Labour Leader Dr Joseph Muscat attended a political activity in Victoria late this afternoon, where he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds. He said to those present that both Gozitans and Maltese should, next Saturday, “send a strong message that a change in direction is what is needed.”

Joseph Muscat added that “others are consumed by character assassination, whilst the PL is busy engaging in a positive campaign, which implies registering your dissent, but through a unifying outlook.”

The Labour Leader spoke about unemployment and the Maltese economy, saying that figures from the NSO this week and also Eurostat show that unemployment continues to rise in Malta and Gozo.

“Statistics show that for the eleventh consecutive month, unemployment has been on the increase. However, the Prime Minister refuses to acknowledge this fact. This week, the Prime Minister has claimed that the number of young people who are unemployed is irrelevent, but for us 4,600 unemployed young people, a figure which also includes graduates, are relevant and a new Government will adjust this situation.”

On the economy, Dr Muscat pointed out the Government is saying that the economy will grow by 2.3%, yet the European Commission and the Central Bank of Malta say that it will grow by no more than 1.6%.

The PL Leader explained, “The PN is claiming an expenditure of €1,100million for the implementation of its electoral manifesto, but the growth predictions made by the European Commission and other organisations are clearly showing that this is not realistic.

“This will result in one of 3 options; either Government will not be delivering its promises; taxes will be raised or the Maltese Treasury will be depleted.”

“On the other hand,” the Labour Leader said, “the PL has established its predictions specifically on the European Commission’s predictions, whilst affirming that the expenditure for the implementation of the PL electoral manifesto will be less, because the PL is pledging proposals which are achievable and realistic.”

Referring to energy, the Labour Leader said that Labour’s energy proposal was the most detailed and the only concrete plan offered by any political party, which, he said, will enable “tariffs to be reduced day and night.”

Joseph Muscat affirmed, “Through the PL proposal there will be an injection of €77 million per year in our economy. This will mean that people will have more money in their pockets following the average reduction of 25% from utility bills. The same applies for businesses.”

The PL Leader concluded by saying “that there will be further resources which will be invested in the health sector, including the Gozo health sector, whereby, amongst other measures, cancer patients will start to be given chemotherapy service in Gozo.”

The Labour Party’s activities continue this evening in Victoria with an event at the Victoria Football Ground, organised by Dr Anton Refalo.

On Monday Labour are holding a Mass Rally in Xaghra.

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