Abela wants Malta to become most ‘AI-friendly country’ in Europe

Government wants to make Malta the most “AI-friendly” country in Europe through investment in the ever-evolving sector, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Wednesday.

He was speaking during the Office of the Prime Minister budget estimates debate in parliament.

Abela started off by comparing Labour government’s measures with those of Nationalist governments. He compared how the PN’s 2012 Budget saw spending of €3.1 billion, while his administration’s 2026 Budget saw an allocated amount of €9.3 billion.

Moving on to foreign investment, the PM said the government’s diligence on economy now enables the country to choose what investment enters the country.

“Before 2013, whenever we had an investment coming in from abroad or even locally, we welcomed it. We had a scourge called unemployment, which had risen to record levels, and so whatever came our way was welcomed. Today it’s completely different. This country has advanced so much that we now need new targets and support that is fresh and different,” he said.

Abela said government wants investment to be inline with its Vision 2050, and that is why a number of fiscal incentives were introduced in next year’s budget.

He added that Vision 2050 is built on four pillars: achieving an economic growth rate of 5% per year, transforming the Public Service, creating a resilient country with a modern educational system, and making the best use of land and sea.

“We are saying that this is not an easy target. If we look at what is happening right now, everyone can see the growth rate of the other member states of the European Union, which is around one percent. This shows how ambitious this target is and how much work, competence, and skill it requires — you must have competence. But I believe we can get there,” he said.

The PM also criticised the Opposition’s Vision 2050 submission, stating that after delays stretching months, it was contradictory in its remarks. “On some pages the document says it’s not ambitious enough, on others it’s too ambitious. You have to choose.”

He also remarked how the date print on the document was wrong, with September printed instead of November, when it was submitted.

On environment, Abela said despite criticism, his government allocated the most spending towards the sector.

“It’s the ministry with an allocation of €275 million – the most out of all ministries,” he said. The Labour leader also made reference to announcements that Manoel Island and the White Rocks area will be turned into a national park.

He also made brief reference to the proposed planning reforms, saying the message to government is clear that it should “be done right”.

Government continues to deceive on ICC ruling – Alex Borg

Opposition leader Alex Borg said Labour governments have deceived people on the hospitals concession three times: first when it struck the deal with Vitals Global Healthcare, the second time when it agreed for the Steward Healthcare takeover, and the third on the ICC ruling.

Addressing parliament ahead of the Prime Minister, Borg questioned why the government was portraying the ruling a victory, when the ruling itself stated the “biggest losers” were Maltese and Gozitan citizens.

Opposition leader Alex Borg (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)

“How can the PM be happy? Even at tribunal level, he defended Steward and Vitals, despite claims he was defending people’s interest,” Borg said.

The Nationalist leader said the Opposition was not content with the contract being rescinded, but want government to do what the concessioners didn’t and provide people with the upgraded hospitals. “These are basics, and that is why we have pledged them.”

Branding the Nationalist Party an alternative government throughout his speech, Borg said Budget 2026 failed to address people’s top concerns.

“Yes, the budget had positive measures, and in the short-term results can come out of it, but when you speak to people on the street, the biggest challenges they face remain unaddressed in what should be the best budget in history,” he said.

He concluded by listing a number of proposed measures on a number of sectors.

“People are clear in their message – they want a better quality of life,” Borg said.