Labour this evening said Saturday's council elections would be a test of its performance after two years in government. But the Nationalist Party stressed this was an opportunity for residents to elect their representatives at local level.

The divergent views were expressed during the final Broadcasting Authority debate which on TVM.

Labour’s representatives, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici and Qala mayor Clint Camilleri, focused on nationwide issues such as low unemployment, the reduction of utility rates, free childcare services and the recently announced €200 million investment in the health sector.

On the other hand, PN candidates Chris Paris and Karl Tanti spoke on the party’s manifesto for the various localities, including an old people’s home in Floriana and the improvement of residential roads and public spaces.

Ralph Cassar, who was representing Alternattiva Demokratika’s, called for an increase in councils’ financial allocation by giving them a share of the government’s revenue from business and vehicle licences registered in their locality.