The Malta Labour Party is ready to brace itself for the change that the Maltese people yearn for, said party leader Dr Alfred Sant yesterday while commemorating Republic Day with a ceremony at the monument at 13 December Road, Marsa.
The MLP, said Dr Sant, was reaffirming its commitment towards democracy, social justice and dignity and that the politics of change in which the party believes in will help it strengthen its commitment to improve the quality of life of the Maltese. This, he said, will be brought about through the implementation of an economic policy based on optimism and the abilities of the Maltese that can overcome hurdles and create job opportunities and exploit the advantages enjoyed by the country.
The Opposition Leader said the MLP’s republican ideals are based on social justice, geared on giving the best opportunities to people so that all those who might fall backwards can also lead a good life rather than end up marginalised. This can be achieved through the strengthening of the education sector, an area which the MLP is committed to upgrade especially at the primary level, said Dr Sant.
He said that primary level teachers should be given due recognition and stressed the need for upgrade resources in state primary schools. Dr Sant reiterated Labour’s promise of introducing a class at the end of primary teaching in order to deliver basic skills that would give students the tools to wholly participate in the world of employment.
Dr Sant reiterated the MLP’s pledge to keep public health free of charge while keeping it in line with the exigencies of the Maltese families and the European Union. He promised that “from now and later in government” the MLP will work in favour of work, protection and dignity in order to give the country a better future through its plan for a new beginning.
The Labour leader paid tribute to all those who have undergone hardships in order to help the country advance and promised that the MLP will stick to its Socialist values to enable the Republic of Malta to achieve success for the benefit of its citizens.
Following his speech, Dr Sant and MLP deputy leaders Dr Charles Mangion and Dr Michael Falzon laid wreaths at the foot of the Republic monument. Other MLP exponents, such as President Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Secretary General Jason Micallef followed suit as did MLP candidates, MPs, mayors and councillors.
Former Labour MPs who were active during the founding of the republic were also present. Earlier, Dr Falzon, accompanied by the MLP administration laid wreaths at the foot of monuments dedicated to late Presidents Anton Buttigieg in Blata l-Bajda and Agatha Barbara in Zabbar and late Acting President Paul Xuereb in Rabat.