Abela: ‘PL Protects People Through Crisis After Crisis’

Standing at the heart of Valletta, the Prime Minister’s Office, located on Republic Street, has been a hive of activity lately. Robert Abela, Malta’s leader, has been grappling with one crisis after another, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the latest political storm surrounding the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. But in a recent interview, Abela maintained that his Labour Party (PL) has been steadfast in its commitment to protecting Maltese citizens.

Navigating the Pandemic

Abela took office in January 2020, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe. Malta, with its tiny size and high population density, was particularly vulnerable. But Abela’s government acted swiftly, implementing strict lockdowns and border controls. The country’s healthcare system, often criticized in the past, was bolstered with additional resources and personnel.

“We’ve had our challenges, but we’ve also shown that we can rise to them,” Abela told Hot Malta. “Our response to the pandemic has been strong, and it’s saved lives. That’s what matters most.”

The Daphne Effect

While the pandemic continues to cast a long shadow, another storm has been brewing. The murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 through Malta and the international community. Her family’s relentless pursuit of justice has kept the pressure on the government, with protests and legal challenges becoming a regular feature of Maltese politics.

Abela, who was not in government at the time of Daphne’s murder, has promised a full investigation. But he’s also been criticized for not doing enough, with some accusing him of protecting his party’s interests over justice. “We’re committed to getting to the truth,” Abela insisted. “It’s not easy, but we’re making progress. We owe it to Daphne and her family to keep fighting.”

As Malta looks towards a post-pandemic future, Abela is keen to focus on recovery and growth. He’s promised to create jobs, invest in infrastructure, and tackle the housing crisis. But with an election looming, he’ll also have to navigate the political scene, including the ongoing fallout from Daphne’s murder and the PL’s handling of the pandemic.

Abela’s critics argue that his government has been too focused on crisis management and not enough on long-term planning. But the Prime Minister remains optimistic. “We’ve shown that we can protect our people in times of crisis,” he said. “Now, we need to build on that, to create a better future for everyone in Malta.”

if Abela’s Labour Party can deliver on that promise. But one thing is certain: Malta’s political scene is never short of drama, and the coming months will be no exception.