This week marks the first hundred days of my service as Prime Minister. Together, with my Cabinet colleagues, these have been days of constant decisions.

Although my administration inherited a strong economy, I became Prime Minister after a major institutional shock. That is why, from my first day, I worked hard to bring back normality, putting in place reforms to bolster institutional capacity, the rule of law and good governance.

For the first time, the Chief Justice was appointed with the agreement of both political parties. We agreed on the way forward regarding judicial appointments and work is progressing on other Venice Commission recommendations. Soon we will have a Police Commissioner appointed after a public call and full parliamentary scrutiny.

As well as improving our institutions, I focused efforts on strengthening Malta’s physical infrastructure - building and maintaining our schools, investing in social and affordable housing and transforming environmental protection. 

In recent weeks, government resources had to shift to counter the toughest trial our nation has faced since the Second World War. A fight against an invisible enemy is forcing us to distance ourselves physically from each other, but is bringing society closer. To overcome this pandemic, I have had to ask many to sacrifice a lot for the common good.

Thanks to these collective efforts, our health system is succeeding. We came to this fight well prepared. Since 2013, we doubled spending on public health, increasing its workforce by nearly two thousand, including a 50% increase in the number of nurses. The incredible dedication of our health care professionals has been recognised by the World Health Organisation which has viewed us as a model in the fight against Covid-19.

Among the decisions we took was the closing of our airport and ports and informing the EU that we could not, in this unprecedented situation, welcome more irregular migrants. The European Court of Human Rights has understood that we have to protect the health of our people at this time and I hope that more broadly, at EU level, we will move from discourse to action so that the principle of solidarity can be truly fulfilled.

Social distancing is having a dramatic economic impact. In many countries this has led to the largest increases in unemployment since the Great Depression. Instead, in our country, we have agreed a new social pact which is safeguarding jobs.

Government is guaranteeing a subsidy higher than the minimum wage to workers in affected sectors. This spending is equivalent to all existing spending on contributory benefits. We are providing guarantees to support an effective doubling of short-term bank lending to firms, with the first two years interest free. Besides this, we have arranged a six-month moratorium on existing bank loans while granting tax deferrals.

Sustaining this package, which could raise national debt by a third, will not be easy. Other countries, who proposed similar packages, have seen their ratings downgraded. In our case we have had three rating agencies conclude that our prospects are stable. Similarly, the International Monetary Fund has predicted that we will be the European country to face the least economic damage.

This is the story of Malta, the story of its people. A courageous people that truly love this country and that, somehow, always manage to emerge victorious against all odds.

Like in our previous battles, we are not facing this challenge alone. I would like to thank the more than two thousand EU nationals and the nearly three thousand non-EU nationals who work in public administration, defence, education, health and social services. The sacrifice they are making every day is veritably immeasurable. In this hour of Malta’s greatest need, these five thousand are standing four-square with us. Far away from their families, they are giving their every hour to save the lives of Maltese and Gozitans.

Let me assure you that this service to our Republic will not go unrewarded. We will always remember how they are standing beside the beds of our ailing parents, partners and children. It would have been easy, even natural, for them to go back to stand with their country of birth. If they had done that, most probably we would have lost our battle. Instead thanks to our own foreign legion, our nation will win its greatest challenge. Even though they were born far from our shores, they are now an integral part of our nation. I cannot thank them enough for standing beside the thousands of Maltese and Gozitan front-liners.                  

My first hundred days of service pale beside the incredible sacrifices made by all the heroes in our public services. To them – health care professionals, the police force, the army, the maritime squadron, civil protection workers, public cleansing employees, volunteers, and so many others – our society owes an eternal debt of gratitude.

It is important that when we overcome this challenge, we never forget these heroes - Maltese, Gozitans, EU and third country nationals – who put their lives on the line, every day, to take care of our loved ones. 

How proud you make us feel! You are bringing us together, one people, united, one family, with solidarity for all. These are our values, the soul of our nation.

I am optimistic that soon a new day will be born, for a better world. I look at the example of my predecessor, Sir Paul Boffa, who, amidst the ruins of the Second World War, had the strength to enact a progressive transformation of our country. Among other reforms that changed the face of Malta, this first Labour Prime Minister introduced the vote for women, education for all and old age pensions.

I am optimistic that, with your help, we will build a better Malta, one which continues to progress and where progress reaches all. With courage and hope I look forward to the next hundred days and more serving you.

Your aspirations are mine too. Together we will continue to succeed.