Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said that it is his duty to continue to sustain the PN in the wake of their defeat in the general election.
Addressing journalists at the Counting Hall in Naxxar, Grech said that a vacuum in the party would surely cause more harm than good, and that he will continue to offer his services to the PN.
The PL celebrated a landslide victory by a margin of 40,000 or more.
Grech said that “the PN will continue to work and analyse the issues in the country so that we have a free election. I will carry the responsibility and see what more can be done.” He added that the country needs more free media and a stronger PN.
Grech took a dig at Prime Minister Robert Abela for “using public funds to influence people’s decisions.” He said that no other leader has ever given signed cheques a week before the election. Grech named the cheques as a “corrupt practice.”
Asked if he is concerned about a party divide and increase in competition following the defeat, Grech said that the statute is clear and that he will follow all the rules. He said that he will not “run away from difficult moments and all those who want to continue working with me for a better democracy are welcome.”
The media asked Grech if he still believes that former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is a victim of Abela. This follows accusations by the PN leader that Abela gave ill-intentioned advice to Muscat during his consultancy, with the aim of taking over Muscat’s position.
Grech replied that Abela has yet to answer to these questions and that that speaks for itself.
The PN leader said that the PN will continue to regenerate its members. He said that he tried to speak with the majority of the PN candidates following the defeat.
The voter turnout was at a staggering low compared to the 2017 election, with only 85% of eligible voters casting their vote this time round. Asked if this served as a protest vote, Grech said that this could have been, with people distancing themselves further from politics. Grech said he will continue to serve as the voice for those who put faith in the PN.
Grech said that he will continue to work as much as he can for people who are not happy with the present government.