Imagine the bustling streets of Valletta on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The sun is out, and the usual humdrum of the city is replaced by a different kind of buzz. It’s election season in Malta, and the air is thick with political chatter. Robert Abela, the incumbent Prime Minister, is in his element, crisscrossing the city, his message echoing through the narrow streets: ‘Collect your vote, keep convincing people until the last second’.

The Long Game: Abela’s Persistent Campaign

Abela’s strategy is clear – he’s playing the long game. Since the dissolution of Parliament in January, he’s been on a relentless campaign trail, crisscrossing the Maltese islands, from the rural villages of Gozo to the urban heart of Birkirkara. His message is consistent, his energy unflagging. He’s not just asking for votes; he’s making a case for his government’s record and a vision for the future.

‘We’ve done a lot in the past five years,’ Abela told a crowd in Msida recently, ‘but there’s still more to do. We need to keep working, keep convincing people that we’re on the right track.’ His rallies are a mix of policy speeches and personal interactions, a testament to his retail politics style that has become his trademark.

The Issues: Economy, Housing, and the Environment

Abela’s campaign is centered around three main pillars: the economy, housing, and the environment. He’s quick to point out his government’s record on economic growth and job creation. ‘We’ve created thousands of jobs,’ he says, ‘and we’ve done it while keeping our economy one of the fastest-growing in Europe.’

Housing is another hot-button issue. Abela’s government has pledged to build 10,000 new apartments by 2030. ‘We know it’s a challenge,’ he admits, ‘but we’re committed to it. We want to make sure that everyone who wants to own a home can do so.’

The environment is the third leg of Abela’s campaign stool. He’s quick to point out his government’s commitment to renewable energy, with a target of 70% of energy from renewable sources by 2030. ‘We’re not just talking about it,’ he says, ‘we’re doing it. We’re investing in solar, wind, and other renewable sources.’

The Final Push: Convincing the Undecided

As the election draws near, Abela is focused on the undecided voters. He’s not taking anything for granted, not even his incumbency. ‘Every vote counts,’ he says, ‘and we’re not leaving any stone unturned in our effort to convince people to give us another mandate.’

His final message is simple: ‘Collect your vote, keep convincing people until the last second.’ It’s a call to action, a reminder that in a democracy, every voice matters. And in Malta, every vote could make a difference.

As the sun sets on another day of campaigning, Abela is already planning for the next. The election might be just days away, but for him, the work is far from over. ‘Until the last second,’ he says, and he means it.