The government might not be creating enough jobs but it had created more than the previous government had done in its first year, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this evening.

Speaking during an activity in Zejtun as part of the MEP electoral campaign, he said many were finding jobs but others were finding it difficult.

“We are dealing with this through specific measures by addressing the skills gap. Those youths who are not in school and neither have a job will be given training,” he said.

Dr Muscat said he was convinced that after the first five days of campaigning, people were understanding the importance to support the government through their vote. “The message is coming across,” he said.

The government, he said, had already made a difference in people's lives.

In the coming days, families would be receiving a letter explaining how much they were saving through the reduced water and electricity rates.

Had Labour not been elected, bills would have soared by 30 per cent to ensure that Enemalta remained afloat. On the other hand, Labour reduced bills by 30 per cent.

Moreover, Enemalta's debt was halved within one year and the ratings of credit rating agencies had turned around. Had Labour not been elected, Enemalta workers would have suffered the same fate of those of the Malta Drydocks and Air Malta, he said.

Enemalta workers’ future and their jobs was now guaranteed and their collective agreement would be respected. Those who wanted would also have opportunities to work abroad.

Dr Muscat said he was confident that Enemalta could become a profitable enterprise.

Dr Muscat also spoke about tenders that had been won by PN leader Simon Busuttil’s firm under the previous administration and said that one was regarding the opening of a wine bar on some coast.

"Simon Busuttil understands more in wine bars than in the economy. If Tonio Fenech is leading Simon Busuttil on the deficit, it is like the deaf leading the blind. He is out of his depth when speaking about the economy," he said.

Dr Muscat said that while it was true that the national debt had increased by €373 million last year, what the PN was not saying was that €300 million of this debt was increased between January and March while €73 million was increased during the rest of the year.

Regarding free childcare, he said measures would be taken so that children receiving childcare would also be prepared for schooling.

The result of the reforms in education and employment, he said, would be felt in time.

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