Labour and Nationalist Parties Detail Election Promises and Campaign Activities

2026-05-04T11:02:42.348+00:00 · Updated 2026-05-04T14:01:52.495+00:00

As the general election campaign intensifies, both the Labour Party (PL) and the Nationalist Party (PN) have unveiled key proposals, building on earlier reports about the active campaign and opening of nominations. The leaders of both parties also addressed supporters at various events over the weekend, outlining their visions for the country.

The Labour Party, led by Robert Abela, has put forward several economic pledges. Among these are a commitment to provide a €1,000 bonus for all workers and a reduction in corporate tax rates. During a campaign event, Abela also cautioned party members and supporters against complacency and overconfidence, urging them to remain focused on their efforts.

On the other hand, the Nationalist Party, under Bernard Grech, detailed its plans to address energy costs. The party proposed a 30% reduction in energy bills, which it stated would be achieved by removing meter rental charges. Additionally, the PN announced a proposal for a 24-hour animal hospital, a pledge highlighted during an activity in Buskett attended by party officials and supporters, including Sarah Bajada.

The Nationalist Party also held a mass meeting in Siġġiewi on Sunday, bringing together supporters as part of its ongoing campaign efforts.

Meanwhile, ADPD – The Green Party also continued its campaign, explaining its slogan ‘ilkoll’ (all of us), which signifies a belief that collective action leads to better outcomes.

The campaign period continues to see parties present their policy platforms and engage with the public ahead of the upcoming election.

As the general election campaign enters its second week, both the Labour and Nationalist parties have continued to unveil and elaborate on their proposals. The distribution of voting documents is also set to begin tomorrow, May 5.

Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg defended his party's health sector proposals, describing them as an "unprecedented investment." He did not directly state whether these plans would increase the national debt.

Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Robert Abela reaffirmed the government's commitment to the quarter-mile motorsport facility. He stated that work is proceeding with "acceleration" and promised a high-calibre venue capable of attracting international competitions.

In a separate development, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana pledged new tax cuts, specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He proposed lowering the tax rate from 35% to 25% for businesses with a turnover under €1 million. This pledge comes amidst concerns from the Chamber of Commerce that the ongoing "supermarket-styled election campaign" risks compromising public finances. The Maltese Herald also criticised the Labour Party's economic approach, labelling it "Fantasy Economics."

The Nationalist Party's recent press conference detailing its pledge to reduce electricity bills by 30% was described by The Maltese Herald as "underwhelming". The independent outlet noted that the proposed measures, explained by Opposition Leader Alex Borg and Energy spokesperson Mark Anthony Sanmut, did not include macro-economic reforms or new systematic energy plans. The PN also proposed an 'Eco-Reduction' for singles on energy bills, aiming to make costs fairer given changing lifestyles, and promised to deliver lower bills directly without bureaucracy.

In response, Labour Party spokesperson Miriam Dalli criticised the Nationalist Party's energy proposals, calling them "flawed" and "unrealistic". In a statement backed by the Labour Party, Dalli highlighted what she described as "basic errors" in the Opposition's calculations, particularly concerning projected savings.

Separately, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana provided further details on the Labour Party's proposal for a €1,000 annual payment for workers. Caruana explained that this measure is intended to directly support workers while continuing to reduce their tax burden.