Abela’s vision for an even stronger Malta with wellbeing at its heart takes centre-stage

During the TVM debate between Robert Abela and Alex Borg, Abela pointed to the European Commission’s spring economic forecast as proof of Malta’s economic performance under Labour, saying the report of the Commission handed Malta “a string of certificates” for the government’s stewardship of the economy and its public finances.

He argued that the report highlighted that Malta has “the best economy in Europe,” record employment levels, low unemployment, and a declining deficit.

Abela also criticised Borg’s grasp of economic policy, saying the PN doesn’t even know what a fiscal forecast is. He insisted that Labour’s fiscal credibility was built through difficult decisions taken during crises, including the continuation of energy subsidies and the COVID-19 wage supplement scheme, which he said protected families and businesses and laid the foundations for today’s economic results.

On social policy, Abela argued that Labour had reduced Malta’s at-risk-of-poverty rate to around 17%, contrasting this with conditions under previous Nationalist administrations.

Borg accused Labour of copying electoral manifesto ideas from the PN. In reality, the PN in Opposition had only released its manifesto after Labour’s publication in order to see what proposals Labour had in store before unveiling its own proposals.

Abela also sharply criticised the PN’s proposed mass transport system, arguing that PN’s plan had discrepancies of “€900 million” and claiming this showed that the Opposition was not relying on serious technical expertise. He said such massive mistakes emerge “when the PN does not use real experts,” contrasting this with what he described as Labour’s economically responsible approach to such matters.

On the construction sector, Abela defended the government’s reforms and safeguards introduced in recent years. He listed several measures that had been implemented, including stronger enforcement, the introduction of the Skills Pass system, regulations targeting stand-alone buildings, the 138 helpline, and free assistance from architects and lawyers for affected residents.

Abela insisted that construction reform remained a priority for the government and declared that he would “never accept” situations where families are forced to leave their homes because of poor workmanship by third parties. He said no family should be quiet in their own home and then need to leave.

When questioned about euthanasia, Abela said his government had already introduced major reforms connected to patient dignity and end-of-life decisions, including the concept of a living will.

Abela explained that the reform allows individuals to decide in advance which medical treatments they would not wish to receive in certain circumstances.

He also highlighted continued government investment in palliative care services and in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre (SAMOC), arguing that improving care and reducing suffering must remain central to the discussion.

Speaking about the wider euthanasia debate, Abela suggested that the issue should ultimately be decided directly by the public through a referendum.

Let the people decide and we, in Parliament, will respect the people’s wishes,” Abela said.