Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the best weapon against hatred and stereotyping is love. "Your children are my children," Dr Muscat said in a passionate speech in Zabbr at the first Labour Party mass meeting in Zabbar.

He kicked off his speech by reminding the public that a week has already passed since he called for the public’s judgement. “The choice has never been so clear. A movement that has delivered what was promised, full of energy. We have showed everyone that ever since our first day, we have serious proposals. On the other hand, we have an Opposition with no clear views.”

Wearing a formal suit and tie, Joseph Muscat asked the public if they are willing to move forward with his movement. He said that the public is looking forward to move on with the ongoing success. “I can promise you, we will keep delivering, we will keep on going on with this pace. This is not a leap in the dark. Our proposals are clear and costed.”

“I kept my promises when we gave our youths money to buy their first home, delivered tablets to students, increased the pensions. We have kept our word. This is the best guarantee that we can deliver.” Dr Muscat said that the government will deliver the surplus in the pockets of the local businesses and families. He said that the reduction in tax cuts means that the government wants to award those who keep themselves busy and active."

He saluted the youths and students for making the “Malta Taghna Lkoll” movement possible. Dr Muscat has reiterated the proposals which were presented this week. “We are able to deliver because the economy is doing so well. It is with great responsibility, that I announced tax cuts and bring back lost holidays.”

Dr Muscat said that there were sectors in which the government could have performed better. “We promised to shut down the Marsa power station and now we will resurface all the roads in Malta and Gozo. These are things that had to be done years ago, but in 25 years, the previous government has not delivered.”

“This is a movement of conviction. We have tackled issues which were controversial. Now it is time to move on and call gay marriage by its real name. Because love should have no barriers.”

He then lashed out at the PN leader for saying that, according to statistics, citizens of the south have a higher tendency for drug use and depending of social benefits. “This is unacceptable. I will not allow anyone to speak like this on your children. Your children are my children!”

“The best weapon against such hatred and stereotyping, is love. Let no one make you believe of such differences,” he said. Dr Muscat said that the public will have to choose a way of life. “But most of all, it has to be a choice between Simon Busuttil and Joseph Muscat.”

Thousands of men, women and children wearing red shirts flocked to Labour Avenue Zabbar this afternoon to listen to the speech of their party leader, Joseph Muscat. 

Deputy Leader Chris Cardona immediately kicked off on the offensive. “Simon Busuttil this morning has called you, the people of the south, as drug addicts and single parents. We, on the other hand, love you and make sure we get all the possible investment.”

He said that during this last week, the public could assess the first batch of proposals of the two main parties. Dr Cardona said that the choice is very clear. “A choice which goes deep in the roots of this party, to choose a true leader like Joseph Muscat.”

Dr Cardona lashed out at the PN leader for saying that he would put Joseph Muscat behind bars. “But you will have a huge problem. Because before putting Joseph Muscat, you have to put the rest of us behind bars”. 

The PL deputy leader referred to the latest news surrounding the alleged fraud involving the PN MEPs.

“Simon Busuttil has failed to unite his own party. All he managed to do was create the famous coalition of confusion,” he added as the crowd cheered. 

Dr Cardona said that the party machine has never been so active. “But to have a good machine, you need a good leader and we are proud to say we have Joseph Muscat.” 

“We dream of a positive Malta, a tolerant one, a country full of success. That is why we can only trust one person, Joseph Muscat,” he concluded.

Photos: Paul Jones