Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed supporters in Cottonera, thanking them for the strong welcome being shown across the country and marking Mother’s Day by paying tribute to mothers, whom he described as the backbone of families.

He said that over the past two weeks, the government had presented a set of proposals targeting various sectors of society, including young people, students, families, businesses, the self-employed and pensioners, as part of a broader plan to strengthen the middle class and offer a stronger future for younger generations.

Abela stressed that his movement offers stability and protection, particularly in the energy sector, and said its proposals are based on what the economy can sustain.

“We provide security and protection, ensuring stability in energy. With us, you know that we deliver your dreams. We are not about auction politics, but responsible politics that works because the economy allows it, not spending today and leaving nothing for tomorrow,” he said.

He pointed to Malta’s economic performance, job creation and stable energy prices as key achievements, saying these provide the foundation for new measures.

“Our past, and everything we have delivered for you, is our guarantee,” he said.

He outlined the government’s long term vision, referring to Vision Malta 2050, alongside plans for the regeneration of the Grand Harbour, a strategy in the energy sector and a 15 year plan for mass transport, while highlighting continued growth in sectors such as maritime and aviation.

“Fresh ideas were ours, remain ours, and will continue to be ours,” he said.

Among the measures, Abela highlighted support for home ownership, including government participation of up to 25 per cent in property purchases without interest, assistance for those expanding their homes or going through separation, and tax incentives for young people entering the workforce.

He also announced a €1,000 annual tax free bonus for all workers, including employees, self-employed, part-time workers, working pensioners and students, and said young people starting work or a business would benefit from three years of tax free income on the first €30,000 earned.

Abela referred to IVF, noting that more than 1,000 babies have been born through the scheme, and shared an emotional moment from Gozo where he met a mother with a child conceived through IVF, with PGTM now available as part of the programme.

“I met a mother in Gozo with her IVF baby, a moment that gives me the strength to keep going,” he said.

He also outlined family-focused measures, including increased maternity and paternity leave, additional parental leave, financial support for further training and a €5,000 birth bonus.

Abela said the government’s vision goes beyond financial measures and focuses on quality of life.

“With us, you know where you stand and where we are going,” he said.

He referred to proposals including the right to request remote working and leave measures that would be paid by the government without placing additional burden on employers, aimed at giving families more time together.

“This is our vision,” he said.

He said this vision is built on three principles: a strong economy that continues to support families and businesses through energy subsidies and the €1,000 bonus, more time for families through flexibility and leave, and better opportunities for young people through home ownership support, tax incentives and continued education.

“These are all proposals we can afford, all properly costed, and all that we know how to deliver,” he said, adding that they represent direct investment in people.

He also referred to further measures, including refunds on part of stamp duty for self-employed workers and an increase in pensions of €50 per week over the next legislature.

Looking ahead, Abela outlined continued investment in sectors such as digital industries, semiconductors, medical technology, gaming and esports, noting that a €150 million medtech investment agreement was signed this week, with further investment expected in renewable technologies and microchips.

On infrastructure, he highlighted the regeneration of the Grand Harbour, particularly in Marsa, where consultation has been launched and initial investor calls issued. Works have already begun, including the clean-up of the former Enemalta site, with dredging at sea to follow.

He also referred to improvements in transport, including a new fast ferry service linking Sliema, Buġibba and Gozo introduced this week.

“We do not just promise, we deliver,” he said.

Abela said part of White Rocks has now been opened to the public and noted that around 12,000 submissions were received on the Manoel Island and Fort Campbell projects.

He confirmed that an agreement to return Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to the public will be signed in the coming days.

“Next week, we will sign the agreement to return Manoel Island and Fort Tigné back to the people,” he said.

Abela said these projects show the difference between plans that are delivered and proposals that remain on paper.

Turning to the opposition, Abela said it had shifted position within days on key proposals, including the worker bonus, and questioned the credibility of what he described as a “guarantee rebate”.

He criticised the opposition’s costings, claiming significant errors, and said its proposals on energy, including reductions in utility bills, lacked credibility. He also pointed to what he described as contradictions on energy subsidies and uncertainty around renewable energy plans.

Abela contrasted this with what he described as a clear government plan to maintain subsidies, ensure stable fuel prices and guarantee supply, while continuing to support people from birth to retirement through measures including the birth bonus, children’s allowance, training support, stipends and tax incentives.

He called on supporters to step up efforts in the final weeks, urging them to speak to voters door to door and one by one, particularly those who remain undecided.

Acknowledging that some voters may feel disillusioned, he said the government must continue listening, understanding concerns and improving.

He said the movement is not taking support for granted and is seeking renewed trust to continue taking the country to the next level, describing the election as an uphill challenge.

Abela framed the election as a clear choice, asking who voters trust to lead the economy, finances and energy, deliver major projects and support families and businesses.

“You have a choice between their team and my team, the Labour Movement,” he said.

He urged supporters to remain united in the final weeks and continue working together to convince more voters.