The first session of the Labour Party's General Conference was held on Friday evening, ending with speeches by Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs Ian Borg and Deputy Leader for Party Affairs Alex Agius Saliba.

Borg said that while we are living in a time where people have confidence in the country's future, geopolitical challenges can lead to uncertainty. He remarked that this is not being mentioned to discourage people but reflects the realism and certainty that the Government will continue shield the public.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that, as a political movement, the Labour Party remain humble and answer to the realities faced by people. He said that the credibility of the party lies in the fact that Maltese and Gozitans "expect us to implement the entire electoral manifesto responsibly throughout the full legislature". He explained how this political movement has achieved one economic miracle after another, thereby increasing the confidence of investors who choose Malta.

With regards to the health sector, Borg outlined the work underway on various projects and the introduction of services to further strengthen an area that is so crucial to people's lives. He said that, for the first time, a psychiatric centre is being built at Mater Dei Hospital, along with the Emergency Department extension project. He also highlighted the strengthening of the private family doctor service. He said that work on the hospital helipad had started and had been completed.

He also mentioned the changes to the IVF law and said that we must continue implementing further changes despite the significant amount of work already carried out, including during the first hundred days of the new Government.

Deputy Leader for Party Affairs Alex Agius Saliba drew a clear distinction between a government that, during its first hundred days, set out to implement and deliver measures in favour of the people, and an Opposition that had become lost in partisan politics.

Agius Saliba mentioned important changes that are being implemented, including in healthcare, equality, education and enforcement measures aimed at safer communities. Deputy Leader Alex Agius Saliba stressed that the Party must remain a close to the people and listen to families, in village squares and streets through the Party's activists, particularly the branches within the Party. He said that after a fourth historic victory, the Party must draw its energy from a single source: the people whom we want to remain close to.

Agius Saliba explained that, as the Government prepares to present another Budget, people have full confidence that they will continue to find support. He said that people know that a Government led by Prime Minister Robert Abela will not burden people with austerity, but will continue to support families and businesses.

At the close of the first session of the General Conference, voting opened for the election of the National Executive, where 32 candidates are vying to be elected as 12 Members. The General Conference will come to an end on Sunday morning with a keynote address by Prime Minister and Labour Leader Robert Abela.