Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil is trying to hide from the "works for votes" case in Gozo.

Speaking at a political activity in Zebbug, the Prime Minister said: "Last week, Simon Busuttil said that he knew nothing of whistleblower email to Chris Said, yet recently, President of the Executive Ann Fenech said that she did not know anything until 2 to 3 weeks ago when Chris Said informed her during a committee meeting." Shortly after, PN Deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami said that he did not know anything about the case either.

Dr Muscat then turned to the economy and said the most important credit rating for the government comes from people and from businesses.

When a business manages to attract new investment and create more jobs, it is called a turnaround. It is the same when going from making a loss to making a profit, , using a company to symbolise Malta.

"Malta, over the past two years has made a turnaround and has created optimism. This does not mean things are perfect, however, facts speak for themselves. In 24 months we managed to erase the adverse conditions created by the past government. Unemployment increased for five straight years in the past legislature. Now there are more people entering the world of work, more elderly remaining in work".

"In two years we have not only found work for graduates, women making use of childcare centres and the elderly who chose to remain working, but we have successfully reversed the unemployment trend created under the PN government".

He stressed that this does not mean everyone is paid their ideal wage, or has their ideal job, adding that the government was still working hard to tackle the issue of precarious employment.

"For those in government, work does not stop for the weekend, but lasts seven days".

"We have kept our largest electoral promise, reducing water and electricity bills. A week has passed since businesses began seeing a reduction in energy tariffs".

He spoke of the energy plan, to change from heavy fuel oil to gas. "The previous government had launched the plan for the interconnector, however when coming into government, permits from Italy had not even come out and as such we needed to hold discussions with two Italian Prime Ministers to get this done". He said that the previous government wanted to pass the pipeline though an area where oil drilling was planned and as they had to move the interconnector cable. "The interconnector is working and will begin to be used on Thursday".

Turning to civil rights, he said that two years ago, the country would not have believed that they would live in a country so advanced. He mentioned the Civil Unions bill that passed last year, and the Gender Identity Bill. "I was so pleased to see international newspapers quoting Malta as a new international benchmark, that other countries should compare with, describing Malta as a beacon of hope".

He mentioned that last year, "the others", referring to Simon Busuttil, abstained from voting in the Civil Unions Bill, and this year "went to Gozo".

Turning to the upcoming elections, he stressed that "the people have a choice between optimism and negativity, those who want to move forward and those who don't".

He mentioned that the women's national team won an important football game against Georgia and are one point away from qualifying to the European Championship.

The Prime Minister then praised Manuel Mallia, mentioning the team spirit within the movement.

PL MP Manuel Mallia praised the "professional way the Good Friday procession was conducted".

He chose not to speak about departments such as the police force, that once fell under his remit, stating that they are in good hands under Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela. Instead he chose to speak about healthcare. "Looking at the PN in government, they had many years to build and strengthen the system. One must plan for future generations".

He stated that while the PN built Mater Dei, "we found the first defect, that it was smaller than St Luke's. How can one plan for future generations with this. We had medicines out of stock, patients in corridors and more".

He also spoke about employment. "The PN always used to say that they wanted to increase the participation rate of women. This government introduced free childcare centres. Who is planning and creating opportunities for women to enter the workplace?"

He spoke of investment, stating that 5,000 new jobs have been created in two years.

Turning to social services, he mentioned the plan for homes for persons with disability that will be created within the community.

As for the elderly, the former Minister said that a plan, approved by MEPA, will see rooms that provide dignity for elderly homes.

Manuel Mallia also spoke of energy, stating that today the entire population sees an energy tariff reduction.

"The PN has not changed, they are worse than before the general elections. They are negative and pessimistic".

"Simon Busuttil used to boast that they got rid of me yet I am still here. They thought I would no  longer work in this movement, yet I am a soldier of steel"

"We are optimistic as we are on the road of good, and good will always win".

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said the government has again regained credibility from the Maltese people and foreign agencies.

He said that a credit agency has said that Malta has exhibited weak fiscal management, but this government is always working to make improvements and these are underway, adding that this was because of what the previous government left behind.

The Minister said that after coming into government, the wheels of the economy began to turn. He said that investment currently in the pipeline will result in a stronger economy. "Debt is reducing and month on month we have more of a surplus than a deficit".