Gozo will be the model of sustainable development for the country, Prime Minister Robert Abela said during a speech closing the Labour Party's General Conference on Sunday.

The Conference was taking place at the Labour Party's Headquarters.

He spoke about looking at the characteristics of towns and villages. "I was in Gozo and we discussed that while it is important for Gozo to move forward, we need to take care of it."

Abela said that to move forward, you must not forget what you are. "That is the only way you can have development that makes sense. Gozo will be the model for sustainable development for our country." He said that the environmental and digital transitions, "rather than being viewed as challenges, must be the best opportunities we ever had."

Abela is in politics for the country, he said. "I believe in Malta. We live in a country which we should be proud of."

He said that the country is what it is because of a lot of work that took place.

Abela spoke of more investment in schools, scholarships, and also in healthcare.

"We will invest to create more public spaces for the people," he said, mentioning Kalkara, Mosta, Mellieha.

Abela said that from a country stagnated when it comes to economic growth and jobs, today Malta competes with the best, and does not only offer opportunities to all its Maltese children, but welcomes foreign workers. He said that everyone must be given the same dignity and be valued as a person. "No person is better than another, everyone is human."

At the same time while Malta is getting in foreign workers, he said, this must never mean that Maltese workers are disadvantaged, or that residents carry a weight they should not carry, he said, adding that this is why steps were taken over the past months.

He said that his government faced many challenges, mentioning the pandemic as an example.

Abela said that in Malta, energy prices are stable. "We didn't stop there. We introduced strong measures to bring about food price stability." He took aim at the PN, and said that the government found an opposition "that resists everything. Instead of backing us in what is of benefit for the people, they say that we are burdening the country with debt. They were and remain the party of austerity."

The Prime Minister said that "as long as we remain united, there isn't a single challenge we cannot overcome."

Abela also said that "in 2019, they thought that they would stop this party from continuing to work for our country. They were on the edge of succeeding that day," he said, adding that they failed "as we chose the road of responsibility, to build on the good and fix where needed."

He said that the PL was united and responsible.

Abela said that there might be those who also want to break what is good in the country, "to satisfy the divine right they believe they have to power."

In what has been seen as a possible reference to the magisterial inquiry into the hospitals deal, he said that "justice must not be abused for partisan aims. Less so should it be focused to make the most electoral damage. I said these words three months ago. Justice does not mean political terrorism. Honest justice and political retribution do not live together. True justice is not achieved by the establishment trying to stagnate the government, breaking those who work loyally and with integrity in the government, or for people to suffer." He said that he "will always defend the country, "as for me, the country always comes first before anything else."

Abela then spoke about the economy and budgets, mentioning the increases in the Children's allowance, and support made to the middle class. "Above all we want to invest in the quality of life, where everyone would have open space a few minutes away in all localities."

The 8 June election is an election for the whole country, he said, calling it a "crucial day," when a "clear signal must be sent."

PN hits out at Abela over justice statement

PN MP Karol Aquilina said that Abela needs to stop trying to intimidate the judiciary and turn people against it with the aim of stopping justice.

"Abela needs to say what he is afraid of by the work the judiciary is doing."

"The PN again declared that it has complete trust in judges and magistrates. The PN insists that Abela needs to withdraw his statement regarding the judiciary and apologise to the judiciary."

"His irresponsible discourse is the result of a pact he made with Joseph Muscat."