Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/832638
maltatoday, MONDAY, 5 JUNE 2017 News 9 Konrad Mizzi: 'We are halfway towards Malta being at the very top' KONRAD Mizzi told MaltaTo- day that Malta is now halfway towards being "at the very top", in his first comments to the press since Labour's landslide election victory. Mizzi said that he had passed through "several attacks for the past year and a half ", when he was implicated in the Pana- ma Papers scandal last year as owning an offshore company. "I paid a political price but I always told the truth," he said. Mizzi is expected to receive a handsome amount of first count votes. Prime Minister Joseph Mus- cat was non-committal before the election on whether he would appoint Konrad Mizzi. He said that he would wait to see what the outcome of the election would turn out to be. Mizzi is expecting that he will be reappointed Minister. In 2013 he was a star candidate and credited with the EneMal- ta restructuring and gas plant. Mizzi said that the result is proof that the people have re- sponded positively to some of the Labour government's key policies – such as reducing energy tariffs, closing the old power stations and introduc- ing free childcare. "We will now seek to improve pensions, build a world-class infrastructure, and improve social housing." He added that he sensed a significant "swing vote" in this election, with many traditional PN supporters switching their vote to the Labour Party "be- cause they felt that they had more money in their pockets under the PL government". In a brief comment before Labour's victory rally this af- ternoon, Prime Minister Jo- seph Muscat reiterated his call for national reconciliation. "If anyone has reason to feel bitter, it is myself after suf- fering so many personal at- tacks, but I won't go down that route," he said. "I'm ready to work with everyone, from whichever party, to help the country progress." PL deputy leader Chris Car- dona said that the result proves that the people has rejected "personal attacks and charac- ter assassinations" in favour of a government with a clear di- rection to improve their lives. "This result is clear proof that Joseph Muscat is the per- son in whom the Maltese most see leadership qualities as a Prime Minister," he said. "The government will continue with the same economic rhythm that we had picked up in the past four years. The economy can't grow with only half the population on board, but with everyone who is genuinely in- terested in improving their country and their personal situations." Specialists in EXPOSED AGGREGATE (pebble look). • Available in a choice of colours. • The perfect surface for any outdoor area including driveways, pool areas and steps. • Cleaning and reseal of existing surfaces also available. • All works carried out to a high standard. Customer satisfaction is essential. Fast, friendly service. • On site quotes on request. existing surfaces also available. Call on 99953411/ 99978412 or email on: lghtnjns@gmail.com Konrad Mizzi insists he always told the truth, Joseph Muscat reiterates call for national reconciliation Konrad Mizzi and Chris Cardona (right) celebrating on hearing on the PL landslide victory at the Naxxar counting hall