Prime Minister Robert Abela is only interested in power and is unable to make his own decisions unless they are written for him, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said while addressing a political mass rally in Paola on Sunday.

"That is why he runs from journalists and avoids answering questions, to preserve his popularity and maintain control," Grech said. He added that the PL wants to control people's thoughts by controlling the national broadcaster. "Even justice is controlled, as the police are also controlled," Grech said.

He condemned Abela's lack of response to Grech's call for a peace march in solidarity with Ukraine, repeating that Abela cannot make decisions by himself.

"It is evident Abela is not prepared, despite being the one to call the general election," Grech said, adding that the PL remains without vision and without solutions.

Grech said that the PL's vision does not exist, and it is evident as it took the PL three weeks to come out with its electoral programme. Moreover, the PL's electoral programme consists of only attractive words, and does not specify true solutions for the country's problems, he said. Grech called the PL's electoral programme a cover version of the PN's programme.

"The PL's electoral programme does not mention one single new economic sector," Grech said, adding that the PL has not created wealth in its 10 years in government.

He once again speculated whether Abela has had any involvement in the Planning Authority's decision to approve a permit that will allow mega-developers to build an apartment complex in Sannat, near the Gozitan cliffs of the area.

"Abela promises more open spaces, and then wants to build these spaces despite advice and objections from NGOs, the PA's case officer and residents," Grech said.

He reiterated the PN's trackless tram proposal which will be completed within five years, costing €2.8 billion, promising mass transport which is efficient and punctual.

Grech said that the blockchain industry which the PL supposedly created during its years in government was an empty promise since the PL electoral programme does not mention anything about blockchain. 

Grech pledged to regain the country's reputation by removing Malta from the FATF's grey list, "something that Abela has failed to do."