Prime Minister Robert Abela used his address to the Socialist International gathering in Malta to argue that his administration's record demonstrates the continuing viability of centre-left governance grounded in economic competence and broad-based appeal.
Speaking before delegates from numerous socialist and social-democratic parties, he maintained that electoral success for the left depends on reconnecting with diverse constituencies while presenting a disciplined approach to economic management.
Abela asserted that the economy remains the decisive factor in political competition and framed Malta's performance as evidence that progressive policy can coexist with sustained growth. He outlined the principal elements of the 2026 Budget, describing the €420 million package as a balanced mix of social support and forward-looking investment. The measures include substantial tax reductions for parents, expanded social programmes, targeted business incentives, and a significant allocation for artificial intelligence.
According to Abela, these initiatives reflect a coherent vision of social justice, economic opportunity, and preparedness for technological change.
He highlighted policies such as free childcare, free public transport and pension tax removal as examples of reforms that other countries debate but rarely implement. These, he argued, illustrate the value of combining social ambition with economic prudence.
Abela warned, however, that progressive parties risk marginalisation if they retreat into narrow constituencies, insisting that broad coalitions are essential for achieving durable reform. Citing the writings of Jean Jaurès, he stressed that major change requires majorities rather than sectional politics.
Abela contrasted his approach with what he characterised as right-wing reliance on trickle-down assumptions, asserting that Malta and Spain under Pedro Sánchez have both shown that growth can be pursued in a manner that directly benefits working people.
He linked this domestic record with a foreign policy he described as grounded in active neutrality. Malta, he said, seeks mediation and de-escalation, particularly in the Mediterranean region, and its recognition of Palestinian statehood forms part of a consistent commitment to peace.
He also pointed to advances in civil liberties, including marriage equality, constitutional protections against discrimination and the prohibition of conversion practices, as examples of progressive values translated into national standards. These, he suggested, demonstrate that sustained collaboration can deliver structural improvements in rights and inclusion.
Concluding, Abela urged centre-left parties to reinforce cooperation as they confront a resurgent global right. He called for politics that remain accessible to broad populations rather than driven by populist impulses, and encouraged delegates to recommit to collective learning and shared leadership within the Socialist International.