Malta’s Economic Growth Must Continue To Improve Families’ Lives, Says Prime Minister
Prime Minister Robert Abela has said Malta’s economic strength must continue translating into a better quality of life for families, arguing that economic growth should put more money in people’s pockets.
Speaking during an interview with journalists from Malta Daily, Lovin Malta, and WhosWho.mt, Abela addressed questions on housing affordability, Budget measures, third-country nationals, artificial intelligence, planning reform, transport and the arts sector.
On housing, the Prime Minister acknowledged that property prices have increased but highlighted Malta’s high rate of home ownership. He said 85% of Maltese and Gozitan residents own their homes, compared with the European average of 68%, adding that around 93,000 out of 122,000 homeowners have no outstanding loans.
Discussing foreign workers, Abela said the Government’s approach was based on the principle that third-country nationals should contribute towards the services and benefits they receive, including healthcare, education and measures aimed at maintaining stable energy and fuel prices. He also acknowledged the need to improve the efficiency of Identità’s processing of long-term residence applications.
On AI, Abela described the sector as an important area for investment but stressed that it must be developed responsibly and without coming at the expense of people. He highlighted the AI for Everyone initiative, saying around 1,000 people complete the training course every week.
The Prime Minister also defended the Government’s approach to planning reform, saying concerns that development would be allowed to proceed unchecked had been proven wrong. He referred to a planned amendment preventing permitted development works from starting until appeals are concluded.
Addressing illegal development regularisation, Abela said illegality should never be legitimised but argued that the issue must be viewed realistically. He said industrial developments would not be included in the proposed sanctions framework and described DC27 as a process aimed at improving planning standards, protecting heritage and enhancing residential quality.
On transport, Abela said the Malta in Motion strategy includes technical studies on mass transport and maritime solutions, while on the arts sector he said Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea must work to rebuild trust following criticism over previous remarks.
Concluding the interview, Abela said the Government remained focused on delivering its electoral commitments while continuing to provide measures supporting families, including bonuses, tax reductions and energy subsidies.
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