Leader of the Opposition Dr Simon Busuttil has criticized the Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat for his lack of vision and said that it is the Nationalist Party which can deliver a clear plan for the future.

Speaking on a telephone interview on the PN's radio station, Dr Busuttil said that it is not true that the Labour Party had a well-prepared road map as a vision for this country. "How can we believe that this government had a road map when Minister for Transport Joe Mizzi just announced that, after three years in government, the government will be analysing the possibility of a tram system in Malta? Where is the road map, if after three years, the government only issued a statement regarding the tender for the geological studies for the tunnel between Malta and Gozo now?"

It is very clear that Joseph Muscat had no road map in the first place, he added.

Referring to his speech on the eve of Independence day, Dr Busuttil said that the Nationalist Party has already presented a number of concrete proposals, including those regarding transport. He criticized the government for completely ignoring the set of proposals presented by the Nationalist Party on transport.

The Nationalist Party is proposing an alternative public transport system something similar to a light railway or tram. He said this system could also unite all of the country including Gozo. "We need to have a system so good, that the public will realize that it is not worth it to use one's personal car."

Dr Busuttil also referred to a statistic which was published this week, showing that those in risk of poverty have increased. The PN Leader said that the first step in solving a problem is realizing there is one. He said this government fails to admit that there is a problem.

Simon Busuttil said that it is useless saying that the economy is doing well if the families have no money in their pockets. He said the rent for those living in social housing was increased by this administration and that Joseph Muscat has put a tax on poverty.

He reiterated that a PN government would be reducing the rent to how it was before.

On renting, Dr Busuttil said that the government should subsidize those who rent from a private sector. He said statistic shows that some 6,000 more senior citizens are in risk of poverty.

He said pensions should be increased and should not be subjected to income tax. Dr Busuttil further added that the tax rate for those who have invested in shares should not remain at 35%, but be revised. He also said that medicines should be made free for the elderly.

Following his message on Independence Day, Simon Busuttil said that the Maltese should now gain impendence from the corruption and independence of thought. He said power should be truly given to the people.

On the gas tanker which should be reaching Malta soon, PN leader said that since the government abandoned the residents of Marsaxlokk and Birzebbugia, the PN will be their protector.

He also reacted to the Archbishop's message on Independence Day and described it as one of the strongest speeches made by an Archbishop. He said this speech should be studied and that politicians should respect the values Mons Scicluna mentioned.