Prime Minister Joseph Muscat did not directly address the recent spate of criticism and allegations which emerged from the Daphne Project as well as controversial statements by the V18 top men, however did announce an upcoming public consultation on rent market proposals and a 500-unit social housing project during the Labour Day mass meeting.

Photo and Video: Mitchell Bennett (Instagram: mitchben01)

A sea of people were in attendance in a show of support for the administration.

Government has recently come under fire on a number of fronts, including through the recent Daphne Project revelations regarding OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri and Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi, The controversy surrounding statements made by V18s top men which have resulted in international condemnation, and recent criticism regarding the investigation into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

While these were not directly addressed, the Prime Minister did address the allegations regarding Egrant and his family.

He said that a year ago he faced the "largest political lie in the country's history against him and his family. Till now they haven't substantiated a single word against me, despite me asking for an inquiry." He reiterated that if a word of what was alleged against him was true he will step down.

He stressed the need for unity in the country, and that there are those who want to damage the country. "we must unite" he said. "Others want division, we will give unity. Others want hatred, we will give love."

His major announcement of the day surrounded rents and social housing. He said that in the coming weeks, government will issue rent regulation proposals for public consultation

He mentioned the 630 social housing units currently being developed by government, but also announced a fresh new investment. He said that he has asked the national fund for social development, that manages the funds from the IIP scheme, so that they give another €50 million to create another 500 social housing units for those in need.

He said that this development would mean that this government is creating the largest social housing project of our time.

He mentioned that many Maltese own their properties, thus meaning that rising property values is good for them, but on the other side of the coin, it is becoming harder for people to purchase property, and rent is rising.

This is why, he said, the need for more social housing and rent market regulation is being felt. He said these are two different realities yet do merge. He said that this will be the first government to have the courage to introduce measures for the rent market to no longer remain

He stressed that government will not propose things not seen in other countries. "But the time has come to create more stability in prices and certainty in the market." He said that at the same time, government wants to give new rights and duties to land owners.

He spoke of Respecting the market while giving the market guidance.

He said that in a few weeks public consultation to create this social justice will occur. He said that "the proposals we will put forward will be one aimed at creating balance and social justice."

He said that this development would mean that this government is creating the largest social housing project of our time.

He spoke about positive results, and pension increases.

Turning to IVF regulation he said that government is the voice of those men who want to become a father, and women who want to become mothers. The voice of children who will be fortunate enough to be born to parents who were ready to go through suffering to give them life.

He said that in the past he was ready to be a voice for the minority, and is ready to do that again, stressing that he is confident that he is not being left alone.

Prior to his speech, the dj was heard saying over the microphone: "this is our response, a response of support." Critics had said that government could try to use this meeting as a way of rebutting criticism. The dj also said: "Today we show Europe and the world that Malta is strong under Joseph Muscat's leadership".

The dj also announced that a film about ten years under Joseph Muscat's leadership (as leader of the Opposition and then as Prime Minister) will soon be released, and played a trailer.