The unexpected resignation of Bernard Grech last week ignited a flurry of discussion both within the Nationalist Party as well as at a national level, about Malta's political future. Leaders of political parties don't resign every day, so when this type of vacuum is created, it's only natural for a healthy debate to ensue, about the aspirations for that party.
On my part, I have already had opportunity to personally salute Bernard Grech, who put his own interests behind those of party and country, in a remarkable display of sense of duty. Dr Grech's leadership will be remembered the encouraging and meaningful results obtained last year. Together we tasted victory, significantly reducing the gap between the Nationalist and Labour parties, yet we all know that these results have not been long lived, and alas today we find ourselves at another critical crossroads.
I will not dwell on the past, because I believe everyone is well aware of it. We can burden future historians with the task of discussing that. From my end, I wish to share some thoughts on what I believe the future of the Nationalist Party should look like.
I believe the Nationalist Party must once again become a political force that inspires the Maltese and Gozitan people. As a credible political movement, it needs to regain the ability which has somewhat diminished in recent years, to inspire and energise minds and hearts, to encourage people to follow it, engage in it, and ultimately support it. It did so with great success when Malta most needed strong leadership and bold vision. Today's times require no less.
We need to move forward with seriousness, steering clear of tired and empty clichés. That's why, at the start of this leadership race, I wish to hear far less the tired buzzword "renewal", a word which sadly loses its meaning every time it is dusted and dished out for cheap points, and far more ideas about how we are truly going to bring about real and deep change that goes beyond slogans.
The Nationalist Party needs to be rebuilt, from the inside out. We need serious restructuring of how we communicate with families and individuals, particularly through Medialink, but also in how we use modern media platforms. The world today is constantly changing at an incredibly fast pace, and we cannot afford to be spectators for even one single second.
Being active on Facebook and Instagram is no longer enough. People today consume news, form opinions, and engage with their media through an infinity of informal channels, such as podcasts, live streams, and more. Media trends by the time of the next election may be entirely different to what we know today, so we need to be alert and sensitive to these shifts.
We need to speak in ways that resonate with every generation, smartly and compellingly. This cannot be treated as an afterthought or a minor detail. It must be regarded as a direct channel of communication with the electorate.
Let's be honest, the Nationalist Party has a lot of substance. In recent years, we've worked hard, made proposals, and served as a constructive Opposition on every issue. In some cases, we even shaped and led the national debate ourselves.
This was achieved because we have a great group of people, experienced and enthusiastic, both within the Parliamentary Group as well as across the whole party. Yet, our message still struggles to reach as many hearts and minds as it should. Our values, proposals, and work are not being communicated effectively. This is not due to a lack of ideas, but a lack of effective communication.
What's most important is that the person chosen to lead the Nationalist Party, whoever they may be, must have the stature of a politician capable of earning the respect of the entire country. Someone who is truly fit to become Malta's future Prime Minister.
Not just a Leader of the Opposition or a partisan figure, but a statesperson. Someone who inspires. Who instils trust. Who represents not only those who vote PN, but an entire country that is in need of new and exciting direction.
This is a delicate moment, but also ripe with potential. After so many years in power, the Labour Government no longer inspires. People are tired, disillusioned, and in many cases, feel that politics no longer serves them. Within that void lies a huge opportunity, but we must be able to step into that space effectively and fill it with vision and leadership that inspires.
This is not merely a moment about who will hold office or about electoral strategy. It is a moment of truth for every member of the Nationalist Party. We must take tough decisions. We must undergo a process of renewal that does more than create the feeling of change, it must deliver the results Malta needs.
The person chosen to lead must symbolise honesty, determination, and integrity. Someone who is not afraid of criticism, who knows how to listen, and who knows how to lead. Someone capable of uniting people, not by conceding, but by inspiring. Who shows that politics can be noble, and that the common good is not an empty phrase, but a real and concrete direction.
All this means that our mission is about more than just political victory, it is about rebuilding trust between people and politics.
A new generation is with us. The question is whether it will find the right type of leadership that will help it achieve its aspirations. There is no room for compromise on values or the quality of leadership in this mission.
The moment is now. Let's rise to meet it, together.
Dr Darren Carabott is the Opposition's Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and President of the Public Accounts Committee