The Labour Party Congress 2026 launched in Gozo under the theme “Malta Aqwa – ikteb il-kapitlu li jmiss,” with Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighting the island’s role in Malta’s growth and long-term development.

Party President Alex Sciberras opened the Congress by saying Malta’s progress is built on people’s ideas, effort and shared success. He said the country’s strength lies in collective ambition rather than resources, and called for continued collaboration to shape the next chapter for Malta and Gozo, with emphasis on listening to local voices and turning discussion into action.

The Prime Minister Robert Abela described the Congress as a platform bringing together different perspectives to shape the country’s next chapter, noting that its launch in Gozo reflects the island’s importance within national planning.

He pointed to global uncertainty, including instability in the Middle East and volatility in energy markets, contrasting this with Malta’s ability to maintain stability and continue implementing its plans. He cited a strong DBRS Morningstar rating as evidence of resilience.

Energy policy was highlighted as central to this stability, with government measures aimed at safeguarding families and businesses through stable prices and secure supply, alongside tax reductions and increased revenue.

A study hub will be launched at the Gozo campus aimed at strengthening student support and learning opportunities, alongside increased stipends for students travelling to Malta. Continued investment in education and specialist services in Gozo was also referenced.

These initiatives were linked to sustained investment in Gozo, including €122 million allocated in the latest budget, as well as plans to position the island as the first climate-neutral zone in the Maltese islands.

Discussion during the Congress highlighted Gozo’s economic transformation over the past 13 years, with strong job creation enabling more residents to live and work on the island and unemployment falling significantly.

Youth participation and greater involvement of women in public life were recurring themes across interventions, alongside calls for broader inclusion in decision-making.

Other contributions focused on improved social services in Gozo, expanded access to local support, proposals for strengthened child-related services, and calls for enhanced justice infrastructure on the island. Investment in community facilities was also highlighted, including the rollout of 150 bicycle racks across Gozo to encourage sustainable transport.

The concept of Gozo as an “island of villages” was also raised as a guiding principle for development, emphasising sustainable growth while preserving local identity.

In closing remarks, the Prime Minister thanked participants for what he described as a constructive session, saying suggestions would be taken on board and implemented where possible.

He said Gozo’s economy has moved away from seasonality through sustained investment and diversification, with continued development reducing reliance on seasonal activity.

Further steps were outlined to strengthen connectivity, including phased plans for an airstrip and continued investment in transport infrastructure, alongside the transition towards electric public transport.

Abela added that Gozo’s economy has grown significantly over the past 13 years, outperforming EU averages, with employment levels now close to full capacity.

He concluded by expressing confidence in Gozo’s future, saying the discussions reflected unity of purpose and a shared ambition for continued progress.