The proposed changes to water and electricity tariffs were yet another clear sign that the government was not representing the interests of the silent majority, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said at a party activity yesterday evening.

Instead, the government was using money it gathered from the majority for the interests of a small minority, at the expense of social justice, Dr Muscat said.

"Whereas other governments are seeking solutions to the crisis affecting their economies, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is creating a crisis in our economy," Dr Muscat said.

"In times such as these, the economy needs courageous decisions to be taken, such as tax cuts, because it is more important to put money into people's pockets than in the government's coffers," he added.

Dr Muscat said the principles of social justice, which were the foundations on which the party was founded 88 years ago, were guiding the party in the renewal process it was currently undertaking.

"We need to present our vision to the country, which is different from that of the Nationalist Party," he said. He added that Labour Party delegates had a responsibility to see that changes take place in the party without delay so that various sectors of society and different generations have a greater say within the party.

Last night's event paid tribute to the late MP Karl Chircop, while a number of documentaries were shown and excerpts read about various phases of the party's history.