I appreciate and acknowledge the social, economic and democratic progress achieved by the Nationalist Party. However, since 2010 it was clear that if Joseph Muscat managed to reform the Labour Party, he and his team could possibly become an adequate alternative to the Nationalist government.

Over the years, the movement started by Muscat understood what people were going through. The Labour leader was close to the electorate and could identify with their plight. The Nationalist Party, on the other hand, was busy following statistics, experts and economic reports.

At the same time it is only fair to state that the PN was delivering quite a good performance, especially when considering the difficult international economic situation.

Muscat started to address certain social and political issues which had been sidelined by the PN Government. One example is our own democratic system, a system which required a re-examination of fundamental aspects, such as party financing.

Muscat also seemed to be focused on changes which would lead to the creation of a more just and meritocratic society. If there was one particular difference which distinguished Labour from the PN, it was Muscat’s renewed commitment to social justice.

This fundamental aspect of politics was placed very high on Labour’s agenda. The PN, on the other hand, kept reducing its level of social conscience. Furthermore, having the same party in government for 25 years (except for a 22-month period between 1996 and 1998) was not healthy. Many people like myself preferred to contribute to the political sphere within the context of a movement, because it involved non-partisan people who come from a non-party background.

Unlike the PN, Muscat was very open in welcoming people with such a view. His availability and openness towards meeting new people went beyond rhetoric about open doors and consultation because he managed to enter into reciprocal dialogue and listen, day in day out.

Last but not least, Muscat’s ambitious vision of making Malta the best in Europe was in itself, an inspiration. Many have made Muscat’s vision their own, because they have great expectations for Malta and its potential.

Last Sunday, many of us who form part of this movement, did not go out carcading or celebrating in a partisan manner.

Our first celebration will take place in approximately five years’ time and only if Muscat and his team manage to deliver on their promises.