'A historic choice': Robert Abela addresses nation after being sworn in as PM

Robert Abela said on Monday the electorate's choice on Saturday of a PL government was a historic one amid rising international challenges.

Abela was addressing the nation in a pre-recorded video after being sworn in as prime minister for the third time. He was re-elected Labour leader in the general election held on Saturday.

Abela succeeded Joseph Muscat in 2020 to become Malta's 14th prime minister. His government was re-elected in 2022 and again this weekend, with a majority of 21,721.

He is the first Labour prime minister to be sworn in for a third time since Dom Mintoff in 1981. 

In his address to the nation in the evening, he said the electorate had made a choice about the future it wanted for the country.

"With clear determination, people decided they want to once again place their trust in me and in the team that I lead.

"This is the first time in our country's history that a political movement has been entrusted with an electoral mandate for a fourth consecutive time. It is therefore a historic choice at a very important moment."

The re-elected government, he said, will remain focused on continuing to provide certainty, stability, and peace of mind.

"In the period ahead, we must keep our country's economic engine running so that we can implement the proposals for which you gave us a strong mandate and improve your wellbeing and that of your loved ones.

"We will continue to carry out the necessary reforms and investments so that this economic engine continues to evolve and remains the best in Europe."

Abela reiterated the government's plans for the Malta Vision 2050, the regeneration of the Grand Harbour, the Malta in Motion plan and investment in the energy sector, the healthcare system and Gozo.