MLP mass rally, demonstration to mark Workers' Day

The Labour Party is not urging people to refrain from attending the EU accession celebrations on May 1, deputy leader Michael Falzon said yesterday, shortly after announcing that the MLP would be holding a mass rally on April 30 - peak of the accession activities.

The party is organising its traditional activities marking Workers' Day, May 1. He said the whole world celebrates Workers' Day on the day.

Dr Falzon told a press briefing the MLP was the first political party to celebrate Workers' Day. He said Workers' Day had great importance for the Labour Party, which has been striving for job creation because apart from its financial benefits, employment also gives workers dignity.

The theme for this year's Workers' Day is Xoghol, Harsien, Dinjita' (work, protection, dignity), a theme which is already being used by the party.

Dr Falzon said the theme reflects the fact that the party works in the best interest of Maltese and Gozitans.

The party's activities will reach their peak with the demonstration on May 1, which is planned to be held in Valletta if the necessary permits are granted.

A mass rally is being held on the eve of Workers' Day, and the party would also be holding discussions with young and elderly people, visits to workplaces and a commemoration of Manwel Dimech, who is considered as clearing the way for the foundation of the Labour movement in Malta.

Questioned about the performance of the government since the last general elections, held a year ago yesterday, Dr Falzon said there was a high level of unemployment and the country's financial situation spoke for itself. He said the priorities laid out by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi indicated all the failures of the Nationalist government.