‘Vote for Labour to change Malta and Europe’ – Prime Minister

Next Saturday will be an opportunity for the electorate to vote not only for the candidates it wants in the European Parliament, but also a choice on the type of Europe and Malta it wants to live in, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said.

With a well-attended mass rally at the Valletta waterfront, the Labour Party brought to an end its campaign for the MEP elections.

Addressing an ecstatic crowd, with the red and white colours of the Maltese flag shining behind him, Muscat said the Labour movement “has become one with the public”.

“Contrary to governments that detach themselves from the public’s reality, we became one with the families, sharing their joys and heartache. And we stand before you as you prepare to make that choice,” Muscat said.

This evening he also announced the government reached an agreement with the IPSL workers, pledging that the next issue to be tackled will be precarious work.

“Your days are counted,” Muscat told employers who employ workers with precarious conditions.

Listing the reasons as to why the electorate should vote for the Labour candidates, Muscat said the electorate can influence the direction the European Union can take – if Martin Schulz is elected as President of the European Commission.

Dedicating his introductory speech to the issue of irregular migration, the Labour leader said the European Union could no longer turn a blind eye to the thousands who are risking their lives to flee persecution in search of a better life.

“We need a Europe that tackles irregular migration and not ignore the plight of these people. We have shown we can be tough with the politicians, but never with the weak. We feel for the migrants and their children. But we cannot keep shouldering this burden on our own.

“Irregular migration is not only a humanitarian issue, but also one of national security. And we will never stop defending our national interest.”

Reminding that the Labour government has relocated some 500 irregular migrants, Muscat said his government has taken action on the matter: “You cannot say we did nothing.”

The Labour leader said Martin Schulz is going to be the answer to a more social Europe: “Others don’t have a plan… Schulz does.”

Muscat said Saturday’s choice was also about wanting a more social Europe that was closer to the citizens rather than the institutions, the banks and the speculators.

He took the opportunity to take Simon Busuttil to task after the latter said a patient was forced to buy gauzes – Tender Wet Plus – because they were out of stock from the hospital.

“I checked about it and what I discovered is that this product was never ever available from the hospital. Is this the kind of leader you want?” Muscat said, too much booing by the audience.

The Prime Minister said the electorate should keep in mind how the government was changing the face of the country, fighting corruption and discrimination, implemented the separation between the State and the Church and more. He added that the government had much more left to do, including the decriminalisation of drugs.

The Labour leader reiterated that Saturday was also a choice between him and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil; a choice to vote for a government that implemented over 30% of its electoral manifesto; and a choice to elect those candidates who would truly work to defend Malta’s interest.

“Vote for us and give us the courage to continue working, to attract and create wealth. Help us be the first party in government to win the absolute majority of votes… help us make of Malta a positive energy,” Muscat shouted to the chants of the crowd.