May 1st celebrations: Young people, families and pensioners to benefit

The annual 1st of May Workers Day celebrations in Valletta, this year marking the 100th anniversary of the first celebration, saw the Labour leaders address a massive crowd in front of the Castille. Alex Agius Saliba said the government would provide higher student stipends and grants for students pursuing studies abroad. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg said: ‘Malta is ready to progress, the best is yet to come' “When families needed help, we stepped in. When workers needed stability, we kept our word. When young people needed opportunities, we opened doors,” he said. Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Robert Abela said the country had become one of Europe’s strongest-performing economies under Labour’s leadership. Young people, families and pensioners, all set to benefit under a Labour government he said. More help for first time buyers, increased tax allowance for self-employed, pensions to rise and part-time workers to get further tax credits. Abela announced that foot passengers using the Gozo Channel ferry service would travel for free while students using the Gozo fast ferry would get an increased allowance.