The government will embark on an “unprecedented” fight against drug trafficking, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this evening.
Speaking at a PL rally at the Valletta Waterfront – the last PL activity for the EP election campaign, Dr Muscat referred to the government’s proposal to decriminalise certain drugs. “Many young people are becoming victims of the system while the big fish are allowed to get away. We want a system that helps those in need instead of making a show of them. We also promise to embark on an unprecedented fight against drug trafficking.”
Dr Musct said the electoral campaign has brought the PL closer to people. “Every government becomes detached from poeple, except for this one. We have become one with the people.”
“On Saturday you will be faced with an important choice,” said Dr Muscat. “This is not a choice on one thing but four. Firstly you have to choose what direction we should give to the EU. We want Europe to be closer to people rather than to banks and speculators. We do not want a Europe that keeps turning a blind eye to migration. We want an EU that recognises the need for change and makes it happen.”
The Prime Minister said Malta should not suffer from an inferiority complex in the EU, for Malta has nothing less than other member states. “Migration is not only a humanitarian crisis. It is also an issue of national security and we will stand up for our rights. Those who have no right to asylum have to be sent back to their country but their rights have to be safeguarded. Those who were not going to vote because they think that the EU has done nothing on migration have a choice – that choice is the PL.”
The PM spoke on the need of a legal migration system within the EU. “In this way, the burden would be equally split between all member states, not just Italy, Greece and Malta.” The PL supports Martin Schulz – the Socialist candidate for President of the European Commission – who has a real plan to tackle the migration problem.
Government will fight corruption
The second choice is on which direction we want our country to take. The PL brought about change in the Maltese administration, which was rife with corruption and favouritism. “Any politician who is found guilty of corruption will be brought to justice.”
The government has also given rights to minorities, such as civil unions and gay rights. “We were on the right side of history and we are proud of it.” Dr Muscat also spoke on the right for members of the uniformed services to join a trade union of their choice. “We also empowered women and showed this by electing a female president,” Dr Muscat said, to a round of applause.
Dr Muscat said the electorate will also be judging the government’s track record on Saturday. “In just one year we have implemented 33% of our electoral manifesto and we have not broken one single promise. We have decreased energy bills and given free childcare for all. We have also increased stipends and will keep doing so year after year.”
Precarious work employers – ‘Your days are counted”
On hunting Dr Muscat said that everyone should follow the rules but hunters should not be denied their rights. He said the government will not forget anyone during this legislature. He also promised to stamp out precarious work. “Your days are counted,” he told employers who employ people on such conditions.
The government will also safeguard the jobs of Enemalta and Air Malta employees. Dr Muscat also announced that former dockyard workers who are employed with IPSL will get a pay rise.
Turning to health, the Prime Minister said that the government has introduced new services and some waiting lists have been slashed. The Opposition is resorting to lies, he said, referring to yesterday’s televised debate, during which PN Leader Simon Busuttil produced a medicinal product that is allegedly out of stock. “It was never given for free by the hospital. He is not even capable of checking the simples things before he makes his allegations. Is this the kind of person that should lead our country?”
The Opposition has no message, Dr Muscat said. “It is only interested in scaremongering. But you will not see fear in our eyes, only courage to take this country forward, step by step.”
The Prime Minister appealed to the electorate to choose the best MEPs to represent them, MEPs who are more interested in defending Malta’s rights rather than toeing the party line, much like the PN’s two MEPs. “You have the best choice of candidates before you, vote for them all. This is also a choice between me and Simon Busuttil, someone who resorts to scaremongering and someone who gives out a message of courage and direction,” Dr Muscat concluded.