Prime Minister Robert Abela has outlined the Government’s priorities during his maiden speech in Parliament this legislature.

The state opening of Parliament was held on Saturday, with the Prime Minister delivering his first speech in the institution on Wednesday.

He outlined the Government’s commitment to improve wellbeing, social prosperity, and quality of life by 25 per cent.

“This is not rhetoric. It is a means by which the people can hold this Government accountable,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said that this is the first time a political party has gone before the people, not only with a set of proposals, but with a plan containing 25 specific targets. “Financial targets, social targets, environmental targets, and regional targets.”

“Alongside the targets, we set clear figures. Either we achieve them or we do not. There is no room for excuses. Either we increase connectivity between Gozo and Malta by 25 per cent, or we fail. Either we reduce the national debt burden to 40 per cent of national wealth, or we fail. Never before has a political party subjected itself to such rigorous criteria,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said that during the first Cabinet meeting, he asked every minister to choose two priorities from the electoral manifesto and implement them before the Pre-Budget process starts in September.

Legislative priorities

He also outlined seven legislative proposals that the Government will move forward with in Parliament.

He mentioned another IVF reform. “Advances in science and technology now allow us to further expand IVF procedures so that the PGT-M test (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) may be used for additional conditions, including rare diseases for which no cure exists and which can result in severe suffering and death.” He aims to achieve this reform by the end of summer.

The second regards appeals from planning decisions. “The principle is simple: no work should proceed while an appeal is pending,” he said. This was part of a package of legislation that was proposed last legislature, but a number of additional proposals and measures made last legislature were highly controversial.

He also said that the Government will begin introducing the necessary legal amendments to ensure that parks and gardens created in recent years are protected from development.

The Prime Minister said that a law giving protection to vulnerable adults will also come into force.

He said the Government will also table constitutional amendments to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. “These changes will require Opposition support in order to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. I am convinced that, through dialogue, we will reach agreement.”

The Prime Minister said that the Government has consulted with voluntary organisations in order to finalise a bill that strengthens the legislative framework governing the voluntary sector. “This will ensure different categories of voluntary organisations, provide support tailored to their needs, and simplify reporting obligations.”

He said that some have claimed that the Government wishes to limit the operations of NGOs. “That is absolutely untrue. We engaged in careful and lengthy dialogue.” He said that it will result in less bureaucracy for voluntary organisations.

Finally, he said, extensive consultation has taken place to establish the country’s first National Human Rights and Equality Commission.

October Budget

Regarding the Budget for 2027 that the Government will present in October, he said that it will be one of investment.

“In October, Maltese and Gozitan families and businesses will experience the strength of a Better Malta.”

He said that many people will focus on the financial benefits they will receive, but that more important “are the changes that these Budget measures will bring about.”

“The incentive for our young people to fulfil their dream of becoming homeowners. The support for those starting a family. The assistance for families already carrying heavy burdens on their own, The justice we will deliver to our elderly citizens who, for many years, were denied pensions despite having contributed more than was required,” he said.

He added that young people starting a start-up will not have to worry about taxation during their first three years in business, and that an elderly person wishing to transfer property to their children during their lifetime will no longer burden them with taxation, and if they purchase a smaller property themselves, they will be treated like a first-time buyer.

AI

During his speech, he also made reference to Malta’s successful economy.

He said that Malta has the ninth-highest GDP per capita in the richest region in the world, and the highest employment rate not only in Europe, but in Europe’s history, and that the country has a falling deficit.

But, he warned, “a few poor economic decisions and we could go from best-in-class to failing the test.”

Here, he mentioned Artificial Intelligence, saying that this technology has the potential to make Malta an even more successful nation.

“If we are dynamic and capable of transforming our society, AI could become the greatest driver of economic progress in our history. But it could also destroy thousands of jobs and create deep divisions in our society if we remain passive.”