Consumers must get fair deal, Gonzi insists

The government has a role in ensuring that prices are reasonable so that consumers are assured value for money, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

Speaking during a visit to businesses in Birkirkara, Dr Gonzi said it was imperative to ensure that consumers got a fair deal, with just prices.

Dr Gonzi said the feedback he was getting was that business was good and consumers had responded positively to the euro changeover, with the new currency actually making it easier for them to compare prices with those charged abroad.

The government wanted to stimulate economic activity.

"If we work together, we can turn everything into a success," he said, referring to the party's slogan for the upcoming election.

Turning to the fiscal proposals he announced on Tuesday, Dr Gonzi said these were linked to an economic package that aimed to continue boosting economic activity.

Touring Smart Supermarket, Dr Gonzi was greeted by a number of shoppers. One woman, pushing a trolley full of products, commented that she had never seen the Prime Minister so closely before.

He also met French students in Malta to learn English and who were being shown how the supermarket operates.

Dr Gonzi was given a dairy treat when he stopped by the cheese counter and was handed some ricotta to savour.