When the Nationalist Party was elected to government in May 1987, Malta was in a really bad state – infrastructurally, economically and socially.

Today, thanks to the vision and work carried out by various Nationalist governments over the years, Malta has regained stability in every sense: full democracy, a modern infrastructure, a better quality of life, new opportunities in various fields and we are also benefiting from a better standard of living.

After being elected in four of the last five elections, the PN government changed Malta and led the country to the most important political development since independence – joining the European Union.

The establishment of local councils in Malta in 1993 was one of the main targets met by the PN in government and an important part of the change Malta experienced. By introducing local councils, the Nationalist government gave the right to the Maltese people to choose, for the first time ever, how and by whom our localities are governed.

During the last 12 years of local government, we have seen the substantial enhancement of our localities, where the environment has been given priority, and we are now benefiting from a better quality of life. Local councils have also introduced new services in our localities for the benefit of all.

The introduction of local councils means that we are now experiencing what the principle of subsidiarity really means. The central government does not have the power over everything that it had during successive Labour governments. In the past, even a street lamp was changed or repaired according to the whims of central government. Nowadays we are benefiting from a better and quicker service by the local councils.

The PN expressed its belief in local councils right from the start. On the contrary, the MLP was completely against the introduction of local councils. It chose to recognise them and to participate in local elections for convenience, because it felt it would have been at a political disadvantage had it not done so, and not because it really believed in local councils.

This was confirmed during the short period the MLP was in government between 1996 and 1998, when the funding for local councils was substantially reduced.

Even today, the MLP looks at local councils as a tool which can help it gain power at national level. Labour councillors, especially where the MLP has a majority, act according to the instructions of their party and Labour local committees because that is most important – not the locality’s interests.

On the other hand, PN councillors are free to act in the best interests of the locality they represent, whether they are in a majority or a minority, according to the Nationalist Party’s principles.

The PN continuously shows its belief in local councils by exercising the devolution process. This is confirmed by the new responsibilities and powers passed on to local councils – public property which can be better used by local councils for the benefit of the community and locality, the administration of public libraries, the installation of bus shelters, the administration of commercial licences and electronic services to give a better service to residents and the public at large.

Today,local councils are the focal point for the use of the internet and offer the same opportunities to everyone in the use of information technology. Councils also offer basic computer courses, free of charge.

Now that Malta is an EU member, Maltese local councils can voice their opinions in Europe through their representatives on the Committee for Regions within the EU and can benefit from European Union funds, both on their own or together with other European towns and cities, and invest in a better environment and in the educational and social sectors.

This broad change which the PN in government has managed to bring to our country, with the introduction of local councils and information technology, is still ongoing, not only in these two sectors but also in various others. This is happening because the PN really believes that we need to continuously renovate our country for the benefit of us all.

When I look back at the changes the PN government has made in the country since 1987, I cannot but think of other times which were very different, when the computer was not only a luxury but definitely not part of our lives, and everything depended on the government.

I also remember the time when the PN fixed an electronic broadcaster at the PN club in Valletta, to broadcast the news. This was targeted by the then Labour government and was forcefully removed.

When the electronic board was reinstalled by court order, the PN club in Valletta was the target of political violence, was broken into and totally vandalised and burnt.

On the contrary, the PN has always looked forward with a clear vision of development, and a better quality of life for Malta and all the Maltese people. Today, we find the webphones in our streets and access to every type of technology without any obstacles.

It’s true – what a big change the PN has managed to make in government for Malta and the Maltese people.

Joe Spiteri, currently deputy mayor of Valletta, is a PN candidate for the Valletta local council