Prime Minister and Labour leader Robert Abela said that by the end of the next legislature, if the people renewed their trust in him, he would ensure that every school in Gozo will modernised and completed as investments in schools remains a key priority.

He recalled the inauguration of the Nadur school project alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as one of the proudest moments of his political career.

“It was truly a proud day for me when I welcomed Ursula von der Leyen to Gozo and together we launched the investment in the Nadur school,” Abela said. “The same was done at the Rabat school,” he added.

Speaking in Sannat, Gozo, Abela said that the Labour Party will be announcing 100 proposals for Gozo over the course of the campaign.

He outlined a series of measures aimed at supporting people across different stages of life, stressing that the proposals are centred around one key principle: the family.

He said the government looks at society by identifying its most important nucleus, which he described as the family, adding that the measures address people’s needs from the earliest stages, starting from pregnancy.

He said the allowance for a first child has been strengthened, with €3,000 provided during pregnancy and a further €2,000 after birth. Support continues as children grow, including a 15% increase in stipends and a new €1,000 grant for students pursuing studies abroad.

He added that those entering the workforce will benefit from the first €30,000 of income being tax-free for the first three years of full-time employment, amounting to around €12,300 remaining in young people’s pockets.

Meanwhile, Fleur Abela said that the past 13 years in government have delivered concrete results, arguing that Malta today faces a shortage of workers rather than a lack of jobs.

Anthony Agius Decelis focused on social measures, highlighting a proposed €50 weekly increase in pensions, while addressing gaps in widows’ pensions and anomalies affecting those with insufficient contributions.

Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlighted youth-focused measures, including voting at 16, as well as initiatives such as a youth advisory forum and a Cabinet of Youths. He also referred to support measures including free gym memberships, the Intrapriża 16 initiative, free laptops, and housing schemes such as New Hope, stressing a strong belief in education and investment in young people.

The Prime Minister went on to say that support continues throughout life, including when purchasing a first home. He noted that around 80% of people in Malta and Gozo own their homes.

He said Malta’s strong economic performance has allowed further measures, including increasing the tax exemption threshold for first-time buyers from €200,000 to €300,000, resulting in savings of around €5,000.

He added that new schemes will assist those struggling with deposits, including government-backed support for the required 10%, as well as the ‘My First Home’ scheme offering an interest-free loan covering up to 25% of the property price.

Abela said he was “privileged” to work alongside a team of ministers whom he praised for their competence and dedication in leading the country across key sectors.

The Prime Minister also praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ian Borg, saying he makes Malta proud during his visits overseas, noting that other nations have entrusted Malta with handling sensitive diplomatic matters.

Turning to energy subsidies, Abela said that despite calls to remove energy subsidies, the government would continue to subsidise households and businesses.

He said that on the other hand, the Opposition says that subsidies are short-lived because deep down the Opposition knows that it is not capable of generating enough economic wealth to continue to sustain them.