Abela pitches Labour stability while promising a focus on wellbeing

Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday pitched Labour as the party of stability that would also be capable of delivering on "ambitious but sustainable" plans for Malta's future.

In a speech from Fort Tigne launching the party's 2026 electoral campaign, he said that the purpose of Labour's campaign would be to showcase the party’s plans for Malta’s future while also unmasking the differences from its adversaries.

He promised a ‘positive’ campaign based on respect, and said that Labour offered certainty, stability and peace of mind. It was the only political force with fresh ideas, experience and credibility to make people’s lives better and easier despite challenging times.

He referred to the uncertain international political situation and said that while all countries would be affected, a Labour government would provide economic stability.

Wellbeing index in manifesto

“We will not only guarantee stability in prices and economic growth, we will also propose new, ambitious but realistic and sustainable plans for the future based on suggestions made by you, the people. Your dreams are our project,” he said, in a reference to part of Labour’s electoral slogan.

“I am excited to start revealing our plans, with our focus being on your wellbeing,” he said.

Labour, he said, would present an electoral programme which would be costed and include a wellbeing index aimed at making people’s lives better.

Labour would unveil a series of proposals because the people deserved more time with their families, an easier way to buy their homes, an easier way to start a business, and a more dignified retirement for the elderly.

He also spoke on Labour’s achievements in the past few years, pointing to lower taxes, higher stipends and allowances, better grants for home buyers, stronger rights, more investment in green areas, and the best-performing economy in Europe.

The people knew where they stood with Labour and they knew where they were heading, he said.