PN leader Bernard Grech has said that a change in vision for the country can only be achieved through a change in government, and that the PN is best place to offer that change.

Grech was speaking at the party’s general council which on Thursday approved the party’s manifesto, as the first week of the electoral campaign is nearing an end.

PN MP Claudio Grech presented the electoral programme at the PN’s HQ during the party’s General Council, emphasizing that it is one which contains several measures with a clear vision, where the country is ‘not divided between red and blue, but united.’

“The programme includes measures which address all paths of a human’s life since before birth,” said Grech, saying that IVF procedures and medicine will be always free of charge, and not because a general election is underway.

Grech said that the programme includes measures for a better work-life balance, so that parents can spend more time with their children.

Investing in the digitalization of schools and push forward more training for extracurricular activities is also part of the programme, said Grech.

“There will also be an increase in the children’s allowance, and more help than ever before for parents of children with disabilities, to further continue to integrate these individuals into society,” he said. He added that stipends will increase by 25% to continue to encourage more youths to grow, as well as build a structure for apprenticeship for those who do not want to continue academia.

Investments in continuous glucose monitors will be done to address the diabetes problem in the country, Grech said.

A Nationalist government will also pay for half of the interests on loans for the purchase of property for the first five years, as well as aid in deposits needed for the buying of property by youth who cannot afford to buy property, said Grech.

PN leader Bernard Grech said that the PN’s campaign is a celebration of a party which had the honour of being protagonists of history, as a country which became a nation, a sovereign and independent state.

He commended fellow Nationalist and current President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola for working and believing in Malta.

Grech said that the implementation of over 500 proposals in the PN’s electoral programme promotes a model for good governance where corruption is revealed, whilst success is continued to be achieved.

“We have worked and achieved our vision to make these ideas a reality, believing in the success of our youth and future generations,” he said, admitting that the party has had its flaws and made its mistakes, however these mistakes were learned from.

“With this electoral programme I am inviting people to realize that a change in vision entails a change in government,” said Grech, adding that Malta’s wealth needs to find a new base.

Grech said that the team of candidates contesting for the forthcoming general election comes with various skills, experience, men, women, students, and youth.

PN Deputy Leader David Agius said that the electoral programme was created by dialogue and listening to the people’s concerns. He described the Nationalist party as a party for immediate, as well as long-term solutions.

Agius also said that the public will receive a refund on ‘the amounts stolen on electricity and water bills.’ He noted that the programme addresses several concerns regarding the elderly and pensioners where the national minimum pension will increase in line with the national minimum wage. Widows will also remain entitled to pension in full, Agius said. Persons with disabilities will receive personalized help for their specific needs, he added.

The vote for the electoral programme was approved.

PN Deputy Leader Robert Arrigo said that the electoral programme addresses all Maltese people, and not just Nationalists. He remarked that the party was readily prepared upon announcement of the general election, with the electoral programme being approved within four days.

PN Secretary General Michael Piccinino said that PN leader Bernard Grech was ahead and represents a government that has the present and the future in mind. He said that the programme has its own policy based on sustainability, which includes the environmental impact, respect for social obligations as well as good governance.