Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that a new Labour government would increase children’s allowance for low- and middle-income families while also strengthening the in-work benefit scheme. The Prime Minister did not specify the amounts involved but said the measures would continue supporting families and workers amid rising living costs.
The announcements add to a growing list of Labour Party proposals made during the first week of the campaign, including:
- a 15% increase in student stipends,
- higher part-time tax thresholds,
- free Gozo Channel travel for foot passengers,
- a €300,000 stamp duty exemption for first-time buyers,
- and new subsidies linked to education, work-life balance and housing.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Alex Borg announced one of the campaign’s largest economic pledges so far, stating that a Nationalist government would reduce electricity bills by 30% while retaining the current subsidy system.
However, Borg did not explain how the reduction would be financed or implemented, stating that further details would be provided in the coming days.
The Nationalist Party’s latest pledge follows a series of healthcare-focused proposals made earlier in the week, including:
- a new hospital in northern Malta,
- a new hospital in Gozo,
- a €20 million National Health Park at Selmun,
- and free physical and mental health screenings for workers.
The Chamber of Commerce warned that electoral proposals should be evaluated according to feasibility, productivity and their long-term impact on Malta’s economy and labour market. Both major political parties are yet to publish their electoral manifesto.
News Reporter
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