Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said that Prime Minister is only capable of hiding and running, saying that during the electoral campaign, Abela has been avoiding criticism from the public and journalists especially.

Addressing a political mass rally in Naxxar on Sunday, Grech said that the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia occurred during the Labour legislature, and now an attack has been made on independent journalist Manuel Delia by putting his face on a billboard against the PN. “It is shameful, no wonder Abela tries to hide,” Grech said.

“What are you scared of Robert?” Grech asked as he continued to say that Abela does not have journalism and freedom of speech at heart, as he failed to invite the media to the recent activities the PL has been holding.

“The Labour party will come out with their electoral program only a week before the early voting begins, proving that Abela is afraid of criticism, afraid of journalists,” Grech said. The PL announced today that Labour’s electoral programme will come out next Friday.

Grech accused the Prime Minister of avoiding questions regarding former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat as well as alleged criminal Christian Borg whom he had a property deal with.

He accused Abela of failing to consult with social partners, whereas the PN have given them the opportunity to give feedback and criticise the Nationalist party’s electoral program as the PN truly believes in dialogue with the people.

“We have a Prime Minister who called a general election while evidently showing he is not prepared,” Grech said addressing the crowd, noting that the Labour party has yet to come out with its electoral program, instead coming out with, “proposals which try to impress.” Instead, it is only copying from the PN’s electoral program, Grech repeated.

Grech condemned Abela for delaying decision making, saying that each decision he makes, even if good, if done late then the damage has still been done. He brought up the citizenship-by-investment scheme with Russians, which Abela has only decided to suspend the scheme upon pressure.

“Abela also tried to make us believe that he will remove Malta from the FATF greylist,” Grech said, adding that while he supports the progress made in removing the country from the list, he cannot excuse Abela for putting Malta on the list in the first place, as it was his duty to prevent this.

Grech continued to say that under a PN government, he will remove Malta from the greylist within three months. “Malta is not corrupt, and does not deserve to be on the greylist,” he said. Grech added that the country needs the diplomatic Corp it deserves. He said that every member of the Nationalist party has the people’s interests at heart.

“Abela has damaged the country’s honour and reputation, as well as the reputation of people as individuals,” Grech said, commenting on the current troubles the public has been suffering as a result of the greylisting.

He read out a message by a banker where he expressed concern over people who are suffering extra bureaucracies and questions when making transactions or deposits at the bank. “You are a thief unless you prove you are innocent, that is what Abela has made you look like,” Grech said, noting the effects of the greylist.

Grech said that under a PN government, education and educators will be given the respect deserved, as strengthening the education sector is the key for better citizens. He reiterated that a PN government will ensure better pay and respect towards all educators.

With regards to students, Grech said that the maintenance grants and stipends will increase by 25% to further support students in continuing their education. He added that this election is an opportunity to prove to the youth that they do not have to leave the country for better opportunities, as they will be found in Malta under a PN government.

Grech said that the 10 economic sectors which the PN has proposed will be the medicine for Malta to regain its reputation.

Former PN MP Claudio Grech also addressed the event, saying that during these past few days, the country has seen a government who is indifferent and insensitive. He said that Europe will face large challenges in the upcoming months, and therefore Malta needs a Prime Minister who is respected and governs with determination, conscience, and vision, referring to Grech.