Opposition leader Bernard Grech has criticised the Labour Government for introducing key environmental reforms during the summer, claiming the public is being denied the opportunity to properly challenge legislation that affects their rights and quality of life.
In an appearance on party media on Sunday, the outgoing PN leader expressed concern over what he described as the government’s tactic of “slipping in” laws and planning reforms when public attention is low. “Everyone was speaking about the environment, and yes, we agree there’s a need for reform,” he said. “But you don’t carry out reform by pushing laws through in the middle of summer, removing the possibility for people to object or appeal, just to reward a handful of insiders.”
Grech said the government has managed to unite the public, NGOs, and even some Labour Party supporters against its approach. “Even Joseph Muscat once described these laws as a 'froga'—a metaphor for something being swallowed without anyone noticing until it’s too late.”
The PN leader urged Prime Minister Robert Abela to stop pushing ahead unilaterally. “We spoke to him. We told him: stop, consult properly, do things the right way, and let’s work together to create laws that improve people’s quality of life, not take away their rights,” he said.
Grech reiterated the Nationalist Party’s proposal to enshrine environmental rights in the Constitution. “We brought up this idea two years ago. If we’re truly serious about improving quality of life, we need to give the environment constitutional importance,” he said. “People are complaining across the country—about air quality, about uncollected rubbish, about the overall decline in living standards.”
The PN leader said his party had pushed for every local council to carry out studies on the carrying capacity of their localities. “Some Labour councillors agreed, some said it wasn’t necessary, but we believe that’s the only way to understand how much development an area can handle without harming residents’ wellbeing.”
Grech called for environmental reform that is evidence-based and built around people's needs. “Let’s improve without reducing people’s quality of life. Let’s study each locality properly and ensure we’re not burdening communities, but improving them for current and future generations.”
Road safety and enforcement failures
Turning to traffic safety, Grech expressed sympathy for the families of victims of recent road accidents, saying it was unacceptable that enforcement and regulation had become so weak. “We cannot just express regret and then forget. The government must invest in road safety infrastructure and enforcement,” he said.
He referenced the past scandal involving driving licences allegedly being issued in exchange for political favours, and said the government must ensure that only qualified drivers are on the road. “We’ve heard of licences given to people just because they supported Labour or were foreigners given access to Malta despite not being part of the EU. That’s unacceptable.”
Grech also criticised the poor condition of roads and the government's failure to maintain them. “If your car hits a pothole and you lose control, it’s not just your responsibility. The government must ensure roads are safe and up to standard,” he said. “You’re obliged to maintain your car, sure, but the government must uphold its end by ensuring the roads meet safety standards.”
He also mentioned that people who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs must face strict enforcement. “Experts are raising concerns, but the enforcement isn’t there. Why is this government letting everything slide?”
Healthcare and emergency services
Grech also turned his attention to the healthcare system, noting how delays in emergency response are affecting lives. “Doctors and nurses are doing their best, but they’re under immense pressure,” he said. “We’ve heard of patients waiting nearly an hour for emergency services—this isn’t acceptable. The government must invest more in emergency care and infrastructure.”
He highlighted the need to design safer roads and implement proper crash barriers. “These barriers should save lives, not become traps. It’s the government’s responsibility to ensure that our infrastructure doesn’t become a danger to the very people it should protect.”
Internal party progress and NET Media revival
On internal matters, Grech praised the work done by the Nationalist Party over the past five years, including significant progress in clearing the party’s debts through the use of a trust fund that allowed them to recover party clubs once tied up by loans.
He also noted NET Media’s return to profitability after years of financial difficulty. “After hard decisions and responsible management, we are seeing profits again—not millions, but enough to say we’re stable and sustainable,” he said. “This is the result of sacrifices and dedication from journalists, producers, managers, and staff alike.”
The PN leader emphasised the importance of continued investment in sustainable practices, such as installing solar panels on party buildings to reduce electricity costs and increase environmental responsibility.
He concluded by pledging that the Nationalist Party will continue to strengthen its media platforms and prepare for the next general election. “Whoever leads the party next will find a stronger foundation. We are showing that with sound decisions and vision, success is possible—even without squandering resources.”