Malta's two major political parties raised more than €1.8 million in total through separate fundraising marathons held over the weekend, setting new records for end-of-year collections.

The Labour Party collected €1,130,016 during an almost 12-hour live broadcast on Sunday. The total, announced by party chief executive Leonid McKay alongside Prime Minister and Labour leader Robert Abela, marked the party's second fundraising marathon this year and the highest amount ever raised during a December edition.

Throughout the marathon, the party unveiled two new initiatives. These include the launch of a Labour Party podcast titled Isma' Dean, scheduled for January, and plans to transform a first-floor space at party headquarters into a library and museum showcasing the party's history.

The event also featured the inauguration of the restored façade of the Labour National Centre, coinciding with the building's 30th anniversary. A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Abela and deputy leader Alex Agius Saliba.

The Nationalist Party raised €730,384 during its own fundraising marathon, also held on Sunday. At the close of the event, party leader Alex Borg thanked donors, volunteers, staff and supporters, saying their contributions were made in the national interest.

Speaking during the broadcast, Borg reflected on his first 100 days as party leader, highlighting the importance of staying closely connected with the public. He also announced that the party's financial reports would be published on Monday.

Both fundraising marathons were broadcast live and formed part of the parties' end-of-year political and organisational programmes.