The beat of the electoral drum got much louder yesterday as deputy Malta Labour Party leader Michael Falzon noticed what many others had and pointed out the proliferation of blue billboards to the party faithful during yesterday’s opening session of the MLP’s Annual General Conference yesterday.

Any hopes of convalescing leader Alfred Sant making a cameo appearance came to nothing, keeping true to his promise of returning to political activity on Sunday, to close the same conference.

However, surgeon Anthony Zammit, who removed the cancerous tumour from Dr Sant did make a brief speech, to a very warm reception from the crowd. He said that it was true that the Malta Labour Party had gone through some rough times in the past few weeks, but the party emerged from this period as a winner. He also said that while others decided to seek out treatment abroad, Dr Sant chose to put his faith in the doctors and surgeons of Malta.

He also hit out at criticism against him in the manner he delivered the medical bulletins to the press when Dr Sant underwent surgery, questioning what had ever happed to ethics. He also said that while the new hospital was indeed state of the art, as was its new equipment, he as a practicing surgeon could see for himself that there was not enough bed space. He said that there were people who needed surgery and could not have it, simply because there was not enough space. He also said: “Alfred Sant was, and still is ready,” inferring that the MLP leader will return to the fray and lead the party into the upcoming general election.

Deputy leader Michael Falzon said that the time of reckoning was near. “Today we saw a load of blue billboards being put up in the streets. The time of change is nearing. And it will be the Malta Labour Party that will give this country the change is so desperately wants and needs,” he said.

Dr Falzon said that the MLP would change the country for the better with policies that will create wealth for all, equally.

Making use of a pun, he said that if yesterday’s weather was a signal of the change that will be coming, then it will be a whirlwind of change. He said that there was only the approval of three motions needed. “Then we will have the closing speech by our leader Dr Alfred Sant and finally, it will be up to the general public to approve our proposals in the general election,” said Dr Falzon.

Dr Falzon gave a breakdown of the first motion, entitled Ensuring social protection, in which cost of living, health, the environment and education are featured.

He said that the MLP would be putting inflation high on its agenda, reiterating its promise to slash the surcharge by half within a week of taking office. “Not only is it what you see, is what you get with the Malta Labour Party, we go beyond that, you will get it now,” said Dr Falzon.

He said that the MLP would cut hospital waiting lists by 15 per cent, extend treatment at health centres, ensure that medicines are available and launch a nationwide breast screening programme.

He said that the MLP would incentivise the use of alternative energy sources and would also be setting up an animal sanctuary for abused pets and strays. He also said that the MLP would ensure that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority would be more efficient and transparent. “We will give it a good spring clean,” he said.

The second motion, he said was entitled Ensuring a better life through creating more jobs. He said that this motion illustrated the commitment of the Malta Labour Party policies to increase economic activity. He said that crucial to this was the need for the world of education and employment to be brought closer together.

“The Malta Labour Party’s policy is one of social justice, good service, creation of wealth and success for all,” he said.

The third motion is entitled The family at the centre of a plan for a new beginning. He said that the MLP would open child care facilities of good standards. He also said that startup incentives would be offered to those wanting to open their own businesses. He said that first time home buyers would be given a 10 per cent subsidy on properties worth up to e117,000. He also said that the MLP was committed to reducing contributions by people in homes for the elderly “We will not take 80 per cent of their pension, we will take 65 per cent,” he said. He also promised that the MLP would remove income tax on overtime and would give back the right to time of in lieu for public holidays falling on weekends.

“It might or might not be 8 March. But the time is getting nearer. We will offer a change, a change for the better,” he concluded.

MLP secretary general Jason Micallef also addressed the conference.