Economic growth is only possible if you vote PN – Gonzi

PN leader Lawrence Gonzi and deputy leader Simon Busuttil took the party's campaign to the Valletta Waterfront, where they were greeted by a sizeable crowd of young people. He stressed the job and study opportunities created in the last five years, despite the testing international scene.

Saying that the PN's electoral programme will be based on "concrete proposals, Gonzi explained that the document which will be launched in the coming days, will be based on three pillars; "jobs and competitiveness, education and health."

Explaining the difference in the country's fortunes in the last five years compared to other countries which suffered the brunt of the international crisis, Gonzi said: "We are determined to prevent Malta and its young people to suffer the same fate which many countries around us experienced."

While a heated debate on Labour's energy plans  was being broadcast on TVM's Xarabank, a relaxed Prime Minister said politics is not only about "a clash of ideas" but is "the strongest tool to bring change." Urging young people to get involved in politics, Gonzi said: "the country has only moved forward thanks to the energy and participation of the younger generations."

Set in an informal setting, a casually dressed Prime Minister answered questions posed by the young people who were seated on cushions under a marquee with the idyllic Grand Harbour and its bastions in the background.

Understandably the one-hour debate focused on education and job opportunities created by the PN government in niche sectors such as digital gaming, creativity and biotechnology and other traditional sectors such as tourism. Explaining Malta's potential of growth in such sectors, Gonzi said "this is only possible if on 9 March you choose the Nationalist Party."

Answering to a question posed by a young artist, the PN leader highlighted the opportunities available to young people in the form of scholarships in arts, music and sports.

Friday evening's activity contrasted sharply with the PN's activities during the first five days of the campaign. A band of young musicians, Overnight Project, played live music in the presence of a largely young crowd which also included disabled persons and Muslims, in tune with the PN new-found fondness for inclusiveness represented by its multi-coloured logo.

Gonzi hailed the successes of Maltese artists and sportsmen and artists such as tenor Joseph Calleja, stressing that "it's not that we are better than other countries or inferior because of our size. It's all about the ideas and talents of the people."

The PN leader, bidding to win a third successive term in office, also noted the increasing popularity of different kinds of sports such as rugby and hailed his administration's investment in sports facilities and the newly launched sports college.  

He also paid tribute to the emerging generation of actors, theatre students and musicians, underlining the imminent launch of the academy for theatre and arts. Gonzi also floated the idea to open state school auditoriums for young artists after school hours, sating "I will do my utmost to implement this proposal in the next legislature.