Abela pitches government ‘competence and credibility’ against Opposition ‘cacophony’

Robert Abela pitched his government’s ability to offer “stability, security and peace of mind” against what he described as the Opposition’s “cacophony” during a Sunday interview.

Malta’s prosperity, its ability to invest in capital projects and maintain stable energy prices is possible because of a “competent and credible” government team, he added.

In an interview on One TV with Manuel Micallef, the prime minister made several flattering references to Finance Minister Clyde Caruana and Economy Minister Silvio Schembri. Abela drew repeated comparisons between his government’s safe pair of hands and what he repeatedly said were conflicting voices coming from the Opposition benches.

“Whether subsidies are sustainable or short-lived depends on who is managing the country’s economy,” Abela said, adding the choice people had to make in the coming months was “who is best placed to administer the country’s finances and economy”.

The prime minister then singled out ministers Clyde Caruana, Silvio Schembri, Byron Camilleri, Jonathan Attard, Ian Borg and Miriam Dalli, calling them competent, responsible and people with the right priorities.

He commented positively on the interview Caruana gave MaltaToday (published today) in which the finance minister said he will only sign off on a mass public transport system if he is convinced the numbers make sense. “It shows credibility and seriousness because we have to be honest with people,” Abela said.

“This government has faced among the biggest challenges any government has had to face and the coming months are not going to be easy. There are big challenges ahead but with a competent and credible leadership we can create opportunities from these challenges, making them exciting times as well,” Abela said.

He highlighted several achievements throughout the current legislature, including the signing of 140 collective agreements since 2022, covering different government entities that resulted in a €2 billion increase in public salaries. “This was only possible because of sustainable public finances and a strong economy,” he insisted, adding quality jobs were created for Maltese workers and the median wage had increased.

Social media

Abela said a new investment in medical technology would be announced in the coming days and by June Cabinet will have to decide on the way forward to regulate social media for young people and children. He said the social media reform consultation received 200 submissions and they are currently being evaluated.

“It is unacceptable that children spend 10 hours on their phones and tablets; I want to see our children interacting with other children,” Abela said.
He reiterated government pledges to build an extension to the emergency department at Mater Dei Hospital and new mental health wards; construction if a new intermediate hospital at St Vincent de Paul, and the motor racing track at Ħal Far.

EU budget negotiations

Abela then pledged to negotiate the best EU budget for Malta in the upcoming round of talks on the multi-annual funding framework, insisting he already has experience.

“It boils down to how capable I will be at negotiating the best budget for our country,” he said, inferring that his direct counterpart, Alex Borg is inexperienced.