżi miżuri soċjalisti ħadu. Imma fuq kollox kif għidtlek… il-Komuniżmu qatt ma miet… kienet il-propoganda tal-kapitaliżmu li pinġietu hekk.

G8/G20 with no alternative social solutions

2010-07-02T15:08:00.000+02:00

Communist Party of Malta states that the G8/G20 meeting held recently in Toronto, Canada as a shameful act from political economic perspective and also on the repression shown by the Police on peaceful demonstrators.

“TheG8/G20 measures announced to save capitalism from the crises are a continuous threat on the workers. In fact the measures made public, were to reduce the deficit for the coming three years, are a continuation and reinforcement of more austerity measures against the working people and their families, youths, pensioners, and the unemployed.
These measures are being taking jointly with International financial capital institutions amongst them the IMF and the World Bank.

The European Union is also endorsing these austerity measures that are resulting in reduction of the minimum wage and social services, wage freeze for public service employees, retirement age up to 70 years, and privatisation of more public services.

The Communist Party of Malta supports the resistance offered by the workers together with various Trade Unions and with the support of Left wing parties in the European Union, so that alternative measures based on social justice, whereby banks and essential services be nationalised, an increase in the minimum wage and more public investments in social services and pensions.

“Austerity measures should be directed towards the capitalist class. Measures should be taken to reduce tax evasion and increase windfall taxes on financial institutions and bank transactions. If implemented successfully, these measures will decrease the burden on the working class.”

Hands off the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea!

2010-06-20T20:09:00.000+02:00

The recent provocation by the US and the Republic of Korea towards the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, whereby the DPRK is being framed for the Sinking of the South Korean Warship Cheonan, shows off the hostile policy by the US and and its puppets in the Republic of Korea towards the DPRK.

This new threat being leveled at North Korea, has the intentions to bring about, a new round of sanctions against the progressive people of the DPRK by the international community. However the DPRK is denying any involvement in this unfortunate incident where 46 Sailors lost their lives

The Cheonan incident has a strong smell of foul play committed by the accusers. This reminds us of another similar incident in the past. During Cuba’s war of independence the USS Warship Maine was blown up in Havana’s harbour, and the US conveniently blamed Spain for this misdeed, so it could interfere in Cuba’s liberation war.

Had the DPRK sunk the Cheonan as it is being claimed it would not had been afraid to declare it it. The DPRK was not scared to capture US gunboats that trespassed into its territorial waters in the past

The results alleged by the investigations of the causes that sunk the Cheonan were concluded by those who lied on weapons of mass destruction that Iraq was alleged to possess prior to the Iraqi Invasion which had not the approval of the UN. Can we ever believe such fabrications?.

US Imperialism which was instrumental in splitting Korea into two separate states and has kept its influence through a series of military puppet dictators and always thwarted the people’s wishes for reunification of the two Koreas

The US still cannot stomach the defeat it suffered it suffered at the hands the Democratic Korea People’s Army during the Korean War and 57 years on.
War Mongering hawks in the Pentagon has still have revanchist plans and schemes against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The Communist Party of Malta calls for a stop of these provocations so that the people of both Koreas will be free to reunite their country.

Statement of Communist Party of Malta

2010-06-20T20:08:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta is pleased to significantly celebrate the 46th anniversary of Comrade Kim Jong Il’s start of work at the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea with the Korean people.
June 19, 1964 when Comrade Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea started to work at the WPK Central Committee and was an event of historical significance in strengthening and developing the WPK and accomplishing the Korean people's cause of socialism.
Comrade Kim Jong Il has devoted his all to the party work since his start of work at the Party Central Committee , thereby having strengthened and developed the Party into invincible one.
The fresh image of single-minded unity of the whole society which one can see only in the DPRK could have been resulted in thanks to the wise leadership of Comrade Kim Jong Il over the Party work.
Although the south Korean authorities in conspiracy with the U.S. recently fabricated “ results of investigation” over the sinking of a warship and are manoeuvring anti-DPRK campaign to ignite a war of aggression on the Korean peninsula, can they never break the might of a single-minded unity of the DPRK people.
The CPM strongly urges the South Korean authorities to implement the June 15 Joint Declaration, the most reasonable great programme for reunification of Korea.
We express our conviction that the cause of building a thriving nation of the DPRK will be successfully accomplished as long as people of the DPRK are led by Comrade Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the WPK.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the killing of humanitarian activists

2010-05-31T19:45:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns without any reservation, the Israelis’ barbaric act of piracy against a civilian convoy flotilla that was taking humanitarian aid to Gaza. This attack was carried by the Israeli Armed Forces in International waters.

This murderous aggression left 19 peaceful civilians dead and scores of other persons wounded. This adds to the list another Israeli crime against humanity.

The Communist Party of Malta shows solidarity with the activists aboard these ships, and extends it condolences to the families of the victims who died in the Israeli attack.

The Communist Party of Malta rejects totally the Israeli arguments that this convoy was breaking international law and reiterates that, it is the Israeli State who has committed the illegality. To attack any ship in international waters is an act of piracy.

The Blockade that Israelis are enforcing on Gaza is also illegal, and is only supported by US imperialism and the EU. The Communist Party of Malta calls on the Maltese Government to follow other countries example and send back the Israeli Ambassador.

The Communist Party of Malta shows Solidarity with the Population of Thailand

2010-05-23T12:46:00.001+02:00

Communist Party of Malta
14/8, Vincenti Bldgs, Strait str, Valletta . VLT1432

20 th May 2010

Press Release

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the attack by Thai military force on the ‘Red shirt’ movement, were hundreds of people were killed in this bloody attack.

The Communist Party of Malta shows Solidarity with the ‘red shirt’ movement and their struggle for the emancipation of the working class, peasants and the poor people of Thailand .

“The conflict in Thailand represents the poor, who are the vast majority against the wealthy elite around the royal family and the military power. The people of Thailand are being forced into prostitution, cheap labour and massive exploitation by Thai puppets under the thumb of western imperialism.”

The Communist Party of Malta supports the ‘red shirt’ movement, who were using a peaceful strategy to unite the population to oust the Administration of Abhisit Vejjajiva, the British – born, Eton and Oxford Educated, puppet Prime Minister, previously installed on the command of the Royal Palace and the military top brass, aqfter a military coup.

“The Thai People are becoming consciously aware of the progressive stances achieved by Leftist Governments in various Latin American countries fighting against neoliberalism and US imperialism, that include Venezuela , Bolivia , Ecuador , Uruguay and others.”

“The European Union has not officially taken position against the use of force by the right wing military regime on the Thai population. This shows political bias on the side of the EU.”

nternational Communist Seminar (ICS) held in Brussels on the crisis and the action of the communist parties

2010-05-23T12:43:00.001+02:00

Press Statement

International Communist Seminar (ICS) held in Brussels on the crisis and the action of the communist parties
www.icsbrussels.org – ics@icsbrussels.org

From May 14-16, 2010, 41 communist and workers parties from 37 countries gathered in Brussels for the 19th International Communist Seminar, hosted by the Workers' Party of Belgium. Among the participants were representatives of communist parties from three socialist countries: the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Communist Party of Cuba.

The Seminar's theme was the “The consequences of the economic crisis and the intervention of communist parties”. The participants presented papers and held discussions on the deepening of the crisis of capitalism and about the concrete interventions of communist parties in the ongoing class struggles. A document with general conclusions on “The Communist Parties facing the deepening of the capitalist systemic crisis“ was formulated, discussed and adopted.

The Seminar sent a solidarity message to the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), just in time to be read before the massive, KKE-led protest rally on May 15 in Athens. Three specific resolutions were adopted at the Seminar, all three of them to express solidarity with countries, peoples and workers in struggle against imperialism and capitalism. A first one stresses solidarity with Cuba, a second one with the Palestinian and other peoples in the Middle East, and a last one with the mineworkers in the Russian city of Mezhdurechensk, victims of a mine accident and of State repression.

The Seminar participants agreed to organize next year's 20th International Communist Seminar from May 13-15, 2011 in Brussels. It will have as theme “The building and strengthening of the communist parties in times of a deepening capitalist systemic crisis”.

All documents of the 19th International Communist Seminar will be made available at www.icsbrussels.org.

==================
List of participants

1. Afghanistan, United Party of Afghanistan
2. Albania, Communist Party of Albania
3. Algeria, Parti Algérien pour la Démocratie et le Socialisme (PADS)
4. Belarus, For the Union and the Communist Party of the Union
5. Belgium, Workers' Party of Belgium
6. Brazil, Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB)
7. Congo, Democratic Republic of, Congolese Communist Party
8. Costa Rica, Partido Vanguardia Popular
9. Cuba, Partido Comunista de Cuba
10. Denmark, Danish Communist Party
11. El Salvador, Partido Comunista de El Salvador (PCS)
12. France, PRCF - Pôle de Renaissance communiste en France
13. France, URCF - Union des Révolutionnaires-Communistes de France
14. Greece, Communist Party of Greece (KKE)
15. Hungary, Hungarian Communist Workers' Party
16. Iran, Tudeh Party of Iran
17. Italy, Rete dei Comunisti
18. Lao, People's Democratic Republic, Lao People's Revolutionary Party
19. Latvia, Socialist Party of Latvia
20. Lebanon, Parti Communiste Libanais
21. Luxemburg, Parti Communiste du Luxembourg (KPL)
22. Malta, Communist Party of Malta
23. Morocco, Voie démocratique
24. Netherlands, New Communist Party Netherlands (NCPN)
25. Palestine, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
26. Peru, Partido Comunista Peruano
27. Philippines, Communist Party of the Philippines
28. Russia, Communist Party of the Russian Federation
29. Russia, Russian Communist Workers' Party - Revolutionary Party of Communists
30. Russia, Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU)
31. Spain, Partido Comunista de los Pueblos de España
32. Sweden, Communist Party (KP)
33. Switzerland, Parti Suisse du Travail (PST/POP)
34. Syria, Syrian Communist Party
35. Tunisia, Parti du Travail patriotique et démocratique de Tunisie
36. Turkey, Communist Party of Turkey (TKP)
37. Turkey, Party of Labour (EMEP)
38. Ukraine, Union of Communists
39. United Kingdom, Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist)
40. USA, Freedom Road Socialist Organization
41. Vietnam, Socialist Republic of, Communist Party of Vietnam

The Communist Party of Malta shows Solidarity with Bianca Zammit.

2010-05-04T14:40:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta shows Solidarity with Bianca Zammit and other left wing activists that support the Palestinian Cause who are victims of the Israel Occupying Military Force in Gaza. Due to this illegal occupation, 20% of agricultural land in the Gaza strip is being used as a buffer Zone instead of agricultural purposes.

The Communist Party of Malta along with other Communists and left Parties condemn the brutal attacks that are being continually committed against the Palestinian population in Gaza who are suffering poverty and lack of basic services because of the total isolation that they are finding themselves in.”

“We deplore the European Parliament for not having a common stance on this issue, although we understand that the majority of the European Countries and Parliamentarians support Israeli Imperialism. We welcome the role and position taken by the United Left Block in the European Parliament to bring forward the Palestinian and Kurdish people cause.”

The Communist Party of Malta has always supported the Palestinian struggle and we agree with the ‘two state’ solution that is also endorsed by the Communist Party of Israel.

“We note that certain western countries have a hypocritical policy toward the Middle East issue. They are using two weights two measures as they have never condemned Israel as a ‘rogue state’ on its continuous non observance of UN resolutions, while on the other hand they rejected Palestinian Sovereignty by not accepting election results that gave Hamas the right to govern in the Gaza Strip.”

“We are appalled by the comments made by the Israeli Ambassador in Malta and the People of Malta should not accept any interference in our internal affairs.”

First of May Message from The Communist Party of Malta .

2010-05-01T12:26:00.000+02:00

On the occasion of Worker’s Day, celebrated internationally, the Communist Party of Malta is sending this message to the working class.

“Presently the working class have lost much of their rights that used to benefit and is in a critical situation were it is difficult to defend themselves from the onslaught. This is all attributed to the Neo liberal politics that had its beginning during the era of Thatcher’s government in the UK and Reagan’s Administration in the US. With the fall of the Socialist system in Eastern Europe these administrations with their Right wing Ideology found it very easy to trample on worker’s rights.”

“Today the worker is being totally exploited in a massive competitive market by the introduction of precarious employment with no job security, low wages and no basic rights. The workers are also being denied the right of association with a trade union and the right to collective bargaining.”

The Communist Party of Malta believes that the first step workers should take is to reorganize them selves and reinstate solidarity that once existed amongst the working class.

“The worker should be conscious of the truth that led to this critical situation, were part of the blame can be attributed to the working class itself. This is due to alienation from workers’ solidarity and unity, were individual ideology took over and led to the triumph of neo liberalism that is now oppressing the same workers.

The Communist Party of Malta appeals to the working class to become once again a militant force as it predecessors have been during the 50’s and 60’s of the last century, were many of their rights were won by hard fought struggles during that era.

Workers should also distinguish their real class enemies. Presently these enemies militate in political parties that defend the interest of the upper social classes and the capitalists, to a detriment to the working people and their families. This could be noted by the fact that these political parties are not eager to defend workers from precarious employment.

The Communist Party of Malta commemorates Freedom Day.

2010-03-31T12:13:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta commemorates the 31st Anniversary of Freedom Day when the Labour Party administration under the leadership of Dominic Mintoff succeeding in ridding Malta of Nato Military Bases on the 31st of March 1979. This led Malta on the path of becoming a Neutral State which was later enshrined in Malta’s Republican Constitution.

Various attempts were made to nullify Malta’s Neutrality under the excuse that the two super power system, today no longer exist. Recently we have seen attempts by the US Embassy in Malta to influence Malta’s legislative Assembly to remove the Neutrality clause in Malta’s Constitution.

“Malta joining NATO’s Partnership for peace is a ploy to nullify Malta’s Neutrality.”

The Communist Party of Malta appeals to the Labour Party Members of Parliament to continue to defend Malta’s Neutrality and not to succumb to pressure from Right wing schemes to turn the clock back to the days when Malta was affiliated politically with imperialism.

The Communist Party of Malta acknowledges that the Cyprus problem was the direct result of Nato loosing military bases in Malta. To ensure military bases in the Mediterranean Region imperialism caused a right wing coup which led to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, thus divided the island into two parts, but also led to the fall of the fascist military dictatorship in Greece.

The situation in Cyprus today has made great improvements and a solution to this problem seem to be near. All this is due to the present AKEL Communist Administration and to the fact that the present Islamic Administration in Turkey wants to be accepted as EU member.

The Communist Party of Malta condemns European Parliament Resolution on Cuba

2010-03-21T16:47:00.000+01:00

The Communist Party of Malta condemns the resolution passed recently in the European Parliament condemning the Government of Cuba over the unfortunate incident where a normal prisoner died after a prolonged hunger strike.

The Communist Party of Malta supports the stance taken by the United Left Group opposing the approval of the anti-Cuban resolution where several of its members, amongst them the Portuguese Ilda Figueiredo, described the position adopted by the European Parliament as hypocritical, since it questioned Cuba and did not do the same with regards to the military coup d’etat in Honduras and the starvation of people in Haiti under a right wing oligarchs supported by US Administrations.

The United Left Block reminded also that EU Parliament had been perhaps the only parliament in the world that did not condemn the coup, its assassinations and tortures. They also challenged the European Union to put an end to the “Common Position” while calling for an end to the blockade, and condemned the unjust imprisonment of five Cuban anti-terrorists in the United States.

The Communist Party of Malta supports the Cuban revolution where during these last 50 years Cuba was the victim of terrorist acts such as the downing of a Cuban airliner in Caracas in 1976 with Cuban people on board where the perpetuator is still receiving shelter by US Government

Communist Party of Malta Press Release 14th March 2010

2010-03-15T16:17:00.000+01:00

Communist Party of Malta reaction to the situation in Greece.

The Communist Party fully supports the struggles of the working people of Greece against the onslaught launched by the Social Democratic Administration of PASOK, which is being supported by the other capitalist parties the Liberal ND and the extreme right LAOS to install severe anti social measures instigated by the big capitalist countries in EU and International Monetary Fund.

“The measures announced by PASOK are a frontal attack at workers livelihood which serves only the interests of the ruling class that greedily looks only at profits, and would trample on worker’s rights to ensure it.”

“The Working Class in Greece has reacted courageously and is fighting back under the guidance of PAME and KKE who are in the frontline defending the worker’s rights and standard of living of the workers and their families”.

The Communist Party of Malta fully understands this struggle because similar situation has arisen in Malta under the present Centre Right Government whereby the workers are facing anti social policies and the dismantling of the worker’s rights.

The Nationalist Government increased the basic energy utilities to an exorbitant level with the excuse of higher international prices of oil and gas, while at the same time prices of energy in other EU countries has gone down, such as Cyprus and Italy. The Maltese workers as the Greek and other workers elsewhere are being made to pay for the failure of neo liberal policies. Poverty in Malta is rearing its head again and around 2000 families had their electricity and water supply cut down as they could not afford to pay the bills, while 17% of the population is in risks of falling below poverty line.

The Communist Party of Malta fully supports Trade Unions of all countries and the working class in their struggle to fight against neo liberal policies, privatization of public services and the attack on the working conditions and the right for the collective bargaining.

Message of condolances

2009-09-17T11:44:00.000+02:00

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Malta sends its sympathies and its solidarity in this moment of grief to the Government, the Communist party, and the people of Cuba, at the loss of Comrade Juan Almeida Bosque, a revolutionary commander and veteran of the Cuban Revolutionary war.

Comrade Almeida a heroic figure in the fight against the US sponsored Dictator Fulgencio Battista had fought alongside Comrade Fidel Castro in the assault of the Moncada Barracks and was amongst those who participated in the Granma expedition and subsequently fought in the Sierra Maestra for the liberation of the Cuban people from the US imposed dictator and domination of Cuba.

Comrade Almeida had served the people of Cuba in various capacities.
Lastly being that of Vice President. Comrade Almeida served for a long time as a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba.

Please convey the condolences of the Communist Party of Malta to the Government and the people of Cuba, and also to his near relatives.
The Communist party of Malta expresses its solidarity to the Communist Party of Cuba in this hour grief.

Message to PKP 1930

2009-08-24T17:32:00.000+02:00

The Communist Party of Malta sends warm greetings on the occassion of the the 79th Anniversary of the Partido Komunista NG Pillipinas (PKP 1930). The CPM is sure that the Communist Party of the Phillipines (PKP 1930)
will continue its struggles against imperialism and monoply capitalism in the best interest of the working class of the Phillipines. The CPM augers success in all the struggles undertaken by the PKP 1930 to bring about the revolutionary changes that are of prime importance in today's Society where capitalist oppressions and exploitation are the order of the day.

The Communist Party if Malta will support the Partido Komunista NG Pillipinas (PKP 1930).in its effort to continue to carry forward the struggle under the banner of Marxism Leninism.