Malta's Labour claims victory in parliamentary election

FILE PHOTO: Malta's Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party Robert Abela addresses supporters after calling general election on March 26, at a political rally in Floriana, Malta February 20, 2022. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi/File Photo

VALLETTA (Reuters) -Malta's ruling Labour Party claimed victory on Sunday in the Mediterranean island nation's parliamentary election, its third successive win, and the main centre-right opposition Nationalist Party conceded defeat.

The centre-left Labour Party had been helped during campaigning for Saturday's election by a strong economy and its management of the COVID-19 crisis, in which state handouts provided support for businesses and consumers.