Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday evening called a snap general election, citing a need for “stability” amid geopolitical turmoil.

The vote will take place on May 30, nine months before the end of the prime minister’s term.

“In light of the current global realities and challenges ahead, our country needs a renewed mandate to move forward with stability. I will be recommending to H.E. President Myriam Spiteri Debono the dissolution of Parliament for a general election on May 30,” Abela wrote on X.

In a separate speech Monday, Abela quickly shifted into campaign mode and said his party would bring security by delivering “ambitious but sustainable” plans for Malta’s future and promised his government would focus “on your wellbeing,” according to local media.

Leader of the center-right Nationalist Party, Alex Borg, responded in a Facebook video telling supporters that “we are ready” for an early election. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is a high-profile member of the Nationalist Party.

Abela has been prime minister since 2020, and his Labour Party has been in power since 2013. Labour is currently leading the opposition Nationalist Party by a narrow margin according to recent polls.