Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed supporters in Qormi as early voting officially commenced, stating that with the first votes beginning to be cast, the moment had arrived for people to decide the future they wanted for their families and for the country. The election was portrayed as a defining moment, accompanied by a call for a final collective effort to bring more people into the movement.

Strong emphasis was placed on Abela’s personal connection to Qormi, which he described as the place where both his professional and political journeys began. Qormi was also presented as the locality where he first received encouragement to eventually lead the movement. The speech repeatedly returned to the importance of never forgetting one’s roots and beginnings, linking this principle to a movement anchored around the realities, needs and aspirations of ordinary people.

Workers striving to provide for their families, business owners taking risks to secure a better future, and parents sacrificing to create opportunities for their children were all referenced during the speech. Particular mention was also made of mothers who dedicate themselves fully to their families and continue to support their children regardless of the choices they make. These experiences and values were described as forming the foundation of the movement’s electoral manifesto.

The address further connected the Labour Party’s proposals to different stages of everyday life, including education, employment, home ownership, retirement, healthcare and family-related challenges. The manifesto was presented as a plan intended to ease pressures on families while improving quality of life and creating greater opportunities for social mobility.

Reference was also made to several major policy areas, including healthcare, security, transport, energy and economic development. In this context, Abela promoted the government’s Vision Malta 2050 framework and described the party’s proposals as realistic, long-term and financially sustainable.

A significant part of the speech focused on the government’s economic record, with references to stable energy prices, pension increases, higher children’s allowances and tax reductions introduced despite international challenges such as the pandemic and the war in Europe. These measures were contrasted with austerity policies adopted elsewhere, while Malta’s economic performance was presented as evidence of the government’s approach. Recent European Commission forecasts placing Malta among the strongest-performing economies in Europe were also cited, particularly in relation to economic growth, unemployment and deficit reduction.

Sharp contrasts were also drawn with the opposition’s campaign, which was portrayed as lacking the clarity, credibility and long-term vision presented by the Labour Party. Emphasis was placed on Labour’s record of delivering on its commitments and presenting its proposals transparently to the public.

Particular attention was also given to leadership, with Abela contrasting the strength and experience of his team with that of the opposition, while questioning whether the Nationalist Party was prepared to govern. Direct comparisons were also drawn between Abela and Nationalist figures, particularly Alex Borg.

Towards the conclusion of the address, emphasis shifted towards trust, continuity and stability. Reference was made to the importance of honesty in politics and to the role of voters in shaping the country’s future over the coming years. The speech concluded with an appeal for unity, optimism and support for Labour Party candidates, alongside an invitation for supporters to attend the following day’s mass rally in Ħamrun. The closing message centred around the campaign themes “Int Malta” and “Il-Ħolma Tiegħek, Il-Proġett Tagħna”.