Five Talking Points from Abela and Borg’s Xtra Debate

Last night, Malta’s political scene was alive with the sound of clashing ideas as Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech faced off in the first of their three Xtra debates. The atmosphere at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta was charged, with a packed audience eager to hear the leaders’ stances on the issues that matter most to Maltese voters. Here are five key talking points from the debate that had social media buzzing until the early hours.

1. Economy: A Tale of Two Visions

The economy, as expected, took centre stage. Abela defended his government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the successful vaccination drive and the economic recovery plan. He painted a picture of a Malta set to bounce back stronger than ever, with investments in green energy and digital innovation driving growth. Grech, however, was quick to criticise the government’s handling of the economy pre-pandemic, pointing to high debt levels and a lack of diversification. He promised a ‘new deal’ for Malta, focusing on attracting high-value industries and creating sustainable jobs.

2. Corruption: The Elephant in the Room

Corruption was another hot topic, with Grech pressing Abela on the government’s record on fighting corruption. He accused the government of failing to act on several high-profile cases, including the Electrogas deal and the ‘Keptas’ scandal. Abela hit back, accusing Grech of hypocrisy and reminding him of his party’s involvement in the ‘VGH’ scandal when they were in government. The exchange was heated, with both leaders trading barbs and accusations, leaving viewers with a clear choice come election day.

3. Housing: The Affordability Crisis

The housing crisis was another key issue, with both leaders presenting their plans to tackle the affordability crisis gripping Malta. Abela announced a new scheme to help first-time buyers purchase properties, while Grech promised to introduce a rent-to-buy scheme and increase the supply of affordable housing. The debate highlighted the stark contrast between the two leaders’ approaches to housing, with Abela favouring incentives for buyers and Grech focusing on increasing supply and tenant protection.

4. Education: The Future of Our Children

Education also featured prominently, with both leaders outlining their vision for Malta’s schools. Abela highlighted his government’s investment in education, including the building of new schools and the introduction of free childcare. Grech, however, criticised the government’s handling of education, pointing to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of investment in vocational training. He promised to introduce a ‘lifetime learning’ scheme to help Maltese people upskill and reskill throughout their lives.

5. Environment: The Climate Crisis

The debate closed with a discussion on the environment, with both leaders outlining their plans to tackle the climate crisis. Abela highlighted his government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy, while Grech promised to introduce a ‘green new deal’ to create sustainable jobs and protect Malta’s natural heritage. The exchange highlighted the growing importance of environmental issues to Maltese voters, with both leaders keen to position themselves as the greenest choice.

As the debate drew to a close, it was clear that Maltese voters have a clear choice to make come election day. With just over a week to go until polling day, the race for Auberge is heating up, and the next two debates promise to be just as fiery. So, Malta, who’s ready to make history on 26th March? The future of our country is in your hands.