Election Campaign: Labour Pledges Wellbeing Boost, First Poll Shows Lead

2026-05-03T02:00:50.871+00:00 · Updated 2026-05-04T08:02:56.591+00:00

As the general election campaign intensifies, Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged that a re-elected Labour government would increase the country's wellbeing by 25%. This increase would be measured by a new metric the party plans to introduce.

Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on the Malta Chamber's call for leaders to avoid populist promises. Newsbook noted that despite this plea, Prime Minister Abela's speech on Saturday evening focused on how specific proposals would benefit individuals.

Meanwhile, the first opinion poll of the 2026 general election campaign indicates a clear lead for the Labour Party over the Nationalist Party. The survey, conducted by Sagalytics between April 23 and 29, 2026, also found a significant number of undecided voters who could still influence the final outcome.

On the campaign trail in Gozo, Nationalist Party candidate Alex Borg addressed concerns about his youth. He argued that the "energy of youth" would be an asset if he were elected.

Separately, the Momentum party launched three anti-corruption proposals on Saturday. Notably, the party suggested that political favours, often seen as part of Maltese electoral campaigns, should become a criminal offence. Momentum stated its aim is to change a system it believes is designed to benefit those in power.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce has urged political parties to exercise restraint following a hectic first week of the election campaign. The Chamber noted that both major parties are unveiling a wave of costly electoral pledges, which it described as increasingly resembling a 'supermarket-style bidding war' for votes, according to The Maltese Herald.

Separately, ADPD – The Green Party has also urged caution regarding election promises, particularly those concerning hospitals. ADPD chairperson Sandra Gauci called for 'in-depth thinking and planning' that involves healthcare professionals at all levels, as reported by Times of Malta.

These statements from civil society and a smaller political party highlight concerns about the sustainability and planning behind the pledges being made by the main political parties as the 2026 general election approaches.

Momentum, a political party, has officially launched three anti-corruption proposals. These proposals build on earlier statements regarding their anti-corruption stance, which were previously reported by Fil-Qosor.

Among the key proposals is a call for harsher penalties for those found guilty of soliciting or engaging in political favouritism. This aims to strengthen the legal framework against practices where individuals seek or grant undue advantages based on political connections.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has expanded on the Labour Party's proposals, focusing on initiatives to improve national well-being and the overall quality of life for all citizens. These statements build upon earlier pledges made by the party.

The Malta Independent reported that the Labour Party is developing a broader narrative centred on quality of life as the general election campaign progresses.

State broadcaster TVM News also covered the Prime Minister's announcements, confirming the emphasis on measures intended to enhance the quality of life across the country.

The general election campaign continues with both major parties announcing new proposals.

Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg, speaking at a rally in Bormla, unveiled a key proposal to reduce energy bills by 30%. This pledge was reported by Newsbook.

Separately, Prime Minister Robert Abela, addressing a Labour Party rally in Naxxar, detailed plans for increases in child allowances and in-work benefits. Newsbook also covered these announcements.

The Shift News observed the current election season, characterising it by both parties making numerous promises to voters.