Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday described the government's first months in office as a period of steady progress built on the electoral mandate received from the Maltese and Gozitan people.

Addressing a conference in St Julian's, Abela said the government's vision is centred on Malta Vision 2050 and the Wellbeing Index, with the objective of ensuring that economic success translates into a higher quality of life for citizens.

In the coming days, Abela said that the government will formally introduce free legal assistance for startup founders, while newly established companies will be exempt from Malta Business Registry fees during their first five years of operation. Abela said the initiative is intended to reduce barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs and foster innovation across the economy.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that Cabinet has approved an updated national Artificial Intelligence Strategy, building on Malta's position as one of the first European Union countries to launch a national AI framework.

He welcomed the strong public response to the government's "AI for Everyone" programme, encouraging more Maltese and Gozitan citizens to participate in developing digital skills.

Looking ahead, Abela pledged that Budget 2026 will deliver unprecedented improvements in social services, particularly for older persons and people with disabilities, alongside further tax reductions for families and parents.

He described the upcoming budget as another step towards ensuring that the benefits of economic growth continue to reach households across the country.

The Prime Minister highlighted Malta's economic performance, noting that the country's economy has continued to grow at around five times the European Union average. He said Malta remains among Europe's most optimistic nations according to recent European Commission surveys, while inflation has remained below the EU average.

Abela argued that a strong economy is essential to sustaining progressive reforms, warning that countries without solid economic foundations risk austerity, political instability and social stagnation.

He also pointed to Malta's post-pandemic recovery, increased foreign direct investment, and the implementation of the Labour Migration Policy as examples of measures supporting sustainable economic growth and higher-quality employment.

Addressing recent pressure on the electricity grid during the summer heatwave, the Prime Minister announced that the government is progressing with the procurement of battery energy storage facilities. The project aims to strengthen Malta's electricity distribution system and improve resilience against increasing demand driven by climate change.

He stressed that these investments represent practical long-term solutions rather than "populist rhetoric."

Abela outlined a broad range of reforms already implemented during the government's first 100 days, including expanded IVF access, legislation to strengthen the fight against inequality, further support for people with disabilities, legal protections for parks and open spaces, reforms in the tourism sector, and changes to the planning appeals process.

He also highlighted increased investment in children's swimming lessons, the doubling of grants for persons with severe disabilities purchasing their first home to €20,000, and the extension of first-time buyer benefits to separated individuals and homeowners needing to move to more suitable properties.

The Prime Minister further noted that reforms to the Family Court, due to come into force on 1 October, will strengthen mediation processes and provide greater protection for children.

In tourism, he reiterated the government's commitment to attracting higher-quality tourism, regulating short-term accommodation and strengthening enforcement through on-the-spot fines.

The conference also featured contributions from Grant Thornton Malta Managing Partner George Vella, STUDJURBAN Director Antoine Zammit, healthcare consultant Isabelle Saliba, economists Juergen Attard and Jonathan Spiteri, and disability policy specialist Alistair Degaetano.