Betraying Labour’s Roots?
Prime Minister Robert Abela has sparked significant controversy with his announcement that the Maltese Labour government will subsidise private schools to the tune of €27 million over the next five years. The plan, revealed in a Facebook post, aims to alleviate the rising cost of independent school fees, but it has been met with widespread criticism, particularly from those who view it as a betrayal of Labour’s core values.
This decision has raised difficult questions about the government’s priorities, especially given the longstanding underfunding of Malta’s public schools. Many are now questioning whether Labour is losing touch with its socialist roots, as taxpayer money is directed towards institutions perceived to cater to the wealthy elite.
“Labour will subsidise private schools to the tune of €27 million over the next five years.”
A Policy for the Privileged?
In his Facebook post, Abela outlined the rationale behind the subsidies: “In the past weeks, families who send their children to independent schools expressed concern about abnormal increases in fees,” he wrote. “This morning, the Cabinet decided to intervene and assist the thousands of families who send their children to private schools.” He framed the decision as part of the government’s broader efforts to improve the education sector, noting that it follows a recent agreement for better pay for educators in state and Church schools.
Despite these explanations, the public response was overwhelmingly negative, with many questioning why taxpayer money is being used to support families who can already afford private education. One of the most popular comments on the post read, “Sorry, but I disagree. Those who choose not to send their children to government schools make that choice, and it’s their responsibility to bear the cost.” Another commenter added, “Why are we not investing this money into state schools instead? Our public schools are in dire need of funding.”
Private Schools: An Exclusive Domain
The backlash is rooted in a deep-seated perception that private schools in Malta are the preserve of the wealthy. These institutions, while providing high-quality education, are often seen as exclusive, with children from Labour-leaning families forming a small minority. Parents who send their children to these schools face social pressure to maintain a certain image of affluence, from attending parent meetings in designer clothes to driving luxury cars. One commenter expressed this sentiment, saying, “Private schools? All the parents have pools and Jaguars! This isn’t helping middle- or lower-class families. Focus on improving public schools instead.”
Indeed, public frustration is exacerbated by the fact that many of Malta’s public schools are in urgent need of investment. Classrooms are overcrowded, infrastructure is ageing, and resources are stretched thin. Several commenters highlighted the lack of air conditioning in public schools, with one remarking, “How about putting ACs in public schools first before helping the rich keep their kids in private schools?”
Labour’s Socialist Credentials Under Fire
For a party that has traditionally championed working-class families, Labour’s decision to subsidise private schools has been interpreted by many as a contradiction of its core values. The Malta Labour Party has long been associated with improving public services and reducing social inequality. This policy, however, appears to prioritise the needs of the wealthy over the majority of Maltese families who rely on state education.
Comparisons have been drawn with the UK Labour Party, which in its recent manifesto proposed a policy to tax private school fees in order to redistribute wealth and fund public education. While UK Labour aims to level the educational playing field, Malta’s Labour government seems to be moving in the opposite direction, using public funds to support institutions that primarily benefit the affluent.
As one frustrated commenter put it, “I voted Labour because I believed in social justice. This decision shows me that the government no longer stands for that.”
The Dubious Logic of Using Taxpayer Money for Private Education
The crux of the criticism lies in the perceived misuse of taxpayer money. Malta’s public schools are underfunded, yet the government is choosing to divert resources to subsidise private institutions that many believe do not need the help. Moviment Graffitti, a well-known activist group, has also condemned the move, calling it “unjustifiable.” They argue that taxpayer money should be used to improve the public education system rather than to support families who have chosen—and can afford—private education .
Several social media users echoed these concerns. One of the top comments read, “Isn’t it better to invest in public schools and fix the structural issues? This subsidy is a bad idea—those who send their children to private schools made that choice because they can afford it. Public schools should be the priority.”
What’s Next for Labour?
As the controversy continues to unfold, Robert Abela faces growing dissatisfaction from within his own voter base. The immediate public outcry over this subsidy plan underscores a deeper concern about whether Labour is still the party of the working class or if it is increasingly catering to the elite. In the face of such criticism, Abela must now decide whether to recalibrate and refocus on addressing the urgent needs of the public school system. The government will need to navigate this controversy carefully if it wants to regain the trust of that significant share of its core supporters, which it has lost since the last general elections.
