Nationalist MP Chris Said has pledged to commission a socio-economic study of the Maltese society if he is elected leader of the Nationalist Party. He believes that the Nationalist Party has been relegated to a passive spectator which is there only to react, saying he intends to change things around.

Addressing a press conference in Valletta early this morning, the PN leader hopeful said that the study will focus on the sociological changes affecting Maltese society. The study will focus on family and how different types of families are emerging. It will also focus on the impact of immigration on society, work and quality of life. He also mentioned the importance of good leadership, effective communication and education.

Said explained that the study will be a micro, macro study. He is also committing to setting up a think-tank made up of youths and professionals.

"I want the Nationalist Party to become an agent of change, not a spectator," he told journalists. "We need to observe the socio-economic changes around us so that we can then base our policies on such knowledge."

"Unfortunately, the PN has not fully understood the changes in society, even if for many years we were the catalysts for change. We need to be a step ahead. For many years, we have not been pro-active; we would either react too late, or react badly."

Questioned by journalists, Chris Said commented on the bot attack on a Malta Independent online poll over the PN leadership contest. He said that the poll could have been altered by some 'over-enthusiastic individuals' who repeatedly clicked on the online poll voting for Said.

On Daphne Caruana Galizia, Said said that she should be treated like any other independent journalist.