Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that the government will develop a secure residential facility for adolescents in Għargħur, describing the project as one that is "very close to my heart" and aimed at helping vulnerable young people successfully reintegrate into society.

Speaking during an interview on ONE, Abela said a site had already been identified for the facility, which he said would provide a secure environment while focusing on rehabilitation and social integration.

"We want to integrate these adolescents into our society," he said.

The Prime Minister did not provide a timeline for the project but said it forms part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen social services and provide more specialised care for vulnerable groups.

Turning to the topic of the economy, Abela described Malta's reaffirmed A+ credit rating by Fitch Ratings as further proof of the country's economic resilience, arguing that the result is particularly significant at a time when geopolitical tensions and slowing growth continue to affect much of Europe.

Abela said Malta had once again received a strong endorsement from an international credit rating agency, adding that the achievement should be viewed within the broader international context.

Fitch Ratings recently affirmed Malta's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at A+ with a stable outlook, citing the country's strong economic growth, high income levels and European Union membership among the factors supporting the rating.

Abela said that while Malta continued to register positive economic performance, many countries were facing increasingly difficult circumstances.

"One should look at this through the context of our geopolitical climate," he said. "The price of oil is volatile, even in economies that are considered the best in Europe. You have economies in Europe which are not even growing."

He argued that Malta's economic performance had allowed the government to continue investing in public services and implementing measures aimed at improving people's quality of life.

"These are economic results that are fantastic," he said. "The economy is the basis of everything, and it is the way in which we can improve the standard of living of our citizens."

The Prime Minister also linked the country's economic performance to the government's ability to deliver on its electoral commitments, saying the upcoming Budget would include further measures from Labour's electoral manifesto.

He maintained that sustained economic success was the result of sound leadership and experience.

"A strong economy comes only because you have people who are competent and experienced," he said.

Abela devoted a significant part of the interview to healthcare, particularly the government's plans to strengthen mental health services through a major investment at Mater Dei Hospital.

Describing mental health as one of the issues he personally gives "a lot of priority to", the Prime Minister announced that the government will build a new mental health ward within the Mater Dei campus at a cost of €120 million.

The project will provide 135 beds and, according to Abela, reflects recommendations made by medical experts on how to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

He said experts had advised the government that mental health services should become "part and parcel" of Malta's main general hospital rather than remain physically separated.

According to Abela, integrating the services will help normalise mental healthcare by removing the distinction between patients being treated for physical illnesses and those receiving treatment for mental health conditions.

The Prime Minister also outlined changes to the first-time buyers scheme after what he described as a real-life case brought directly to his attention during the last general election campaign.

He recounted how a couple contacted him after purchasing their first apartment together and qualifying for the government's first-time buyers grant. However, their relationship subsequently broke down and they decided to sell the property.

Abela said the couple had only claimed €1,000 of the €10,000 available under the scheme before selling the apartment, leaving them unable to benefit from the remaining €9,000.

"I told them that we will work to address this situation," he said.

He explained that Housing Minister Owen Bonnici subsequently worked on a solution that would allow people in similar circumstances to receive the balance of the grant if they purchase another property in the future.

Abela presented the change as an example of the government responding to practical situations encountered by citizens and adapting policies where necessary.

The Prime Minister also spoke about public order and security, describing safety as one of Malta's defining characteristics and an important element of the country's quality of life.

He said maintaining public order remained essential, particularly as tourism continues to play a major role in the Maltese economy.

While stressing that Malta remained a welcoming country, he said authorities also had a responsibility to ensure that laws were respected and enforced.

"Quality of life also means that the rules and laws of our country are enforced and respected," he said.

Abela insisted that people who break the law must face consequences for their actions, adding that the government had introduced on-the-spot fines to deal more effectively with certain offences.

He warned that individuals who fail to pay such fines could face additional penalties, including possible deportation.

"While this country is one which is hospitable, the rules must be observed by everyone," he said.