Labour pitches stability, subsidies and broad social support
Prime Minister Robert Abela used the third day of the campaign to reinforce Labour’s message of continuity, positioning the state as both protector and provider. His proposals spanned multiple stages of life, anchored by a €20,000 grant for persons with disabilities purchasing their first home and the rollout of personalised budgets tailored to individual needs. A central pillar of his address was energy policy. Abela defended the government’s decision to maintain stable fuel and electricity prices through subsidies, arguing that this shielded households and businesses from global volatility. He coupled this with longer-term plans, including a second Malta-Sicily interconnector nearing completion and a third in the pipeline, alongside a target of 25% renewable energy by 2030. Beyond infrastructure, Abela highlighted expanded therapy services, preventative health initiatives, and wider access to wellbeing programmes. The overall approach projects a government focused on steady delivery, combining immediate support with long-term investment, while avoiding sharp policy shifts and emphasising economic and social stability.
Nationalist leader pushes healthcare reform and system overhaul
Opposition leader Alex Borg used the campaign’s third day to advance a reform-driven agenda, centred largely on restructuring Malta’s healthcare system. His proposals focused on improving efficiency and patient outcomes through structural changes rather than direct financial support. Key initiatives included the introduction of care navigators, a real-time command centre, and a unified digital health record system aimed at strengthening coordination and accountability. Borg also pledged to decentralise services by developing new hospitals and regional hubs to ease pressure on Mater Dei, while committing to phase out Mount Carmel Hospital in favour of modern, community-based mental health care. Workforce challenges featured prominently. Borg proposed better pay for healthcare professionals, increased student stipends, and incentives to attract Maltese workers back from abroad.
Electoral Commission issues guidelines for voters who will be abroad or in hospital
The Electoral Commission has issued guidance for voters who will be abroad or hospitalised on polling day, Saturday 30 May, explaining how they can vote in advance. Eligible voters are required to submit a declaration to cast their ballot on Saturday 23 May. This can be done from 8am on Friday 1 May until noon on Friday 22 May. Applications may be filed online via the Commission’s website or in person at the Vote Counting Complex at the former Trade Fair Grounds in Naxxar, as well as at the Electoral Office in Triq ta’ Wara s-Sur in Rabat, Gozo. Offices will operate between 8am and 1pm, and again from 3pm to 8pm, with shorter hours on the final day. Applicants must present a valid ID card. Voters approved to cast their ballot early must also submit their voting document at the designated polling locations.
