Prime Minister Robert Abela used a political activity in Paola to hail Malta’s economic performance and sharply criticise the PN, saying that the country is facing a “choice between prosperity and a return to austerity.”
Addressing supporters on Thursday evening, Abela said the European Commission had named Malta the largest-growing economy among the European Union’s 27 member states, describing the result as “a certificate of credibility” for the government’s policies.
Abela said that Malta had managed to shield families and businesses from the effects of international instability better than larger European countries.
He pointed to ongoing geopolitical crises and rising economic pressures abroad, saying that other governments had failed to offer the same level of protection being provided in Malta.
Abela attributed Malta’s economic results to what he described as “courageous decisions” taken by his administration, adding that the country’s size had not prevented it from outperforming larger EU states.
Turning to the political campaign, the Labour leader said that every day it was becoming clearer that only his team could continue delivering success for the country.
He accused the PN of committing “enormous mistakes,” arguing that if the government had made similar errors, Malta would not have topped the European Commission’s rankings.
He criticised proposals put forward by the Nationalist Party, claiming that their manifesto stated that no revenue would be generated from its proposed fuel hub project within five years.
“These are not funny mistakes, these are serious mistakes,” Abela said.
He further said that the PN had proposed introducing sick leave benefits for self-employed workers despite such a system already existing since 1987.
Abela urged supporters not to rely on opinion surveys, insisting that “every election starts at 0-0.”
He warned that the Nationalist Party was seeking to return to government and “go back to 2012,” arguing that Malta could not afford such a direction.
Framing the political contest as a choice between economic growth and austerity, Abela said Labour offered experience and stability.
He concluded by telling supporters that his team was ready to continue serving the country.
Minister and Labour candidate Clint Camilleri also addressed the event.