Alex Borg launched the Nationalist Party’s electoral programme during the PN General Council, promising sweeping tax cuts, lower utility bills, major investment in healthcare and a “new direction” for Malta under the party’s “Fresh Start” slogan.
Addressing party supporters, Borg said the programme was not simply an electoral programme but “a plan about people’s lives, families and the future of their children.”
The PN leader outlined a programme built around 16 pillars, including the economy, healthcare, education, mobility, governance, tourism, Gozo, the environment and social policy.
Throughout the speech, Borg argued that many Maltese and Gozitan families were struggling with the rising cost of living despite working hard and making sacrifices.
“Too many people are waking up early, working all day and still asking themselves at the end of the month how they are going to cope,” he said.
A central part of Borg’s address focused on easing financial pressures on workers and middle-income families.
He pledged that a PN government would reduce income tax for workers and self-employed people and remove tax on COLA increases, arguing that cost-of-living adjustments should benefit families rather than generate more revenue for the government.
Borg also referred to the party’s proposal to abolish inheritance tax and taxes on donations between family members, saying families should be encouraged to build wealth together rather than face additional burdens.
On utility bills, he promised an average 30% reduction in electricity bills and the removal of electricity meter rental charges. He added that support would also be extended to farmers, fishermen, animal breeders and voluntary organisations.
Healthcare was described as the PN’s “biggest commitment”. Borg pledged investment in four hospitals, including the conversion of the Paola Hub into a 250-bed hospital, the construction of a new hospital in northern Malta and another in Gozo, as well as further investment in Mater Dei Hospital.
He also reiterated plans for a National Health Park in Selmun, saying Malta deserved a healthcare system that “gives hope, not anxiety”.
On education, Borg promised the construction of a new school every year and a 25% increase in student stipends.
He said young people need reassurance that they can build their future in Malta, warning that many were considering leaving the country.
To address housing affordability, Borg referred to the proposed scheme under which first-time buyers would receive a refund of 50% of the interest paid on home loans for 10 years, up to a maximum of €390 per month.
“These are funds that would go directly into their bank accounts,” he said.
Addressing Gozitan residents directly, Borg insisted that Gozo would not be treated as “second place” under his leadership.
He pledged improved connectivity between Malta and Gozo through new ferries, more frequent fast ferry services and more efficient transport links.
On traffic congestion, Borg said thousands of people were wasting hours every day stuck in traffic, losing valuable time with their families. He reiterated the PN’s commitment to introducing a modern mass transport system.
Borg also spoke about population growth and infrastructure pressures, arguing that Malta needs “an organised country” where public services and infrastructure kept pace with development and where economic growth focused on “value, not volume”.
Borg promised pension increases of at least €650 annually on a permanent basis and pledged free family doctor services in elderly people’s homes.
He also addressed environmental concerns, saying the public was “tired of concrete” and overdevelopment. Borg promised more open spaces, gardens and parks in every town and village.
In the closing part of his speech, Borg repeatedly called for renewal and political change, portraying the PN as underdogs fighting against what he described as political propaganda and public frustration.
“The people want to be heard. The people are waiting for new leadership. The people are waiting for new hope. The people are waiting for a fresh start,” he said.
He urged supporters to help the PN spread its message and build “a government that respects and listens”.
Ending the address with a rallying call for “a fresh start”, Borg said Malta needed “new energy, a new generation and new leadership.”
