Nationalist Party Leader Alex Borg called for a “fresh start” for Malta, saying that the country could “take a fresh breath” if voters choose a new direction at the next general election.
Addressing a mass rally in Mosta, Borg said that the Nationalist Party would “continue working to save everything that is Maltese,” and focus on cost of living, identity and long-term national direction.
The event also included brief remarks from Michael Psaila Debono and Gabriella Farrugia, who spoke about unity within the party and the need to address affordability and opportunities for younger generations.
Borg said the campaign so far had been defined by direct engagement with the public, saying that the PN had met families, workers, pensioners and young people across Malta and Gozo.
He said these conversations consistently highlighted concerns over rising living costs, housing affordability, infrastructure pressure and uncertainty about future prospects.
He described the turnout in Mosta as both a sign of concern and hope, saying it reflected people who still believed Malta could improve.
According to Borg, this belief formed the basis of the PN’s message going into the election campaign.
He criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela over his decision to call an early general election.
Borg said that the move created unnecessary political instability and disrupted governance, saying the country had been pushed into an election campaign a year ahead of schedule for political convenience rather than national need.
He also said the government had failed to fully deliver on previous electoral promises, arguing that Malta was now facing economic pressure, infrastructure strain and social challenges that required a change in direction.
He said trust in institutions had weakened due to repeated unfulfilled commitments.
Throughout his address, Borg repeatedly returned to the experiences of ordinary people.
He said he had met parents worried about their children’s future, young couples unable to afford property, workers struggling with rising costs despite employment, and pensioners concerned about day-to-day expenses.
He also said self-employed workers felt increasingly overlooked by policy decisions.
Borg said that the PN’s approach was based on listening to these realities rather than political messaging.
He said the party’s campaign was not built on fear or division, but on practical solutions aimed at improving quality of life.
He then outlined several policy proposals, including a 30% reduction in electricity bills, cuts to personal and corporate taxation, the removal of inheritance tax, and a five-year income tax exemption for young people entering employment.
He also pledged higher pensions and additional support for first-time buyers, including assistance covering half of mortgage interest payments during the first ten years.
Borg said that these measures form part of a wider economic strategy aimed at developing new economic niches to generate growth while easing pressure on infrastructure and services.
He said the wealth created would be reinvested into families, workers and pensioners.
Population growth and national identity were also key themes, as Borg warned that Malta’s rapid demographic changes were placing pressure on housing, transport and public services.
He said Malta needed a long-term strategy that kept Maltese and Gozitan citizens at the centre of policy-making while ensuring sustainable development.
The PN leader also criticised the government’s record on construction safety, justice delays and Malta’s previous grey listing by international financial bodies.
He referred to past tragedies and systemic failures, arguing that promised reforms had not been fully implemented.
On environmental policy, Borg said the government’s “wellbeing index” had not delivered real improvements in people’s lives.
He said several environmental pledges, including new parks and green spaces, had not materialised.
He contrasted this with the PN’s promise to create genuine public open spaces and national parks across Malta and Gozo.
Borg also described the Nationalist Party as the “underdog” in the current political landscape, urging supporters to remain engaged and confident.
He said the party remained closely connected to public sentiment despite polls and political messaging.
As the speech concluded, Borg repeated his central message: “We will continue working to save everything that is Maltese, because Malta can take a fresh breath,” calling for unity and a renewed direction for the country.
