'The PL is already distorting justice from opposition' - Gonzi

The PN this evening held a discussion session in Valletta with its first district candidates.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi warned that people should not put the country at risk by voting for Labour.

"The PL always tries to make us forget about the 22 months they spent in government. The last time that the amount of students in tertiary education went down was under a Labour government," Gonzi said.  

"Every single day is a fight that we need to win. There are still many people who are undecided. I implore those people who have not decided who to vote for not to put the country's wellbeing at risk. The PL's façade is crumbling. Everyone has heard the tape recording. When justice is being distorted by those in opposition, it is a very pointed warning. For them, justice is a political football."

Gonzi proudly stated that a number of embellishment works carried out in the capital city had greatly improved its aesthetic value.

"Five years ago Valletta was handed over for to us to administer together with the rest of the country. Today we are giving Valletta back to you in a much better state than it was."

"Muscat is pleased that Valletta is going to be the culture capital of Europe in 2018. So why did he criticise every single investment by this government in the capital city. Muscat's mistake is in thinking that capital investment does not contribute towards job creation," Gonzi said.

He also said that the starting point towards a successful economy is job creation and tax reductions.

"The day after the election we are still going to be faced with the issue of job creation. Why is it only the PN that is tackling this issue head on. Job creation is at the centre of a successful economy. Job creation and sound financial management are the main pediments for a vibrant economy," Gonzi said.

"Tax reductions are necessary in order to facilitate job creation. By way of example, France's socialist President Hollande increased taxes and he is now faced with a zero growth economy and mass unemployment."

"We shall incentivise those opening up a small business through tax holidays and reductions."

Gonzi said that a balancing act had to be played out between low-cost and traditional airlines.

"We have to put our money where are mouth is in the tourism sector. This is why we are dedicating €215 million worth of investment for that sector," Gonzi said.

On the €1.1 billion secured by Malta in the EU budget talks, Gonzi said that he would invest that money in the sectors most important for job creation.

Gonzi warned that more economic trouble is on the horizon in Europe.

"Do not think that the economic storm has passed. We have to remain competitive and flexible in order to compete with other markets. The challenges faced during the last five years were unprecedented."