[WATCH] ‘Labour’s best days are yet to come’ – Muscat

‘Labour’s best days are yet to come’ – Muscat

Labour’s “best days are yet to come” as the government had more projects yet to be announced, Prime Minister and Labour leader Joseph Muscat said.

Addressing a post-election rally at Marsa Muscat – in celebratory mood – said he was “humbled” by the 54% majority obtained in last Saturday’s local councils elections, insisting that it reflected the majority Labour obtained in the general election and the subsequent EP elections.

In his opening comments, Muscat referred to the tragedy off the Libyan coasts where close to 650 migrants are feared dead. The Maltese army is currently assisting the Italians in their search and rescue operation.

“We can do the comparisons with the local councils if you want, but the biggest comparison has to be made with the last two elections. We are encouraged by the decision of the Maltese to reconfirm their same level of support in us,” he said, turning to the election results.

Muscat said Labour managed to retain Qala, Safi and Xaghra as a PL majority despite having been the PN’s targets. Labour, for the first time, also won Munxar and Floriana while a very small number of votes separated the two parties in St Paul’s Bay and Nadur, both PN.

The Labour Party didn’t as well in the fifth district and decreases in votes were registered in Marsaxlokk. “The residents of Marsaxlokk were still waiting for the chimney power station to be removed and for Delimara to be switched to gas,” he said, adding that they will not be forced to wait the 25 years which the Marsa residents had been forced to do.

“But it is simply fantastic that a government retained the same majority in these mid-term elections. We will not let it go to our heads and we will continue working on our electoral programme while addressing individual problems.”

Muscat made sure to deliver a reassuring message to the disgruntled Labourites and those who feel abandoned by their party. On their part, these voters sent a message to the PL by not voting in the local councils elections.

In a parting shot at Simon Busuttil, Muscat said he was happy to see his rival retained as the leader of the PN. Describing Busuttil’s visit to the counting hall “as an act” Muscat said the Opposition leader wanted “to cement his position as” leader of the Nationalist Party.

“He wanted to cement his presence just in case something was brewing inside the PN and have him replaced … if I could, I would bless that cement,” Muscat quipped.

Muscat however claimed that Busuttil’s triumph over the election was a sign that the PN leader was “underestimating the Labour movement”.

“Never underestimate us because we will once again prove that the Labour movement is the Maltese’s natural home,” he warned.

Muscat said the Labour administration will continue implementing the changes that need to be carried out while they will not be scared of changing the status quo.

“There’s also no shame in saying we are pro business; what we did in two years will continue growing. We are filled with optimism because the best days of this government are yet to come.

During his intervention firing up the crowd ahead of Muscat’s address, local councils minister Owen Bonnici thanked the electorate for the trust shown once again in the Labour government, adding that the 11 April 2015 council elections made history with the 16-year-olds who were allowed to vote for the first time.

The minister, amid a joyous crowd, Bonnici said Joseph Muscat “for the third consecutive time solidified his position” as leader of the country.

“This result will never be forgotten because whilst all EU governments fear mid-term elections, we faced these elections and achieved yet another records. The sense of optimism is widespread … so much so that the losers are celebrating too,” Bonnici said to more laughter.

The minister insisted that the optimism was being transposed into social justice.

Bonnici said the Labour administration wanted to make “a gem” out of the south of Malta.