Five Talking Points from Abela and Borg’s Xtra Debate

Last night, Malta’s political scene was abuzz as Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech faced off in the first of their three televised debates ahead of the upcoming general election. Held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, the debate, moderated by Saviour Balzan, covered a wide range of topics. Here are five key talking points that had Maltese viewers glued to their screens.

1. The Economy: A Tale of Two Visions

The economy, as always, took center stage. Abela, defending his government’s record, pointed to the pre-COVID economic growth and the lowest unemployment rate in decades. He stressed that the economy is bouncing back, with a projected 7% growth this year. Grech, however, painted a different picture. He criticized the government’s handling of the economy, citing increasing public debt and the high cost of living. He promised to introduce a ‘cost of living’ cheque if elected.

“We’re not just talking about numbers,” Grech said, “We’re talking about people’s lives. We’re talking about the single mother struggling to make ends meet.”

2. COVID-19: Vaccination Success and Criticism

The pandemic, of course, was a major topic. Abela lauded the government’s handling of the crisis, highlighting the successful vaccination campaign that has seen Malta ranked among the top countries in Europe for vaccination rates. He also announced that Malta will be the first country in the world to offer booster shots to all adults.

Grech, however, was critical of the government’s response. He accused the government of being slow to react to the pandemic and questioned the decision to keep schools open during the peak of the third wave. He also raised concerns about the government’s handling of the vaccination process, particularly the decision to prioritize certain sectors over the elderly.

3. Corruption: A Thorny Issue

Corruption, or the lack thereof, has been a key campaign promise for both parties. Abela reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption, pointing to the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the recent convictions in high-profile cases. Grech, however, accused the government of using ICAC as a political tool and questioned the independence of the commission.

“We need a truly independent ICAC,” Grech said, “One that isn’t afraid to investigate those in power.”

4. Education: The Future of Our Children

Education was another hot topic. Abela defended his government’s record, citing increased investment in education and the introduction of free childcare. He also announced a new initiative to provide free laptops to all secondary school students.

Grech, however, criticized the government’s handling of education, citing overcrowded classrooms and a lack of investment in vocational training. He promised to introduce a ‘Right to Education’ law if elected, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

5. Environment: A Race Against Time

The environment, a pressing issue for Malta’s future, also made an appearance. Abela highlighted the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy use. He also announced a new initiative to plant one million trees across Malta and Gozo.

Grech, however, was critical of the government’s environmental record. He accused the government of not doing enough to protect Malta’s natural heritage and promised to introduce a new environmental protection law if elected.

As the debate came to a close, both leaders reiterated their commitment to Malta and its people. Abela, , said, “We have a lot more to do, but I am confident that together, we can build a brighter future for Malta.” Grech, meanwhile, called on voters to “send a message for change” on election day.