The Prime Minister said the upcoming general election “starts from zero”, insisting that nothing should be taken for granted as he addressed a mass rally in Naxxar on Sunday morning.

“Every election starts from zero and today we are still at zero,” he said, rejecting suggestions that the result is already decided and stressing that the Labour Party must continue to work to earn people’s trust.

Striking a tone of humility, he said he has “never believed” that any party has a divine right to govern, describing leadership instead as a responsibility to serve.

Referring to commentary and surveys suggesting the election is “Labour’s to lose”, he said he did not agree with that narrative, insisting the party has never had an easy path.

“The Labour Party has never found a paved road ready for it,” he said, describing its journey as one that has always been uphill.

The Prime Minister described the first week of the campaign as “positive”, saying it showed the party as a movement of fresh and serious ideas, driven by what people are telling them.

He emphasised that the proposals being put forward are rooted in public input, saying he has been receiving strong and detailed feedback from the public, including messages with thoughtful analysis, suggestions and intelligent questions.

He said these contributions are being studied as the party continues to shape its plans and build its electoral manifesto, which will also include a wellbeing index aimed at measuring improvements in people’s quality of life.

Referring to proposals already announced in recent days, he highlighted measures aimed at supporting families, workers and young people, including further increases in children’s allowance for low and middle income families and additional support for those receiving the in work benefit.

He also pointed to other measures announced during the week, including flexible working arrangements, support for first time buyers, reduced taxes for young workers at the start of their careers, increased stipends, free therapy for children, higher pensions, reduced tax on part time work and a learning account for young people.

The Prime Minister placed these proposals within a broader international context, warning of growing uncertainty and risks in global markets.

Referring to recent reporting in the Financial Times, he said international shocks are expected in the coming weeks, particularly in the oil market.

He noted that while preparing to launch the government’s energy plan earlier in the week, news broke that oil prices had reached their highest level in recent years.

Despite this, he said the government’s position remains unchanged, stressing that support measures such as energy subsidies are a matter of principle and will continue to be defended.

He warned that this was “not the time to risk all that has been achieved”, stressing that the country must continue building on its successes.

The Prime Minister said the government has a clear plan aimed not only at addressing present challenges, but at preparing Malta for the future, including long term projects to generate more of the country’s own energy.

He described the government as enthusiastic and determined to deliver on these plans.

He also stressed that the work of government has continued uninterrupted despite the ongoing campaign, adding that further investment is set to be announced in the coming days.

He said new projects are also in the pipeline, including additional initiatives in maritime transport aimed at expanding existing services.

At the same time, he said the government can point to results already achieved.

While he said he does not expect thanks for these, describing them as part of his duty, he added that they serve as a testament that people know where they stand and where they are going.

It was in this context that he turned to the candidacy of Omar Rababah.

Rababah, a member of the Youth Advisory Forum, social worker, activist and father of three, recently announced he will be contesting the election with the Labour Party.

The Prime Minister described him as someone who believes in his dreams and knows they can be achieved through the Labour Party, and who wants to contribute towards that vision.

He also made a personal reference to Rababah’s family, noting that his mother, Shirley from Ħal Qormi, is someone he has known for many years.

Rababah, who is Maltese through his mother, has faced online attacks following his announcement.

The Prime Minister presented him as an example of the kind of people the party represents, saying Labour was founded to give a voice to those who have no one to speak for them, including workers, small self employed individuals and those who are the first professionals in their families.

The Prime Minister also called on supporters to remain grounded and continue engaging with the public, urging them to speak to those who are still uncertain.

He said Malta cannot afford confusion in leadership, stressing that voters should reflect on the type of leadership they want for the country.

He reiterated that there is only one survey that matters, the vote on 30 May, and warned against taking anything for granted.

He concluded by inviting people to join the campaign in the days ahead, describing it as a collective effort to build a better Malta.

The Prime Minister said he wants our children’s dreams to become our projects, extending this vision to families, students and the elderly.

Because together, we are Malta. Because you are Malta. And that is why your dream is our project.