--- title: "Prime Minister Abela Makes New Pledges, Defends 'Super Bonus' Amid Campaign" date: 2026-05-05T23:00:47.059+00:00 updated: 2026-05-07T02:02:07.182+00:00 topics: ["Politics", "Economy", "National", "Health"] canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-05-05/prime-minister-abela-makes-new-pledges-defends-super-bonus-amid-campaign source: Fil-Qosor --- # Prime Minister Abela Makes New Pledges, Defends 'Super Bonus' Amid Campaign ## In brief - Prime Minister Robert Abela announced new pledges for separated couples and patients travelling abroad. - He defended the proposed €1,000 'super bonus' for workers, stating it is not a vote-buying scheme. - Abela also claimed that 'all forces are against' the Labour Party during the current election campaign. Prime Minister Robert Abela has made several new pledges and statements during recent Labour Party events, including new social support measures and a defence of the government's proposed 'super bonus' for workers. These remarks come as the election campaign intensifies. Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on [Finance Minister Clyde Caruana detailing the 'super bonus'](/article/2026-05-05/finance-minister-details-super-bonus-for-175000-workers-amid-election-pledges-debate). Prime Minister Abela has now insisted that the €1,000 annual 'super bonus' for workers is not a vote-buying scheme, dismissing suggestions that the timing of the announcement, close to an election, implies such intentions. Among the new pledges, Prime Minister Abela announced that separated and divorced individuals will once again qualify as first-time buyers under the 'Our Next Home' scheme. This extension aims to provide additional housing support to these individuals. Additionally, the government will extend its support for patients travelling abroad for medical treatment to also include accompanying adults. This initiative follows a request made by a couple to the Prime Minister during the campaign. During a Labour Party event, Abela also stated that "all forces are against us," echoing a sentiment he expressed during the previous election campaign. This remark suggests a perception of widespread opposition facing the Labour Party. These announcements and statements were made on Tuesday, as political parties continue to present their proposals and engage with the public ahead of the upcoming general election. Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced a new pledge to grant first-time buyer status to separated and divorced couples. This initiative is intended to offer a "fresh start" for individuals who find themselves in these situations. The pledge, reported by The Malta Independent, is part of the Labour Party's ongoing electoral campaign, where various social and economic proposals are being put forward. ## The Spin Room **Low media divide.** The Malta Independent reported on Prime Minister Abela's new pledge regarding first-time buyer status for separated and divorced couples. ## Updates - **2026-05-06:** Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged to grant first-time buyer status to separated and divorced couples. - **2026-05-07:** Updated with reporting from The Malta Independent on proposals for a 'National Business Wallet' and support for young entrepreneurs. ## Sources (7, 4 outlets) - [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/all-forces-are-against-us-abela-insists-at-labour-event/) - [The Malta Independent](https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-05-05/local-news/Abela-pledges-fresh-start-with-first-time-buyer-status-for-separated-divorced-couples-6736289415) - [ONE News](https://one.com.mt/il-pm-jhabbar-li-se-jestendi-l-ghajnuna-ghal-persuna-li-takkumpanja-pazjent-adult-barra-minn-xtutna/) - [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/abela-insists-e1000-worker-super-bonus-is-not-vote-buying/) - [The Malta Independent](https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-05-06/local-news/Abela-promises-new-National-Business-Wallet-alongside-start-up-support-for-young-entrepreneurs-6736289458) - [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/robert-abela-says-government-will-cover-companions-for-adults-seeking-treatment-abroad/) - [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/robert-abela-says-separated-couples-to-qualify-again-as-first-time-buyers-under-new-scheme/) ## More stories - [Alex Borg Engages with Voters and Proposes New Economic Sectors](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-05-06/alex-borg-campaigns-proposes-economic-sectors) (2026-05-06) - [Political Parties Continue Election Pledges Despite Business Community Warnings](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-05-03/political-parties-continue-election-pledges-despite-business-community-warnings) (2026-05-03) - [Election Campaign: Labour Pledges Wellbeing Boost, First Poll Shows Lead](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-05-03/election-campaign-labour-pledges-wellbeing-boost-first-poll-shows-lead) (2026-05-03) --- Generated and reviewed by AI; verify critical facts with the primary sources. 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