Opposition leader Alex Borg conceded defeat on Sunday after the Labour Party secured victory in the general election, winning by approximately 18,000 votes and earning a renewed mandate to govern.

In a video addressing supporters following the result, Borg called for respect for the democratic outcome while emphasising national unity above partisan politics.

"The population spoke, and we need to respect the voice of the people with humility, dignity and love for Malta," Borg said, revealing that he had already telephoned the Prime Minister to congratulate him on securing the trust of the Maltese and Gozitan electorate.

"Despite our differences in politics, there is one thing that must always be bigger than us: Malta," he added.

Borg thanked supporters, volunteers and campaign workers who had backed his party throughout the election campaign. He paid particular tribute to those who remained committed to what he described as a vision for a better country.

Acknowledging the disappointment felt by many of his supporters, Borg encouraged them not to lose faith.

"You should never be disappointed that you believed in hope. You should never be ashamed that you wanted change," he said. "Change always starts from the people who have the courage to dream of a better country."

Throughout his address, Borg sought to frame the defeat not as an end, but as the beginning of a longer political journey. He pointed to what he described as growing support among young people, parents and elderly citizens who wanted a different vision for Malta's future.

"We saw young people that did not want to leave their country, but wanted to stay here and build a future here. We saw parents who want a better quality of life for their children. We saw the elderly who still believe that Malta can be more just, cleaner, more serene," he said.

Although the election result fell short of the Opposition's ambitions, Borg argued that the campaign had demonstrated a significant appetite for political change.

"There are thousands of Maltese and Gozitans that want different politics, more serious politics, more respect, and more vision for the future," he told supporters.

Borg also extended an olive branch to voters who had not supported his party, pledging that the Opposition would continue listening and learning in order to become a stronger alternative government.

"We will continue to listen, we will continue to learn, we will continue to work to be a stronger alternative for the country," he said.

Looking ahead, Borg stressed that politics should be guided by the common good rather than party interests.

"Politics is not about a single person. It is not only about a party. Politics is about the common good, about the future of our children, about the country that we want to leave future generations," he said.

Concluding his speech, Borg urged supporters to move forward with optimism rather than resentment, promising that work to rebuild trust and strengthen the Opposition would begin immediately.

"Today, we should not look back in anger. We should look forward with hope," he said. "Malta is bigger than every election. And love for Malta never ends."