The need for governance with vision and policy built on a sustainable, forward-looking socio-economic model has become urgent, the Nationalist Party said.

It took note of the recently published report by KPMG, which, the PN said, "clearly shows the consequences of the current type of governance in Malta, particularly the choice of an economic policy based on population growth without a plan. This is having negative effects across several sectors, and is now being strongly felt by the Maltese and Gozitans alike."

In a statement signed by PN MPs Jerome Caruana Cilia and Ivan Castillom the PN said that "the published report reaffirms what the PN has long insisted upon: the need for our country to urgently change direction away from an economic policy based on mass foreign labour importation, towards a sustainable model built on new sectors that generate innovative jobs for our youth."

The report warns that over the past ten years, Malta's population has increased by 32% (135,287 people), driven by a heavy influx of foreign workers, the party said. "It stresses that this is placing pressure on public services and infrastructure, with families finding it increasingly difficult to access proper healthcare, education, and housing."

"Although this situation did not develop overnight, the Government has buried its head in the sand and failed to present a national population plan, with the consequences now being suffered by Maltese and Gozitan communities. The same report reveals that Malta's birth rate is one of the lowest in Europe (1.06); and projections suggest a drastic decline in the native population by 2075. According to KPMG, in 50 years Malta's population could fall to 240,000, with four in every ten being pensioners."

The Government's response has been negligible; more media stunts than real support for families, the PN said.

"In contrast, the Opposition has tabled concrete proposals to address the situation, which the Government continues to ignore. Healthcare is under pressure. The Government has completely abandoned the sector and squandered millions that should have been invested in the health of the Maltese. As a result, it is increasingly relying on the private sector, creating a two-tier health system where only those who can afford it get the service they need."

"In education, while the student-to-teacher ratio is acceptable, there is a serious lack of investment in infrastructure and technology, as well as major challenges in inclusion for children from different cultural backgrounds. Teachers are overworked and not given the support they need."

Economically, it is clear that this country needs investment in sustainable industries, innovation, and future skills, the PN said.

"On the cost of living, the Government is applying cosmetic fixes rather than solving real problems. Even here, Opposition proposals to address rising prices have been pushed aside."

"In housing, our country faces another crisis. Prices have risen by more than 8%, and the Government remains completely insensitive to the struggles of families and youths who are finding it increasingly difficult to afford a home."

The PN said that it believes in serious policy built on national plans that put people at the centre. It said that the KPMG analysis is a key that "unlocks the change we need; a change that must begin now."

The PN believes that to achieve this "we need investment in infrastructure that can keep up with Malta's new realities, and a sustainable economic model capable of delivering the quality of life the Maltese and Gozitans deserve, whether in health, education, the environment, or anything else that affects our standard of living."