Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this evening said that a vote for Simon Busuttil would open the door for him "to get revenge over each and every one of you."
Speaking in Floriana, Dr Muscat said that "if you do not vote on 3 June or vote for another party, it would break our economic credibility, as their (the PN's) costings dont make sense. It would mean there would not be environmental protection, or new infrastructure. If you vote for others or don’t vote, it would mean that the same persons who never raised a finger to help those most in need, reign again. It would mean that those who created problems can’t solve them. It would mean Simon Busuttil would open the door to get revenge on each and every one of you."
“My friends, holding the Maltese flag, who love Malta, next Saturday we must all decide on Malta’s future. We must decide on the kind of future we want for our children. We have done a lot these past years, as families and businesses believed in change.”
“We believed in change despite the conservative forces trying to make us give up. They told us we would go bankrupt, that energy bills can never be reduced, that we have to use oil to generate energy. They scared us saying that Malta was not ready for civil rights. They thought the Maltese people would give up and be content with mediocracy. This did not happen. Families and businesses were not afraid, they voted to change direction," he said.
"The people chose this movement which brought about many changes in a small amount of time. Where they said there would be unemployment, we created many jobs. Where they said we would need a bailout, we created the first surplus in a generation. Today every family and businesses pay reduced energy tariffs."
He spoke of changing from the use of Heavy Fuel Oil. "Where they said it was normal to have medicine out of stock, today people find the medicines they need."
"From conservatives we became progressive. From a country which observes, we became the best in Europe," he said.
"Four years ago they told me I was dreaming when I said our country could be such a success. These same people saw a positive change. Finally there was a government that implemented what it promised."
"The impossible is the challenge that leads our ambition. Every time someone tells us something is impossible, we will do it."
"If they tell us that it is impossible to create more jobs, to reduce taxes, to attract more investment, we will do this, bring more work and investment, reduce taxes. Our hearts are full of energy. We have a sense of optimism that nobody can remove."
He criticised the Opposition for trying to create fear, "as they don’t have anything to offer."
Dr Muscat said the number of companies in Malta will increase, and said that there will be more opportunities for the Maltese and Gozitan people.
"Our principles are clear. Social mobility, for people to move forward. Social justice, to help those people who need help to stand on their own two feet. Unity, where we look for what unites us."
He said that the PL plan is realistic and costed. "Through a pro-business attitude, we will strengthen the new middle class. We need to work together so that on 3 June you will vote for the PL and this movement."
"As we have saved Enemalta, we will save Air Malta through a clear plan."
He spoke of PL proposals found in the manifesto, regarding the tax refund to all workers, reduction in taxes for part-time work and on overtime work. He also said that apprentices will receive the minimum wage, public holidays falling on weekends will be given as additional vacation leave, there will be changes to the constitution and all roads will be rebuilt in seven years.
Turning to persons with disability, and their families, he said "you are in our hearts and we will give you more work, rights and benefits."
He spoke of the internet meme, which caused quite an uproar. "Whoever did this, I say, you honoured me. There is nothing wrong with someone having a disability. I am proud of the persons with different abilities and I will always be by their side, I will always be there for the vulnerable in our society. This is a movement for the vulnerable, for youths, students, pensioners, this is our movement."
He said that Simon Busuttil and Marlene Farrugia are a guarantee of instability.
"it would mean that Simon Busuttil's victims would not just be the statistics, but your jobs, the peace of mind of your children."
He said that Simon Busuttil's arguments are based on double standards. He sees nothing wrong with his Deputy Leader having a company in Cyprus. He won't remove Beppe Fenech Adami who is under investigation for money laundering.
"You put your trust in me four years ago. Today you know we have a country better than what we had four years ago. We cannot turn back the clock, we cannot lose what we have achieved. We cannot stop halfway down the road. To those people who voted for us for the first time four years ago - trust me again. I have the same enthusiasm, the same energy and positivity. Now today I have the experience to always better lead this country."
He said that in 2013, the Maltese trusted the PL as what was impossible could be achieved. "We know that the proposals we made were implemented."
"What more can we do than what we have already done, is what people ask. What is a person without dreams, without the aspiration to reach new heights. In the coming five years we want to achieve what is impossible, we want to bring Malta to the top of the world. We want to be the ones to make the dreams and aspirations of all of you come true. This is my dream for Malta, our dream for Malta. We are a united country and nobody will divide us. We do not go out and speak against our country or praise foreigners who want to take our jobs. We are Maltese and proud. I give you my word that I will keep working to unite the people, to raise our country up high".
PL Deputy Leader Chris Cardona was the first to speak, saying that next Sunday, Malta will be celebrating. He said that the people recognise the good brought by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, and his passion for the country.
"The people recognise the honesty and integrity of our Prime Minister," he said. The PL Deputy Leader questions the credibility of Simon Busuttil, "who based his campaign on a lie."
He said that the PN celebrates every attack that happens against Malta. He reminded those present that the Opposite of what Simon Busuttil had warned in 2013 happened, referring to the idea of a ‘bailout’ amongst others.
“The problems we have today is that there aren’t enough workers, not that workers are being fired.”
Dr Cardona said that this movement will continue uniting the country, “reducing intolerance and changing the mentality that Simon Busuttil calls normal.”
“We want a country that doesn’t suffer from prejudice, from a mentality of superiority.” He said the PN attack all those who do not agree with them.”
He referred to the PN-PD coalition, calling them a coalition of confusion. “Today there is no doubt about their confusion. Just ask the hunters, and those people who want a race-track. Ask professionals about the PN-PD confusion regarding the IIP scheme. With the coalition of confusion, we will slam right into the wall. Through a government led by Joseph Muscat, we will go in the right direction, the direction which will bring success.”
Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who is a personal friend of Dr Muscat, joked that he could not see the back of the crowd.
“Joseph Muscat was, is and will remain my friend. There is still much to do and we have to do it here in Malta. Europe is the biggest challenge of the last 60 years but it needs humanity. Europe needs the values of Malta and Italy, of the Partit Laburista. It needs all of you.”
Mr Renzi then cracked another joke. “Joseph has a great defect – he supports Milan. But together with him at the European Council and within the European Socialist Party we pushed forward the idea that you can engage in politics that lead to real results. Joseph has been more successful than me. You have a strong economy and the lowest unemployment in the EU. It is important that none of you see the end of this experience. Go forward. You are the future of Malta. Do not let anyone stop this extraordinary story.”
He then went on to introduce Joseph Muscat as “the next Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat.”
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a video message in support of Joseph Muscat. “I’ve known Joseph Muscat for some time, and he is an example of what a progressive politician can do for the people. Over the past years unemployment is done and a lot has been done for LGBT rights and minority rights. I am delighted to see Malta carve out a position for itself not just in Europe, but in the wider world.”
“Elections are a moment of great opportunity. I want to wish Joseph all the best and congratulate him on all he has achieved so far.”
Photos by Paul Jones
