Government Will Ensure Stability Amidst Middle East Tensions, Says PM

Prime Minister Robert Abela said the government will continue seeking to ensure stability for families and businesses amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East.

Speaking during a Sunday political activity marking Women’s Day with Lydia Abela, Abela referred to the evolving international situation and noted that countries usually associated with stability, including places in the United Arab Emirates such as Dubai, have recently faced difficult circumstances.

He said Malta’s economic performance and public finances should allow the country to continue meeting its financial targets, including reducing the deficit, while maintaining support measures for households and businesses.

Abela pointed to the government’s policy on energy prices, noting that while energy costs have increased significantly in several European countries, Malta has kept prices stable through subsidies.

He said that without these subsidies petrol would cost 38 cents more per litre and diesel 45 cents more per litre. According to Abela, this would mean that for every €100 currently spent on fuel, consumers would otherwise pay €138 for petrol or €145 for diesel.

Abela also referred to efforts to assist Maltese nationals who had been stranded abroad due to the international situation. He thanked Malta’s diplomatic corps and said authorities had remained in contact with those affected and their families.

He also referred to Malta’s policy of neutrality, describing it as particularly relevant in the current international context.

#MaltaDaily