PN Leader Adrian Delia has appealed to nationalists to discard the mentality of “us and them” and the politics of hate and division, saying that these only helped the party’s political adversaries.
Speaking a day after he was confirmed as party leader in a confidence vote, Delia also appealed for an end to personal attacks on social media, saying there were others ways of arguing and showing disagreement.
Speaking about Saturday’s extraordinary general council, during which two thirds of councillors voted for Delia to stay, the PN leader said this was not a success for him personally but rather for the party.
“We have to do away with the mentality of yes and no, of us and them. That only benefits our political adversaries,” he said.
Delia referred to the party reform, which is being led by PN veteran Louis Galea. He said the party has issued a call for talent and is inviting people from all walks of life to be part of the change that the part y needs.
“We want people to engage in dialogue. We don’t want to shut up those who do not agree with us. We need team work. That is the only way we can win.” Delia said, however, that certain decisions need to be taken, as difficult as they may be.
He said that those who voted no on Saturday were also conveying an important message. “Many arguments have been put forward and we have to look into them. But if we do not first come together we will certainly not become electable.”
“Let us debate internally, share ideas and put forward proposals. There is space for everyone within this party, for people of goodwill who want the party to move forward.”
There are some who might not want the same, or who only want to get their way, he remarked.
“We have to discard the politics of division, of hate. It has to end now. People do not want this.”
This does not mean that the PN will not criticise the government or that it will not be determined and resolute against corruption.
“We will fight all fights that are required. We are not fighting for our party but for the country. Let us unite to fight the important battles – like the battle for the environment. We have a duty towards our future generations. The PN will give absolute priority to the environment, which will be central in our policymaking.”
“We need to have the courage to praise the government when needed but also to say that we can do better. This will be the vision that leads the PN to become an alternative government again. Let’s turn this into a golden opportunity to turn the PN on the right path.”
Concluding, Delia made an appeal against personal attacks on social media. “This party believes in freedom of expression but we should be gentle with each other. Say what you need to say but let us not resort to personal attacks.”