Malta General Election: Ruling Labour Party Announces Record 4th Consecutive Win

VALLETTA, Malta (CNA) - Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela announced today that the Labour Party he leads has broken records by winning the parliamentary election for the fourth consecutive time. According to Reuters, Abela told reporters, "Based on the plan we presented for all the people, this is a victory for everyone," adding that the results show the Labour Party has "won a firm mandate from the people." He urged, "Let us maintain the spirit of national unity and move the country forward together." Reporters tracking the vote count indicated that the Labour Party successfully secured a parliamentary majority, but the advantage appears to have narrowed compared to 2022, when the party won 55% of the vote. Charles Bonello, secretary-general of the opposition Nationalist Party, admitted defeat in an interview with state television TVM but stated that the Nationalist Party had succeeded in narrowing the Labour Party's majority. The election was held yesterday with a turnout of 87.4%, slightly higher than the previous election in 2022. The Labour Party campaigned on a strong economy, governing experience, and credibility, while the Nationalist Party argued that despite continued economic growth in the smallest EU member state, the quality of life for citizens has declined. Abela succeeded Joseph Muscat as Labour Party leader in 2020. He is expected to be sworn in tomorrow morning.