As the administrative General Council of the Partit Nazzjonalista opened this evening, in his closing address of the first session, PN Deputy Leader Alex Perici Calascione recalled how the slogan "Dan hu l-Mument" which began as a message in an internal campaign, has now become the message of the entire party, and is gradually becoming the message of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

The PN Deputy Leader referred to three moments which carry deep meaning for the identity and mission of the Party: the attacks of 15 October 1979 against democratic institutions and the Fenech Adami family; the violent assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, which reminds us of the need for good governance and respect for the rule of law; and the appointment of a new Leader, Alex Borg - an appointment that is bringing with it new hope for our country.

Alex Perici Calascione stated that this is a moment in which the Nationalist Party is offering leadership rooted in reconciliation, seriousness and principle. He said that the PN's mission is to renew people's hope. He stressed that the Maltese and Gozitans seek peace of mind, respect and dignity at every stage of their lives, in a country that once again places justice, the environment and the family at its heart.

In this context, the PN Deputy Leader called for unity and courage so that this moment for the Party becomes a moment for the entire nation - one that restores the trust and dignity that Malta and Gozo deserve.

The President of the General Council Mark Anthony Sammut opened the Council, followed by the Organisational Executive Secretary, who read the minutes of the previous Council, held under the theme Malta Żagħżugħa.

The first session of the General Council was addressed by a number of Council members, including several Members of Parliament. Among those who intervened on Friday evening were Ivan Castillo, Stanley Zammit, Ivan Bartolo, Graziella Galea, Jerome Caruana Cilia, George Vital Zammit, Michael Piccinino, Ċensu Galea, Ylenia Montfort, Thomas De Martino, Dione Borg and Lara Marie Agius.

During this session, PN Secretary General Charles Bonello presented the Motion with the Administrative Report on the Party's work over the past year, which is to be approved by the Council.

On the first day of the Council, voting was also underway to elect 18 General Council representatives to the Executive Committee of the Partit Nazzjonalista. A total of 34 candidates contested this election.

The PN General Council continues on Sunday morning at the PN Headquarters, concluding with an address by PN Leader Alex Borg.