Malta providing assistance to citizens in Gulf states - Abela

Maltese nationals caught up in the ongoing war in the Middle East are being given all necessary assistance, Prime Minister Robert Abela reassured on Sunday.

The region was plunged into chaos following air strikes on Iran by the US and Israel on Saturday. Iran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israel, as well as the Gulf states of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, among others.

As of Saturday, 46 Maltese nationals living or visiting the UAE had contacted the authorities through emergency numbers, asking for information about the current situation or whether they could be returned home.

Addressing a PL political activity in Naxxar on Sunday morning, Abela said that in such moments, the government’s priority was to protect Maltese citizens, the economy and businesses.

He said Malta was working to ensure it remains a safe country that continues to offer economic stability and prosperity. While he did not go into operational detail, he indicated that Maltese citizens were being assisted as necessary in light of the evolving situation.

'PN contradicting themselves over Chief Justice'

Turning to domestic affairs, Abela said the government will table a bill in parliament on Monday proposing an anti-deadlock mechanism linked to the appointment of the Chief Justice.

Abela said the proposed mechanism, together with other amendments, is intended to strengthen the stability and functioning of the courts.

The appointment of a new Chief Justice has been stalled amid political disagreement between the government and the opposition, with the Constitution requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority for the role.

Last week, the political and judicial establishments were rocked by a five-page letter sent to MPs by Judge Wenzu Mintoff - a potential candidate to become the next Chief Justice - in which he expressed disappointment at the selection process, while making several allegations against Abela. 

Abela said PN leader Alex Borg and justice shadow minister Joe Giglio were not aligned in their position on the appointment. He argued that the opposition had failed to renew itself and remained “hostage” to a small group of individuals.

He described the proposed reforms as part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthening institutions and improving Malta’s justice system.

15% stipend increase and new tax relief for pensioners

The Prime Minister highlighted a series of social and economic measures, including a 15% increase in stipends affecting around 16,600 students. He said the increase was designed to help students cope with the rising cost of living while pursuing their studies.

Abela also said that through various measures, an average Maltese family could benefit from assistance amounting to around €10,000 per year.

On pensions, he said the time had come for pensioners to benefit further from the fruits of their work. He announced that a new legal notice will come into force, allowing pensioners who have additional income - such as rental income or part-time work - to avoid paying tax on that income, potentially saving them thousands of euros.

He added that a Labour government would continue reducing taxes, contrasting this with what he described as higher tax burdens under previous Nationalist administrations.

Housing and economic performance

Abela, meanwhile, noted that between 2020 and 2024, nearly 34,000 people under the age of 35 had purchased property in Malta. He said the next electoral manifesto would include further housing measures aimed at helping more families and young people become homeowners.

He said Malta is now among the top 10 countries in Europe in terms of GDP per capita, and pointed to the recent confirmation of an A+ rating by Fitch Ratings as well as the International Monetary Fund’s decision to shift Malta’s economic assessments from annual to biennial reviews as signs of international confidence.

According to Abela, economic growth is being translated into tangible measures that directly impact families and young people.

Vision Malta 2050 and criticism of opposition

The Prime Minister also referred to the recent launch of Vision Malta 2050, describing it as a long-term strategy built on a strong economy that works for families, creates new opportunities and invests in quality of life.

He said the vision aims to ensure Malta becomes “better than ever before” and argued that new prosperity can only be achieved through “a wise movement that loves Malta”, contrasting this with what he described as negative forces attempting to portray the country as being in crisis.

Abela accused critics of promoting austerity and mediocrity and of trying to create tension in order to undermine the country’s economic momentum.

He said the Labour movement would continue to announce further initiatives in the coming months as part of its national vision to improve people’s lives.