It was smiles all round after the Malta Labour Party’s post local council election victory press conference, even during question time, with Opposition Leader Alfred Sant saying that the party’s fifth straight win was a clear indication of people’s aspiration for change.
An upbeat Dr Sant, flanked by deputy leaders Michael Falzon and Charles Mangion said: “The results of yesterday’s (Saturday) local council elections are clear. The Maltese people have serious aspirations for change. When we talk politics, we speak about what we have learned from being close to the electorate.
“We have learned to listen to and understand people. And in this campaign we have recognised that people know that if you are committed on a local level, you will be committed on a national level,” making reference to the upcoming general election.
He said that the MLP had increased it majority again this year, reeling in some 53.2 per cent of the people’s vote. “We have increased our representation with three new mayors, five new councillors and majorities in Mosta, Gzira and Xaghra. From the outset, this was going to be a difficult one for Labour and so we are even more grateful to the voters who have put their faith in us,” said Dr Sant.
He continued: “There was a general swing which went in Labour’s favour. In 2001 we got a 49.3 majority which increased to 50.2 in 2004. This year, we again have an absolute majority of some 53.2 per cent of the vote.”
Dr Sant said that these results were consistent and coherent. “It is clear for all to see. Not only is the Nationalist Party losing votes, the MLP is increasing its own tally. But we must continue to work hard to bring about the change that is desired,” he said.
The Opposition Leader thanked all candidates who took part as well as all those who had a hand in the labour victory. “We can take one common theme out of this, we want to lead our country towards change. We focused on local issues and we wanted to remain close to the people, we feel we have fulfilled both these goals,” said Dr Sant.
He explained the philosophy, saying that people’s everyday lives give a good indication as to the general standard of living in the country. “The people are sick and fed up of incompetence. One only has to look at areas where there is a traditional PN majority such as Attard or St. Andrews. The areas are in a mess and the people feel abandoned,” he said.
Dr Sant said that wherever one’s political sympathies lie, everyone had the right to basic services in their locality. “The PN government have become serial losers. There is need for change and after this victory, the MLP will now work to transpose its national policy documents into a regional setting so as to lay the foundations for our plans and strategies to materialize into something concretely applicable for the benefit of Malta and Gozo,” he said. Dr Sant said that the election victory strengthened the party’s will.
Fielding questions from the floor, Dr Sant said that the MLP was ready for an election at a moment’s notice. “The elections that were held on Saturday reflect the national mood and as we have said, we feel that the people are ready for a change. If Dr Gonzi were to call a national election tonight, we would be up for it.”
Dr Sant took more questions from the floor and when asked by The Malta Independent what the party’s targets were in view of five successive electoral victories, he answered: “We want to be the party that brings about change. Our target is to be that party and to offer people a better quality of life.”
Asked also about campaigning directly to the people, Dr Sant said: “It was successful, people felt that we were there for them. Outreach campaigns work, but it is not the only way. However, we pledge to continue to remain close to Maltese and Gozitan families in our next push,” he said.
Dr Sant said that he had learned that people’s suggestions, even those of your regular Joe Public, are valid. “If the MLP deems any suggestion made by whoever it is to be one that is viable and sensible, then why not, we will take it on board.”
He said that he did not think that the hunting issue affected the outcome of the elections decisively. Asked to elaborate more, Dr Sant said: “It was wrong to pull the wool over the hunters’ eyes as the government did. Yet the Labour party must also adhere to the conditions which were agreed to in Malta’s European Union accession treaty as well as any EU regulations which are binding by law.” He added that this had to be taken into context with what the MLP had agreed with hunters back in 1997, but with an added twist. “We must also take into account the desires of those people who do not like seeing birds shot or trapped in cages. At the end of the day everyone must respect each other,” said Dr Sant.
He concluded: “Everyone has the right to enjoy their hobby though, but those hobbies must be enjoyed within a strict and clear regulatory framework. Everyone must understand that each and every person has the right to enjoy their own space.”
In a parting shot, he hinted: “It is high time that people are more civil to each other in this country. People must abide by the rules and not trample over others,” he said.