As Malta enters the New Year 2026, this time calls for deliberation over past events and how lessons learnt might help shape a better future ahead.This reflection is ideally made by everyone, including the Government of the day. For the Labour Government, this is paramount for two different reasons.For a start in 2026 the Labour Party will celebrate thirteen years in government which means that for it to continue to attract most of the electorate votes it needs to reflect on how to continue to rejuvenate and be innovative.Secondly, the Labour Party takes pride in being the party which throughout Maltese history has championed socialist reforms since the early days and has therefore implemented legislation to provide opportunity for the weakest of society.In the time when the local economy has grown exponentially under the same administration, the Labour Party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela, is in a much more challenged position to tackle the weakest links of society.Therefore, it comes naturally that the yardstick with which to calibrate the success or otherwise of the government in power is the capacity of that same government to provide equal footing to everyone in this day and age.If a government, especially one with socialist roots, fails to implement measures of equality, it means that it has failed big time to address what it truly stands for.Looking back at 2025, there is no doubt that the Labour Government has managed to spark courageous debates and fuelled legislative reforms.Bold DebatesThis year was marked with challenging debates which were promised in the Labour Party’s electoral manifesto. Just because they’re difficult, it does not mean they should be dodged aside.The discussion on assisted voluntary euthanasia is a classical example. It attempted to tackle a sensitive subject in an open, mature debate welcoming anyone who wanted to participate.In December 2025, another challenging consultation was launched – the social media reform – which aims at addressing the impact of social media on children’s mental health and wellbeing and to protect minors whilst increasing digital responsibility in a time when the online world grows more daunting.Kudos to Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg for steering such discussions with the maturity they deserved.Another laudable initiative tackles the difficulties of accommodation for victims of domestic violence. Via a collaboration between the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence and the Housing Authority, a new scheme was launched with the aim of offering secure and stable solutions to those undergoing situations of violence.Legislative reforms in 2025, under the direction of Minister of Justice Dr Jonathan Attard, included one of the Labour Party’s electoral pledges which found its way into law in August 2025.“Give a second chance” aims to provide a fresh opportunity to those who, after having served punishments and have shown remorse, seek employment.Yet another reform which was further enhanced in 2025 was the drug reform, which further amended various drug laws including the Drug Dependence Treatment and Imprisonment Act, Chapter 537 of the Laws of Malta.Not to mention the bold step taken by Labour MP Amanda Spiteri Grech in highlighting the plight of what might be a small group of individuals but who surely deserve our full attention. The concept of advancing the right to be forgotten for survivors whose medical battle has ended will remain synonymous with the year 2025.The list goes on, and long may it continue. Equality is not a buzzword to be promoted but should be sought for concretely by different reforms which target various pockets of society.Practicing equality ensures opportunities for all to climb up the social ladder, encourages everyone to seek out their full potential and promotes hard work.The fight for one and all to thrive will be the legacy of the Labour Government in 2025.Lovin Malta is open to interesting, compelling guest posts from third parties. These opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Submit your piece at hello@lovinmalta.com•