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1. He always finds time for physical exercise

The video starts with a clip of Abela working out a gym and doing a variety of exercises, from benchpresses and pull-ups to weightlifting and cardio.

“The biggest benefit of physical exercise is that it helps you keep a clear mind, and allows you to face your daily problems much better,” he explains.

2. He wears a bracelet to commemorate mental health

Abela can be seen wearing a green bracelet, which he said was given to him by psychiatrist Marija Axiak to serve as a constant reminder on the importance of focusing on mental health issues.

“She told me not to remove it and I gave her my word that I won’t. I would be lying if I had to say I wasn’t worried about the state of mental health in Malta.”

3. He likes driving

Although he has a personal chauffeur, Abela said he loves driving himself and always tries to drive during the weekend.

“People stop and wave at me and I wave back. People constantly tell me not to drive but I already gave up too many things and I’m not ready to give it up.”

4. His yacht is currently on land

Although the weather has become sunnier, Abela said he is resisting the temptation of hopping onto his private yacht until the end of the election campaign.

“I want to focus 1000% on the campaign. It’s a hobby of mine though, which is why I understand hobbies like trapping and hunting. Take a hobby away from a person and you remove their reason for living.”

5. Lydia Abela doesn’t know how to cook

The video shows Abela cooking a light meal of chicken breast and vegetables at the Castille kitchen, something he said is a regular feature of his life.

“I always cook. Lydia is good at many things but she has always left cooking in my hands,”

6. And he organises ‘Kitchen Cabinet’ meetings in an actual kitchen

Abela said he often invites ministers and other officials to meetings in the kitchen, which he jokingly described as “Kitchen Cabinet” meetings.

“At first they’ll be a bit uncomfortable but they get used to me. Sometimes they enter with some food and water and see me cooking.”

7. He likes taking coffee breaks between events

Describing it as a “superstition” of his, Abela said he likes taking coffee breaks between events to organise his thoughts.

“I like spending five minutes by myself in silence.”

8. He never got a ’90’ at school

During a video call with his daughter Giorgia Mae, Abela praises her for getting a ’90’ mark in a recent exam.

“That’s a very good mark. I never got a 90 during my studies.”

9. He prefers shorts over suits

At the end of the video, Abela confirms that he prefers wearing shorts to suits.

“I wear suits because I have to, but ideally I would work in shorts or jeans.”

While insights into the personal lives of politicians can help people understand what makes their leaders tick, Abela should also provide the public an update into his thoughts about the magisterial inquiry.

After undermining its findings and the credibility of magistrate Gabriella Vella before he even (by his own admission) read the inquiry, the public deserves an update on the Prime Minister’s thoughts.

Magistrate Vella found that key players in the Vitals-Steward deal are estimated to have received an eye-watering €60 million in state funds.

Although everyone must be considered innocent until proven guilty, the public needs reassurance that the Prime Minister is on their side in terms of ensuring that justice is done.

Did you watch Robert Abela’s new video?