At the same time, Dr Sant’s decision to publish the report undermined a process the aim of which was the common good – a process in which Dr Sant does not want to take part.

Speaking in Gozo, Dr Gonzi said that Dr Sant had once again resorted to the strategy of trying to trick people into believing something that was not true, as had happened before the EU referendum and the general election last year.

Quoting from the World Bank report on pensions, Dr Gonzi said that the maximum pension will be increased and that the benefits enjoyed by pensioners will improve. He said that today’s pensions were double what they were in 1987, which showed the government’s commitment to pensioners.

He appealed to voters to cast their preferences for all Nationalist Party candidates, because the transfer of votes will play an important part in the coming EP election.

He added that MLP candidates for the 12 June poll formed part of a movement that had been against Malta’s EU accession until a few months ago.

Malta was already reaping the benefits of EU membership, including a decrease in prices that allowed for an extra Lm9 million to remain in the pockets of the Maltese following the removal of levies.

The prime minister maintained that all funds earmarked for Gozo will be passed on for

projects to be carried out on the sister island.