Maltese Prime Minister Calls Early Parliamentary Elections Amid West Asia Crisis

MOSCOW, April 28 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela announced snap parliamentary elections in the country amid the crisis caused by the conflict in West Asia, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

"In light of the current global realities and challenges ahead, our country needs a renewed mandate to move forward with stability. I will be recommending to H.E. President Myriam Spiteri Debono the dissolution of Parliament for a general election on May 30," Abela wrote on X on Monday.

The decision comes amid what Abela described as an "extraordinary international situation", with particular concern over heightened focus on energy issues stemming from the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Malta Independent newspaper reported, citing the prime minister’s televised address.

Abela warned that disruptions in the supplies of oil, gas, petrol and diesel could become a long-term reality rather than a temporary crisis, adding that such developments are already shaping a new global landscape, with several countries facing potential energy constraints, rising fuel costs and higher utility bills.

Electricity, water, and fuel prices would remain stable, with €250 million (US$292 million) in government savings allocated to support households and businesses, the prime minister added.

Following Abela's address, Debono signed the decree dissolving the parliament in Abela’s presence at the presidential palace, the Malta Independent reported. The election campaign will run for the minimum period required by law, which is 33 days.

Abela’s Labour Party remains ahead in opinion polls, although its lead has narrowed compared with the margins it has maintained over the past 13 years, the newspaper reported.

On Feb 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in West Asia. On April 7, Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire.

The escalation has nearly halted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the delivery of oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets, driving up fuel prices.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI