Robert Abela

Biography

Biography pending editorial review.

Proposals

• Tax-free property gifts to children up to €1m

  Housing

  A re-elected Labour government would allow parents to transfer property worth up to €1 million to their children free of stamp duty, provided the property becomes the child’s primary residence.

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• 50% VAT refund for parents demolishing homes to build units for children

  Economy

  Parents who demolish their home to develop separate units for their children would be entitled to a 50% VAT refund on the construction costs.

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• Retain primary residence status for family homes when elderly move to care homes

  Housing

  The original family home would retain its primary residence status even if an elderly relative moves to a care home and changes their residential address.

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• Deferral of succession tax for secondary inherited properties

  Economy

  Those who inherit a secondary property but do not move into it would face the existing 5% succession tax rate, but would be allowed to defer payment, interest-free, for up to seven years or until the property is sold.

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• Exemption from succession tax for heirs living in inherited property

  Economy

  Heirs who choose to live in any inherited property, including secondary properties, as their primary residence would pay no succession tax at all.

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• Free channel crossings for pedestrians between Malta and Gozo

  Transport

  Maltese and Gozitans crossing the channel without a car will be able to do so free of charge.

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• Increase fast ferry services and introduce Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo route

  Transport

  Connectivity will improve through more fast ferry services, including a new Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo route.

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• Increase support scheme for Gozitans commuting to Malta to €800 annually

  Gozo

  The existing support scheme for Gozitans commuting to Malta for studies or work will be raised to €800 annually.

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• Extend Tallinja on Demand service to Gozo

  Transport

  The Tallinja on Demand service will be extended to Gozo, complementing investment in a new, fully electric bus fleet for the island.

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• Introduce an air taxi service between Malta and Gozo

  Transport

  Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that an air taxi service will be introduced between Malta and Gozo to improve connectivity.

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• Invest €130 million in Gozo Channel services

  Infrastructure

  The Labour Party pledges a €130 million investment in Gozo Channel services, including its freight services.

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• Modernise all Gozitan schools

  Education

  The Labour government will modernise all Gozitan schools to provide the best environments for students to excel.

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• Develop an arts, design and creativity centre for artists in Gozo

  Culture

  The Labour Party pledges to empower Gozitan identity by developing an arts, design and creativity centre for artists in Gozo.

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• Provide a €1,000 grant for Gozitan businesses that invest in employee reskilling or upskilling

  Gozo

  A grant worth €1,000 per worker will be provided for Gozitan businesses that invest in the reskilling or upskilling of their employees.

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• Introduce a new pharmacy with robotics for chemotherapy and monotherapy services in Gozo

  Health

  A new pharmacy armed with robotics will be introduced in Gozo to provide chemotherapy and monotherapy services, slated for construction at the Gozo General Hospital.

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• Direct all Gozo eco-contributions to beautification projects on the island

  Gozo

  All eco-contributions collected from Gozo will remain in Gozo and will be directed towards beautification projects across the island.

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• Install a new interconnector between Malta and Gozo

  Infrastructure

  To guarantee secure electricity distribution for Gozitans, the Labour Party plans on installing an interconnector between Malta and Gozo, worth €45 million.

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• Invest in Mġarr port and develop new transport network node in Marsalforn

  Transport

  The Labour Party pledges to invest in the Mġarr port and to develop a new transport network node in Marsalforn.

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• Lower social security tax rate for self-employed with tax grant

  Economy

  Self-employed individuals will see a lower social security tax rate at 10% (from 15%). They will still pay 15% but receive a tax grant of 5% back, amounting to between €627 and €1,428.

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• Introduce 175% tax credit on research and innovation spending

  Economy

  A 175% tax credit on research and innovation spending will be introduced for all businesses. Additionally, the depreciation rate for investments in AI, digitalization, automation, and cybersecurity will be accelerated over two years.

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• Launch a new e-residency scheme

  Economy

  A new e-residency scheme will allow foreign entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads to digitally set up a company in Malta, carry out administrative obligations online, access digital services, and use Malta as a regulated base in the EU.

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• Establish a new e-sports centre

  Sports

  A new e-sports centre will be proposed to provide facilities for gaming, tournaments, and other competitive sports.

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• Provide up to €300,000 for restaurant product improvement

  Economy

  Restaurants will be given up to €300,000 to better their products and customer experience. This includes a tax credit on renovation to offer higher quality services.

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• Create 1,300 new jobs in e-sports and iGaming

  Economy

  A Labour government will create over 1,300 new jobs in the e-sports and iGaming industry, aiming for a 10% increase in careers for Gozitan and Maltese workers. This includes a €60 million investment in the gaming industry.

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• Implement a cash rebate scheme for local artists

  Economy

  A cash rebate scheme for the creative sector will allow local artists to benefit from a 10% reimbursement on their costs, up to a maximum of €50,000.

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• Provide 60% tax credit on digitalization and AI investments

  Economy

  A tax credit of 60% will be given on investments made by negotiations and companies in digitalization, automation, and AI. The budget will be revised to ensure continued investment in these companies.

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