Abela: ‘PL Protects People Through Crisis After Crisis’

Standing before a sea of red and white, Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed the Labour Party’s annual conference in the sweltering heat of the Ta’ Qali National Stadium. His message, clear and concise, echoed through the stands: ‘The Labour Party protects people, one crisis after another.’

The Party’s History of Crisis Management

Abela’s statement is not mere rhetoric. The Labour Party, under his leadership and that of his predecessor, Joseph Muscat, has indeed navigated Malta through several crises in recent years. From the 2017 Daphne Caruana Galizia assassination to the COVID-19 pandemic, the party has weathered storms that have tested its resilience and the nation’s.

Abela’s speech was a walk down memory lane, a reminder of how the party has faced each challenge head-on. He recalled the 2008 global financial crisis, when the Labour Party, then in opposition, critiqued the Nationalist Party’s handling of the economy. ‘We said then that we would protect people’s jobs and pensions,’ Abela said, ‘and that’s exactly what we did when we came into government in 2013.’

The COVID-19 Response

Abela’s speech was heavily focused on the party’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the healthcare workers, the ‘real heroes,’ who have been on the frontline, fighting the virus. He also highlighted the government’s swift response, from closing borders to implementing strict lockdowns and vaccination drives.

Abela’s words echoed through the stadium, ‘We didn’t just close our borders, we closed them early. We didn’t just vaccinate, we vaccinated quickly.’ He also acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses, particularly those in the tourism sector, and the government’s efforts to support them.

: The Economy and Environment

Abela’s speech was not just about crises past but also about the future. He spoke about the government’s plans to boost the economy post-pandemic, mentioning the €860 million recovery plan. He also touched on the environment, promising to make Malta a ‘carbon-neutral’ country by 2050.

Abela’s words were met with cheers and applause from the crowd. As he concluded his speech, he looked out at the sea of red and white, ‘Together, we’ve faced crises and emerged stronger. Together, we’ll face the future and build a better Malta.’