The government will continue putting forward all arguments in favour of the country, Prime Minister Robert Abela said when talking about the recent European Court ruling regarding Malta's sale of citizenship

The European Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday morning that Malta's golden passport scheme has been found to be in violation of European Union law.

In a clear reference to the Opposition, Abela said that "others" are happy because "our country was attacked on an investment through which we created and are continuing to create so much benefits. Others don't measure their success on creating wealth, but on how much they manage to damage to Malta," he alleged. "You betrayed those who support you politically and put their livelihoods in peril."

"Even before the decision against our country was taken, they started rubbing their hands, because they felt that damage was coming," he said, in reference to his political rivals. "They celebrate the damage they caused."

He said that the government respects the decision that was taken, "even if we agree with the Advocate General of the European Court, but we will continue putting forward all our arguments in favour of our country, with respect towards the decision and the European Commission. But we will stand firm that we will not accept being treated differently from other member states."

He said that there were Maltese using their influence in their political family "to attack Malta and defend other countries in the same breath. We believe strongly in what we implemented."

"We implemented so many social projects, with help to voluntary organization which do so much good for those who are sick. Those groups that help in the care of those who are passing through the last days of their lives" he said, mentioning Puttinu Cares and Hospice Malta. He also mentioned sports organisations and band clubs "which we saved from being evicted through NDSF funds. For you all, we will not throw in the towel and will keep fighting for you."

Also during his address, Abela spoke about investments being made by the private sector. He said that companies such as Baxter, Magro Brothers, Actavis, James Caterers ST Microelectronics and others are investing. "They choose Malta because they believe in our potential and the stable environment we provide." These investments will amount to €500 million, he said.

He said that with the economic competence of this government, people's minds are at ease. He said they will create new careers in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, financial services and more. "Careers of quality with better income."

Referring to Workers' Day, Abela said that in certain countries abroad, this is a day of protest. Years ago, workers found themselves without work in Malta, he said, but "today we are celebrating Malta's success," and the opportunities created, and the strength of workers.

He said that Malta has no natural resources, and has to face all the challenges associated with being a small country. Despite this, "we have an economy that is growing five times faster than the EU average. "

He spoke about Malta Vision 2050, describing it as a clear vision to identify where the country wants to be in 2050.  "This is a vision of a whole people, as it is written by you," he said

"We want you to be the main protagonists in tomorrow's success, as we believe the best is yet to come for our country."

Abela said that the government wants to continue investing in families. "Others try to belittle what we have achieved. They cant stand that the country succeeded."

He spoke about the government not increasing energy tariffs. "They told us it wasn't sustainable, and that because it was rising abroad it would have to rise here. Did this happen?"

Abela saif the PN still believed in austerity. "That is the easiest economic policy, but the result would be to drive the country's economy into a wall. Look at us, on the other hand, we are the opposite. I promise you that together we will continue to work to do a lot more for you all, for our families, children, pensioners and more."

Abela said, when the pandemic hit, that economic experts said that up to 50,000 people would end up without a job. "Today, five years later I come here head held high, to a country that has full employment."

"Under GonziPN version 1, we had 7 people registering for every job created, today we have 7 jobs for every person who wants to start working," he said.

He said the government wants to create careers of quality.

Abela also spoke of the collective agreements that the government has signed with various sectors. The Prime Minister said that "we will soon sign a collective agreement for all MCAST lecturers."

"For us education is a priority," he said.

Regarding an electoral manifesto pledge for Six months free gym membership for 18 to 20-year-olds, he said that it will be implemented on Sunday.

Describing the Maltese economy, he called it the best in Europe. "Each day investors tell me how much there is a feel good factor, giving them courage to continue investing. This positive sentiment is because they know they have the full strength of the government behind them, pushing them forward in each project they undertake."

Abela, during his speech, also spoke of measures that the government has implemented in the past, including giving new rights to workers, regarding special leave for couples undergoing IVF treatment for instance.

Regarding the job market, he said that certain sectors need foreign workers, as they would close without them. As an example, he mentioned the elderly care and the construction sectors.