The prime minister recalled the manifesto’s key points, mentioning economic and human resources development. He emphasised that, unlike other blocs, the EPP believed in deregulating the economy as much as possible.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding the environment, solidarity and regional peace, saying that these form the basis of what the party’s candidates will be working on.
Dr Gonzi was speaking at a meeting at the party’s club in Luqa, held as part of the PN’s local council and European Parliament electoral campaigns.
He reiterated that the party’s affiliation with the European Popular Parties (EPP) bloc meant PN candidates would have the strongest voice in the EP. He described the EPP as a family with common values, of which a large number are Christian Democrats.
“Putting aside the fact that I am the prime minister or party leader,” Dr Gonzi said, “I trust each and every one of the candidates on our list with my future, that of my family and the country’s.” He said he was convinced of this because “they know what they are talking about and they speak with conviction”.
Dr Gonzi criticised the Malta Labour Party, saying the contrast between its position and that of the PN was evident. He said he was convinced that the MLP leader’s Sunday speech was about layoffs and disasters, encouraging the listeners to vote Labour because only its candidates could defend against the disadvantages of EU membership.
Speaking about local councils, Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg said the first white paper for municipal government was designed for district councils. He said the party insisted on local councils, adding that as a result each locality had the opportunity to express its identity. He said the same was the case with Malta’s EU accession and explained that now the country had the opportunity to make its presence felt.
Reflecting on a point made by EP candidate Joanna Drake, Dr Borg said: “Our relevance is much larger than our size.”
He announced that he will shortly be attending a summit between the EU and South America. “Who would have thought that Malta would be contributing at this level,” he said, pointing out that a country as large as Russia would not be taking part in this summit.
Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said Malta’s accession celebrations made an impact on a number of countries and the government was receiving positive feedback on the 1 May celebrations.