Appeals Reform Bill To Be Approved by Cabinet On Tuesday, Says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that the Government's Appeals Reform Bill will be presented to Cabinet on Tuesday before being tabled in Parliament for its second reading.

Speaking in an interview with PBS Head of News Owen Galea, Abela said the reform is intended to create a fairer planning appeals system. Under the proposed changes, development works would not be allowed to begin until any appeal has been decided within a defined timeframe. He also noted that the Opposition did not take part in consultations held over the summer.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to maintaining energy and fuel subsidies, arguing that limiting support to certain groups would ultimately increase costs for consumers and harm the economy. He said an average family is saving around €2,000 through the current subsidy scheme and pointed to Malta's strong economic performance, including its recent top credit rating from DBRS.

Abela also said the upcoming Budget, to be presented by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, would include further social measures, continued tax cuts for workers and investment in healthcare and infrastructure. He highlighted Malta's low debt levels and said the Government remains in a strong position to continue supporting households and businesses.

Addressing housing, the Prime Minister said Malta's homeownership rate stands at 85% and noted that first-time buyer schemes and equity sharing initiatives have been expanded to help more people purchase property.

On mental health, Abela said the issue should remain above party politics and highlighted recent measures, including up to two years of social security contributions for people receiving mental health treatment. He also referred to investment in the new Psychiatry Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, which will provide 135 acute mental healthcare beds, alongside continued investment at Mount Carmel Hospital.

The Prime Minister also spoke about major infrastructure, energy and transport projects, investment linked to the WTTC Global Summit, stronger protections for journalists through future anti-SLAPP legislation, and the Labour Party's commitment to improving quality of life through the 'Int Malta' electoral programme.

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