Joseph Muscat the Leader of the Partit Laburista (PL) said during a youth activity that “the best part of this electoral campaign is the enthusiasm surrounding this movement, which is growing on a daily basis.

“It is not the enthusiasm of an election, but realisation, especially among youths, that this is the time to work together and let go of past political ideas which held back this country from progressing as it should have.”

Joseph Muscat stated that “this Movement has the ability to reach where the Maltese and Gozitan people want it to reach.” He added that he admires the fact that, daily, hundreds of people are gathering to give what they can to see a change in our country. “This is not a campaign of politicians but a people’s campaign,” affirmed Joseph Muscat.

“This movement will boost again the teaching profession.” Joseph Muscat said that there has to be a strong awareness campaign about respect towards teachers. “We have to give them the recognition they deserve,” stated Muscat. He mentioned the right to sabbatical leave with pay to assist teachers in specialising their skills and improving their abilities. “This will be done in consultation with the teachers’ trade union.”

He added that this possibility will also be open to heads of schools, principals, LSAs and other professionals working in the education sector. “This measure will be a very important investment in the teaching profession, at par with investment in new schools.”

The PL Leader stated that the many reforms which have taken place in the education sector, have to be allowed the space to come into force. “We cannot go on experimenting with our children. Now the next step has to be investing in teachers to give them the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Joseph Muscat also said that he is concerned over “reports about teachers falling victims to violence. A new Government is sending a clear message that violence on teachers is never acceptable. Thus the PL agrees that security should increase in schools, in a respectful way towards students, but at the same time protecting the teachers. This is a delicate matter, thus it will be taken up following discussions with the MUT.”

When he was asked about the public transport, Joseph Muscat stated that “this reform was one of the worst fiascos which occurred in our country and decreased PN’s credibility in this sector.”

Dr Muscat went on to say that “ever since the reform was introduced, traffic increased in our country, thus the main objective of the system was a complete failure. The system which was designed by Transport Malta.” He also acknowledged Arriva drivers, represented by the GWU, for their work.

Joseph Muscat affirmed that if a new Government is elected, there will be a leap forward on the issues of civil rights . He also mentioned that forty years ago, a Labour Government decriminalised homosexuality, at a time when the conservative powers wielded extreme power.

“I admire that courage, because it was inspired courage. This movement embodies the same courage to introduce more civil rights in our country. Thus a new Government will introduce the right of civil union in our country,” the Labour Leader sadi.

The PL Leader also mentioned the proposal whereby a consultative council will be set up, where LGBT organisations and individuals will give advice to the Government in this regard. “We will be implementing these proposals with courage and conviction because we believe in this cause.”

He emphasised the need for more women to join the labour market. He described women as the “salvation to resolve the pensions issue.” The investment which will be made by a new Government will be crucial.

In these last years, gender equality has been sidelined, he said. “A new Government will be the most feminist government that this country has ever had. When considering that each year more women are graduating than men, it is vital that the country needs to invest so that more women join the labour force.”

The PL Leader referred to the part-time tax proposal which will raise the ceiling to €10,000 from €7,000. Those who have a full-time job and also run a small business will also be eligible for this benefit.

Joseph Muscat concluded that “whilst for the Prime Minister, €49 million is a drop in the ocean, with all those millions, we can invest a great deal in initiatives for our Maltese and Gozitan families.”

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