The purchase of the embassy, Dr Sant said in Qormi, was authorised without the government knowing from where it was going to get the money.
Dr Sant questioned this kind of administration: why is the government trying to “crush workers with a bulldozer” while at the same time not taking any steps where there is a need for more seriousness as regards the spending of people’s money, he asked.
Is this the right time for over Lm8 million to be spent on a new embassy? The government wanted to reduce pensions and at the same time it spent so much money on an embassy, said Dr Sant.
He mentioned the financial difficulties at Air Malta, which he said were created when the company bought the RJ aircraft and shares in Azzurra Air. This has led to a social pact as a result of which workers will be losing benefits while their income will be reduced.
The Labour leader referred to the hard times in the employment sector, saying 14 companies had discharged workers since the start of the year.
In all, 982 people had lost their job this year. All this was leading to a lot of uncertainty in the country.
The 12 June election is not one for or against the EU – an issue which was resolved last year. Next week’s election is to choose the best people to safeguard the workers’ interests. It is everyone’s duty to go to vote on 12 June, he said.
Dr Sant criticised Information Technology and Investments Minister Austin Gatt’s threat to close down the drydocks, a statement that was meant to provoke the workers. All this served as a destabilising factor and did not help create the right climate to attract more work.
He again referred to the issue related to Mr Dalli’s alleged involvement in the selection of a local agent for an Iranian shipping company. Dr Sant insisted that Mr Dalli went for dinner with the Iranian delegation. He alleged that IRISL shipping agency was about to choose SMS as its local representatives but then changed to Gauci Borda Shipping Line. He urged the prime minister to intervene on the matter.
Dr Sant yesterday visited Bristow Potteries as part of the MLP campaign for the 12 June EP election.
He said that the party gave its full support to the crafts industry, saying that they created new jobs.