Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has said that “through joint work and effort between the Nationalist Party and this country’s population, we have a chance to give Malta the dignity and name it truly deserves.” 

This was PN leader Grech’s first speech in the electoral campaign for a general election as Prime Minister Robert Abela revealed that Malta will go to the polls on Saturday 26 March. 

The general election was announced whilst Abela was addressing the Labour Party in a political rally on the Granaries in Floriana on Sunday morning and came in real-time while the PN held its own rally in Mosta. 

As a large crowd of supporters welcomed Grech for the first political activity of the electoral campaign, the PN leader said that if the public wants to take this country in a journey towards a better future, it needs to be with the Nationalist Party. 

“The Nationalist Party has a team of people who are willing to work only for the success of our whole country. Robert Abela, who we know today, is a far cry from the beautiful picture he is trying to present.

As a result, each one of you must get up and ensure that this country is no longer ruled by these criminals. With Robert Abela and his party, you must be a criminal to succeed, whilst with the Nationalist Party everyone can succeed,” Grech said. 

“Do you want a Prime Minister who listens to your pleas, and promises to give you what’s yours or a Prime Minister who is robbing you every day?”, Grech asked. 

The PN also unveiled its own political slogan - Miegħek. Għal Malta (With you. For Malta) - and electoral branding, already an improvement over 2017 when the PN took almost a week to come out with its electoral slogan and branding.

He highlighted that he has never made plans or deals with criminals, saying that he has the credibility to take Malta off the FATF grey list within three months. 

He highlighted that the Nationalist Party, regardless of where one comes from, wants a society where everyone seizes all the opportunities it has in front of them and if there are those who do not have these kinds of opportunities as a result of any reason, the Nationalist Party will be the voice of everyone. 

“The time has come for us to start the race for a general election. We must all be courageous as the PN is not only ready to carry out an energetic and young campaign, but this team is ready to govern a country for the next five years so as to build a future and allow every Maltese and Gozitan to dream, if the public allows it to do so,” Grech said. 

Addressing supporters, Grech said that this “election is not about me and you, but it is about the entire population of this country.” 

Grech noted the commitment of all those who strive daily - from Monday to Sunday - to have a better future, including young couples, voluntary organizations and even pensioners, who also work for what they love because they believe that the family is the cradle of values ​​and love, as well as where to grow and fulfil the dreams of all who are part of it. 

He claimed that the general election seemed to have brought about a change in perspective from the governments’ side “as Robert Abela is using this general election as if it were the Covid-19 vaccine.” 

He urged that if Covid-19 restrictions are being eased because of a general election, then all restrictions for all people and sectors need to be eased as well to give people the opportunity to live a normal life. 

Grech also highlighted that a Nationalist Party aims to govern in a manner where good is created but then this good is then transferred into everyone’s pockets and not just to the few because “the wealth that is created belongs to everyone.” 

He explained that in order to create such wealth, a new Nationalist government will see to it that everyone’s commitments, dedication and hard work is rewarded. Those who are unable to reach such success will be supported. 

Meanwhile, Grech made reference to the increase in the cost of living, saying that Robert Abela admitted that he has no solution on how to solve this issue, whilst the Nationalist Party has a plan in place to help families such as businesses. 

He mentioned the PN’s proposal of setting up a €40 million national fund through which the government would assist industry, entrepreneurs as well as small and medium enterprises. 

Grech also went on to mention the issue revolving around the IVF process. He said that just like the challenges that couples face during the IVF process, the Labour Party has chosen to deceive these people instead of supporting them financially. 

“It was only thanks to the Nationalist Party that these people were promised full payment for the process,” Grech said. 

Moreover, Grech highlighted the initiative announced by the government which entails giving €100 to the Maltese public, saying that it was revealed that this “money had been stolen from the pockets of the public for the past seven years.” 

Grech said that the government is also robbing the Maltese through their utility bills and income tax. 

He reiterated the Nationalist Party’s pledge to refund all the thefts from the water and electricity bills as well as from the income tax. 

Grech also noted that a new Nationalist government would see to it that young people continue to study abroad, but then lead those students to come back to a country they should feel comfortable and proud of. 

While acknowledging how the “Labour government is squandering people’s money at random”, Grech noted that “a Nationalist government would be forward-looking and would seek to create new economic pillars that will yield millions for Malta.” 

Grech made reference to the recent revelation about Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo’s heritage stone in his private home, sarcastically suggesting that a drone should have been sent to Refalo’s home instead.

For his part, PN Candidate Ivan Castillo said that the Nationalist Party in government will be a new ray of hope for the public because if one is genuine and has good politics, one cannot go wrong. 

“Do you want another five years of abuse, crime, where the country will be caught by the neck of Joseph Muscat or another five years of normalcy and new hope that this country deserves?”, he asked. 

Meanwhile, PN Secretary General Michael Piccinino started off his speech by saying that "the Nationalist Party is ready for an election but is even more ready to bring about the change that is needed for this country." 

In the coming days, the Nationalist Party will be presenting its socio-economic vision for Malta. 

"Members and followers of the Nationalist Party know where they stand as we are committed to bringing about change and moving this country forward," Piccinino said. 

A rally at Dar Centrali at 6pm is expected to take place on Sunday (today).