‘Government deserves to win European Parliament elections’ – PM

It’s a message that the Labour leader wants to get across: the Labour government must be the first party in government to win the elections for the European Parliament to be held on 24 May.

Targeting the disgruntled Labour voters and the grassroots, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said a win for the Labour Party would provide the government with the courage to implement the rest of its electoral mandate.

“14 months into the Labour government and we have implemented 33% of our electoral programme. Vote for us and give us the energy to change that 33% into a 100%... give us the courage to implement the remaining promises,” Muscat told party supporters gathered in Birzebbugia.

“Everyone must vote and convince others to vote for the Labour candidates. This government deserves to win these elections. We deserve to be one of the EU states where the party in government wins the elections.”

According to the latest MaltaToday surveys, the Labour Party currently enjoys an 8-point lead over the PN. However, the survey has also found an increase in undecided voters and respondents who would not reveal their intention.

“I have kept my promises on the most crucial things and these were prioritised and implemented during the first year. And this is what we will continue doing. But you have to give us the positive energy,” the Labour leader appealed.

Addressing those who plan on staying home because they felt the coming elections were “not important”, Muscat said the PL had managed to win the 2004 MEP elections even though the party had lost the general elections just 12 months before.

The activity was also addressed by Labour candidates Clint Camilleri and Deborah Schembri and parliamentary secretary for planning Michael Falzon.

Present for the event was also former tourism minister Karmenu Vella who received a standing ovation from the audience present. Following the Cabinet reshuffle, Muscat has chosen Vella as his EU Commissioner nominee.

“Europe needs Karmenu as much as Malta needs him to represent us in one of the EU’s top institutions,” Muscat said.

Reiterating how Labour’s energy plan would remove the polluting chimney of the Delimara power station, the Prime Minister said the government had “a moral obligation” towards the south of Malta.

“This is a region which for 25 years suffered neglect. It was treated as if it were the island’s dumping ground. We will now reverse this, ensuring those projects which will rehabilitate the area and improve the infrastructure and the environment.”

Muscat pointed out that the government will be appealing a MEPA decision which granted Freeport a temporary permit for one year for the maintenance and repair of oil rigs in Birzebbugia.