Manwel Micallef says Labour is today more inclusive, 'it's not what it used to be'

In an interview with Maltatoday out this Sunday, former Labour man and recently-announced Labour candidate Manwel Micallef talks about how the Labour Party was able to change in recent years at a quicker rate than the General Workers' Union.

"The Labour Party is no longer what it used to be. Under Joseph Muscat, the party has changed radically by changing the 'mentality' of its supporters, making it more inclusive.  When Joseph Muscat was elected many ridiculed him for saying that he would bring about an earthquake in the party. But this is exactly what happened in the past years," Micallef says.

Micallef also admits that while both parties have today become "centrist" and that "ideology" is no longer a key factor. He however insists that there are still key differences between Labour and the PN.

"The PL believes a lot in the welfare state. But we no longer subscribe to the view that this should come at the cost of those who are already well off... Our priority to lift those at the bottom upwards remains there, but not by bringing others down," he argues.

Micallef is also coy about his stance with regard to Malta's EU accession, and how he voted in the 2003 EU membership referendum.

"I used to see both the disadvantages and the advantages... when I spoke in the general conference on this subject I called for a serious analysis and avoided taking a stance completely in favour or against."

However when pressed to state whether he was for or against membership, Micallef does not give a decisive reply, simply saying that what counts is the present and not the past.

"I am in favour of Europe and am happy that Malta is part of the European Union... this is all water over the bridge. We should now focus on being the best in Europe."

Read the full interview on the Sunday edition of Maltatoday.