Xtra Debate: Five Key Takeaways from Abela and Borg’s Face-Off

Malta’s political scene was abuzz last night as Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech faced off in the first of three televised debates ahead of the upcoming general election. The Xtra Debate, held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, saw the two leaders clash on a range of issues, from the economy to COVID-19 response. Here are five talking points that dominated the conversation.

1. The Economy: A Tale of Two Visions

The economy was a key battleground, with both leaders presenting starkly different visions for Malta’s post-pandemic recovery. Abela, whose Labour Party has been in power since 2013, pointed to the government’s handling of the economy before the pandemic, highlighting growth and record low unemployment. He pledged to build on this with a green recovery, investing in renewable energy and sustainable tourism.

Grech, however, painted a bleaker picture, arguing that the economy was already stagnating before COVID-19 hit. He criticized the government’s handling of the pandemic, claiming that their slow response has cost Malta dearly. He promised a ‘new deal’ for Malta, focusing on attracting new industries and creating jobs.

2. COVID-19 Response: Blame Game or Reality Check?

The pandemic was a major focus of the debate, with both leaders trading blows over their respective parties’ handling of the crisis. Abela defended the government’s approach, highlighting the successful vaccination campaign and the introduction of the ‘SafePass’ system. He accused the Nationalist Party of spreading fear and misinformation during the pandemic.

Grech, however, was quick to counter, arguing that the government was too slow to react to the pandemic and that their handling of the crisis has cost lives and livelihoods. He pledged to introduce a ‘war room’ to better coordinate the country’s response to future crises.

3. Corruption: A Persistent Stain or a Thing of the Past?

Corruption has been a persistent issue in Maltese politics, and it was no surprise that it featured heavily in the debate. Grech accused the government of being too close to big business, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability. He pointed to the ongoing ‘Egrant’ investigation as evidence of corruption at the highest levels.

Abela, however, dismissed these claims, arguing that his government has taken significant steps to tackle corruption, including the introduction of new whistleblower protection laws and the establishment of a new anti-corruption agency. He accused the Nationalist Party of hypocrisy, pointing to their own involvement in corruption scandals in the past.

4. Housing: A Crisis or a Opportunity?

The housing crisis was another hot topic, with both leaders presenting their plans to tackle the issue. Abela pointed to the government’s investment in affordable housing projects, such as the ‘Mosta Project’ and the ‘Birkirkara Hill’ development. He pledged to build on this, aiming to create 10,000 new affordable homes by 2030.

Grech, however, argued that the government’s approach has been too slow and too focused on high-rise developments. He promised a ‘housing revolution’, focusing on increasing the supply of affordable homes and giving local councils more control over development.

5. Education: The Future or the Past?

Education was another area of contention, with both leaders presenting their visions for the future of Malta’s schools. Abela pointed to the government’s investment in education, including the introduction of free childcare and the expansion of early education. He pledged to continue this investment, focusing on digital literacy and vocational training.

Grech, however, argued that the government’s approach has been too focused on quantity over quality. He promised a ‘revolution’ in education, focusing on improving standards and giving parents more choice in their children’s education.

As the debate drew to a close, one thing was clear: the upcoming election promises to be a closely fought affair, with both leaders presenting starkly different visions for Malta’s future. With just over a month to go until polling day, the battle for Malta’s future is well and truly underway.