Joseph Muscat during the activity in Paola last Wednesday. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Joseph Muscat has repeatedly promised to step down before the next general election, but the calls to stay on have grown as he marked his tenth year as Labour Party leader. 

Tens of thousands of supporters rallied in his support during a party demonstration in Paola on Wednesday.

During his speech, Dr Muscat did not make an reference to his plans though during a radio interview last February he said that "under no circumstances" would he change his mind.

In a Talking Point on Times of Malta, deputy prime minister and health minister Chris Fearne called on Dr Muscat not to leave the helm of the Labour Party before the next general election.

Mr Fearne, widely seen as a strong contender for the leadership, wrote:

"I genuinely and honestly want to see him win against the third PN leader with a yet even wider majority... Joseph Muscat owes it to himself as much as to us. Please break your promise.

OPINION: Joseph, please break this policy

But his government's economic and social policy successes has been dogged by constant claims of corruption, nepotism and a poor record on the environment.

What do you think? Should Dr Muscat extend his stay at Auberge de Castille? Let us know in the comments board below.