Abela: Malta’s Young Leader or Cynical Hustler?

Picture this: A bustling afternoon in Valletta’s Republic Street. Tourists meander past historic buildings, while locals hurry to and from offices. Suddenly, a motorcade speeds through, sirens blaring. It’s Prime Minister Robert Abela, Malta’s youngest leader, off to another meeting. But who is Robert Abela, really? A progressive leader or a cynical hustler? Let’s look the man behind the motorcade.

Robert Abela, son of former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, was always destined for politics. A lawyer by profession, he served as a parliamentary secretary before becoming Opposition Leader in 2017. In January 2020, he won the Labour Party leadership race, succeeding Joseph Muscat. At 42, he was Malta’s youngest Prime Minister.

Abela promised a fresh start, a ‘new chapter’ for Malta. He pledged to tackle corruption, reform institutions, and boost the economy. But has he delivered?

Abela’s government has pushed through several reforms. The Public Administration Act, for instance, aims to strengthen public institutions. Yet, critics argue it’s more about optics than substance. The much-vaunted ‘Independence Day’ celebrations in 2021, marking Malta’s 60th anniversary of independence, were criticized as a costly distraction from real issues.

Abela’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a mixed bag. While he’s been praised for his initial response, his government’s handling of the ‘It-Torok’ protests last year, where thousands gathered against COVID restrictions, raised eyebrows. Some saw it as a cynical ploy to boost his popularity.

Economically, Abela’s government has continued the previous administration’s policies, focusing on high-end tourism and financial services. But with the economy heavily reliant on foreign workers, sustainability concerns are growing. The government’s plans to build a new city, ‘SmartCity Rovin’, in the Marsascala area, have been met with opposition from environmentalists and local residents.

Abela’s public image is that of a family man, a regular guy who loves football (he’s a keen Manchester United fan). But his critics see a different side. They point to his close ties with businessman and former PN MP, Joseph Portelli, and his government’s alleged interference in the public broadcasting sector.

Abela’s supporters, however, argue that he’s a victim of unfair criticism. They point to his government’s achievements, like the introduction of the Minimum Wage Act and the increase in the old age pension. They also note that Abela has taken on the powerful construction lobby, introducing stricter planning laws.

So, who is Robert Abela? The answer, perhaps, lies in the eyes of the beholder. Some see a progressive leader, others a cynical hustler. One thing’s for sure, though: Malta’s youngest Prime Minister has a lot more to prove, and not everyone is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.