Labour Leader Alfred Sant yesterday said that the country needed a plan that would improve the economic situation so that businesses could grow and at the same time control the increase in the cost of living.

Speaking after a walk-about through the Vittoriosa open-air market where he met shoppers, Dr Sant said people are worried about the increase in the cost of living.

He said the visit to the market served to show that the Malta Labour Party is close to the people and it is listening to their problems and concerns.

In the meantime, he said, the party will continue to meet people where they meet socially in a bid to listen to whatever they have to say. Most of the people Dr Sant spoke to at the market complained about the increase in the cost of living, especially in the prices of essential items.

Dr Sant commented on the lack of sales, adding that many of the hawkers at the market confirmed they saw a reduction in sales.

Dr Sant was accompanied by Labour deputy leader Michael Falzon, as well as other party executives, candidates, mayors and members of parliament.