Prime Minister Robert Abela does not believe that statements he has made have raised tensions in the country.

Abela had been under fire for bringing into question the magisterial inquiry process, as well as the timing of its conclusion. Protests had taken place which, among other things, were in support of the judiciary and condemned his statements.

His statements were also described as attacks on the judiciary.

He had also come under fire for comments he made with regards to certain journalists, saying they were fed questions by what he calls 'the establishment', the latter of which he has painted as being the enemy of the Labour Party.

Responding to a question posed by The Malta Independent whether he believes that certain statements by politicians are raising tensions in the country, Abela said: "From my end for sure not. The statements I have constantly said were for everyone to remain calm and for nobody to fall for provocation."

Abela then targeted the Opposition.

"But yes there are a number of politicians from the Opposition side that are using discourse that continuously is trying to create certain tension among the people."

"I make an appeal for the reaction to be one of absolute calm, and that everyone continue with their normal work day, and make their reflections in the calm of their own home, at their workplace."

He then turned to the location of the visit he was at, where he had announced an expansion project by Baxter Malta. "I enjoyed meeting a number of workers in this company this morning. There was political discussion, but it was around a table, regarding what happened and about their voting intentions on 8 June. But as important as calm is and that everyone continues thinking in the peace of their own home, it is as important that on 1 June (the day allocated for early voting) and on 8 June everyone use the strongest democratic tool, the strength of the vote." He urged everyone to "use their voting document to send a strong message that certain attitudes that we saw from the side of the Opposition, from 'the side of the establishment', which among other things is trying to take the sovereign power of the people, is not acceptable. On that day, the people must send a message."