Following his earlier meeting with the Gozo Business Chamber this afternoon, The PL Leader Dr Joseph Muscat attended a political activity in Xaghra.

He was welcomed by a large crowd who jostled to get inside the tent to listen to the Labour Leader. Dr Muscat warned that with only 20 days left until the election, “people should not think the coming weeks were going to be a joy ride.” the Labour Party would continue with its positive message and encouraged those who wanted a change to joing the Movement.

The Labour Leader made reference to a press conference held this afternoon by the Transport Minister Austin Gatt, when it had been implied by him that The Labour Leader had met with oil traders. Joseph Muscat said that instead of answering the questions asked, Minister Austin Gatt deviated and attacked the independent media, “which is currently exposing the greatest scandal the country has seen. Evidently Minister Gatt has no arguments left to present.”

Joseph Muscat held that the last defence left to Austin Gatt “is the delusion that a plot between the media and the Labour Party exists in order to frame him, yet it would benefit Gatt to openly answer the media’s questions.”

On Gatt’s claim that he had already met certain oil companies, Joseph Muscat replied that when he will meet these companies, he will be informing them of the new Government’s intention to switch the country to gas.

Dr Muscat said that following this scandalous story, “a new Government will be proud to stop oil consumption in the country in order to introduce a cleaner technology, without anyone gaining commissions over the buying of oil supply.”

On Wednesday figures released by Eurostat showed that the highest energy dependence rate was registered in Malta at 101%, this was followed by Luxembourg at 97%. Malta also had the highest increase in energy consumption with a 16.9% increase.

Joseph Muscat also referred to the long forgotten farming sector. He emphasised the fact that farmers had a tough job full of sacrifices and that a new government will give a new burst of energy to this sector.

Muscat referred to the problems faced by farmers, such as the transfer of land. a new Government will be addressing this difficulty by giving a stronger title to farmers working government land, which will give them more certainty when applying for E.U. funds.

He also said that a mew Government will also be implementing a number of assurance programmes in case of bad weather or sickness, giving farmers compensation for their work. The éL Leader mentioned the long called for reform at the vegetable market, and the need to unite buyers and sellers. In order to give this sector its due importance, a new government will have a person responsible for fishing and farming.

Also at the meeting with Dr Joseph Muscat was the President of European Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Hannes Swoboda. Dr Muscat thanked him for his help and support to the Labour Party during this campaign.

Dr Muscat conduded, “join us. Do not be spectators, but rather, choose to be protagonists – together we can write a glorious page in the history of our country and truly create a Malta for All.”

Tomorrow there is going to be a Labour Party Mass Meeting in Naxxar.

Photographs – Alain Salvary.

Permalink: Large crowds welcome Labour Leader at Xaghra meeting