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The seventh day of the electoral campaign
By MaltaMedia News
Feb 10, 2008 - 10:42:08 PM
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The highlights of the seventh day of the electoral campaign were undoubtedly the two mass meetings organized by the Malta Labour Party and by the Nationalist Party. Thousands of people with party scarves and flags thronged to Cottonera and Floriana to show their backing of respective parties.
The Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, appealed to the Maltese people to compare his government’s 48-month-old record with that of the Labour government which had lasted 22 months. He reminded those present about the dramatic changes that Malta has gone through in the recent years since Malta became a member of the European Union.
 Choosing to be part of the European Union has proved to be the right choice he said with tangible benefits as could be witnessed in Malta’s economic growth. It was this growth which needed to be maintained after the general election, Dr Gonzi said.
Dr Gonzi spoke of how his administration reduced deficit to just 1.6% of GDP and attracted record investment for Malta. He also spoke of major investments by pharmaceutical companies and Smartcity.
The Prime Minister warned his audience that a Labour government would mean uncertainty, while his government meant stability. Dr Gonzi also said the March 8 elections were vital for the country’s future, especially for young people.
On the other hand, in a mass meeting held in Cottonera, Opposition Leader and Leader of the Malta Labour Party Dr Alfred Sant claimed that the PN are planning to start charging the Maltese for the national health service.
Dr Sant warned those present that if Dr Gonzi is given a chance, he will not keep hospitals free. “They are lying when they tell you they want to keep healthcare free. And if they try to disprove what I say, I will provide evidence for it,” said Dr Sant.
 The Opposition Leader said that the MLP is truly committed to free health services and pledged that healthcare will remain free for all under a Labour government. He also said that a Labour government would reduce waiting lists in hospital by 15% per annum.
Dr Sant also spoke extensively of the importance of a solid educational system for Maltese children and revealed that the MLP has plans for a new Junior College in the north of Malta.
Alternattiva Demokratika’s activities for the day included a press walkabout accompanied by friends and family during which Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo, said that instead of bickering over overtime tax and the impoverishment of family life, the other parties should invest in quality time for the family.
 “Among our coalition priorities we have been careful to include the extension of maternity leave from the present 13 weeks to 26” Dr Vassallo said.
“Malta presently has the shortest period of maternity leave in Europe” Dr Vassallo said.
“In order to make such an extension of maternity leave a reality without placing a burden on employers and thus prejudice the employment of familymakers, the leave extension will be covered from public funds with a flat rate weekly payment of 166 euro” Dr Vassallo said.
© Copyright 2008 by MaltaMedia.com
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Latest update:
Feb 13, 2008 - 11:01:36 AM CET
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