Prime Minister Robert Abela implied on Sunday that the shocking attack on two police officers in Hamrun the night prior was in part down to the “seeds of disrespect” sown by some who hold “important positions” against the Police Commissioner and the Police Force.

Speaking at a Labour Party activity in St Paul’s Bay on Sunday, Abela offered his full solidarity to the police after two officers suffered injuries after being attacked while fining an illegally parked car in Hamrun.  Five people, all Maltese nationals, have since been arrested.

“I expect – because I have full faith in our courts – that full justice will be done so that a clear message in favour of security in our country is sent,” Abela said.

“I also send a message to those in important positions in our country who send a clear message of disrespect to our Police Commissioner and officers, to show them how bad it is to sow the seeds of disrespect, as they filter down into our society,” he added.

The Opposition and several NGOs have long been critical of Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa in particular.

Abela said that the party’s renewal is sending a very important message: that it is the start of a new chapter, one which will sustain that the PL will “always remain a progressive force in favour of what is right.”

He said that the country is creating wealth, but what is important is that it’s spread in a just manner – that everyone benefits from it and that the government takes the right decisions for the future of Malta and its people.

Abela said that improving the standing of those less privileged in Malta’s society is the strongest motivation to keep working. “We speak about social justice: I think this is our most important value; our best principle.”

He said that it is the party’s belief that it should not leave those most vulnerable dependent on social benefits, but give them and everyone the chance to move up the social ladder.

A key part of this government’s work going forward, he said, is to strengthen people’s quality of life, not just offer financial benefits.

He cited a recent IVF reform as an example: a new benefit equivalent to 100 hours of leave is being offered to people who are self-employed but are going through the IVF process, thereby solving a reality which Abela said was discriminatory.

The Prime Minister also hinted that more IVF reforms may be on the horizon, saying that Malta’s legal framework is still not addressing all the realities concerning this subject, but adding that “we need to have a wide, mature discussion on this.”

Abela recognised Malta’s independence – celebrated on Saturday – saying that in the 60 years since this country was born it has always moved forward.

“Whenever national unity reigned, this country moved forward with the strength of a people who always believed in their country, who always put Malta first, who were always proud of those who represent them abroad,” he said.

He used this point to segway into the nomination of Glenn Micallef as European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, with the Prime Minister saying that he was very happy with this portfolio and that European Commision president Ursula von der Leyen had recognised Malta’s faith in the younger generation.

“Look at other reactions, though.  The PN within hours issued a statement showing that it didn’t really like Glenn’s portfolio - but then some hours later issued another statement speaking about moving towards new economic niches without realising that those niches have been assigned to Glenn,” Abela said.

He added that the Opposition has a leader who on the eve of a Budget, rather than saying what he thinks should be improved for the Maltese people, speaks about how his salary should be improved.  Abela also said that Grech had pledged to appoint a minister for sports if he were elected to government – not realising that Malta already has a minister for sports.

Abela also discussed the government’s decision to reinstitute the Commercial Court, saying that this is to reflect the reality that the economy has grown and that therefore more efficiency is required.

The Commercial Court was removed in 1995 and in 2018 was re-assigned as a special jurisdiction of the First Civil Court with a dedicated judge.  Now, though, the Commercial Court will be an entity by itself in a separate building with two judges instead of one, and also including the maritime sector, Abela explained.

He said that the government’s emphasis is clear: “an increase in efficiency and a decrease in extra bureaucracy.”

“Our new chapter must push us to continue taking courageous decisions.  We shouldn’t be bothered by this.  We should be bothered by saying that the status quo is comfortable – it is easy to stay as you are, but it’s not good for the people or for society, so we must keep working towards them,” Abela said as he reached his conclusion.

“In unity there is strength – we need to remain shoulder to shoulder with each other to answer people’s realities and wishes so that in the next Budget we keep offering solutions and not discouragement – positivity not negativity, will not apathy, ambition, love and not hate.  You know us: with us, you know where you are,” he concluded.