Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/976374
maltatoday WEDNESDAY 2 MAY 2018 News 2 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "This movement would have added more than 1,000 social housing units because this is what prosperity with a purpose means," he said, insisting that social housing was for those who truly needed it and not "the lazy". In a high-spirited speech, Muscat only made brief refer- ence to accusations of wrong- doing by referring only to the Egrant case, involving him. He said that he had nothing to hide and reiterated his pledge to resign if any wrongdoing was found. "One year ago, the biggest political lie to ever be told was levelled towards me and my family and I insist that if a sin- gle shard of truth is found, I will leave," he said to applause. Thousands of Labour Party supporters gathered in Vallet- ta, responding to Muscat's ral- lying call a couple of weeks ago when he said the "best reply" to the Daphne Project was 1 May. Muscat has brushed off the revelations as recycled stories, insisting he will wait for ongo- ing inquiries before taking ac- tion. Today, Muscat made no ref- erence to findings from the Daphne Project. Not once did he mention the Nationalist Party and its current and pre- vious leaders by name, using the collective term "others" in- stead. Many in the crowd were sport- ing the custom-made t-shirts calling out the 'surplus', 'equal- ity' and the 'best of times', in a replica of the T-shirt worn by social media vlogger Nas Daily. Muscat urged his support- ers to remain united for a bet- ter Malta in the face of those who wanted to undermine the country's progress. "We have to offer our hand of friendship… where others want division, we will foster unity; where others want to build walls, we will build bridges; where others want hate, we will sow love," Muscat said, end- ing his speech on a poetic note reminiscent of the last mass meeting before the 1996 elec- tion when then Labour leader Alfred Sant had read out the peace prayer of St Francis. The Labour Party will be holding another meeting on 6 June in Paola's main square, to commemorate 10 years since Muscat became leader of the party in 2008. Housing Muscat said the government will shortly be publishing a White Paper to tackle the issue of rising rents. He said the government want- ed stability in the rental market. "While respecting the market we want to offer guidance to achieve a balance that respects social justice," Muscat said. He insisted that dealing with social cases was not the re- sponsibility of the private sec- tor, which is why the govern- ment wanted to embark on another project to increase the social housing stock. Childless couples The Prime Minister said the Labour movement was not one to close its ears, mind and heart to the suffering of people who wanted to have children. "I believe in this even if I am left alone to defend this minor- ity, but I am certain that like you did in the past, you will al- so be behind me now," Muscat said to applause. ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt Muscat urges supporters to remain united for a better Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat with his wife Michelle