As tensions rise, experience matters

Owen Bonnici (Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.)

The world is once again navigating dangerous waters. The escalating US/Israel war with Iran has sent shockwaves far beyond the immediate region. Global markets have been destabilized, energy security threatened, amid escalating fears of broader conflict.Countries that were an oasis of peace and stability, now find themselves severely impacted. 

The United Arab Emirates, a major economic hub, has faced growing uncertainty. Dubai has been attacked as have been Qatar and Kuwait. Originally the attacks by Iran were meant to focus only on military bases but unfortunately civilian spots were targeted, including airports and high-rise buildings.

Our thoughts are with all the innocent civilians in the Gulf who have lost their lives or have been injured due to the attacks, including children. To the brave people of the Gulf we stand in full solidarity, to their leaders we appeal for restraint and proportionality in the face of the current situation.

The same goes to the people of Jordan and Lebanon who have also directly suffered the consequences of the tensions, the latter because of the condemnable actions of the terrorist group Hezbollah. In many ways Hezbollah made the greatest disservice they could make to the Lebanese people.

We stand in full support in the quest of the courageous people of Jordan and Lebanon for stability and peace in the region. 

Cyprus, an EU member state in our Mediterranean neighbourhood and a country we deeply respect, has not been spared, suffering direct attacks that underscore how quickly instability can spread. 

For Malta, these developments are not abstract headlines. They are stark reminders of how fragile peace and prosperity can be. At such a time, strong leadership is not optional but an absolute must. Malta's safety, social stability, and economic resilience depend on strong and experienced leadership.

Were it not for Malta's neutrality, thanks to the vision of the great statesman Dom Mintoff, Malta could easily have become entangled in the current geopolitical crisis.

Instead, neutrality provided a shield, safeguarding our sovereignty and ensuring that our country would not be drawn into military alliances that compromise its independence. The fact that the last UK military bases left our shores in '79 was a tremendous development which cannot be underestimated in terms of its importance even today.

A few months ago, despite the mounting pressure from the EU and from the local opposition nationalist party, Prime Minister Robert Abela demonstrated responsible leadership by refusing to push Malta toward military involvement. By choosing prudence over populism, Robert Abela demonstrated strong, prudent, and responsible leadership.

The US and Israel military action in Iran, which toppled its leadership, and Iran's retaliation have, at the time of writing, already caused volatility in energy markets. Oil prices fluctuate unpredictably, and supply chains face disruption. Countries heavily dependent on imports are feeling the strain. For Malta, the stakes are clear. Energy costs directly affect households and businesses. Rising prices would place additional burdens on families already navigating global inflationary pressures.

Here again, strong and experienced leadership has proven decisive. The Labour government's commitment to shielding consumers from high energy prices through subsidies was not a short-term populist move; it was a responsible, strategic decision aimed at protecting economic stability. While other European countries saw soaring utility bills and widespread social discontent, Malta maintained stability. Families were spared sudden financial shocks. Businesses retained competitiveness. Jobs were safeguarded. 

This was not the first time that Robert Abela faced upheaval with calm determination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Malta confronted an unprecedented global health crisis. Airports closed, tourism halted, and global uncertainty loomed. Yet the Labour government acted swiftly - implementing wage supplements, supporting businesses, and prioritising public health while protecting livelihoods. Post-pandemic, Malta emerged with one of the strongest economic recoveries in the EU. Our economic growth is ten times that of Europe's powerhouse, Germany, and that is an extraordinary and unprecedented achievement. 

Similarly, when Russia attacked Ukraine, causing huge instability across the European continent, Malta remained strong and steady. The war disrupted food supplies, energy markets, and trade routes. Inflation skyrocketed across the continent. Once again, the Labour government's immediate and highly proactive measures cushioned the impact on Maltese families and enterprises. Stability was not left to chance; it was implemented through strong and decisive governance. 

The current geopolitical crisis demands exactly this type of leadership. The military action in Iran and Iran's drone attacks in the Gulf, Cyprus and elsewhere have underscored how fast regional tensions transform into global repercussions. 

In Parliament, on Monday, Prime Minister Robert Abela delivered a strong and important speech regarding the global situation. He reminded everyone in the House of Representatives and beyond that neutrality does not mean passivity. It means strategic responsibility. It means advocating for peace and ensuring that Malta's voice contributes to de-escalation rather than confrontation. It also means maintaining robust internal resilience socially and economically.

The Prime Minister assured the nation of an "all hands on deck" approach, which is not merely a slogan; it captures the spirit required during such times. In times of upheaval, Malta requires strong and experienced leadership. It requires leadership that understands both the domestic landscape and the broader international context. Past experiences have demonstrated that only Labour can guarantee that. We are tried and tested. 

Malta's economic success over recent years did not happen by accident, nor was it a matter of luck. It was the result of well-thought-out policies that focused on growth, diversification, and social cohesion. The lowest unemployment rate in history, rising wages, and strong public finances are achievements that can never, and should never, be taken for granted. In a world marked by global uncertainty, maintaining these gains demands vigilance.

The Labour government has positioned Malta as a safe country. Investors seek clarity.

Tourists seek stability. Families seek reassurance that their future is secure, and Labour has proved, since 2013, no matter the challenges that we faced, that it can provide on all counts.

There are moments in history when nations must decide whether to react impulsively or to act responsibly. For Malta, the way forward is clear. Our neutrality is not a relic of the past. It is a living principle that protects our nation's present and future.

As the current geopolitical landscape evolves, uncertainty will remain. Energy markets will remain unstable. Trade routes will experience further disruption. Diplomatic tensions will get worse. But our country's resilience lies in its governance, in bold leadership that puts families and businesses first.

Malta is a peaceful nation, with the fastest-growing economy in the Eurozone, but our achievements cannot be taken for granted. Maintaining and strengthening these achievements requires continuity and strong leadership.

Strong leadership means choosing prudence over popularity. It means keeping Malta safe while ensuring further economic success. In times of upheaval, experience matters. Stability matters. The national interest must always come first. 

Today, Malta benefits from leadership that has already weathered storms and emerged stronger. The Robert Abela-led Labour government remains a guarantee of stability for Malta and our families. 

In times of upheaval, one principle endures: Malta's strength lies in strong, and experienced governance, rooted in neutrality, and focused on families and businesses. Strong and experienced leadership matters, now more than ever before.