PN opposition leader Bernard Grech visited Gozo on Sunday 2 February, addressing party supporters at the Grand Hotel in Għajnsielem. He dealt with accessibility issues for Gozitans, primarily focusing on ferry services. He promised a fourth ferry to replace the aging, wet-leased Greek vessel Nikolaus and even mentioned the possibility of a fifth ferry. But his proposals lacked a comprehensive plan for Gozo's long-term development. Yet another example of piecemeal promises instead of a cohesive strategy that Gozo urgently needs.
A leader seeking to win the trust of the people must offer more than superficial solutions. Grech's speech highlighted infrastructure issues but failed to present a vision that ties all these issues together. Gozo's needs extend far beyond additional ferries. Investment in a proper development plan remains essential to ensure the island's future growth and sustainability. Where is the blueprint for Gozo's progress? Where is the plan to address the core challenges that hinder economic growth and quality of life? These questions remained unanswered, as Grech failed to show that he truly understands the fundamental requirements for Gozo to prosper. Gozitans require much more than vague statements and impractical ideas that lack any form of implementation strategy. We must address the need for better connectivity with a robust and holistic approach, not a scattered set of hastily assembled ideas.
Grech's emphasis on adding a fourth and possibly a fifth ferry raises more questions than it answers. The question of financial responsibility for the construction of these ferries remains unanswered, leaving uncertainty about who will ultimately bear the costs. What strategy exists to ensure they operate efficiently without burdening taxpayers? The government has struggled to secure operators for an additional vessel, with previous tenders failing to attract bidders. Grech's announcement ignores these logistical and financial hurdles. Throwing ideas into the air without discussing feasibility is a disservice to Gozitans who demand proper solutions, not just political talk. Maybe the study commissioned by MEP Peter Agius 'New ferries for Gozo' would provide Bernard some inspiration, but unfortunately, he ignored it.
Why did Grech overlook the potential of a direct vehicle catamaran ferry service connecting Gozo to Valletta? A direct link would provide a practical alternative to reduce congestion for daily commuters, easing traffic woes on both islands. His failure to present such an option suggests a lack of vision or, worse, a failure to engage with the genuine needs of Gozitans. A trustworthy leader must not only recognise problems, but also present well-researched, plausible, and implementable solutions in a structured and realistic manner.
Gozo's infrastructure has remained stagnant, with several long-promised projects still waiting for action. Grech acknowledged the need to expand the Mġarr harbour, yet he did not discuss the broader infrastructural challenges holding Gozo back. The Victoria parking project remains in limbo, stuck in bureaucratic red tape. The long-proposed ring road to divert traffic away from Victoria's congested core is still a distant dream. Even the Marsalforn breakwater, a critical project to protect the area's businesses and residents from winter storms, remains unrealised. How can Grech claim to offer a vision for Gozo when his plan is only limited to one or two issues while ignoring the wider structural deficiencies? The PN leader missed a valuable opportunity to present a comprehensive blueprint that not only acknowledges the needs of Gozitans but provides clear steps to resolve them practically.
While Grech pointed fingers at the government's inefficiencies, he failed to explain how a PN government under his leadership would do better. Effective leadership demands a multifaceted approach encompassing encouragement, guidance, and strategic vision. Instead of simply stating what should be done, he needed to outline how it would be done, where the funding would come from, and who would be responsible for implementation. A political leader should offer an interesting reason for voters to trust him. Instead, Grech's speech seemed to be a series of recycled criticisms that lacked depth and originality. He continues to repeat the same rhetoric without providing fresh, innovative, or well-researched proposals.
One of Grech's strongest criticisms targeted the government's handling of the Gozo hospital. He accused the Labour administration of wasting millions while failing to build a new facility. He promised that a PN government would ensure the hospital's completion, drawing comparisons to the party's past role in delivering Mater Dei Hospital. However, the lack of conviction in Grech's words lessened their impact, leaving a hollow feeling. He did not present a timeline, a financial strategy, or a detailed plan on how a PN-led government would achieve what the current government has failed to do. The hospital's redevelopment remains a crucial concern for Gozitans, but without specifics, his pledge amounted to nothing more than a convenient political soundbite. The future of healthcare in Gozo is a pressing issue, but vague promises cannot tackle it with no concrete path forward.
Grech's visit to Gozo coincided with a Malta Today survey showing that while the PN holds a slight lead over Labour in Gozo, he trails Prime Minister Robert Abela by nine points. This discrepancy highlights the fundamental issue facing the PN under Grech's leadership-he has failed to convince voters he can be a future Prime Minister. Even among those inclined to support the Nationalist Party, there remains a significant trust gap. The numbers paint a clear picture. PN, as a party, is still competitive in Gozo, but Grech as a leader is not. That is a problem the party cannot afford to ignore. If a leader cannot inspire confidence, he cannot expect people to trust him with the highest office in the country.
The survey also revealed that 30% of voters remain undecided. What will persuade them to support the PN? Could there possibly be a new leader to take the helm? Would a more clearly defined strategy be beneficial in this situation? Would a more robust and logically sound argument be more effective in swaying opinion or achieving the desired outcome? These are the questions that the PN must confront if it hopes to win future elections. A party is only as strong as its leadership, and with Grech at the helm, the PN continues to face a credibility crisis that it refuses to acknowledge. Instead of focusing on proper solutions, Grech delivered a speech that did little to sway the concerns of undecided voters who demand competence, vision, and clarity.
Curiously, PN MP Chris Said, who was once vocal in his criticism of PN leadership when Adrian Delia trailed in the polls, now remains silent despite Grech facing a similar, if not worse, trust deficit. His willingness to back Grech, despite the clear lack of progress, raises questions about internal party dynamics and priorities. Is Said genuinely convinced of Grech's leadership, or is he merely playing along with the status quo? The double standards are glaring, and they expose a level of political opportunism that continues to plague the party. If the PN truly wants to move forward, it must address its leadership shortcomings openly instead of ignoring them, hoping the problem will resolve itself.
Gozo does not need more promises. A holistic development plan needs leadership that has the foresight to craft and implement it. It needs investment in infrastructure that goes beyond ferries. It needs solutions that address housing, employment, economic diversification, and long-term sustainability. Bernard Grech came, he spoke, but he failed to convince. Until he and the PN present a concrete and actionable vision for Gozo, they will continue missing the wood for the trees.