Following the swearing-in of Members of Parliament, proceedings were briefly suspended as President Myriam Spiteri Debono arrived at Parliament House.

After being greeted by Speaker Carmelo Abela and receiving the customary salute by the Armed Forces of Malta outside Parliament, the President was escorted into the Chamber by the Speaker to deliver the traditional Address to Parliament.

Opening the address, the President said the country’s success is shaped by the aspirations of its people. The programme presented to Parliament was described as one built around those aspirations, with a focus on delivering tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

The recent general election was described as a democratic test that resulted in a historic outcome and a strong mandate.

With that mandate comes significant responsibility. That responsibility will be measured by the ability to implement projects and initiatives that bring tangible improvements to people’s lives.

The gender corrective mechanism, which came into effect for the second consecutive general election, also featured in the opening part of the address.

Female representation in Parliament had remained persistently low for decades before its introduction. More women contested this election and more women were elected.

The fact that some women who entered Parliament through the mechanism during the previous legislature secured direct election this time around was highlighted as a sign that efforts to strengthen female representation are beginning to bear fruit.

The President also placed the election within the context of growing geopolitical challenges.

Conflict between the United States and Iran, together with the continuing effects of the war in Ukraine, were highlighted as challenges affecting economies around the world.

Drawing attention to the impact on energy supplies, maritime routes and prices, the President warned that international tensions continue to leave their mark on economies globally.

Protecting families, workers and businesses from those pressures emerged as a recurring theme throughout the programme.

Maintaining economic growth remains a key priority, with the focus shifting from quantity to quality through high-value investment, productivity and innovation.

Financial services, fintech, semiconductors, the digital economy, blockchain, advanced manufacturing, aviation, the green economy, maritime industries, high-value tourism, gaming, esports and video game development were among the sectors identified as priorities for future growth.

Support for existing industries is coupled with efforts to attract investment in emerging sectors, including digital companies, space-related start-ups, digital assets and medical technology.

The growing use of artificial intelligence among students, workers and businesses was also highlighted. Artificial intelligence was presented as a tool capable of strengthening productivity and resilience, supported by continued investment in digitalisation and emerging technologies.

Investment and innovation were repeatedly linked to the need for a strong labour market.

Reference was made to Malta’s low unemployment rate and increased female participation in the workforce in recent years. Measures aimed at rewarding work and supporting working families were credited with contributing to these developments.

Building on these results, a number of measures are aimed at strengthening purchasing power and protecting living standards.

Tax measures, support for workers and initiatives aimed at increasing disposable income were among the proposals highlighted, alongside measures intended to reward work and encourage participation in the labour market.

Beyond income and employment, considerable emphasis was also placed on the value of time and work-life balance.

Measures aimed at supporting parents and providing workers with greater flexibility in balancing their professional and personal lives form part of the proposals outlined.

Continued investment in schools and educational infrastructure is coupled with plans to update the national curriculum and equip students with skills needed for a changing economy.

Reducing early school leaving and increasing the number of graduates, particularly in science, technology and mathematics-related fields, were among the objectives highlighted.

Support for first-time buyers features among the measures outlined, alongside proposals aimed at improving access to housing and strengthening protections for buyers, homeowners and tenants.

Continued pension increases, reforms affecting widows’ pensions and further investment in services for older persons also form part of the programme, alongside measures aimed at supporting active and independent ageing.

Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and services in both Malta and Gozo also forms part of the programme.

Improvements to healthcare facilities, expanded services and greater support for mental health were among the priorities highlighted.

Prevention, accessibility and stronger community-based support services form part of the approach outlined for mental healthcare.

Investment in the environment was also linked directly to wellbeing and quality of life.

Open spaces, environmental regeneration and the protection of natural areas were among the priorities highlighted. Reference was also made to the future of Manoel Island and White Rocks, which were presented as projects intended to benefit the public.

Renewable energy, emissions reduction and decarbonisation also form part of the programme, alongside continued investment in cleaner forms of transport.

Transport and connectivity remain key priorities, with continued investment in road infrastructure, public transport, maritime transport and long-term transport planning aimed at improving accessibility and reducing congestion.

Gozo also features prominently throughout the programme.

Commitments relating to connectivity, infrastructure, education and economic development were highlighted, with emphasis placed on improving quality of life and expanding opportunities for residents on the island.

The programme also refers to wider social priorities, including support services for families, civil rights and the extension of healthcare services such as IVF.

Concluding the address, the President said progress should not be measured solely through economic growth but also through broader indicators of wellbeing.

Health, quality of life, environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of future generations were identified as key measures of success for the legislature ahead.

The programme was presented as a vision aimed at building on recent economic achievements while ensuring that their benefits are felt across society.

Following the President’s address and a brief suspension of proceedings, Parliament resumed with the motion of thanks to the President.

The motion was moved by the youngest Member of Parliament, Mariah Meli.