A good government has to accept criticism and act on it, Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech told Labour delegates this evening.

Closing the second session of the Labour general conference, he urged delegates not to take things for granted and to reflect on the achievements made in just 10 months.

Mr Grech said there were things the government did that could have been avoided or done differently. He did not elaborate but acknowledged the government had its defects.

But, he insisted, the government took decisions that effected the people in a positive way.

"We embarked on reforms to save Enemalta and reduce electricity prices, cut the deficit without imposing austerity, started the court reform process, introduced laws to make politicians more accountable."

He said such reforms normally took years to start being implemented.

On the citizenship scheme, Mr Grech said the funds from the scheme would be used to address poverty, innovation, housing and other social areas. "Isn't this a European value to be close to those in need and ensure the country moves forward?"

Mr Grech said the Opposition was in complete denial when it claimed that people were duped by the Labour Party's PR machine.

It was time for the Labour Party to break the tradition that MEP elections are won by the Opposition, Mr Grech said, urging delegates to chase every vote.

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