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gozotoday | FRIDAY • 1 MAY 2026
NEWS
Gozo at centre of election pledges
on ferry services and infrastructure
GOZO has taken a prominent
place in the 2026 general election
campaign, with several proposals
focused on improving connectiv-
ity between the island and Malta.
Prime Minister Robert Abela
pledged that the Gozo Channel
fleet will increase to five ships
under a Labour government. The
plan includes additional vessels
aimed at strengthening capaci-
ty and improving reliability on
the Malta Gozo route, which re-
mains a lifeline for residents and
businesses.
Labour has also proposed free
Gozo Channel crossings for
Maltese and Gozitan residents
travelling as foot passengers.
The measure is intended to re-
duce travel costs for those who
regularly commute between the
islands for work, education, or
services.
In addition to maritime trans-
port, Abela announced plans for
a new Malta Gozo interconnec-
tor. The project is aimed at re-
inforcing energy supply to Gozo
and improving long term sustain-
ability and resilience.
Futhermore, Abela said the gov-
ernment intends to make Gozo
the first part of the country to
achieve carbon neutrality, backed
by investment in a submarine ca-
ble between the islands.
During the campaign, develop-
ments on the opposition side also
highlighted Gozo's political im-
portance. Nationalist Party lead-
er Alex Borg confirmed he will
contest both the 12th and 13th
electoral districts, both of which
include Gozo.
As campaigning continues,
proposals linked to Gozo's con-
nectivity and infrastructure are
emerging as key issues shaping
the electoral debate.
LAURA CALLEJA
lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt
Prime Minister Robert Abela and PN leader Robert Abela both attended party events on Tuesday evening
