This is not the time to take decisions that can affect the economic stability of our country, Prime Minister Robert Abela on Sunday with reference to the energy and fuel subsidies

During an interview on One Radio, the Prime Minister said that "this is not a sprint but rather a marathon," adding that this has been the government's motto regarding the economic situation since the Covid-19 pandemic. The government has been subsidising energy and fuel costs. He said that it is ironic that media outlets are now questioning  whether the government should consider reducing them, adding that this is not the time to take a decision that would effect economic stability.

Referring to the PN's economic administration of the 2008-2009 period, when inflation was also rising, he said that the government is making a difference in its administration of today's difficult times by using a different economic formula that incentivises the wheels of the economy, which allows for investment and earns the trust of private industry.

Mentioning the pre-budget document, Abela elaborated how it is going to focus on quality of life and discussions are "only going to intensify" as the official budget date approaches. He said that there are no new taxes in the budget, "something unheard of before 2013".

Abela said that having a strong economy is the basis for everything 

Delving into the subject, he said that if Malta's economy wasn't as strong,  there wouldn't be the financial muscle to help the people with their energy bills, "which the government is currently helping cushion"; nor the aid for pensioners; the economic push for successful environmental projects for a better quality of life; and finally the investment needed for the betterment of the security of the country. Additionally, he said, the "free public transport" scheme which is to be implemented in the coming days would not be possible without Malta's strong economy as it wouldn't have been sustainable.

It is estimated that this initiative is going to leave citizens, especially public transport users with an extra €200-€300 in their pockets annually.

Mentioning Malta's Standard & Poor's credit rating, where it was awarded an A- with a stable outlook, the Prime Minister said that this result, one which has been stable for the last 10 years, fills the government with a sense of positivity to continue on the road it is pursuing.

Turning to tourism, "my appeal to the public is to continue to preserve the tourism sector, because it managed to attract so many tourists," he said. In identifying key areas which can help in doing so, the Prime Minister said that public cleanliness must be ensured, as a clean country is the first thing that a tourist notices.

In this regard, he also mentioned how despite backlash the government received from the opposition last year, Malta's proposed European "Recovery and resilience Plan" was described as the most environmentally strong among all applicants.

Pride March 

Abela explained how back in 2004, the pride march served more as a protest rather than a march as back then the administration made the LGBTIQ+ community feel unheard.

In contrast, where back then there were only100 people present for the march, the most recent one was also attended by members of parliament together with government ministers.

The Prime Minister also said that, for the first time, a march was also held in Gozo.

Some future measures , he said are the inclusion of gender reassignment surgery in the national health services so that it can be undertaken for free, the adoption of a strategy for the next five years and the introduction of a centre that includes all services needed for the LGBTIQ+ community to thrive under one roof (including those of a civil nature).

The passing of the Queen Elizabeth II

Abela said that the Queen should serve as an example for political leaders all around the world as she continued to serve her country beyond her seventies with "a great sense of duty".

He also added that he was fascinated by the fact that she referred to Malta as her second home, and how she gave much importance to the Commonwealth.