The PN has hit out at the government over its handling of the education sector, arguing that Maltese students without qualifications will be condemned to cheap labour.

Speaking in front of an unfinished school in Qawra, Opposition Leader Adrian Delia said that it was meant to be opened years ago, and that a country that does not invest in children does not move forward.

Delia, referred to Malta's high early school leaving rate when compared to other EU countries and its literacy rate.

"Our only resource is our people," Delia said, while adding that "unfortunately, it is clear that the government does not believe in education, and does not invest in children."

He spoke about Malta's literacy rates not advancing forward, adding that while past government had constructed a school every year, this government is introducing a new classroom container each week.

Delia also took aim at the government over its treatment of teachers, arguing that they are not being treated with dignity and are seen as a cost and not an investment. He said that the PN is committed to making education a priority, and that the PN's pre-budget document was a testament to this.

PN Secretary General Clyde Puli also spoke, and spoke of the need for there to be a long-term plan to solve the education crisis. He said that mobile classrooms, that were meant to be a temporary solution has become a lengthy situation. He spoke of the need for the government to figure out how many students are in Malta and predict how many more there will be in the coming years in order to properly allocate resources to the education sector.

He said that the government has no plan as to how to retain teachers and to replace those retiring.