MLP activity today is 'manifestation', not a protest

Labour leader Joseph Muscat has insisted today's gathering in Valletta is a manifestation, not a protest.

Dr Muscat yesterday said the event would give the MLP the opportunity to put forward its "ideas" about water and electricity rates.

The Labour leader said the manifestation, which takes place at 3.30 p.m., aimed to instil courage and hope in people who may be weighed down by the government's new water and electricity tariffs.

He said this was a national activity open to people of all political beliefs. However, last Friday, social partners - who have harshly criticised the tariffs - declared they will not be attending as they perceived it to be a politicised activity.

A number of social partner representatives said they believed such manifestations would not solve anything. The Nationalist Party has criticised the MLP for slating the new tariffs without making any proposals itself.

Addressing an annual general meeting for Labour veterans, Dr Muscat said the party's parliamentary group met to discuss the budget yesterday morning.