Robert Abela: competence, peace of mind, resilience

Six years ago, Robert Abela became Malta’s prime minister and leader of the Labour Party. Six years later, Malta has the fastest-growing economy, record employment, historic tax cuts, pensions that increase each year, a stable energy sector, a stronger social care network, more green spaces, a thriving cultural sector and excellent economic forecasts from leading credit agencies for the next couple of years.

In a nutshell, Robert Abela’s first six years of leadership have been a marked success, despite many challenges. I have had the privilege of working very closely with the prime minister over the past six years and have witnessed firsthand his bold and visionary leadership.

I recall the day the first case of the COVID-19 pandemic was reported in Malta. We knew that, within hours, cases would multiply. Our health experts warned us that immediate action was needed to save lives. Our economic experts warned us that tough times were ahead.

I remember our cabinet meetings back then but what I remember most is the prime minister’s strong resolve to see that challenge through successfully. Our European neighbours were imposing strict lockdowns. We were advised to follow suit. But Robert Abela refused to adopt the same radical approach, which would have had a hugely negative impact on people’s mental well-being and their finances.

Instead, the Maltese government opted for a different approach – bold and strict in many ways, yet, one that made sense for Malta, our people and our economy. The rest is history. Robert Abela’s leadership saved lives and jobs.

Today, we look back knowing that Labour kept the country going successfully through what was perhaps the most challenging period in Malta’s contemporary history. But further challenges came our way when Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. With immediate effect, global inflation ballooned  and the effects were felt worldwide, with Malta no exception.

Yet again, faced with such a challenge, Robert Abela showed leadership. He wasted no time ensuring that the government addressed the unprecedented increases in the prices of basic food supplies and fuels, rolling out subsidies to shield Maltese and Gozitan families from the impact of price hikes.

That decision proved essential. A strategic decision by the Labour government that put an additional €2,000 per year in people’s pockets, totalling €12,000 over Robert Abela’s first six years in office.

Today, there is widespread agreement, and the facts speak for themselves, that Malta has a booming economy and that the prospects for the next few years are bright and extremely encouraging.

The positive measures in Budget 2026 have now taken effect and their impact is expected to give Maltese families and businesses another financial boost. Pensioners will receive their 13th consecutive pension increase under a Labour-led government; children’s allowances have increased again; and the Robert Abela government has given families this year the biggest tax cut in history.

Robert Abela’s competent leadership has created thousands of new careers- Owen Bonnici

Foreign direct investment is flourishing and so is local investment. During 2025 and 2026, various local and international companies will have invested half a billion euros in our country, creating many quality careers for local youth, including in sectors such as digital technology and the creative industries, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, medtech and fintech, among others.

Robert Abela is the prime minister who introduced several new social benefits, including the carer’s grant for parents of children with special needs; the additional COLA mechanism; a grant of €1,500 to parents of children continuing their studies; a grant of up to €2,000 for new parents; and a grant of €10,000 to first-time buyers.

Robert Abela gave peace of mind to thousands of elderly people with pre-1995 leases, many of whom were about to be evicted from their homes.

Robert Abela’s competent leadership created thousands of new careers, to the point that today there are seven job opportunities for every person who registers for employment. The average basic wage is €10,000 higher than it was 10 years ago.

Culture and the arts, which I have the great privilege of leading as the minister responsible for these sectors, along with the land portfolio, are also advancing. From a sector that created few jobs before 2013, today more young Maltese and Gozitans have made culture and the arts their full-time employment. Thanks to Malta’s strong economy, we have democratised culture and the arts and we are enabling local artists and creatives to thrive on the global stage.

Meanwhile, we are actively making decisions to ensure that government land is accounted for and used to its best advantage in the interest of Malta and its people.

Robert Abela’s strong leadership also meant that three of Malta’s largest open spaces, Manoel Island, White Rocks and Fort Campbell, would be returned to the people. This was an unprecedented positive decision in favour of people’s well-being.

Robert Abela’s first six years as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party have been, without question, a success story. With this remarkable track record, the future of Malta over the next six years and beyond is bright and positive. The prime minister has shown competence, inspired peace of mind and thrived on resilience: three values crucial to a country’s well-being and success. The best is yet to come.

Owen Bonnici is Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.