The first debate between Adrian Delia and Alex Borg, the two candidates for the post of PN leader, was held on Thursday.

During the pre-recorded debate, PN MP Alex Borg spoke about wanting to appoint a CEO that would take over the financial aspects of the party, whose role would also be to maximise the income from the party's assets.

He said that this would mean that the Secretary General would focus on the party's political work, on ensuring that the party's political message reaches people. He said that the party will not sell its clubs but must maximise the income brought in. He also mentioned that he would create the role of Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs.

PN MP Adrian Delia did not agree with reducing the functions of the Secretary General. He said that the Secretary General takes care of the party, and not just its political message. He noted that the Executive within the party handles the political function as per the statute.  

"The office of the Secretary General must be strengthened not weakened." He said that the party's finances should not be removed from the Secretary General's remit, a role to which someone is elected through an internal party election, and instead given to someone who is just appointed by the leader of the party.

Delia also said that he has no problems with the party having two deputy leaders, but said they must not just be appointed by the party leader.

Delia during the debate mentioned wanting to hold a convention where the party can discuss the party's principles and agree on them for the future, which he said would unite the party and would be inclusive, leading the party to be able to answer the question 'what does the party stand for'. Borg said that he also proposed a national convention, but said that Prime Minister Robert Abela had indicated he wants to announce a general election after a new PN leader is chosen, and so there would not be the time for a national convention to enact reforms. This is why, he said, he would appoint a CEO and Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs, "as the election is behind the door."

Borg and Delia were asked about attracting voters to the PN, and about people losing trust in politics.

Borg stressed the need for outreach. He said that politics is something he knows a lot about, mentioning how his father worked with former PN Minister Giovanna Debono.  He highlighted the importance of knocking on peoples' doors, meeting everyone, and discussing even with those who don't agree with you.

"Politics of the people, with the people," is what wins, he said. Borg mentioned the PN's success in Gozo, and how it won majorities in 11 local councils in the district of Gozo, attributing this success to the PN's Gozo team. He wants to implement the same strategy in Malta, he said, "where as a team we will continue to convince people."

He believes that with the strategies he will implement, that the party will be able to increase its outreach. He wants the PN Leader to be among the committees rather than centred at the PN HQ, and wants to empower the committees.

Delia said that it is good that people are no longer anchored to conventional parties, as this means people are thinking more before they decide which party to choose. "I don't see this as a problem, but an opportunity. A bigger opportunity when you understand why they are cut off from politicians. Of course you would be when you spend 12 years under a corrupt government," where those who want to compete cannot and are not given the opportunity to do so, Delia said.

The PN will guarantee clean politics, he said, and will work for people to have a better life. He spoke about reconnecting with people, and that the PN that was the party for youths can again be that.

Regarding reforms in Parliament, Borg mentioned the Ombudsman, and wanting to, in certain circumstances, give the Ombudsman powers to implement the recommendations the office makes. Delia, however, said that the ombudsman's role cannot be one of implementation.  As such, Delia said that the PN's aim must be to be an alternative government, and from government to make changes to stop abuse that he said is taking place.

Borg and Delia were asked about euthanasia and abortion.

Borg said that the party statute is clear on abortion. He said he joined the party as its values are the ones he believes in, which is that life is from conception till death. He declared himself against abortion. On euthanasia he said that the government does not have mandate to bring euthanasia up in parliament, and its only mandate is to discuss. He said that his father died six years ago, but that six years before that his father had been diagnose with cancer. His father was told he had months to live, but was then told there was an operation that could be done abroad with a 50% chance of success. He said his father took that chance, and was cured, and lived six more years. He said that if euthanasia was an option and his father had taken it, they wouldn't have had him around for those six years. "I'm against euthanasia, but as PN leader I will give a free vote." He said that party values are clear and he believes the parliamentary group would make the best choice for those values.

Adrian Delia said that "if there is someone who was clear and consistent on abortion its me. I'm against abortion absolutely." Regarding euthanasia, he said that it is still about ending life unnaturally. He said he does not agree with it. "I publicly said that on issues of conscience I will give a free vote, as one thing I don't want to do as a party is think we can impose issues of conscience on people. He also said that there is a lot of improvement to be done on palliative care, and that this should be done first before any discussion on euthanasia takes place.

Regarding overpopulation, Borg described it as a crisis. He said that the PL did not have a vision to address it. He said Prime Minister Abela continued to work on the vision to increase the population. Borg said that the tourism minister is pleased with growing tourist numbers. "I would prefer if he says tourists leave double the amount of money in people's pockets.  But they are leaving instead pressure on the country," he said, mentioning infrastructure, on the roads etc. "This is because of how Malta is being projected, as a party island. I would start projecting a vision for Malta as a destination of excellence" in a number of areas. Regarding foreign workers, he spoke of the need for a labour market study, to see what can be done to "fix the system" and reduce pressure on the country's infrastructure.

Delia said that 8 years ago he used to say that "we cannot continue growing the economy by growing the population. It is a bad economic model," he said, mentioning the population density in the country being the highest in Europe. "We have a true crisis where the country cannot take more." He said that the Former PM Joseph Muscat as well as Robert Abela's governments didn't have a plan, "but those who had an interest had a plan, to keep between €6,000 to €8,000 from every person who enters the country and go to sectors where they were often not needed. We are speaking about a racket of millions of euros," Delia said. He said the overpopulation problem is affecting everyone.