“Constitutional reform must be open to all sectors of society and not only to lawyers; thats the most important point. That’s whats happening at the moment and that’s what should keep on happening.”

Throughout his campaign, Abela has highlighted how his work experience as a lawyer will be of benefit to him as Prime Minister, arguing that the country needs a legal mind to steer it through upcoming debate and reforms.

And while Fearne has repeatedly stressed his experience as Health Minister and deputy Prime Minister (in his words Joseph Muscat’s co-pilot), Abela last night noted that his role as Cabinet’s legal consultant meant that he had an oversight of every single ministry.

Both Prime Minister hopefuls agreed with the need to reform the Constitution, with Abela arguing that it is around 60 years old now and that it must be updated to include concepts such as balanced representation in Parliament.

Meanwhile, Fearne said that any constitutional reform shouldn’t come at the cost of Maltese culture and beliefs, recounting how he had last year intervened to revoke a circular which would have removed crucifixes and religious symbols from public health centres.

“We respect people who move to Malta but they must respect our culture,” he said. “I don’t want constitutional reform that doesn’t allow us to respect our culture openly and publicly.”