Abela hails Malta as EU\u2019s top economy, warns against \u2018return to austerity\u2019<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Abela said that Malta had managed to shield families and businesses from the effects of international instability better than larger European countries.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“These are not funny mistakes, these are serious mistakes,” Abela said.<\/p>\n
He further said that the PN had proposed introducing sick leave benefits for self-employed workers despite such a system already existing since 1987.<\/p>\n
Abela urged supporters not to rely on opinion surveys, insisting that “every election starts at 0-0.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Framing the political contest as a choice between economic growth and austerity, Abela said Labour offered experience and stability.<\/p>\n
He concluded by telling supporters that his team was ready to continue serving the country.<\/p>\n
Minister and Labour candidate Clint Camilleri also addressed the event.<\/p>\n