Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to protecting fuel and energy prices, calling it a cornerstone of the government’s economic agenda.

Speaking at an event in Birżebbuġa ahead of Freedom Day celebrations, he encouraged the public to take part in the festivities that honour Malta’s independence and civil liberties.

Highlighting Malta’s progress, Abela said: “Malta is a story of unprecedented success,” pointing to the thriving economy and the lowest unemployment rate in Europe. He added that Freedom Day represents more than the removal of foreign military bases; it symbolises freedom from prejudice and oppression.

Describing security as Malta’s most prestigious achievement, the Prime Minister emphasised: “The best weapon remains diplomacy,” highlighting the country’s commitment to peaceful international engagement. Reflecting on Malta’s military history, he asked: “Imagine if a decision hadn’t been taken regarding our military bases, would Malta now be thriving with tourism as it is?”

Abela also highlighted the peaceful nature of recent St Patrick’s Day celebrations, contrasting Malta’s stability with conflicts abroad in the Gulf and Middle East. He praised the country’s principled stance on Palestine at the United Nations, presenting it as an example of Labour’s core values.

Abela noted that while his government has consistently championed civil rights and liberties, the Opposition has traditionally taken a more conservative line on social issues. For example, the Nationalist Party under Bernard Grech and now Alex Borg has long affirmed a pro-life stance, opposing abortion based on the party’s values from conception to death.

More recently, Alex Borg appeared to signal some inconsistency in that position. He initially suggested that cases where women face prosecution for terminating a pregnancy should be assessed on a case by case basis rather than applying automatic sentences, but has since clarified that he does not support prison terms in such cases while maintaining the party’s anti-abortion position.

This contrast underlined a broader theme in Abela’s remarks: that Labour presents a steady track record on civil liberties, in contrast with what he described as shifting positions on key social issues within the Opposition.

Turning to economic matters, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s focus on energy and fuel prices. Referencing a recent EU summit, he noted that the Hungarian Prime Minister pointed out diesel prices nearly double those in Malta. “We are the only party that can guarantee steady prices for fuel and electricity,” he said, pledging that Labour will continue to deliver meaningful benefits for all citizens.

Abela concluded by noting that the time will soon come to unveil the new electoral manifesto, which will outline the party’s vision for continued growth, prosperity, and stability.