Robert Abela: Malta’s Man of the People or Master of Spin?

Imagine the bustling streets of Valletta on a typical weekday. The sun is out, and the scent of fresh pastizzi wafts through the air. Among the crowd, you spot Robert Abela, Malta’s Prime Minister, in his signature dark suit, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. He’s a familiar face, yet the question remains: who is the man behind the smile?

From Law to Leadership

Robert Abela’s journey to the Office of the Prime Minister is a tale of political dynasty and personal ambition. Son of the late Labour Party leader and former Prime Minister, Eddie Fenech Adami, Abela followed in his father’s footsteps, studying law and joining the Labour Party. He served as a lawyer in the Office of the Prime Minister under his father and later under Joseph Muscat, before becoming Leader of the Labour Party in 2019 and Prime Minister in 2020.

Abela’s rise to power was swift and seemingly inevitable. Yet, his critics argue that his political career has been more about connections than convictions. “He’s a product of the system,” says Dr. Joseph Aquilina, a political scientist at the University of Malta. “His surname opened doors, and his law degree greased the wheels.”

Man of the People or Master of Spin?

Abela’s public image is that of a down-to-earth, approachable leader. He’s often seen in local bars, cafes, and even the popular Sunday fish market in Marsaxlokk, chatting with locals and posing for selfies. This folksy charm has earned him the moniker “Robu l-Ħadd” (Robert the Man of the People).

Yet, his critics see a different side. They point to his government’s handling of the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation, the controversial planning permit system, and the rapid pace of development in Malta. “It’s all about spin,” says Dr. Aquilina. “He’s great at presenting a friendly face, but when it comes to substance, there’s often a gap.”

Abela’s government has also been accused of using state resources for political gain. The Labour Party’s use of government-funded billboards and the Prime Minister’s frequent appearances on state-owned media have raised eyebrows. “It’s like they’re using the state as a tool for their own political advancement,” says Dr. Aquilina.

: The 2023 Election

As the 2023 general election looms, Abela faces a tough challenge. The Opposition Nationalist Party is eager to capitalize on the Labour Party’s scandals and missteps. Meanwhile, the Progressive Party of Malta, led by former Labour MP Marlene Farrugia, is nipping at Labour’s heels from the left.

Abela, however, remains confident. In a recent interview with TVM, he declared, “I’m not worried about the elections. I’m focused on delivering for Malta.” Whether this confidence is well-founded or overconfidence remains to be seen.

As Malta looks ahead to 2023, one thing is clear: Robert Abela is a man of many faces. The question is, which one will voters see on election day?