Malta’s ruling party keeps power in tight election win

Malta’s Labour Party has secured its fourth straight election victory, but this time with a smaller lead than before. Prime Minister Robert Abela called it a win for everyone, saying voters backed his party’s plans for the country. Still, the margin dropped compared to 2022, when Labour won more than half of all votes. Voters turned out in big numbers—87. 4%—slightly higher than the last election. The opposition Nationalist Party lost again but managed to shrink Labour’s majority. Their leader admitted defeat but argued that people aren’t feeling the benefits of economic growth.Labour focused on steady leadership and economic success, while the opposition pointed to rising living costs. Abela, who took over in 2020, will return for another term after being sworn in. The win keeps the same party in charge, but the closer-than-usual result shows growing public frustration. Some wonder if the smaller victory means voters are getting tired of one party staying too long. Others argue economic progress hasn’t reached everyone equally. Either way, Labour now has another chance to prove its promises.