Prime Minister Robert Abela alleged that 'the establishment' has 'used all its tools' to try and deviate attention from the upcoming EU Parliament and local council elections.

Addressing a political activity, Abela said that "the establishment did everything to stop our message."

"First they tried to deviate attention by trying to throw attention onto the inquiry and then onto the start of procedures in court." This was in reference to the magisterial inquiry into the infamous hospitals deal, that resulted in past and present politicians, including former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, facing serious criminal charges in court. 

"Those who pull the strings, the real leaders of the Nationalist Party, gave them clear orders. They told them 'not proposals, but protests, not unity, but a holy war. They did everything to try and create a sense of apathy so that people would not go and vote. They said that voting or not, the government will not change, nor will the Prime Minister."

"They opened one front after another. Maneuvers in court, letters abroad to damage the country. They did all this with one aim, to stop me from speaking to you about our plan for this country we love. They didn't manage and they won't manage. I was with you every day listening, understanding, discussing. I spoke to you about our plan to push our interests in Europe forward, based on 10 principles."

Abela said that the PL showed dynamism and ideas in the campaign. "As much as we work, as many doors candidates knock on, we cannot succeed alone. I need the help of each and every one of you."

He later said that "the 8 June elections are more important than any election before. The reality around Europe is a wave of support for populists and the far right. The far right parties are expected to win many seats."

Abela spoke of the importance of Malta resisting that wave. "Malta will remain the island of progressives, of strong principles to help those most in need, and a country that promotes peace and neutrality."

He urged people to vote for all PL MEP candidates and to vote against "the politics of austerity being pushed by the European right parties. They want us to spend less on social services, for those funds to go towards war industries. That is the plan of the PN and the European right."