New PL government will construct a railway system – Joseph Muscat

A new PL government will construct a railway system, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said yesterday evening. More details will be given in the coming days on a study on the feasibility of a mass public transportation system.

Interviewed in Kirkop, the Prime Minister said the PL electoral manifesto, which will be published soon, will be superior to the one presented in the last general election.

He referred to the most recent proposals, including the increase in salaries and improvement of conditions for teachers, LSAs and educators.

“We have invested a lot in our teachers. That is why we introduced the idea which allows for teachers to take a year off for training. Now we need to tackle their salary and workload. This is the only way to attract more people to the teaching sector.”

Ministers Manuel Mallia and Justice Minister Owen Bonnici were among those present. Glenn Bedingfield, the Prime Minister’s communication aide and blogger was also sitting in the front row.

Minister Mallia addressed the public. “It is unbelievable to hear the Leader of the Opposition saying that this election is not about proposals. It is also incredible to believe Simon Busuttil saying that he would be able to run the country’s economy, if he wasn’t even able to save the party’s finances.”

Applauded by those present, Dr Mallia said that everyone can throw mud. “But allegations are nothing without evidence,” he said.

Joseph Muscat then took the microphone back, changing the subject to healthcare. “Don’t forget that until some years ago, the PN proposed the public to go buy out of stock medicines and get refunded. We went a step further.”

He also reacted to Tonio Borg’s claim that healthcare cannot be left free. Dr Muscat said that thanks to the model which is being adopted by the government, healthcare will always be free and sustainable.

Dr Muscat referred to the Marsa power station closure and now, the proposed shutdown of the Sant Antnin recycling plant. The Prime Minister said that the PN comments on the people of the south were offensive and they only lead to prejudice. “I will never create a war of classes between the rich and the poor, the educated and not. The problems that exist in the south exist in any other locality.”

He said that Simon Busuttil is all about stereotypes. “I remember him saying Deborah Schembri has the face of a Nationalist. And it is worrying that the man truly believes these things.”