\u2018Not voting could open the door to Castille for PN,\u2019 Abela says<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Robert Abela warned that voters who choose not to vote could “open the door to Castille” for the PN, as he said that Malta needs experienced and stable leadership during a sensitive international period, and over the past 13 years, only Labour has shown that it knows how to drive the country’s economic engine.<\/p>\n
Addressing supporters in Mosta, Abela said the country is only days away from an important decision about the future of both the people and the country.<\/p>\n
“That future is linked together because you are Malta,” he said.<\/p>\n
He said Labour had drawn up a five-year plan containing proposals aimed at accompanying people “through every step of life,” adding that the manifesto includes measures directed at students, workers, self-employed persons, first-time buyers, families, pensioners and young people entering the world of work.<\/p>\n
Abela defended Labour’s economic philosophy, saying government believes in generating wealth and distributing it among the people rather than taking from them.<\/p>\n
“Do we want to return to the time when government would take from you instead of giving to you, as it did before 2013?” he asked.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister said Labour’s economic model was built around social mobility and equal opportunities, adding that every Maltese and Gozitan citizen should have access to the same opportunities and the best possible education.<\/p>\n
He described education as one of Labour’s core principles, calling it the key to social mobility and quality careers that provide financial stability and dignity.<\/p>\n
Abela also referred to the recent Vantive investment in the medical technology sector, describing it as a high value-added investment that had chosen Malta over other countries and which will generate hundreds of jobs for Maltese and Gozitan workers.<\/p>\n
Abela said that Labour’s manifesto is the only one built on equality between men and women and equality for all.<\/p>\n
“What you are should never disadvantage you,” he said.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister again referred to IVF reforms, recounting a recent meeting with a couple who introduced him to their child conceived through IVF.<\/p>\n
He said Labour’s reforms had addressed situations where couples previously had to travel abroad to become parents and pointed to recently announced proposals for further IVF reforms.<\/p>\n
Abela spoke of the introduction of PGTM, saying government had funded the treatment, medicines and technology needed for IVF procedures to take place in Malta.<\/p>\n
He said another promise already fulfilled involved increasing the number of IVF cycles from three to five.<\/p>\n
“These are the principles that make us different from others,” Abela said, contrasting Labour’s position on PGTM with that of PN Leader Alex Borg, who, as an MP, had voted against the reform.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister said Labour also wants pensioners to live with dignity and security after retirement without worrying about how they will cope financially.<\/p>\n
Abela repeatedly said that implementation depends on competence and insisted there is only one team capable of continuing to generate wealth for the country.<\/p>\n
Referring to a debate held earlier on Tuesday hosted by the Chamber of SMEs, Abela said he mentioned that Malta’s economy generated less than €8 billion annually 13 years ago but now generates almost €25 billion.<\/p>\n
He said the economy had tripled within a relatively short period while the government had also reduced the national deficit and debt burden quicker than agreed with the European Commission.<\/p>\n
Abela said that the upcoming election will not be easy, describing it as an uphill battle, but added that Labour is presenting voters with a positive track record and a sustainable plan that fits within Malta’s fiscal targets agreed with the EU.<\/p>\n
“We are not promising everything to everyone,” he said, adding that Labour’s proposals are financially sustainable and realistic.<\/p>\n
He called on supporters to speak with undecided voters and explain Labour’s proposals, saying the “Int Malta” plan should become a national plan for the country.<\/p>\n
Abela urged people to feel proud of their vote on 30 May, saying they can become part of what he described as another important chapter in Malta’s history.<\/p>\n
“This is not a question of Nationalist or Labour supporters, but a story of Maltese and Gozitan people,” he said.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister also appealed to those who had not yet collected their voting document to do so, while encouraging those unable to vote on election day to register online for early voting this Saturday.<\/p>\n
He reiterated several previously announced proposals, including the “super bonus” for all workers, measures for pensioners and initiatives intended to leave more money in people’s pockets while also improving quality time for families.<\/p>\n
Abela said Malta’s stronger economy now allows the government to focus not only on financial stability but also on quality of life and more family-oriented priorities.<\/p>\n
Abela warned that not voting could “open the door to Castille” for the PN at what he described as a particularly sensitive international moment.<\/p>\n
He said that global conflicts and crises require serious and stable leadership capable of steering the country through uncertainty.<\/p>\n
“The Maltese economic engine does not run on its own. To drive it, you need to know what you are doing,” he said.<\/p>\n
Abela also praised his Ministers and Labour team, urging voters to compare their “competence and credibility” with that of the PN’s counterparts.<\/p>\n
“That question will determine whether the country continues moving in a stable direction or whether we risk everything we achieved together,” he said.<\/p>\n
Closing the activity, Abela thanked supporters for the trust they had shown in Labour and urged them to continue backing the party’s vision for the country.<\/p>\n
“Join us so we can take Malta to the next level, because you are Malta and Malta is you – your dream, our project,” he concluded.<\/p>\n