Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday said that the latest European Commission report which shows that Malta’s economic performance is better than other EU member states proves the country does not a need a change in direction.

“The PN does not have the right to always win elections and we must work hard to win the next one,” Dr Gonzi told one of the most well attended PN electoral activities yesterday evening in Ghajnsielem.

“However, during this campaign we’ve given ample proof that we are the right party with the right policies for Malta and we deserve to continue to govern the country for the next five years,” he said.

Referring to the publication of the winter economic forecasts by the European Commission on Friday, Dr Gonzi said that Brussels could not have provided a better certificate than the one issued about Malta.

“The Commission is saying that we should have the second best economy in the EU this year, the best level of job creation and one of the lowest unemployment figures.”

Dr Gonzi said this showed that Joseph Muscat was the only one claiming there was a need of a change in direction.

“The EU has told us that we are moving steadily forward despite the troubled waters in the rest of the EU. Why take the risk and change course?” he asked.

The Prime Minister said that during the past legislature the PN had once again shown it was the natural party for Gozo. He said that through the millions of EU funds invested, the island continued to be transformed into a gem.

He said that apart from dedicating 10 per cent of the €1,128 million package just acquired from the EU directly to Gozo, the Government had also managed to strike a good deal for the specific necessities of the island which will now be allocated 23 per cent of all the rural development funds given to Malta.

“This is how PN treats Gozo. While Labour gave Gozo a demotion by abolishing the Ministry for Gozo, we work to bring extra millions to the Gozitan economy,” he said.