Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this evening announced that Louis Grech, the Deputy Prime Minister, will not contest the general election on 3 June. "This is a very emotional moments for me to announce this. I knew this for a long time, but we have decided to put it out today," Dr Muscat said while addressing a political event in Iklin.

"It was a privilege for me to serve behind you, Prime Minister," Mr Grech told Joseph Muscat.

"There comes a time in life when you have to take a decision, when you need to close down a chapter. It was an integral part of my life," he added. 

Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech said that on 3 June, the public should make its own little assessment. "Is the economy doing well? Has employment increased? Are the country finances on track? Then the choice is obvious and I am confident the public will give us, once more, their vote."

In concluding, Mr Grech received a standing ovation, led by the Prime Minister. The Deputy Leader was visibly emotional. 

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister was asked whether Mr Grech would contest the general eletion. Dr Muscat had been non committal. 

The event this evening included testimonials from surgeons and health care providers. There was also a testimonial from a woman who lost both her legs due to meningitis. She said that under the previous administration, she was not given any help. Now, thanks to the Labour Party, the government has helped her financially and by providing services which were never present in Malta before. 

When the presenter announced that earlier today, Moody's confirmed Malta's credit rating, everyone in the crowd stood up and clapped as hard as they could while Dr Muscat tried to calm the crowd.

Joseph Muscat, speaking with Michelle Muscat by his side, said that it is very significant that the government managed to get a surplus while spending so much on healthcare and education, among other things.

"It's time to go to the next level. Health sector is only an example of how progress can really be achieved," Dr Muscat added.

He said that the reason why the PN never introduced IVF was because of certain fundamentalists which still roam in the Nationalist Party. "We stand at cross roads between ethics and science. And I intend to keep this balance to move forward."

Photos & video: Michael Camilleri