This past week the government showed that it was and is focused on one thing, itself, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said on Sunday.

"It is focused on how it will hide the truth, it is focused on how it will defend the misdeeds it does. It is focused on how it will silence journalists. It is focused on how it will remove people's rights, and it is focused on how it will remain in power," Grech said during a political activity in Gozo.

Grech's statement was in reference to the government's proposed magisterial inquiry reforms, which have been under criticism, and also the government's decision not to back amendments to the anti-SLAPP motion that the PN had brought to Parliament.

As for the PN, Grech said, it was and is focused on the people.

With regards to the PN's list of proposals aimed at ensuring a better balance between work-life balance, published on Friday, Grech said that "we believe in Maltese and Gozitan families, and so we will support them." He continued that the plan, one of a "variety" yet to be published, is set to sustain Maltese families for the sake of future generations insisting that the PN "invests money, it doesn't waste it."

Grech said that whilst the government is "tired", the PN still has the energy to see its plans through. He continued that their vision is to improve the work-life balance, to such an extent that no one will "work to live" but rather, be able to enjoy quality family time and go on to buy their second or even third properties.

"We are increasing the maternity and paternity leave to give the parents the choice to raise their children," Grech said and pointed out that the PN government would shoulder the burden of this measure asking what the use of a measure is if the private sector bears the brunt of it. He said that the PN believes in this and that the government should take the heat of this measure through tax credits to the employers. He continued that in this way, employers wouldn't have to carry the burden of the rising cost of living.

He said that the hiked prices are not due to external factors such as the EU as the government is claiming. The solution is to remove the tax from the cost of living, Grech said, but the Prime Minister Robert Abela won't do it since he is "locked in his ivory tower and wants to preserve his power." He continued that Abela doesn't care about the people and their aspirations and said the people have realized this. This is why the people are joining the PN, he said. 

Grech went on to sketch the PN's plans for Gozo, which he called a "gem" and "what Malta used to be". To begin with, the PN will not only fix the "damage and dilapidation" the Labour government caused, but go on to "preserve and strengthen it," he said. Furthermore, he stated that under a PN government, Gozo will have an economy so strong that "wealth will flow from Gozo to Malta." 

Grech said that time spent waiting for the ferry is time lost with loved ones or work, emphasizing that time has value. He continued that this is why the PN will invest in better connectivity and, as a result, create wealth.

In its efforts to boost the Gozitan economy through better connectivity with Malta, Grech said that under a PN government, a fourth and possibly even a fifth Gozo Ferry will be purchased.

Grech spoke of the importance of good connectivity between Malta and Gozo calling the Gozo channel, "the door through which everything passes" and how, in the current state, "the door is narrow."

He said that this must be improved at all costs and that a PN government, with its "clear aims" and "prudent decisions" will build or purchase a fourth and potentially even a fifth ferry. He added that they must be of "the best quality" and larger to carry more passengers.

Additionally, Grech said that more ferries require a bigger port and whilst some may say that this is impossible, "we dream and get it done."

Grech said that under the PN, a focus will be made on Gozo's Blue Economy and that "the sea is not to be taken by someone and made their own." He also spoke of the potential in Gozo's rural tourism and noted that conservation is essential so that the "golden goose" is not killed. He continued that Gozo's digital connectivity and infrastructure require more investment since "it's a particular niche with a great potential to create work and increase the quality of life."

Grech also made reference to a MaltaToday Survey, indicating the PN being ahead in the Gozo polls. "We should be happy with today's survey but we cannot stop because the moment we stop, we start going backwards." He said that the PN's work is to remain "focused on the people" always asking the question, "What more can I do?" for the sake of the country's future.

Grech concluded that when election time comes and a Labour candidate asks for the Gozitan people's confidence, they must know that the "Labour government missed three chances", apart from "failing to thrive" and will not even build a new Gozo General Hospital. He said that the time has come for the PN to step in.