Labour leader Joseph Muscat said today that the Labour Party achieved a historic triumph in the local council elections, becoming the first ruling party to win a majority of almost 54% mid-term. 

He said Labour had maintained the results it achieved in the last general election, but would study a drop in votes it registered in a number of localities. 

Dr Muscat said he was pleased with the result achieved, which was more than he had hoped for. 

This, he said, was a major defeat to the Nationalist Party. That Opposition leader Simon Busuttil was celebrating nonetheless was up to him. He may need to drum it up in order to keep the leadership.

The government, he said, would continue to work hard for the wellbeing of the people and to promote the sense of optimism which the people were feeling.

He said a celebration of this majority would be held in Marsa tomorrow.

Replying to questions, Dr Muscat said there were various reasons why Labour had lost votes in some localities, possibly local and personal. For example, popular mayors in Birzebbuga, Dingli and Kirkop had not contested or contested independently (in Kirkop).

He said the government would not be arrogant and would study the result and correct mistakes. However this was the first time that a government had achieved such a victory.

See the results in full at http://electoral.gov.mt/elections/LocalCouncils