Michael Falzon was definitely at home when he toured the Birgu market yesterday morning. Apart from the graffito “Labour” emblazoned on the walls, the MLP leadership contender was back in the electoral district which returned him to parliament during the 8 March general elections, snatching back the fourth seat from the Nationalist Party.
“Aghmel kuragg!” an elderly couple egged him on as he started his lightning tour in the searing sun half an hour late under the watchful eyes of his personal assistant Nathalie Attard and John Zammit, the secretary of the tenth district Labour committee.
Many of the Vittoriosa Lions were evidently surprised by the strong presence of the media, and some did not want to be photographed out of shyness as they shook hands with the grinning Falzon.
But Falzon seemed particularly at ease, especially with elderly couples and mothers carrying their babies. He urged the latter to “take care of” the Cubs of Change.
Speaking to the press at the end of the tour, Falzon said that during the last general election, the Labour Party had proposed a plan for the Grand Harbour area.
“If the delegates choose me as Labour leader on 5 June, I will work so that those plans are implemented,” Falzon said.
He said the rising cost of living was still on his agenda, pledging that he would work to reduce Government-induced costs which were partially contributing to this rise. “The rising prices of oils and cereals from abroad, however, cannot be controlled,” he said.
Asked about the future of ST, Falzon said that there were various factors that were contributing to the problems at the company, including the price of the US Dollar and the rising prices of oil.
He said that if ST would close, it would be a hard blow to the Maltese economy, as half of the country’s exports depended on it, and it was a good source of foreign exchange.
Falzon said that if elected Labour leader, he was ready to work with all social partners in order to stimulate economic growth in the country.

czahra@mediatoday.com.mt