Now is not the time for protest votes, Ian Borg tells disgruntled voters
Deputy prime minister says current state of world affairs requires competence and credibility
Now is not the time to invalidate one’s vote in protest at the government on May 30, Depute Prime Minister Ian Borg appealed to disgruntled voters on Wednesday.
Borg was speaking at a Labour Party campaign event in Birkirkara, together with MEP and deputy PL leader Alex Agius Saliba, and Prime Minister Robert Abela’s wife, Lydia.
“In such sensitive times, you can’t take chances. You need those who are tried and tested, those you already know. You know this party, this prime minister led the country during an unprecedented pandemic, multiple wars, an inflation crisis, an energy crisis,” he said, adding that what the world was currently going through appeared to be the new normal.
“Therefore, let’s make a clear decision, that of competence and credibility. We have a track record. We’re not perfect, but you know what we did over the past 13 years. On May 30, you will make a decision. It isn’t a message. I say this because I hear some people say they want to send a message... in fact, you will be making a decision, thanks to which the government might change and allow those without competence or credibility to take the reins of the country,” he said.
Those who want to send a message to the PL, Borg continued, should choose other ways to do so.
“Come and meet us, phone us, confront us, ask us difficult questions, remind us where we could have done better. But to not collect your voting document, or to invalidate it, is not sending a message. It’s making a decision that could have consequences for you and the country,” he concluded, while appealing to voters to collect their documents as soon as possible.
Lydia Abela, meanwhile, focused on Labour’s social proposals, particularly mental health and women’s participation in the workforce.
She said the party’s manifesto would give people the right to a mental health check with a psychologist of their choice, while also strengthening community and school-based services.
Agius Saliba struck a similar note, saying Labour’s proposals were built on its record in government, including pension increases, higher stipends and support for first-time buyers.
He said voters should choose continuity, stability and progress by backing Labour and Robert Abela on May 30.