Speaking in Sliema, Dr Gonzi said that this showed that the country was already reaping the fruit of its membership in the EU. The indications were that the trend was positive, largely thanks to the work the government had carried out at national level and within the EU.

While the Nationalist Party was involved in an intensive election campaign for the EP and local council polls on 12 June, at government level the commitment was equally strong to push the country forward.

He added that consumers were benefiting from considerable reductions in prices, and today everyone could make a choice that depended on both price and quality. This is an opportunity for locally-produced items to be improved to compete with imported objects.

All that is happening gave the consumer the guarantee that good quality products could be bought at cheaper prices.

Whatever the Opposition said, the environment was being safeguarded better than before.

The Malta Labour Party was saying that it could defend the environment better, but at the same time it had said that it would have kept the Maghtab landfill open.

The 12 June elections were going to be held because Malta joined the EU, something the MLP had been against. The right to elect MEPs came about as a result of Malta’s membership, and those who will be elected must work not only to make Malta’s voice heard in the EP but also to generate wealth for the country.

This is why it is important that the electorate chooses the best people, Dr Gonzi said, and the PN is presenting the right candidates for the job.