‘GonziPN is good at winning elections but bad at governing’ – Muscat

Describing it as the "electorate's natural choice", Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat called on his movement to open its door wide open to disillusioned Nationalists and welcome back dissenting Labourites.

Addressing a political activity in Lija, Muscat warned party faithful that the Nationalist Party were very good at winning elections.

"GonziPN is good at winning elections, but bad at governing... A Labour government can bring the peace of mind you want. But we have to open our doors wide open because we are and must be the natural choice in this election," Muscat said.

He told his supporters that he understood it would be difficult for them to accept that a Labour movement has become the natural choice of disillusioned Nationalist.

"I know this is a difficult message. But, just as I am standing here telling you how we can improve this country, I am also saying that we will be leading this country from one generation to another."

Muscat said that Labour's past leaders had always seen their party as a movement fighting for a change. He said that the PL had gone from one extreme challenge to the other, with its head held high.

"The PL has become the natural home for Maltese and Gozitans. We will welcome even those who were never active within the PL or left. We will not hold it against those who left us: come back whenever you want. Your place is here."

Muscat added that if elected, a Labour government knows it will inherit a "difficult situation", but added that it will not lament.

"We will be working on a future that unites, that safeguards each and every one of you. A labour government, unlike GonziPN, will not be working on getting elected from one election to the next but how a solid future can be provided from one generation to the next."

He said that the Labour party would serenely face the coming elections: "For us, elections are not our ultimate goal. Our aim is to bring about social justice, which can only be done through the distribution of wealth."

Muscat added that a Labour government would focus on creating wealth, to be distributed among everyone "and not among the few or a clique".

But Muscat's flagship proposal remains building a new middle class. "Businesses and families know we cannot promise everything to everyone. People are no longer gullible and can see difference between false promises and clear strategies," he said.

He added that politicians were there to serve: "This doesn't mean saying yes to everything but it means being responsible. Of thinking about the long-term future of your country."

Muscat also said that the electorate shouldn't trust a Nationalist government that first created problems but then asked people to trust it in solving that same problem.

The Labour opposition has filed a motion in parliament for the repeal of the privatisation of public car parks, which will see 34 sites issued for tender by private operators for 10-year concessions.

The motion demands that substantial consultation is carried out before proceeding with the privatisation.

Today, Muscat said he hoped that tomorrow's meeting of the House Business Committee places the motion on the top of parliament's agenda as the deadline for the submission of tenders is set for the 26 October.

Muscat criticised government for not setting any parameters or guidelines over the fees which consumers will be made to paid once the new car park system starts operating.

Meanwhile, Nationalist backbencher Franco Debono has made it clear he will be voting in favour of the PL's motion.