“It is a solid victory,” Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday after early indications of European Parliament vote counting indicated that the Labour Party had amassed the most votes.

The Prime Minister added that this victory was a recognition of the party’s work and efforts, although he continued that while the result was a solid victory for the PL, the result also included “a message” that he will be taking on.

He said that he would be responding to this message with more humility, more work, more dedication, and that he would be more grounded moving forward. He remarked that there needs to be a real understanding of the people’s pulse.

Speaking further on the indicated result of the EP election, Abela said that it is a solid victory which comes in the middle of a legislature, but that it is also a greater victory than the Nationalist Party has ever achieved. “The PN is celebrating that they suffered a great loss, it is ironic how the PN is celebrating a loss.”

He said that the people have once again shown support to the PL and that the people have confirmed that they can look to the PL to face both international and local challenges.

Asked about his thoughts on the local council votes which are yet to be counted and adjudicated in the coming days, Abela said that he believes the PL has enacted serious change, and that it wants to ensure that the electoral manifestos from a local level are duly implemented.

He concluded by saying that he calls for people to celebrate the election calmly and respectfully, and to show the strong national unity within the country across party lines.