Labour and PN promote rival May Day events as election campaign atmosphere grows

Malta’s two main political parties have announced their plans for mass events on May 1, as election speculation persists and billboards multiply across the country. 

The Labour Party will mark 100 years of Workers' Day celebrations at an event in Castille Square in Valletta at 4pm. An hour later, the Nationalist Party will hold their rally near the Lija tower.

In a Facebook video on Wednesday, PL deputy leaders Ian Borg and Alex Agius Saliba encouraged people to join their event.

“Come and listen to the long-awaited message of the prime minister,” Borg teased.

“The First of May always has been, still is and will continue to be the biggest holiday the Labour Party supports every year,” he said. “But this year is even more special than usual as we will be celebrating the 100 anniversaries since the fathers of the Labour Party celebrated this holiday.”

Borg said the May 1 event will include live music and an address by Prime Minister Robert Abela. A band is also expected to perform in the streets of Valletta ahead of the main event.

Agius Saliba referred to employment figures, saying that, despite local and international challenges, unemployment levels had continued to decline. He added that for every person registering for work, there are currently nine job vacancies available.

While May Day celebrations have their roots in the Labour Party, the Nationalist Party will also hold a mass rally on the same day in Ħal Lija.

PN billboards promoting the slogan Malta 'lQuddiem, meaning Malta forward or Malta moving forward. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A billboard announcing the rally appeared on Wednesday, stating that the event will take place near the Lija tower at 5pm. This is not the first time the PN has held an event on May 1.

The tone of this year’s gathering is expected to differ amid ongoing speculation about a possible early general election.

Meanwhile more billboards have been appearing around the country with a Labour Party one on several roads that takes aim at Alex Borg. 

Labour's latest billboard, attacking the leader of the Nationalist Party. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The PN have also recently promoted their activities, with billboards about the launch of a podcast and one containing what appears to be its election slogan.

If Abela were to call an early election on May 1, it would not be the first time a Labour prime minister has called an early election on that date, with Joseph Muscat having done so previously in 2017.

If no early election is called, the next general election is due by March 2027.

While speculation has continued, Agius Saliba last week moved to quash rumours about a snap election, saying the Labour Party “feels no urgency” to call one and has not discussed any eventual electoral date.