Nationalist Party supporters yesterday responded strongly to their leader’s call at the first election rally held at party headquarters in Pietà.
They thronged the surrounding areas with their cars, came from Gozo in a bus and flocked to the building from all over Malta to hear Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi rally his troops for the “big challenge” ahead.
Outside, supporters were greeted by a hot dog stand and music as their faces beamed with enthusiasm. The rally was also transmitted live on NET TV.
On his arrival Dr Gonzi was greeted with foghorns, applause and a couple of hugs by well-wishers, who wished him another five years at the country’s helm.
Inside, accompanied by his wife Kate, Dr Gonzi shook hands and smiled as his security laboured to open up a corridor in the sea of people that filled every space in the auditorium.
Repeated chants of “Gonzi, Gonzi” and “Nazzjonalisti” showed a party that had found a new sense of purpose after five arduous years in government.
The enthusiasm did not go unnoticed by Dr Gonzi. “The PN has made its voice heard once again for all Malta to hear. We have shown the people we are ready to continue serving our country.”
Dr Gonzi went through the Government’s achievements of the past five years. He urged his followers to explain the successes of the past years to the electorate.
“I believe we have a nation that can decide for itself and we have very strong persuasive arguments that can win us the next election.”
Evoking memories of the 1980s turmoil, he insisted the PN was not a party that suffocated the people’s voice.
“This is a race... let’s go for it and I need you with me because victory will be ours again,” he said to rousing applause.
It was a message repeated earlier by deputy leader Simon Busuttil, who described the election as “an uphill struggle”. Dr Busuttil insisted this was a challenge the PN had to win. Tagging on to the significance of the election day on March 9 almost coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the EU referendum, Dr Busuttil said the challenge was no different this time around.