As election rumours abound, ministers insist work unaffected

Ministers acknowledge a growing campaign atmosphere is taking root within government as rumours of a general election swirl but they insist their day-to-day work remains unaffected. 

Talk of an election intensified over the past week as the Labour Party put out its billboards across Malta and will hold its congress over the coming six days. The congress, which starts today, will lay down the guidelines for the electoral manifesto. 

But several Cabinet members, who were granted anonymity to be able to speak candidly about internal matters, have told MaltaToday there is lack of clarity as to whether the prime minister will call an election. Nonetheless, they said are having to cope with an intensifying campaign atmosphere while ensuring government work continues uninterrupted. 

A minister said long-term government targets continue to be pursued collectively, emphasising that strategic goals “go beyond one minister or individual”. 

But, while acknowledging that campaign activity has “ramped up”, the minister maintained this has not disrupted official duties. 

However, they also admitted the uncertainty is taking its toll on ministers intending to contest the election, with longer working hours becoming the norm across the board.  

“The sooner it comes, the better and hopefully we win and get back to work as normal,” the minister said. 

A second minister argued the prospect of an election has, if anything, accelerated the pace of government work.  

With a “feeling in the air” that a vote could be called in the coming weeks, they said efforts are underway to push certain projects ahead of schedule. “My focus remains firmly on my ministerial responsibilities, particularly given the sensitivity of the portfolio. Campaigning will only begin once an election is officially called,” the minister said. 

The minister acknowledged their stance may appear unusual to colleagues and friends. “They’ll call me crazy, but that’s how I believe we should act,” they said.  

A parliamentary secretary highlighted the continuity of government operations, noting that departments and teams continue to function as normal. They underlined the role of civil servants in implementing government policy, suggesting any future transition would be straightforward, requiring little more than coordination between department heads. 

On the question of whether an election is imminent, they noted that the prime minister’s most recent public statements were non-committal, suggesting they are designed to “keep his doors open to all possibilities”. 

Meanwhile, another Cabinet member said election talk has had little direct impact on their work, noting that most pledges within their remit have already been fulfilled. However, they observed a shift in public behaviour, with more individuals coming forward with ideas, proposals, and, inevitably, “requests for favours”. 

But not all Cabinet members approached by MaltaToday were convinced an election is imminent as it is being made out to be. A minister expressed scepticism about the likelihood of a general election being held now, despite heightened political activity and increased messaging through billboards and events. 

While acknowledging the ambiguity in the prime minister’s responses, the minister argued that no final decision appears to have been taken. “What appears certain to me is that the prime minister has not yet made up his mind and all this election hype could very well fizzle out suddenly if no date is announced by the 1 May when the party will be holding its traditional Workers’ Day mass meeting,” the minister said. 

They added that, should the prime minister opt for an early election, it is unlikely to be announced over the coming week, particularly in light of remarks Robert Abela made in the media. 

“If the prime minister said the congress does not automatically mean an election is imminent, it makes no sense for him to announce one just a week later; people will obviously ask what has changed in a week to suddenly make the prospect a reality?” 

Meanwhile, as the election rumours continue, the Labour Party is leaving nothing to chance and internally it is preparing itself whatever the prime minister may decide. 

A few weeks ago, MaltaToday reported that the PL election machine was revving up with party strategists meeting regularly at the headquarters to lay down a game plan. 

People privy to the party’s internal machinations said the party wanted to be fully prepared to give the prime minister every option to call an election from now until its maximum due date in March next year.