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James Debono
A November election would disrupt security logistics associated with euro adoption, Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech declared in an interview published in this week’s issue of MaltaToday.
While insisting that the election date is the sole prerogative of the Prime Minister, when asked whether it makes technical sense to hold the election before or after the euro, Fenech was unequivocal in expressing himself against an election in November.
“I believe that an election held before Malta adopts the euro can be somewhat disruptive,” he said.
Fenech explained that the euro changeover would require a lot of logistical preparation in the last three months of they year when maximum security will be required.
“The forces of order will have to be on the alert due to the movements of money in the country. Logistically the country will be on maximum alert.”
Since an election also requires maximum security, holding one in the midst of this process would put a strain on the country’s security.
The migration of patients and services from Saint Luke’s to Mater Dei during the same months also militates against a November election.
“These are two moments which from a logistic sense are very delicate. I think that there are risks posed by an election in this period.”
Fenech also hinted that a smooth euro changeover would be one of the government’s electoral cards.
“The Euro changeover process will be a big success for the country. This is something which will make the government proud. The people will recognise that the government has acted correctly.”
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has repeatedly excluded an election in 2007 while PN general secretary has indicated May 2008 as the most likely date. Yet speculation has remained rife on an early November election, especially in view of the risk of price increases after Malta adopts the euro.
But Tonio Fenech is convinced that the risk of inflation is outweighed by other positive factors and by the logistical nightmare of an election on the eve of euro adoption.
The government choice of dates now seems restricted to either a March or a May election.
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