Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said this afternoon that the European elections were not a contest between leaders but a means for the people to convey a message to the government.

Dr Busutil was reacting to comments in the morning by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who said Saturday's elections enabled the people to judge him and Dr Busuttil.

Speaking at a Festa Familja held by the PN at Ta' Qali, Dr Busuttil said that regardless of the outcome of next Saturday's election, Joseph Muscat would still be prime minister for the next four years. However, the people had the opportunity to convey a message against the government's arrogance.

He urged those who voted Labour for the first time last year to be aware that the prime minister was only after their vote and they should not be deceived.

This election would also be an important test for the PN. Since last year's landslide defeat the party had started to reorganise itself both administratively and financially, he said.  It also had to accustom itself to be a constructive opposition after almost 25 years in government.

He said the private member's bills presented in parliament in recent weeks, about medical care, the right for internet access and against all forms of discrimination, showed how the party was close to the people and acting responsibly.

His most fulfilling experience so far, Dr Busuttil said, had been to listen to the people, even those who had decided to switch sides and vote Labour in the last general election.

The people, he said, felt betrayed by Labour, which did not live up to expectations.

Dr Busuttil criticised the government over unemployment and for only showing interest in those within its inner circle.

He criticised the prime minister for 'lying' about the power station contract and the government for 'lying' about a supposed court decree banning publication of the Henley contract. Such cases would have led to resignations abroad, he said. But the government was not shouldering political responsibility.