Speculation on early election continues to mount

Speculation is rife that Prime Minister Robert Abela may announce a November election in his Parliamentary speech on Tuesday evening (today), or that it may happen at a press conference called between today and tomorrow.

People in political and business circles are speculating that the Prime Minister might use his speech this evening, when he will be delivering the traditional reply to the Leader of the Opposition speech on the Budget, made last night in Parliament, to announce his intentions of holding an election on Saturday 27th November.

The election could also be called after his speech in Parliament or later in the week in a press conference at OPM.

Other political sources suggested that the Prime Minister is keeping his cards close to his chest and that it is still hard to call whether he will go for a November election or one next year.

The fact that Pope Francis’ official visit to Malta, scheduled for late November or early December, has been called off, with sources close to Government citing fears of a possible spike in COVID infections and the possibility of an election, has continued to fuel speculation about a November election.

Over the weekend several business representatives have called for an end to this speculation and to have clarity on election day, citing concern that such speculation could have a negative impact on specific business activity.