Malta: Economic optimism and peace of mind

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

Malta's economy is doing well, and the people are optimistic about the future. This is in deep contrast to other EU member states. The situation in Malta is not a matter of luck. It is the result of a Labour government, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, that is competent on economic matters and that values social justice, a value that is deeply embedded at the heart of the Labour government. It is also the result of a resilient workforce, skilled and capable of turning challenges into opportunities.

All these results do not happen on their own.  They are the result of hard, continuous work.

ECONOMIC COMPETENCE

An EU-wide survey shows that November in Malta was a positive month for retail sales, with a 4% increase over the same month the previous year. In contrast, across the European Union, growth was only 2%. Growth in Malta was the fourth best among countries in the Eurozone.

Although November is synonymous with Black Friday, it seems that this still did not leave any positive effect in some countries, with Romania having a decrease in sales of 4.6%. Countries that also saw a decrease in sales were Luxembourg, Austria, and Slovakia, while Germany, Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and Estonia saw a small increase of around 1%.

In contrast, Malta, one of the smallest EU member states, stands out for its ever-growing economy and the increasingly positive business sentiment. This is truly remarkable and confirms the Labour government's economic competence.

ECONOMIC OPTIMISM

A European Commission survey in December showed that Malta has the highest level of economic optimism within the EU. Data shows that economic optimism is 21% above the historical average, and is the best observed since this survey was conducted for Malta more than twenty-five years ago. In fact, before last December's result, the record was that of December 2017, which reached 119.4, or 1% less than today's 120.6.

The best sentiment is found among service operators. Most companies in the service sector reporting good activity reached almost 57%, with the number of those expecting further improvement standing at 51%.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

This year, employees will be given three additional days to their leave, which will make up for the public holidays that will fall at the end of the week. These will be added to the 19 days of additional leave that workers in our country have been given since 2021. It was thanks to the Labour government that this happened when it reversed the PN government's decision to deprive workers of their much-deserved leave days. The Lawrence Gonzi administration had decided to deprive Maltese workers of 60 leave days, the equivalent of around two and a half years of leave in sixteen years. In total, over six years, since Robert Abela became Prime Minister, Maltese workers will have enjoyed the equivalent of almost two thousand euros in wages and allowances paid for additional leave days. Labour truly cares.

PEACE OF MIND

From January 26, veterinary services will also be provided during the night. My colleague, Minister Anton Refalo, announced that there will be an emergency clinic available with vets operating between 8:00 pm and 8:00 am, on all days, including Sundays and public holidays. Many people have spoken to us about the need for this service, and the Labour government is now delivering on that. In the event of an emergency during the hours when private clinics are closed, including late at night, pet owners have peace of mind that their pet can be seen, too, and taken care of.

RALLY

Tonight, we meet at the Cottonera Sports Complex to show our appreciation and support to the Prime Minister for his competent leadership in the past 6 years, as we look forward to even better times, under his leadership, in the years to come.

I look forward to see friends, old and new, who come together in support of Prime Minister Abela.  That way, we re-energise our commitment to keep giving our 200% for a better country.

MESC 2026

It's the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Grand Final tomorrow evening in what promises to be a memorable event showcasing Malta's top music talent.

Last week, I visited - along with Keith Chetcuti who is doing sterling work - the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta' Qali as rehearsals were ongoing. It was a pleasure to meet the artists and their teams. They are truly talented and dedicated people.

Earlier this week, we had the semifinals. I congratulate those who made it to the final, and I express my gratitude to all those who took part - their future is bright.

Malta has consistently supported Malta's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, and this Labour government has gone the extra mile. Our support for MESC forms part of a wider strategy to invest in Malta's entire artistic ecosystem. In so doing, we ensure that the festival continues to serve as a platform for creative development.

Our vision is to provide an international platform for every professional involved, helping Maltese talent reach new levels of excellence, as it has done in other sectors, especially in the cultural sector.

Tomorrow's Grand Final shall be hosted by Keane Cutajar, alongside local Eurovision stars Gaia Cauchi and Destiny, who will also take to the stage for special performances. One of the most anticipated moments of this year's edition is the reunion of the Maltese group Scream Daisy, celebrating their legacy in local music. International guest performers Tommy Cash and 2024 Eurovision runner-up Baby Lasagna will also feature. 

No less than 700 people are involved in a way or another in this event. I thank them for their commitment and dedication to ensure that this yearly event is a resounding success, as I am sure that this year's event will be.

I am proud of each and everyone of them.