[SLIDESHOW] ‘Vote for change, be protagonists in this once-in-a-lifetime-chance’ - Muscat

Opposition leader Joseph Muscat delivered his last address of the 2013 electoral campaign with an impassioned plea to the electorate to vote Labour on 9 March.

Addressing the thousands who attended the mass meeting at the Hal Far racetrack, Muscat drove home the message that on Saturday, "the only vote for change that counts is a vote for Labour".

"All those of you who know it's time to vote for change must vote for all the Labour candidates. We need a change in direction to send a message that we can have lower utility bills; that we can have a power station that runs on gas; that we can reduce red tape," he said.

Muscat said it was "a duty" to vote for change. "Next Saturday is the only chance you have to send a message to those who gave themselves a €500 increase behind everyone's backs. It's the only chance you have to say you want an open government, a government which believes in meritocracy, a government which is by the people for the people. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

Somewhat poetic, Muscat added: "Let Sunday be the day when we wake up to a Malta that is for all."

A fiery Muscat told the party faithful that Malta was "demanding" a movement that did away with tribal politics and to move towards "national unity".

"Our movement has worked to change itself for the better. We have opened up our movement and yes, this movement is the home for those who want a country that makes them proud to say 'we're Maltese'; to live in a country that leads and is not led; that is a protagonist and not a spectator."

At timez verging on the emotional, Muscat thanked the party delegates for trusting him with the leadership of the party.

"One day, history books will write about this day. And they will recount how the youths of the 2013 were the protagonists of a change in direction. Help me, help me continue convincing more people to join us," he pleaded.

Muscat extended his thanks to deputy leader Toni Abela and former deputy leader for parliamentary affairs Anglu Farrugia, adding that he was looking forward to "an optimistic future that united, to a future that belongs to those who know they are on the right side of history."

At one point, Muscat got carried away by the moment as he opened up his arms and looked towards the sky saying that he dreamt of the day when he saw everyone's son and daughter succeeding in education.

"I still remember the look in my parents' eyes when I graduated... their son from a working class family. And just the same, just like I want to see my children succeeding I want to see everyone's child succeed. That will be my goal."

A hoarse deputy leader Louis Grech also addressed the crowd during which he urged the electorate to vote for a fair and just society.

"We have a clear roadmap and we know where we want to go. But what we wish is useless if the electorate doesn't give us the mandate. Let no one threaten our motivation and we can really have a society that truly belongs to all," Grech urged.