‘We can proudly say we have weathered the economic storm’ – Lawrence Gonzi

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning addressed PN candidates at the newly refurbished Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment (AZAD) premises in Valletta, emphasising that during their door-to-door visits, candidates could proudly boast of the PN government's major achievements during this legislature.

AZAD is a non-profit-making organisation constituted for the advancement of European values in Malta.

"We are reaching the end but an important phase of this legislature. We have wisely weathered the economic storm together and have achieved good results where workers and their families can enjoy the fruit this government has bore. 

"Nearing the end of a legislature didn't mean an election would be called next week," Gonzi added.

Gonzi said that this administration managed to attract investment and put more money in people's pockets.

Gonzi referred to other EU Member States that were considered as tigers and now have turned to becoming kittens.

"We cannot take our country's success for granted and must work hard to keep the momentum we have created going while stimulating it further.

"This government can speak with facts in hand and not with just perceptions and wishes, like the party in opposition was doing," he added.

Gonzi compared the party in opposition to a football supporter who waited for the final whistle to celebrate according to which team won.

"Labour has never backed this government and was always against everything government has implemented. While we were battling difficult times, others decided to stay away from helping a hand, waiting for a final outcome and not risk getting involved," referring to the party in opposition.

Gonzi added that "joining the European Union - another major achievement - brought along with it a massive and positive change, a change in lifestyle where students could travel to other Member States and work or study without encountering obstacles, while also opening new horizons for Maltese companies to explore foreign markets while proudly displaying ours".  

Gonzi told PN candidates present that during their door-to-door visits they would encounter problems such as family members who would have lost their job, among other problems.

"PN candidates can proudly tell families during their visits about the PN government's challenging and positive changes it has introduced: from the introduction of incentives for working mothers to a reduction in taxes for parents, and last but not least the good results achieved during tough economic times."