Changes which the Prime Minister said the country is undergoing are necessary because competitiveness depended on them. He was addressing a grassroots meeting on climate change, saying that delays in meeting the challenge would mean the country finding it difficult to remain competitive.

In the last 20 years, he said, the Nationalist Party had distinguished itself by looking ahead. The Labour Party, on the other hand, remained sceptic and was continually sowing fear and leaving everything unchanged.

Dr Gonzi said the strategy needed in the changes which were necessary was not one only of lowering the electricity and water rates. This was important but more important was the strategy which had to lead to achieving a reduction in emissions and use of alternative sources of energy.

As other EU countries, Malta is bound to certain goals to be achieved by 2020. To achieve them Malta had to start working for them now. If they were not achieved, there would be a price to pay and the country would not remain competitive, Dr Gonzi said.