Labour deputy leader for party affairs Alex Agius Saliba has dismissed speculation that a snap general election is imminent, insisting there is no urgency within the party to head to the polls and no discussions have taken place on a possible date.

Speaking on a radio show on Saturday, Agius Saliba stated that the Labour Party is not under pressure to call an election and is proceeding without any immediate electoral timetable.

He also rejected claims that a recent surge in billboards across Malta signalled preparations for an early vote, explaining that increased advertising is typical in the lead-up to the party's annual Workers' Day event on 1 May.

Agius Saliba further clarified that there were never plans to announce an election during the party's national congress, which concluded on Friday with an address by Prime Minister Robert Abela.

During his speech, Abela presented himself and his administration as a source of stability in challenging times, emphasising the government's economic performance and crisis management. The congress, held under the theme "Malta Aqwa" (A Stronger Malta), has fuelled speculation that an early election could be called, particularly as discussions focused on shaping the party's future manifesto.

Despite this, Agius Saliba stressed that the intention behind the congress was to allow for open and structured debate on policy direction, free from the pressures of an active election campaign. He noted that many had interpreted the event as a precursor to an election announcement, but said its purpose was to establish political guidelines.

He reiterated that the decision to call an election rests solely with the prime minister. While preliminary discussions on the party's electoral manifesto have begun, Agius Saliba confirmed that no conversations have taken place regarding the timing of the next general election.

"To this day, there has been no need to discuss it," he said, underlining that the issue of an election date has not arisen within party structures.