Abela dismisses election uncertainty concerns

Robert Abela has brushed off claims that he is causing uncertainty for businesses and society by being coy about the date of the general election.

"The uncertainty is only in the minds of those trying to create it,” the prime minister told journalists. “Uncertainty is a sign of insecurity. The insecurity of someone who has a set of timelines in his head.”  

Abela was referring to accusations by Opposition leader Alex Borg, who said on Sunday that Abela was sowing uncertainty among businesses and households as they wait to see if he will call an early general election, before the summer.

The current legislative term can continue until the middle of next year.

Abela said he was focused on ensuring that the country would not be negatively impacted by the turbulent international situation.  

“The election will come when the national interest dictates it,” he told journalists on the fringe of the Labour Party’s pre-election congress taking place this week. 

Under the party’s statute, the congress can meet for three reasons. It can be called to elect the party’s leader, “before a general election to discuss the political guidelines of the party” or the executive committee can also call a congress on its own initiative.

The congress began last week in Gozo and will conclude this Friday in Ta’Qali with a speech by the prime minister. 

In terms of Maltese law, it is the prime minister's prerogative to decide the election date within the term of the legislature, but there must be a minimum of 33 days between parliament’s dissolution and voting day.

Malta's resilience during a period of uncertainty 

Addressing a Labour Congress Business Breakfast on Wednesday, Abela said Malta's economy continues to show resilience at a time of global instability. 

He reflected on how six years ago, during the pandemic, Malta also faced challenges. The government had tackled the crisis head-on while also planning for the country's future. 

"Despite the huge challenges and uncertainty we faced, we continued to plan for our country, and we continue to do the same thing today," he said.

Abela once again defended the government's decision to maintain energy and fuel subsidies, saying they gave peace of mind for the country and workers.

He said that while other European countries are experiencing aviation fuel shortages, the Maltese government has ensured supply for every eventuality and plans bigger storage to ensure peace of mind in the aviation industry.