Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged to lead Malta into “the next level” following his swearing-in earlier today, after securing what he described as a historic fourth consecutive electoral mandate for the Labour movement.

In a televised address to the nation on Monday evening, Abela said the result reflected the Maltese and Gozitan people’s clear choice for stability, wellbeing and continued economic growth.

“This is the first time in our country’s history that a political movement has been entrusted with a fourth consecutive electoral mandate,” Abela said.

Describing the outcome as “historic”, the Prime Minister said the country is facing a moment where international challenges continue to grow, but where the Maltese people are also showing a stronger determination to achieve a better quality of life.

Abela said the Labour Party’s electoral manifesto now becomes the Government’s programme of work for the coming legislature, promising a comprehensive plan intended to support people “at every stage of life”.

“A life we want to make easier, more beautiful and better,” he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted Malta’s economic performance over recent years, saying the country had achieved unprecedented economic growth that is now enabling the Government to shield families from international uncertainty.

He pledged that Government would remain focused on providing certainty, stability and peace of mind for families, which he described as “the heart of this country”.

Abela said the Government’s priority in the coming years will be to keep the economy growing in order to implement the proposals endorsed by voters and improve people’s wellbeing.

He also stressed the need for continued reforms and investment to ensure Malta’s economy continues evolving and remains “the strongest in Europe”.

According to Abela, this economic strength is essential to sustain what he described as an ambitious social investment programme aimed at improving people’s everyday lives and giving families more quality time together.

The Prime Minister also placed significant emphasis on Malta Vision 2050, describing it as a holistic national plan that will guide the country into its next phase of development.

Among the major projects and strategies highlighted during the address were the regeneration of the Grand Harbour, the Malta in Motion transport plan, the national energy strategy, major investment in the public healthcare system, and the “Gozo island of villages” initiative.

“Together we dreamed big as a united country and whenever we did so, we always succeeded,” Abela said.

“We now want to move to the next level.”

The Prime Minister concluded his address with a call for unity, insisting Malta will continue to succeed so long as the country remains united and continues believing in itself.

“I believe in you because you are Malta,” he said.

“Your dream is now our project.”