Speaking before the Prime Minister during the Labour Party activity in Ħaż Żebbuġ, Dr Ramona Attard and Mr Chris Fearne both focused on credibility, experience and Labour’s record in government ahead of the final stretch of the campaign.

Attard outlined various reasons why the PL should remain what she described as the natural choice for voters, drawing both on personal experience and the party’s record in government. She described Labour as a united team approaching the election without arrogance, while acknowledging that the contest remains a challenging one requiring the party to continue convincing people through its work and achievements over the years.

Attard also placed significant emphasis on the PL’s liberal and progressive identity, pointing to reforms such as the introduction of divorce, changes relating to LGBTQ rights and assisted reproduction, and arguing that Labour had consistently shown willingness to take decisions others avoided. Framing the party as one that offers support and “peace of mind” to families, she said Labour had repeatedly proven itself capable of translating difficult decisions into tangible social change. Her intervention also included references to District 7 candidates linked to the locality hosting the activity.

Fearne’s speech focused heavily on the distinction between promises and credibility, repeatedly insisting that proposals alone were meaningless without the competence and conviction required to implement them. Referring to the Maltese saying “bejn il kliem u l fatti hemm baħar jikkumbatti”, Fearne argued that while the campaign was increasingly featuring similar proposals from both major parties, voters ultimately needed to assess who had the experience, expertise and track record necessary to deliver.

Drawing comparisons with professions such as doctors, lawyers and architects, Fearne argued that just as people seek qualifications and proven competence before placing trust in professionals, governments too should be judged on credentials and results. Referencing his experience as former President of the World Health Assembly within the World Health Organization, Fearne said Malta’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic had been internationally recognised, stating that the country ranked among the strongest-performing countries globally and second within the European Union in terms of decisions taken during the pandemic.

Fearne also contrasted Labour’s record on IVF reforms, healthcare, energy subsidies and economic management with the Opposition’s past positions, questioning whether voters should trust those who had opposed reforms in the past or those who had implemented them.

In one of the most emotional moments of the evening, Fearne spoke openly about the personal toll of the past two years, describing them as painful and disheartening while insisting he had always maintained respect for institutions and due process. He said he and his family had been targeted by what he described as an international campaign intended to damage them, admitting that the experience had deeply hurt him.

Fearne then recounted meeting a woman while shopping around a month ago, who approached him to thank him for saving her son’s life three separate times throughout the years. He explained that he had first saved the boy as a surgeon when he was just four weeks old. Years later, when the child choked, his life was saved again because a health clinic opened under Fearne’s tenure as Health Minister was located close enough to provide immediate assistance. More recently, the young man developed a serious nerve condition requiring expensive lifelong medication, which Fearne said had since been added to the national formulary, allowing him to continue living a normal life and even begin thinking about starting a family of his own.

Despite the attacks and personal difficulties, Fearne said moments like these reminded him why he entered politics and why he intended to continue serving “the country I love so much”.