Abela expands on PL proposals related to well-being and quality of life

Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Robert Abela on Saturday evening outlined what he described as an ambitious yet realistic plan aimed at improving the quality of life for Maltese families, placing well-being at the centre of government policy for the first time.

Addressing a political event in Żurrieq, Abela said the government’s vision goes beyond traditional economic measures, arguing that future policies will also be assessed on their impact on people’s well-being and overall quality of life. He claimed that the proposals put forward in Labour’s electoral manifesto could lead to an improvement of more than 25% in the well-being of Maltese families.

The Prime Minister stressed that families will remain at the heart of the government’s agenda, supported by a combination of direct financial assistance and new initiatives intended to make daily life easier. He pointed to what he described as a track record of delivery, citing past measures such as tax cuts, pension increases and targeted assistance schemes.

Among the proposals announced is a €5,000 birth bonus, alongside a €5,000 scholarship fund for students completing compulsory education. Students participating in the Erasmus programme would receive a €1,000 grant, while first-time buyers would benefit from a €1,200 refund on expenses related to purchasing their first home.

Abela said these measures are being made possible by what he described as a strong and growing economy that continues to generate wealth. He insisted that this economic success must translate directly into a better quality of life for citizens.

He also highlighted the “Kickstart” initiative, under which young people entering full-time employment would not pay tax on the first €30,000 they earn over a three-year period. Another proposal, “My First Home”, would see the government covering up to a quarter of a home loan, easing the financial burden on first-time buyers.

Further proposals include a year of paid parental leave during a child’s first year, followed by an additional 28 days in the second year. Families with more than one child would benefit from a scheme titled “Our Next Home”, while financial support would also be extended to cover therapy expenses for children, including those with autism.

Pensioners are also set to benefit, with Abela announcing a further €50 weekly increase in pensions over the next legislature.

The Prime Minister framed the proposals within a broader argument on trust and credibility, stating that families know where they stand with the Labour Party. He emphasised that trust is not automatic, but must be earned continuously through the delivery of tangible results.

Abela concluded by saying the government remains committed to working daily to implement further projects and measures aimed at improving the lives of people across Malta and Gozo, reinforcing his message that economic growth must ultimately serve to enhance the well-being of all citizens.

 

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