Abela: “PL’s resilience in crises is our strength”

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela stood before a packed room at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, his voice echoing through the historic building. “We have weathered storms before,” he declared, “and we will weather this one too.” He was speaking about the PL’s resilience, but his words could just as well have been about Malta itself, a nation no stranger to adversity.

From crisis to crisis: A PL perspective

Abela’s speech, delivered at the PL’s recent conference, was a retrospective of sorts. He traced the party’s journey through crises – the economic downturn of 2008, the migration crisis of 2013, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Each time, he argued, the PL had risen to the challenge, protecting Maltese citizens and steering the country through turbulent waters.

“We didn’t just navigate these crises,” Abela said, “we grew stronger. We learned. We adapted. And we protected our people.” He pointed to the party’s swift response to the pandemic, highlighting the rapid implementation of testing and tracing measures, the swift rollout of vaccines, and the PL’s commitment to supporting businesses and families through tough times.

Malta’s resilience: A national trait

Abela’s speech wasn’t just a PL victory lap. It was a testament to Malta’s resilience as a nation. Malta, after all, is no stranger to crises. From the Great Siege of 1565 to the Second World War, Malta has weathered its fair share of storms. And each time, Malta has emerged stronger, its people more determined.

Take, for instance, the street of Triq San Pawl in Rabat. Once a quiet residential street, it became a symbol of Malta’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neighbours came together, creating a makeshift clinic in a garage, providing care and support to those affected. It was a small example of how Malta’s resilience isn’t just political, it’s personal.

: Challenges and opportunities

Abela’s speech wasn’t just about looking back. It was also about . He acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead – the economic recovery, the climate crisis, the digital revolution. But he also highlighted the opportunities – the EU’s Green Deal, the potential of Malta’s digital sector, the chance to build back better and greener.

“We have a choice,” Abela said. “We can either be daunted by the challenges ahead, or we can be inspired by the opportunities. I choose the latter. Because that’s what we do. That’s who we are. We are Maltese. We are resilient. And we will face whatever comes next, together.”

As the conference ended and the delegates spilled out onto the streets of Valletta, the question on everyone’s lips was the same: What challenges and opportunities lie ahead for Malta? And how will the PL, and Malta, face them?