Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told supporters that the Labour Party was the only force of change in the country, in a rousing speech in which he reiterated his government's commitment to enact the reforms needed to modernise IVF law, while also lambasting PN Leader Adrian Delia's "lack of conscience" in voting against the domestic and gender-based violence bill.
Addressing supporters at the Annual General Conference held at the Labour Party headquarters, Muscat spoke of the determination, strength, and drive to achieve substantial change and the forces that fear and do not understand it.
Saying that history had been written by those who enacted change, he said that while governments may usually speak about the importance of continuity, his government would continue being a conductor for change and progress; while the PN was in a crisis of identity because it had become a party without any principles.
"The only positions they have are those against change, for everything to remain the same," he said.
Referring to the general strike of 28 April 1958 and the interdiction of the 1960s, he said that the labour party and its supporters have always been courageous in combatting the oppression of their rights with the goal of seeking change, against the conservative forces continuously seeking to maintain the status quo.
Muscat also stressed the principles of social mobility, social justice, and equality, which he said had been an intrinsic party of the Labour movement's model and the key to its success.
"The movement started long before me and will end a long time after," he said to widespread applause.
Speaking of a paradigm shift in how the Maltese economy works, Muscat said that his government ensured that it communicated, listened, and worked with all stakeholders to achieve an economic surplus while also consistently reducing the national debt and unemployment.
"Instead of people looking for work, we are in a situation where employers are seeking workers," he said.
Muscat also said that following the introduction of Vote 16, it is only the Labour Party who can achieve the push for change, equality, and a better environment, which defines the younger generation.
'What kind of conscience can you have to vote against victims of domestic and gender-based violence?'
Muscat lambasted PN Leader Adrian Delia over his decision to grant a free-vote and vote against the domestic and gender-based violence bill, along with 19 other of MPs, questioning how Delia could have the "conscience to vote against victims of domestic violence", explaining the bill increases penalties for those who commit domestic or gender-based violence, grant victims greater protection and care, and increases the rights of police officers to better protect victims.
He also pointed out a lack of consistency with the PN's position, after all their MPs, excluding Edwin Vassallo, had voted in favour of the bill after its second reading,
Describing the PN as a party "in a thousand pieces" after 8 PN MPs, including former leader Simon Busuttil, voted with the government on the legislation, Muscat said that there was no justification for voting against the bill.
"Within the PN there is a conflict of ideas and is divided due to their conservative influence. We are the ones working for change, we are the party of the future," he said.
'We must have empathy for thousands of couples who suffer with infertility'
Referring to a silent minority, Muscat sought empathy for the "thousands of couples who struggle with infertility" who wish to start a family.
Describing the legislation as "antiquated and discriminatory" Muscat said that under the current system "couples have to pay thousands to travel abroad and get better treatment, and for many, it is simply not possible."
"Our electoral manifesto was clear. We said that we would be modernising the IVF law, anyone who says anything different does not know the reality."
He assured that following the second reading of the bill, there will be a long discussion in the committee stage which involve significant consultation on the subject, including surrogacy.
"I want to make certain that women will not be commercialised, and surrogacy will be available to genuine altruistic cases."
Muscat stressed the needed to move for the mixing of politics and religion, referencing the interdiction by saying that "we and our families have suffered enough from this in the past" and that "we did not want to open that chapter once again."
He reiterated that he respected the church's position on the subject and it was their right to express it, stressing the importance of dialogue in political discourse.
"We have to respect them and discuss the issues, even if we do not agree, it is the core of democracy. However, as the state, we are responsible for every single person and need to see how best we help and address their needs."
Referencing Fr Peter Serracino Inglott, Muscat said that prior to tabling the bill, there was a long period of reflection and consultation, and explained that the freezing of embryos actually double the chances of successful fertilisation, and actually increased the chances for life.
Muscat went on to say that current legislation as also unconstitutional given that it was discriminatory to individuals based upon their sexual orientation.
Photos: Jonathan Bugeja
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