Today marks 13 years since the Labour Party won the general election, later securing two more electoral victories with historic majorities: from a 36,000 vote margin in 2013 to 40,000 votes in 2022.

The Labour Party said that these years have been marked by significant changes aimed at improving the quality of life for Maltese and Gozitan families.

Malta moved away from a stagnant economy and a difficult social situation inherited in 2013, when the country had entered recession with high unemployment and poverty levels. Successive Labour administrations led by Robert Abela and Joseph Muscat saw the country achieve strong results through a series of decisions, reforms and projects that continue to benefit the public at large.

Among the achievements that made a real difference in people’s lives are:

The lowest unemployment rate in Malta’s history

Record growth in employment

From the worst female employment rate in the European Union to a rate comparable with the best-performing European countries

Record economic growth year after year

Gozo registering stronger growth than Malta

Reduced water and electricity bills

Stable energy bills supported by Government subsidies over the past four years

A surplus achieved in 2017 and strong public finances in the years that followed

Record results for the tourism industry, with record visitor numbers and expenditure

Free childcare for all

Two increases in the minimum wage following agreement with social partners

The introduction of an additional mechanism to address the cost of living

The number of people on social assistance reduced by half

Today’s minimum pension is better than the maximum pension in 2012

Thirteen budgets without introducing new taxes

The biggest tax cut in Malta’s history

The introduction of the first-time buyers scheme

Social spending more than doubled since 2013

Children’s allowance increased year after year

Pensions increased for 11 consecutive years

The best collective agreement for Government employees

Same-sex couples granted the right to marry and adopt children

For 10 years, Malta has remained at the top of the ILGA-Europe index

Sixteen-year-olds granted the right to vote

Sixteen-year-old councillors can be appointed mayors

IVF made accessible to both heterosexual and same-sex couples

The introduction of the corrective mechanism for parliamentary representation

Amendments to the divorce law

The femicide law comes into force

Whistleblower legislation comes into force and prescription is removed for politicians

The introduction of the political party financing law

A new gas power station at Delimara

Projects for the second interconnector and work towards a third

Major infrastructure projects such as the Kappara Junction, Central Link, the Marsa Flyover, and now the Msida Creek project

The largest investments in Malta’s history in parks and open spaces, including Wied Incita, Wied Fulija, Ta’ Qali National Park, San Klement Park, and Qortin in Gozo

Major investments in sports facilities, including the Marsa Sports Complex and the Gozo Sports and Aquatic Complex

Valletta awarded the title of European Capital of Culture

Malta hosting major international meetings such as the Valletta Summit, MED9, and a meeting on peace in Ukraine

Malta entrusted with the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a seat on the United Nations Security Council, the OSCE Chairmanship, and the Presidency of the Council of Europe

Malta recognising the State of Palestine after 40 years

A Labour Government appointing two female Presidents, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Myriam Spiteri Debono

Numerous reforms in various areas, including justice, the construction sector, and workers’ conditions

Economic stability and resilience in the face of some of the greatest international economic challenges in history

The largest financial package of €2.25 billion in EU funds.

People know where they stand with a Labour Government, which will continue to deliver on its promises and go beyond them, as it has done over the past 13 years. This is because the Labour Party in Government will continue to embrace incentives as a progressive movement, and will continue to provide certainty and stability for the Maltese and Gozitan people in the years ahead.