Bernard Grech has submitted his nomination for the Nationalist Party leadership race.

In a post on Facebook, Grech has explained his reasons for submitting the nomination.

Writing on Facebook, Grech said that he believes in the common good, and that it is only achieved when nobody holds back. "From the big, to the small, from business people to workers, from those who cannot make ends meet, to pensioners. All should have the freedom to advance, and while doing so help develop the community we live in."

He said that this belief reflects the PN's principles, that it was always a party for the people, with a vocation to serve the interests of the common good, of the people.

"For me, a political party is just a tool to help create this good, and to work for the people's dignity."

He said that the people must always come first. "One must understand that in the reality we are living in, one cannot continue speaking about noble things like justice, the fight against corruption, if many people are on the brink of poverty or without a job, or are going hungry. That is why the PN I want is one that listens to opinions, feels the difficulties and aspires for people's wishes. Ironically, these ideals of justice, the fight against corruption, the rule of law are meant to protect all of us."

That is why, he said, the politics on which the basis for all of this will be set is the body with which to create this good. If politics is the body, then the economy is the blood that gives life to the body, and that is why the economy needs to benefit everyone, include everyone. For the economy to tryly be just it must reach a balance between those who have a lot and spur on a change in work, and generate good for them and the community, and those who work for a wage and for their families. The economy must create jobs for all categories, not only in already established areas."

He spoke of the need for new ideas and sectors. "This can only come about if we listen to businesses, professionals and industrialists. That is the only way that the principle that everyone has a say in the country's economic development to create dignified work with a just pay."

Grech spoke about education, and that the PN continued to promote the possibilities for all those who want to learn, young or old, for them to reach their goals and become the better versions of themselves.

He said that the PN believes that everyone, throughout their lives, should have the opportunity for education and to develop their personal skills with the help of the best teachers and personalised support.

He said that he wants teachers who have the best training and conditions. He wants industry and education to collaborate more. For arts and culture to have a prominent position with maths and languages.

He said he also believes in the interdependency between people and the environment. "As such, people cannot benefit from a better quality of life separated from the environment. That is why I want a greener Malta."

Turning to the environment, he said that he believes that development can take place while integrating nature into it. "I believe that around the table we can find creative solutions when listening to everyone."

"When one tries to find a way to balance interests, passions and everyone's health, this can only be done through dialogue." He said that the best way to improve everyone's quality of life is to promote the environment, natural resources, public spaces and common estates. "The party sees the environment as an essential part of people's common heritage."

He also stressed the importance of dialogue, and listening to everyone within and outside of the PN, where discussions are free and constructive, and where consultation is as widespread as possible.

"We are stronger together than divided. The PN always believed in cooperation and not a struggle between classes."

He spoke about the youth having been protagonists within the party, and about the EU.  He said that he wants to see Malta have an important role in the EU as well as on the world stage, and more so in the Mediterranean where there are many different civilisations. "This could be a key to help us dialogue with every concerned party in order to start the process for solutions to the immigration question. The PN fully believes in the respect for human values, for the inalienable dignity of every human person and for his or her rights in a brotherhood of human beings with a diversity of cultures, races and beliefs."

He stressed upon the importance of NGOs in Malta, and spoke of his wish for them to be given more support and resources.

He also mentioned civil society organisations who were instrumental in the fight against corruption, which remains one of the largest preoccupations for the people. The PN over the past years did its part as well, he said. "It would be a good thing and it is necessary for the PN to collaborate more with these organisations."

He said that the PN can, through the creation of a movement, an alliance at national level, promote the principles of good governance and justice.

He said that if the wealth generated in the country begins to go into the pockets of a few people illegally, or because of corruption or greed, it would mean that the country would bleed, as the economy which is the country's lifeblood."

"Yes to legitimate profit and work that generates work. No to corruption and greed. Like this Malta can reacquire a good reputation that it had in the previous PN administration. I am not saying that the PN was perfect, who is? Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes."

He said that he listened to the calls made by the people who love the country and the party, and after speaking with his family, “I came to the conclusion that I will offer myself to serve as the PN leader.”

Current PN leader Adrian Delia has also submitted his nomination for the election.

Therese Comodini Cachia, Roberta Metsola and Mark Anthony Sammut, who were all being named as potential candidates, have said they will not be contesting.