As Opposition leader Bernard Grech proceeded to Gozo on Sunday 29 September, most likely aboard the ferry, news reached him of a recent survey published by the Malta Today (MT). The survey results revealed a 12,000 voter majority favouring the PN over the Labour Party (PL), a promising boost for Grech. However, this enthusiasm proved short-lived, as the MT Trust Barometer showed that while 42.6% of respondents trusted Prime Minister Robert Abela, Grech's trust rating lingered at just 26.6%. To compound matters, 30.7% of those surveyed trusted neither political leader.
The survey results reflect a serious dilemma for Grech. Despite the boost in voter support, the low personal trust rating poses a critical question for him: Is the shift of voters towards the PN a genuine swing in favour of his leadership, or merely a protest shift against the Labour Party? This question is crucial, as this shift could significantly affect the PN's future strategy.
Political dynamics can sometimes mirror unexpected turns in sports, where an underdog wins a game not through its own prowess but because of a lacklustre performance by its opponent. Such was the case in the 2013 election, where widespread dissatisfaction with the Gonzi administration led to a massive defeat. This historical lesson looms large as Gozo appears to be leaning towards the PN again. Encouragingly for Grech, his popularity peaks on the island, with 33% of Gozitans expressing trust in him. This still leaves a significant 66% of Gozitans who do not place their trust in him.
As Grech frequently references PN voters who regret their previous support for Labour, he may also need to reflect on internal dissent within his own party. Many within the PN still harbour regrets over the replacement of former leader Adrian Delia with Grech. This internal divide lingers, though Grech pushes forward with a mix of optimism and realism.
During his recent visit to Gozo, Grech addressed a relatively modest gathering at Pjazza It-Tokk, reacting to concerns from various NGOs. However, many of these issues have persisted for years, such as the controversy over Sa Maison Marina, which some argue symbolised a lack of protest from the Gozo Business Chamber (GBC) despite the ongoing erosion of Gozo's identity. The GBC, it seems, was more focused on advocating for the Gozo Tunnel project, even while lamenting the island's gradual loss of identity.
Grech's proposed solution to Gozo's challenges involves the establishment of a Regional Council, an idea that has received a lukewarm response. Critics argue that such a council could become yet another bureaucratic entity, similar to the Gozo Regional Development Authority (GRDA), in which the GBC CEO Daniel Borg is a member. Interestingly, the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) CEO Joe Muscat is not part of the GRDA, possibly because of differing views on the Gozo Tunnel project.
At the heart of Grech's political approach to Gozo is the need to cultivate strong relationships with all stakeholders, hoping this will pave the way for electoral success. However, critics question whether Grech's strategy is more focused on seeking votes than on genuine policy-making. For instance, while Grech talks about improving accessibility to Gozo, the GTA CEO points out such improvements are part of a long-term vision, which raises concerns about the feasibility of the plan.
As British economist John Maynard Keynes famously remarked, "In the long run, we are all dead." This sentiment underscores the urgency for Grech to address Gozo's immediate needs, rather than relying on distant future promises.
During his Gozo address, Grech articulated his vision for both the island and the country. He emphasised the importance of fostering economic growth through a fresh political mindset that focuses on fairness and respect for all. Grech asserted the commitment of the PN to create a regulatory environment that allows businesses to thrive while ensuring the safeguarding of public interests. Citing Pjazza San Gorg in Gozo as an example, he noted commercial use had restricted public access, underscoring the need for clear rules that protect public spaces for everyone.
Grech further outlined the PN's economic vision, emphasising that investment and job creation should benefit all sectors of society. He highlighted the need to reduce taxes, particularly for families, as they play a key role in securing the country's future. He criticised the government's tax on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and pledged to eliminate it under a PN government.
On Gozo, Grech campaigned for the establishment of a Regional Council that would give Gozitans greater control over decisions affecting their island. He put forward the argument that Gozo's wealth should not be solely reliant on spilling over from Malta, but Gozo should generate its own wealth to benefit both regions. Bernard Grech emphasised that sustained investment in local businesses, tourism, and innovative sectors is essential for driving Gozo's growth.
Local stakeholders echoed Grech's concerns about the need for sustainable economic growth and improved connectivity for Gozo. Suggestions ranged from upgrading public transport systems and introducing new vessels for the Gozo Channel, to enhancing air connectivity. There was also a strong call for balancing development with the preservation of Gozo's natural beauty, with an emphasis on involving Gozitans in key decision-making processes.
While Grech welcomed the recent MT survey showing the PN 12,000 votes ahead of Labour, he urged caution. He acknowledged that while these results are promising, the path to victory remains challenging. He reaffirmed his belief in the PN's vision for a better future, stressing that unity and continued effort will be crucial to achieving this goal.
Throughout his speech, the leader of the Opposition message was clear: Malta and Gozo need leadership that promotes fairness, sustainable development, and economic opportunity for all. He expressed confidence in the PN's ability to guide the country toward a brighter future, but underscoring that success will require collective action and determination.
Since taking over as leader of the PN and leader of the Opposition in October 2020, Grech's personal trust ratings have fluctuated. Early on, his trust ratings hovered around 30%, but by mid-2021, they dropped significantly. In June 2022, his trust rating hit a low of 23.6%, reflecting a widening gap between him and Prime Minister Abela, whose ratings consistently remained above 50%. While Grech has seen some minor recoveries, his trust rating has remained low, standing at 26.6% as of September 2024.
Despite Grech's personal struggles with trust ratings, the PN has gained ground in some polls, showing that party support may not depend directly on his personal popularity. Grech's challenge remains clear: he must convince voters he is the leader who can deliver the change Malta and Gozo need, while simultaneously addressing the internal divisions within his own party.
Opposition leader Bernard Grech visited Gozo and spoke, but failed to persuade most Gozitan PN supporters, who remain hesitant to trust him with their future aspirations.