Prime Minister Robert Abela outlined Labour’s priorities in a two-hour parliamentary speech, highlighting economic growth and policy achievements while criticising the opposition Nationalist Party (PN).

He emphasised Malta’s fast-growing economy, crediting it to Labour’s investments in infrastructure, education, and social services, contrasting these with the austerity measures of previous PN administrations.

Abela also announced that 18,000 people would become exempt from income tax and committed to maintaining energy subsidies, which PN criticised as unsustainable.

Abela addressed labour migration, stating that foreign workers are essential to growth and pledging stricter oversight to prevent worker exploitation.

On tourism, he urged a shift towards attracting higher-spending tourists and announced a forthcoming tourism policy focused on raising hospitality standards. He also emphasised preservation efforts, including incentives for restoring older properties.

Environmental and transport priorities included €70 million for green spaces, free public transport, and new digital traffic management systems. Abela criticised PN for failing to release an accurate pre-budget document, questioning its credibility and governance readiness.

The Nationalist Party criticised Prime Minister Abela’s speech as an “unrestrained attack” focused on discrediting the opposition instead of addressing citizens’ needs. They accused Abela of lacking vision, relying on foreign experts for Vision 2050, and deceiving the public.

#MaltaDaily