Abela apologises for government’s shortcomings in final campaign pitch

Robert Abela used his final speech of the electoral campaign to apologise for any wrong decisions made by his government, as he insisted the “heart was in the right place” and he had “as much energy” to lead the country as the first day he became prime minister.

The Labour leader told a sea of red-clad supporters at the Floriana granaries that serving in government had been a “privilege”.

“It has been my privilege to serve you in these last six years, and there have been moments when we could have made better decisions, but all of you know that our heart has always beat in the right place. I take full responsibility for our shortcomings and I apologise,” Abela said, as he highlighted the challenges faced during his tenure.

He told the cheering crowd that “if people decide they still want us they will find a captain with as much energy as his first day, and a competent team to back him”.

Labour supporters flocked to the Granaries in Floriana on Thursday evening for the PL's final mass meeting.

When Abela announced the election date, he had pointed at the ongoing geopolitical instability as one of the reasons for going to the polls almost a year early. On Thursday night, Abela noted how his time in office has been marked with difficult international times but said his government has always acted as a shield for the people.

“I would run through walls for you,” Abela said.

The Floriana Granaries- one of Malta’s largest open-air venues - was full to the brim with supporters waving Labour Party banners and flags.

A festive atmosphere reigned as flairs were set off and the crowd was warmed up with a line up of performers ahead of the main headlining act – the international DJ Armin van Buuren who was scheduled to hit the stage after the main political speeches.

Abela pledged to the crowd that his government would support the people more than ever before because the country’s strong economy can afford to do so.

“We will be there for everyone, single people, the youth, families and the elderly,” he said.

He added that “should the people choose the PL, Malta can begin its most beautiful chapter”, as he encouraged people to continue supporting the government as they go to vote on Saturday.

While the evening belonged to Abela, his wife Lydia stole the limelight with an emotional speech tracing her humble beginnings in Cospicua.

Lydia Abela, who is a lawyer specialising in maritime law, told the crowd how her family struggled to pay for her exams that got her into University and she met Robert Abela, then a university student like her, at a PL mass meeting.

“I am here today before you not only as the wife of the Prime Minister, but as the woman who has walked beside this man for thirty years -  through moments of challenge, beautiful moments, and moments of sacrifice,” Lydia Abela said.

“Today I stand here before you as a woman who knows precisely the heart of this man to whom you gave the privilege of leading this country.”

PL supporters waved flags and lit flares as a festive atmosphere reigned in Floriana. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Earlier in the evening, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg recalled the final day of the electoral campaign 13 years ago when Labour was still in opposition.

That Ħal-Far mass meeting, addressed by then opposition leader Joseph Muscat has gained mythical status among the PL faithful.

“On that day we said that our movement will create new opportunities for all, increase pensions, reduce taxes and bills and make sure that our youth have a bright future… we have achieved that and more,” he said.

Deputy party leader Alex Agius Saliba said that Saturday’s election will be the most difficult election a political party has ever faced because none have managed four electoral victories in a row.

“We can write history together because, contrary to others, we still have the same energy and ambition we had in 2013 to take the country forward”.