The Nationalist Party remained coy regarding Leader Adrian Delia’s key proposals and vision for the future, while highlighting a positive performance in a ‘busy’ year for the parliamentary group.
It has been almost a year since Delia’s successful bid for the leadership and critics have long questioned the party’s current direction under his proposed ‘new way’. Despite his strong rhetoric when it comes to ‘the influx of foreigners’, Delia has remained noticeably silent on actual proposals involving some key sectors.
The Malta Independent on Sunday sent a number of questions to the PN, asking for a breakdown of the work carried out by the parliamentary group under Delia’s stewardship. It specifically asked for details of Delia’s current vision for the party and for an example of at least one proposal for a number of key sectors in Malta, namely, infrastructure, traffic, education, the environment, financial services, iGaming, investment, social welfare and stability.
As far as specific policy formulation goes, a spokesperson was wary of letting too may cats out of the bag so long before an election and instead issued a one-sentence reply, saying: “Regarding policies, the party holds regular strategy meetings and works on proposals for various sectors, including traffic management and the environment.”
Good Samaritan Private Members Bill and SLAPP
This newsroom was told that it was a strong year for the PN within parliament, with a spokesperson explaining that the party had presented a number of amendments and proposals, namely the Good Samaritan Private Members Bill and the anti-SLAPP legislation.
The former, spearheaded by MP Claudio Grech, will introduce protection to the providers of first aid who, at present, could be found liable to prosecution, should they cause further injury to an injured person. The Bill is currently in its second reading, with the government agreeing with the proposal in principle, yet finding issues with the wording used.
The anti-SLAPP amendment, which was proposed after the second reading of the now approved Media and Defamation Bill, was rejected by the government following the legal advice of four experts. This has been contested, with both parties presenting conflicting opinions on the ruling of EU Commissioner Vera Jourova on the matter
Seven more parliamentary motions to be tabled in Parliament
The spokesperson also pointed to parliamentary motions in respect of the European Parliament’s report regarding money laundering, the land at Zonqor and the sale of the concession – originally granted to Vitals Global Healthcare – to Steward Healthcare Malta, on which Delia has initiated a court case.
The PN Leader has also recently filed a constitutional case for the full publication of the entire Egrant inquiry.
A motion was also presented by MP Chris Said concerning an independent investigation into the claims made by assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. He said that seven more would be discussed, once Parliament reconvenes.
“The Parliamentary Group has also presented a number of important amendments, namely regarding the protection of embryos, the infrastructure agency and the scrutiny of authorities,” he said.
The PN, it was said, found itself in agreement with the government on issues such as bitcoin and immigration, which includes the government’s decision to block NGO vessels from entering or exiting Maltese ports, while on others – such as the issue surrounding the Majjistral Park – the Opposition managed to bring the government into an agreement.
It also said that it has worked to pressure the government to change its stance and direction on issues such as the land at Bulebel and water and electricity bills from ARMS.
The party has also been involved with the National Conference against Corruption in Sport and has submitted 80 proposals as part of a document on local council reform.