'We are not a drop in the ocean' - Joseph Muscat

Zabbar was treated to its second mass meeting in two week, with Joseph Muscat addressing an impressive crowd today.

In continuing to preach his gospel of change and new beginnings Muscat  boldly proclaimed,"political parties as we know them are a thing of the past."

"Everyone is fed up of divisive politics. That is why this movement was formed. We are not interested in where all these people forming a part of it came from, what interests us is where we are all going as a country."

Muscat spoke of his "roadmap for economic growth," which includes a tax credit of € 8,000 for those setting up a small enterprise, and a tax credit of €2,000 for women over the age of 35 returning to the world of work.

"This is the movement that is going to eliminate poverty and create a new middle class. This is the workers' movement, and it is also the employers' movement, your place is with us," Muscat said.

Muscat  made mention of the PL's proposal to split MEPA into two separate divisions.

"MEPA needs a change in direction. MEPA is strangling business growth. It is strong with the weak and weak with the strong," he said.

Turning to the assembled supporters Muscat said that the continued use of heavy fuel oil is not on. He also mentioned the ongoing oil kickbacks scandal.

"Cancer and asthma rates in the South are too high. It is unacceptable that after all this time these problems haven't been solved."

"Someone was, and maybe still is taking commission on Malta's daily oil purchases, that sometimes amount to €1 million. The situation is so serious that we need to send a strong message. The Maltese population is better than this. I commit to together with passing the 2013 budget, the first act of a new government will be to introduce a Whistleblower Act. We will immediately remove the statute of limitation as well as introducing a law on party financing", Muscat pledged.

Muscat dubbed corruption as a tax on the whole population, saying that the money being siphoned off could be better used for education.

The PL is notably ramping up its strategic assault on the teaching profession, a potential swing group that has the potential to bring it a number of votes to the Party.

"Teachers, we believe in your and we will invest you. We want you to move forward with us.

"I appeal to every mother and father here, the first time you meet your child's teacher, show them your appreciation."

Mockery was made of Prime Minister Gonzi's statement that the €49 million deficit projection for 2015 is a "drop in the ocean." A veritable list of projects that could be funded with €49 million was fired off by Muscat, including 5,000 more student scholarships, better pensions and stipends or the elimination of the waiting list problem.

"Others are cut off from reality, let us give this country back to its population. Our movement is open to anyone wanting a change in direction for this country. I thank all those who received our invitation and have joined us. Thank you for taking this leap of faith", Muscat said.

In an outpouring of pure emotion and to a raucous reception by supporters, Muscat cried out, "Malta is for all, we are not a drop in the ocean, we are one team and our country is for all.