Abela initiated an early election in April, one year ahead of schedule, due to concerns that the conflict in Iran and subsequent economic impact might reduce support for his administration.
Alex Borg, head of the opposition Nationalists Party, seemed to acknowledge defeat on Sunday, stating the outcome was “not the result we wanted, but it’s a very clear message.”
Abela’s victory was highly anticipated, with pre-election polls indicating his Labour Party in the lead. However, the Labour Party’s majority was evidently smaller than in their previous win in 2022, with approximately 18,000 votes setting the government apart from the opposition.
The election was intensely contested and prompted unexpected involvement from Brussels, as Malta’s EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef, formerly Abela’s chief of staff, made a controversial endorsement of the prime minister during a campaign speech, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola joined Borg at campaign events.
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