Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said today more young people need to take ownership of the current problems the country is facing.

In a meeting with MCAST students, Grech referred to youths as the country’s present, and not the future, upon being asked by a student moderator about the nine young PN candidates who are contesting for the general election.

Grech said he wants to remain close with the younger generation and give them a platform to take responsibility for Malta’s issues. Incentivizing students and young people to contribute to voluntary work and activities in society, as well as investing in training from a young age to prepare students for the working world, will improve the lives of many Maltese youths and students, Grech said.

A KSM student asked the PN leader whether he was involved in politics as a student, to which he said that he has always been an opinionated person and has always wanted to share it.

He appealed for students to continue and give to the voluntary sector, incentivizing them to continue their work beyond academia, but involving oneself in anything which brings value to their lives.

Replying to a student’s question on what the PN is proposing for those students who, as part of their studies, must take up placements, as well as work to be able to make money, Grech said that he does not believe in a politics where cheques are sent on the eve of an election.

“Help should be given whenever needed and cannot be used as a token for votes,” Grech said.

Asked about the culture and arts sector, Grech said that this sector is an integral part for the individual. A PN in government will help those who choose having a profession in this sector, through a lower tax rate and a grant of €500 to each young person who wants to gain experience abroad, Grech said.

He said that the government must address both short-term issues, as well as the long-term ones.

Grech noted that there was the feel that there will be a shortage of nurses back when the PN was in government, and so it took action to address an unprecedented issue.

“Currently, there is a shortage of teachers, and a PL government has not addressed it, so much so that it has now become a crisis,” he said.

Grech reiterated that there needs to be a complete change in the way we look at the education system, to promote more critical thinking.

Together, we can build better futures for each and every one of you - Grech

He spoke about the health sector, saying that a PN government wants to strengthen the framework for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, emphasizing that Continuous Glucose Monitors will be provided to all type one diabetic patients.

Increasing diabetic nurses in hospitals and providing free monitoring strips are also part of the PN’s proposals, he said. More innovative and effective medicines will be included in the government formulary which will be available free of charge for diabetic patients, Grech said.

A national action plan for specialized care for conditions which deteriorate quality of life will be devised under a PN government, he said.

A KSM student prompted Grech to speak about the environment to which Grech said that by following the frameworks of the environment, social obligations, and good governance (ESG), those who comply will be rewarded, and at the same time ensuring that the environment is protected.

“We need to work together to protect the environment,” Grech said. On the proposal of incentivizing people to buy used electric vehicles, Grech said that while there’s already measures put in place for there to be more electric cars on Maltese roads, the PN will further strengthen these measures.

“Together, we can build better futures for each and every one of you,” Grech said, addressing the students.

In his closing remarks, Grech said that the PN’s vision is for young people to fulfil their dreams. He stressed that what is being presented in the PN’s electoral program will pave the way for students and youths to succeed.

“This country needs a Prime Minister who will make timely decisions so that young people can have peace of mind, and ultimately succeed,” Grech remarked.