PM Abela Promotes Labour Record at Ħamrun Mass Meeting
Prime Minister Robert Abela defended Labour’s record in government during a mass meeting at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Ħamrun, telling supporters voters would choose between “a competent team” and “nothing”. Thousands attended the event as the Labour leader focused on continuity and stability ahead of the general election. Abela pointed to measures implemented during Labour’s time in office, including pension increases, higher children’s allowances, tax cuts and projects linked to Manoel Island, White Rocks and Fort Campbell. He also promoted new manifesto proposals such as the €1,000 “super bonus”, further pension measures, extended maternity and paternity leave and free mental health screening. Referring to the European Commission’s latest economic forecast, Abela said Malta continued to register strong economic growth despite international uncertainty, describing the country as “best in class”. The rally formed part of Labour’s final campaign activities before voters head to the polls next week. (Maltatoday)
PN’s Alex Borg Calls for Change as PN Rallies Support in Sliema
PN leader Alex Borg urged voters to back change at a Nationalist Party mass meeting in Sliema, saying a future PN government would solve problems “created by others”. Addressing supporters six days before Malta heads to the polls, Borg described change as both a political and personal responsibility, stressing the need for national unity beyond party loyalty. The Opposition leader repeated several key electoral pledges, including plans to build a network of new hospitals, make all cancer medicines free of charge and reduce income tax. He also highlighted proposals to abolish inheritance tax, increase student stipends by 25 per cent from September and construct a new school every year throughout the legislature. On energy, Borg said electricity bills would fall by an average of 30% from January under a PN government. He announced plans for a network of four hospitals across Malta and Gozo, including a new hospital in northern Malta, a new hospital in Gozo, further investment in Mater Dei, and investment to replace St Luke’s. (The Malta Independent)
Early Voting Turnout Surpasses 90 Per Cent Ahead of Election
More than 14,800 people cast their ballots during Malta’s early voting process, with turnout reaching 90.3 per cent by the close of voting on Saturday evening. A total of 16,402 people were eligible to vote early, including elderly residents and individuals unable to vote on election day. Figures showed that 9,757 people had applied for early voting, while 6,645 voters were registered under the Elderly Home and Correctional Facility categories. The turnout marks a notable increase compared to the first day of early voting during the 2022 general election, when turnout stood at 85.2 per cent. Despite the strong participation, thousands of voting documents remained uncollected, particularly in the 12th District, which includes St Paul’s Bay, Mellieħa and Mġarr, as well as in Gozo. Sunday was the final day for documents to be collected from police stations and local councils before collection shifts to the Electoral Commission offices. (TVM News)
