'Malta is you'- Robert Abela takes a look at the PL's first electoral intiatives

Malta is you, and when you succeed, Malta succeeds. Our vision is clear: a better Malta. Your dream is our project. This is the Malta we believe in. This is what we stand for. A country where economic success translates into real opportunities for all, where no one is left behind.

There are moments in a country’s journey when its people are called to reflect on how far we have come, and to look ahead with courage and belief. As the country heads to the polls, that moment is now.

Together, we have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. A global pandemic that, at its peak, put the world on shutdown. Wars in Europe and the Middle East. International conflicts and economic uncertainty have tested all nations across the world. Yet, Malta, despite not being immune to these huge challenges, did not falter. We stood firm. We stood together. As a nation, we chose resilience over fear, and we emerged stronger than before.

Since 2022, my government, together with the people, has worked tirelessly to build that foundation. We delivered the largest tax cuts in our history. We strengthened family benefits.

We invested in public spaces and returned them to the people – Manoel Island, Fort Tigné, and the White Rocks in Pembroke, are a case in point. We safeguarded jobs, supported businesses, ensured stability when it mattered most, and gave families and businesses peace of mind.

We are proud of our achievements, but we cannot stop here. We are here to build what comes next: to give people a better quality of life. Life is made up of important moments – your first job, buying a first home, raising a family, planning for your retirement.

These moments should be filled with hope and excitement, not anxiety and uncertainty. That is why Labour’s vision places the individual at the heart of every decision.

In the first week of this electoral campaign, I announced initiatives that give young people a strong start. Among the pledges, a further 15% increase in student stipends, while students who pursue educational experiences abroad, such as Erasmus, will receive a grant of €1,000. We shall also support first-time property buyers further by increasing the stamp duty exemption threshold from €200,000 to €300,000. We shall also enhance the existing 10% deposit scheme.

This initiative, which supports buyers who qualify for a bank loan but find it difficult to cover the initial deposit, would see the property value cap rise from €250,000 to €300,000.

In addition, first-time buyers would receive a €1,200 refund to cover property searches and other ancillary expenses such as notarial fees and registration costs.

Young people entering the workforce, be it their first full-time job or startup launch, would benefit from a tax exemption on the first €30,000 of income for three years. This measure means young people will retain up to a maximum of €12,300 extra in their pockets.

Parents of children with disabilities will continue to be taxed at the parental rate until their children reach the age of 23, and in the case of children with severe disabilities, for as long as they continue to care for them. During this legislature, we have already increased the carers grant from €500 to half the minimum wage. A new Labour government will double this grant so that it becomes equivalent to the full minimum wage.

Labour’s vision places the individual at the heart of every decision- Robert Abela

We shall also make it possible for couples to transfer up to five years of additional paid contributions between them, so that the partner who does not have enough contributions can qualify for the minimum pension.

Also, by 2027, the reform of widows’ pensions will be completed, so that from next year, widows will begin receiving the full pension of their deceased spouse.

I am a strong believer that work needs to complement family time. A new Labour government shall increase maternity leave to 26 weeks, while paternity leave will double to one month.

A new six-month parental leave, fully paid by the government, would also be introduced, alongside 28 days of additional leave for parents to help further in adjusting to their needs. The birth bonus shall be reviewed and streamlined with an allocation of €5,000 for every child, with €3,000 granted during the seventh month of the pregnancy, and the rest following the birth of the child

Having increased pensions 13 times in a row since 2013, a Labour government will now give pensioners a €50 weekly increase in pensions over the next 5 years, inclusive of COLA. This means that throughout the next five years, pensioners will benefit from a package of increases adding up to €1 billion.

We believe in Gozo as an island of villages and a place that serves as an example of how our economic model will evolve. A model, focused on improving well-being, where growth does not change the island’s identity, but strengthens it.

A new Labour government shall complete 100 new residential roads within three years, invest €45 million in a submarine cable, effectively acting as an interconnector between Malta and Gozo, complete the rebuilding of all schools in Gozo to provide high-quality learning environments, enable free of charge travelling on foot via Gozo Channel for all Maltese and Gozitans, and increase the fast ferry subsidies for Gozitan workers and students from €650 to €800.

We are committed to standing with families in every step of their lives. Malta’s economic strength makes this possible. We have one of the strongest economies in Europe. Employment is at record levels. Public finances are strong. This guarantees that people will not face life’s challenges alone. We will be there every step of the way.

Since 2022, I have flatly rejected austerity measures that burden families, businesses, and limit their potential. Instead, we invested heavily and will continue doing so. We shall pursue further economic growth focusing on the well-being of all.

This is the Malta we are building. As a Labour government, we are tried and tested. Competent on economic matters, we deliver on our promises, create wealth, and guarantee stability and peace of mind.

Malta’s future is filled with opportunity. There is so much more we can achieve together. This is our shared vision. Your dream is our project.

Robert Abela is prime minister of Malta.