Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg and Labour Party Deputy Leader Alex Agius Saliba on Monday outlined what they described as six years of economic resilience, social reform and international credibility under Prime Minister Robert Abela.
Addressing journalists, Ian Borg said Malta had navigated unprecedented global challenges - including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty across Europe and ongoing geopolitical conflicts - while continuing to deliver growth and stability. He noted that Malta's gross domestic value has reached almost €25 billion, despite a largely stagnant European economy.
Borg said Malta's national wealth now stands 6% above the EU average, surpassing larger economies such as France and Finland, at a time when many European countries are facing serious socio-economic difficulties. He stressed that this growth was not limited to headline figures but was deliberately redistributed to support those most in need.
"This unprecedented wealth has been shared through a significant strengthening of social benefits," Borg said, noting that Children's Allowance was doubled and that, for the first time in Malta's history, expenditure on social benefits exceeded €2.5 billion.
He also underlined that Robert Abela is not remembered as a Prime Minister who raised taxes, but rather as one who delivered the largest reductions in income tax rates, leaving more money in the pockets of families and workers.
Agius Saliba focused on labour reforms and social policy, describing the past six years as a period of "structural improvements" for workers and families. He highlighted measures aimed at improving work-life balance, including extended paid paternity leave, the introduction of miscarriage leave, NICU leave, improved conditions for the self-employed and expanded family leave entitlements.
Agius Saliba said these reforms were introduced alongside strong employment performance, with the basic wage now €10,000 higher than six years ago and 6,000 new full-time jobs created in the digital sector. He added that sustained investment in digitalisation was crucial for a small country with limited natural resources.
Both Borg and Agius Saliba stressed the importance of the government's decision to absorb global energy price shocks through investments exceeding €1 billion, ensuring stability in electricity and water prices. They said this policy saved families an estimated €2,000 per year and provided certainty for households and businesses planning their future.
The speakers also referred to Malta's international role under Robert Abela, including recognition of the State of Palestine, service on the UN Security Council, the chairmanship of the OSCE and the Presidency of the Council of Europe, positioning Malta as a promoter of dialogue and peace.
Concluding, Ian Borg and Alex Agius Saliba said the Labour Government's record reflected the principles of social democracy - generating wealth while ensuring it is fairly shared - and contrasted this with what they described as instability and negativity within the opposition.
The six-year anniversary will be marked later this week by a public event, during which Prime Minister Robert Abela is expected to outline the government's long-term Vision 2050 for Malta.