Robert Abela was born in Sliema on 7 December 1977. He received his primary education at St Francis School and attended St Aloysius’ College for his secondary education and sixth form. He graduated as a lawyer from the University of Malta in 2002.
Dr Abela worked in the family law firm and has acted as the legal consultant of various organisations including public entities and trade unions.
He was elected as Member of Parliament in June 2017 and was appointed as legal adviser to the Cabinet of Ministers.
On 13 January 2020, he took office as the 14th Prime Minister of Malta after being elected as Party Leader by the members of Partit Laburista.
Whilst steering the country through a global pandemic, Dr Abela presented his vision for Malta’s future built on five pillars: quality of life, infrastructure, education, environment, and good governance.
Despite the challenges and difficulties presented by the pandemic, the government led by Robert Abela continued to reap successful economic results which led to the country’s lowest unemployment rate in history, whilst in parallel, implementing unprecedented reforms in good governance and rule of law. Dr Abela even relinquished the Prime Minister’s powers such as when appointing officials to key posts such as the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and Police Commissioner, to further strengthen democracy and the institutions that deliver it: a first for a Maltese Prime Minister.
Dr Abela took office once again on 28 March 2022 after confirming victory in the General Election of 26 March 2022, which saw Partit Laburista secure the largest electoral majority in Malta’s history. During the first 100 days of the new legislature, the Government led by Dr Abela introduced landmark reforms to the IVF framework.
Despite significant international challenges, including economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability, the Government continued to take decisive action to safeguard families, businesses and jobs, while maintaining strong economic growth. As a result, Malta emerged as the strongest-performing economy in Europe.
Dr Abela also launched Malta Vision 2050, the country’s first comprehensive long-term plan. This Vision sets out an ambitious and transformative national plan that addresses the needs and aspirations of today, as well as those of tomorrow.
During this legislature, Manoel Island, Fort Tigné and White Rocks, were returned to the people marking a significant step towards increasing public access and preserving Malta’s heritage for future generations.
Dr Abela took office once again on 1 June 2026 following the Labour Party’s victory in the General Election of 30 May 2026, securing a historic fourth consecutive mandate.
Dr Abela is married to Lydia, nee’ Zerafa, also a lawyer, and they have a daughter Giorgia Mae.
