Humanity, at any point of its history, has always been at its strongest whenever it comes together as a community. This notion is still very relevant today. 

Indeed, when we focused on that which unites us rather than our differences, when we considered the “we” and not just the “me”, seemingly insurmountable challenges suddenly became conquerable and individual insecurities gave way to a sense of confidence and pride in our ability to succeed. 

I have always believed and maintain that before our actions, human considerations come first. Now, more than ever before, we must recognise that the challenges we face demand that we rekindle our sense of community and that we place the common good at the forefront of our considerations.

For far too long, Joseph Muscat and Robert Abela have taken us in the opposite direction, with devastating results. Our leaders have prioritized their own personal greed and ambitions and encouraged us to do the same at each other’s expense.  And so, the decisive action we took together to protect our community against the COVID-19 pandemic came undone as our Prime Minister and his cabinet in a collective manner prioritised mass parties over common sense and prudence. But of course, in due course we will hear the likes of Evarist Bartolo and Edward Scicluna who will disassociate from this and try to tell us that they were powerless. 

But they are not powerless in the light of an economic policy that has become dominated by short-sightedness and a focus on metrics that favour quantity at the expense of quality, with limited impact on the livelihoods of those who need most support. Democratic institutions have been weakened and a journalist assassinated so that those we looked to for leadership could serve themselves better and make a quick buck. And families around us have been put in harm’s way in favour of unbridled construction, because Labour’s planning policies have encouraged risk-taking over basic good neighbourliness. 

We have to power to change this. We have to change this. I want to change this. For ourselves, our children and their own children. 

Together, we can build an alternative vision for Malta that is driven by the common good and creates the conditions for all among us to succeed and thrive. A Malta where you and I come before numbers, and therefore where politics is inclusive for a better future. I want an open channel of dialogue where all stakeholders contribute to the policies of tomorrow and where everyone’s concerns are heard. 

We can be an alternative vision forged together in a force that guarantees dignity for all, at work, at home and in our communities. That gives people hope that they can achieve their aspirations through hard work and commitment. That supports entrepreneurs in building the innovative businesses that form the backbone of our economy and improve our quality of life.  

An alternative vision that challenges the status quo and promotes fresh solutions. That equips our children with the critical thinking skills required to succeed in today’s globalised community whilst recognising those educators who are moulding our children’s future. Our health professionals, our manual workers, mothers who have given up their studies or work to tend for their children...every single member of our community. I view our diversity of thoughts as a key pillar at all levels of management and leadership because it brings out the best of us, and united we stand. Otherwise we fall. 

I have an alternative vision that focuses on quality in everything we do, one which effectively protects our environment, recognizes the importance of sound urban planning and embeds sustainability across the board and that actively invests in the quality of our physical and mental wellbeing.

This is what I wish for the Nationalist Party and why I have stepped forward to lead it.

The PN has long served as a catalyst for strengthening our communities, by placing the common good at the heart of its policies and actions. We should celebrate these principles and recognise that they are as valid today as they were yesterday. 

But the PN must also become our natural home once more, and in doing so, be a powerhouse for new ideas.  It needs to start re offering real solutions to today’s challenges by attracting bright minds and good hearts. It must usher in a new generation of candidates, volunteers and skillsets. To manage all this, we need to come together. All of us, with our diverse backgrounds, views and ideas. We must recognise the value of those who have been there before us, whilst also attracting and moulding a new generation. 

I want to create a platform for real change. I want to unite. I want to renew. The PN can be successful once again. This, is why, I am running for PN leader.