The overwhelming vote of confidence in the Labour movement expressed by a historic majority within the electorate, elicits gratitude in me, more than any other sentiment. I appreciate the decision made by thousands of people who have declared trust in what we already achieved as a country and, more significantly, in the work we are carrying out for the sake of Malta’s future generations.

I am humbled by the fact that I have received first preference in one of every four votes cast last Saturday. This result means that my responsibilities are greater and I must accurately represent Maltese and Gozitan families in the best possible manner, more than ever before.

I am fully committed in embracing this task, so that I may cater for the aspiration of our citizens within a European and a Maltese context; whether the people in question are children, youths, adults or the elderly. We are a nation of hard-working individuals, whose priorities I have listened to during the past electoral campaign. I intend to stay engaged with the vision expressed by the Maltese and the Gozitan, for it is key to the results I intend to achieve in the upcoming legislature. 

These elections have confirmed yet again the way in which Maltese and Gozitans disprove of divisive politics. They would much rather have unity and positivity. The political change brought about  in 2013 has contributed to unprecedented economic growth, which in turn enabled Government to introduce measures such as free childcare services and tax refunds, and bring about increases in minimum wage and pensions. Such measures, and many other, have led to unprecedented social advancement.

Last Saturday’s vote was a clear message: the electorate wants the Labour Party to sustain this living success, for our sake and in the future.

On the other end of the political spectrum, the Nationalist Party is regressively consuming its resources and energy in attempting to avoid further internal damage. Different factions, together with their distinct loyalties, have reduced the Opposition to a scaremongering entity, which can offer no vision or ambition for the country. Rather, it resorts to personal attacks and fake news in an attempt to score political points. 

Time has proved that these tactics fail miserably, yet hope for change within the Nationalist Party is extremely distant. Following the MEP election results, top PN officials still came forth with the same baseless allegations, claiming people had not understood them. Instead of making bold decisions, members within the Opposition opted to imply that they are satisfied that the gap between the two political parties has stabilized itself in the region of 40,000 votes. 

Whilst the Nationalist Party struggles to get its house in order, we have an ever-increasing crucial role to play. Standing for unity and banishing division is the way forward to take Malta to the next level. The Labour Party, within a local Government context and within a European context, must strive to keep generating wealth, which must translate into a better quality of life and a cleaner environment.

We must sustain job creation and encourage fair working conditions. We must keep reducing poverty and invest in education, to be in a position to offer new opportunities to all. Taking Malta to the next level means delivering more services to our elderly.

I am committed to attain these goals through hard work as part of one, united team led by Prime Minister Muscat. Our goals are attainable thanks to the collective input of both families and businesses alike, for I know that all the elements that make up Maltese society hold these islands very close to their collective heart.