Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Monday that Opposition Leader Bernard Grech is “a representation of the past.”

During a Labour Party political event in Birkirkara, Abela spoke about a number of proposals put forward by the Labour Party in recent days.

Abela assured supporters that every proposal will be implemented because the “Labour Party is credible enough to carry out each and every proposal.”

“With us you know where you stand, and what we say, we deliver,” Abela said.

He criticised the PN, saying that its proposals will only take the country backward.

He argued that the PN's proposals will not offer peace of mind to the public and that they show the austerity policy they are pursuing.

Abela ensured that he will work and do everything in his power so as to ensure that the past that was one day in the hands of the PN will not be repeated.

Abela recalled the proposals which he presented earlier on Monday, which entail increasing children’s allowance, providing free laptops for secondary students as well as providing students from low-income households with free internet, clothes and uniforms, amongst others.

Abela highlighted that when one looks at the proposals put forward by the Labour Party, one will clearly notice that they are based on the principle of putting people at the centre and improving the quality of life.

He noted that although the Labour Party managed to reduce the risk of poverty and exclusion by 10% in recent years, “much remains to be done and education is the key to helping people move forward in life.”

“We want to give everyone the same opportunities regardless of where anyone comes from,” Abela added.

He explained that the Labour Party looks at education which comes both from an academic perspective but also education that is given from extracurricular activities.

“As a result, the Labour Party sought to dedicate proposals to this sector. The aim of these proposals entails supporting families who might not have the means to send their children to extra-curricular activities. With these initiatives, parents will be able to cope better,” Abela said.

Abela also spoke about Scheme 9, which is an initiative that supports students facing socio-economical problems to improve their education and quality of life. Currently, the scheme offers a number of benefits to students and parents who are required to choose.

However, Abela said that this initiative will be extended as more benefits will be added. Parents will not be required to choose but will have the possibility of reaping all benefits.

He made reference to the PN’s criticism on the Labour Party “wasting money”, saying that the Labour Party does not see this as a waste of money but as one of the best investments that can be made in a society.

“We have believed in these initiatives from the start and we will continue to strengthen them,” Abela said.

Asked during the interview on how the Labour Party will implement all the proposals put forth, Abela said that “our track record speaks for itself because everything we promised, we implemented.”