Busuttil's speech 'reveals total detachment from people's concerns and realities' - PM

Prime Minister says PN leader 'detached from people's realities' • Video by Ray Attard

The speech delivered by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil in parliament tonight revealed "Busuttil's total detachment from the people's realities and concerns", Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said.

Muscat was addressing a press conference following Busuttil's intervention in parliament in reaction to the budget presented last week by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna.

Among his criticism, Busuttil argued that the Labour government failed to deliver its pledge of meritocracy and that ministers abused of their power.

But a defiant Muscat said he will be replying to Busuttil's criticism in his speech in parliament tomorrow evening.

"I will answer one point after the other tomorrow. But I once again confirmed that Busuttil doesn't even understand the basic economic values and made repeated mistakes of the dynamics of our economy," Muscat said.

Muscat said families today witnessed "the most negative budget ever delivered by a leader of the Opposition, attacking everything and everyone without focusing on one positive thing that is encouraging families and business".

"He didn't even speak about education and on health, he ridiculed discovery of inferior concrete quality used at Mater Dei. He didn't address the things which concern families most - and which we are addressing - such as waiting lists and out-of-stock medicine.

Muscat said Busuttil attempted to stretch his speech on the budget, but failed. He reiterated the PN leader failed to grasp basic economic values and "encourages an increase in his own wage".

"He has failed to understand the unprecedented fight we have launched against the abuse of social benefits and, instead of defending our decision to stop the abuse, he is defending it. 

Busuttil is detached from reality and instead focuses on individual attacks while defending the Arriva legacy of the previous administration and high utility bills."

Quipping that he expected Busuttil to talk about "the bailout" - with reference to what the PN used to say during the elections is a Labour government were to be elected - Muscat said his speech tomorrow will focus about the government's vision for the future of Malta.