Labour manifesto to focus on a 'stronger Malta' - Robert Abela

The PL’s electoral manifesto will show what it means to work for a “stronger Malta (Malta Aqwa)” and “new prosperity”, Robert Abela told a crowd in Birżebbuġa on Sunday.

The prime minister and Labour leader was speaking as speculation over whether he will call an early election continues to grow.

He did not indicate any dates but briefly mentioned the party’s manifesto.

"The time will come when we will announce our new electoral manifesto. That day you will understand what it means to work for a stronger Malta and for new prosperity," he said. 

A general election must be held by the middle of next year but Labour Party sources have said that the party’s strategy team is already meeting regularly. The election date is solely the prime minister's preregotive, but the PL has started its preparations in case of a June election, Labour insiders said.

“No one has told us specifically to get ready for June, but it feels like it could happen,” one party official told the Times of Malta.

Robert Abela speaking in Birzebbuġa on Sunday. PL photo.

Speaking on Sunday, Abela said he has a competent and credible team by his side during very difficult challenges.

“They (the PN) have no one like that,” Abela said.

“Whatever they say, they will remain agents of austerity and hypocrisy who gave Manoel Island up for development,” he said.

The government concluded a €43 million deal for the return of Manoel Island and Fort Tigne earlier this week. Manoel island had been handed to the Midi Consortium in 2000 on a 99-year emphyteusis backed by both sides of the House. 

Abela dedicated a large part of his speech to two political milestones, March 31, 1979, Freedom Day, marking the closure of the British military base and the declaration of neutrality in January 1987. 

Imagine what the situation would have been now, in the context of the Iran way, had Malta still been hosting a military base," he said. "Last week, in Malta, thousands celebrated St Patrick's Day in the streets, while other countries are seeing soaring tensions and tourists cancelling their trips."

“Experts thought that Malta would be an economic failure if we lost our military base, but the opposite is true. We were a poor country at the time, and many Maltese emigrated in search of work. Malta is now among the 10 best economies in the eurozone,” he said.

Within a few years Malta would have a higher GDP per capita than Britain, its former coloniser, he said,

He also underlined the importance of neutrality, which is enshrined in Malta's constitution. 

He said the  principle of neutrality and not having military bases were now more important now than ever. While other countries were suffering significant economic losses because of the Iran war, Malta was "an oasis of stability" attracting even more tourists.  

Security was fundamental for a healthy economy, and Malta was able to remain secure because of its diplomatic approach to international affairs.

The prime minister reiterated that the government will continue subsidising energy and fuel as international prices rise, adding that his government has a €250 million war chest to do so.