Prime Minister Robert Abela began shaping his new cabinet immediately after Labour secured a record fourth consecutive general election victory on 30 May 2026, with the party leader set to be sworn in on Monday 1 June 2026 as he prepares the government that will take Malta through the next five years. The election returned Labour with 36 seats in the House of Representatives and 51.77% of the popular vote, a reduced majority compared with the 55% share and 44 seats won in 2022, but still a comfortable working majority over the Nationalist Party’s 31 seats. Abela called the snap election a year early, arguing in a televised address that the coming months would be crucial given the international situation and that Malta needed a government focused solely on stability amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its potential impact on inflation, energy prices, and tourism.
In the days following the result, Abela told supporters the outcome was “a win for all Maltese and Gozitans” and pledged to move ahead with the implementation of Labour’s electoral programme, while urging national unity and respectful celebrations. The Prime Minister indicated that the new cabinet would reflect the priorities he campaigned on, including safeguarding energy subsidies, maintaining Malta’s strong economic performance, and steering the country through geopolitical uncertainty. With Malta’s economy growing 4% last year, unemployment effectively at zero, and government debt at 46% of GDP, Abela stressed that stability would remain the hallmark of his administration, telling voters that only his government could continue to provide the stability the country needs.
The cabinet formation process follows the swearing-in of Abela and his ministers, with the Prime Minister expected to retain key figures while introducing changes to address emerging challenges. Labour’s 2026 manifesto focused on a “stronger Malta” and Vision 2050, emphasising quality over quantity in tourism, continued investment in families, workers and pensioners, and competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises. Abela has also highlighted foreign policy, reiterating Malta’s message in favour of de-escalation and dialogue during recent European Council discussions on Ukraine and the Middle East, signalling that external affairs will remain a significant portfolio.
Alex Borg, who became Leader of the Opposition in September 2025, will head a Nationalist parliamentary group that narrowed Labour’s winning margin to 21,721 votes, suggesting the new cabinet will face a more assertive opposition. As Abela assembles his team, the immediate agenda includes the Budget 2026, which the government has themed “A Strong Economy – A Future for our Children”, and advancing reforms discussed with the Venice Commission to strengthen rule of law and institutions. The Prime Minister said the proposals would be tabled in Parliament immediately, underscoring that the new cabinet’s early months will combine continuity in economic management with legislative action to reinforce governance and Malta’s international reputation.
