Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544378
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 APRIL 2026 NEWS Call for Tenders The Secretariat for Catholic Educa on (SfCE) in Malta announces the launch of the following tender: • SfCE 004/2026: Supplies Ͳ Framework Contract for the Supply and maintenance of energy Efficient Laptop devices for educators in Church schools in Malta and Gozo • Deadline: 4th May 2026 • Tender documents may be obtained from the web- site: h ps://church.mt/tenders • Interested bidders must submit their sealed tenders by the indicated deadline, addressed to: Secretariat for Catholic Educa on 36, Idmejda Street, Balzan BZN1520 CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 But, while acknowledging that campaign activity has "ramped up", the minister maintained this has not dis- rupted official duties. However, they also admitted the uncertainty is taking its toll on ministers intending to con- test the election, with longer working hours becoming the norm across the board. "The sooner it comes, the better and hopefully we win and get back to work as nor- mal," the minister said. A second minister argued the prospect of an election has, if anything, accelerated the pace of government work. With a "feeling in the air" that a vote could be called in the coming weeks, they said efforts are underway to push certain projects ahead of schedule. "My focus remains firmly on my ministerial responsibilities, particularly given the sensitiv- ity of the portfolio. Campaign- ing will only begin once an election is officially called," the minister said. The minister acknowledged their stance may appear unu- sual to colleagues and friends. "They'll call me crazy, but that's how I believe we should act," they said. A parliamentary secretary highlighted the continuity of government operations, noting that departments and teams continue to function as nor- mal. They underlined the role of civil servants in implement- ing government policy, sug- gesting any future transition would be straightforward, re- quiring little more than coor- dination between department heads. On the question of whether an election is imminent, they noted that the prime minister's most recent public statements were non-committal, suggest- ing they are designed to "keep his doors open to all possibil- ities". Meanwhile, another Cabinet member said election talk has had little direct impact on their work, noting that most pledges within their remit have already been fulfilled. However, they observed a shift in public be- haviour, with more individu- als coming forward with ideas, proposals, and, inevitably, "re- quests for favours". But not all Cabinet members approached by MaltaToday were convinced an election is imminent as it is being made out to be. A minister expressed scepticism about the likelihood of a general election being held now, despite heightened politi- cal activity and increased mes- saging through billboards and events. While acknowledging the am- biguity in the prime minister's responses, the minister argued that no final decision appears to have been taken. "What appears certain to me is that the prime minister has not yet made up his mind and all this election hype could very well fizzle out suddenly if no date is announced by the 1 May when the party will be holding its traditional Workers' Day mass meeting," the minister said. They added that, should the prime minister opt for an ear- ly election, it is unlikely to be announced over the coming week, particularly in light of remarks Robert Abela made in the media. "If the prime minister said the congress does not auto- matically mean an election is imminent, it makes no sense for him to announce one just a week later; people will obvi- ously ask what has changed in a week to suddenly make the prospect a reality?" Meanwhile, as the election rumours continue, the La- bour Party is leaving nothing to chance and internally it is preparing itself whatever the prime minister may decide. A few weeks ago, MaltaToday reported that the PL election machine was revving up with party strategists meeting regu- larly at the headquarters to lay down a game plan. People privy to the party's internal machinations said the party wanted to be ful- ly prepared to give the prime minister every option to call an election from now until its maximum due date in March next year. Labour Party Deputy Leader Alex Agius Saliba (right) and party President Alex Sciberras announcing the congress that will approve the guidelines of the electoral manifesto GENERAL ELECTION "The sooner it comes, the better, hopefully we win and get back to work as normal" As the election rumours continue, the Labour Party is leaving nothing to chance and internally it is preparing itself whatever the prime minister may decide