Leader of the Opposition Alex Borg has reiterated the PN's call for the resignation or removal of Roderick Galdes as a minister.
Borg argued that recent controversies, including the Gozo penthouse case linked to minister Roderick Galdes, underline the need for complete asset declarations from Cabinet members.
He said the Opposition has called for Galdes' resignation and insisted on a formal investigation into the case. Borg noted inconsistencies between the price the minister paid for the property and its later valuation, arguing that such issues raise questions which can only be resolved through clear "black-and-white" documentation of ministerial assets. "If the Prime Minister and ministers publish everything, the public will have a clear picture and certain scandals can be avoided," he said.
Housing affordability was another major point of discussion. Borg said young people are being forced into long-term renting because of rapidly increasing prices and loans that fail to cover adequate portions of property costs. He proposed measures including rent-to-own schemes, equity-sharing models and a national fund to help first-time buyers cover their deposit - which he said is often the biggest obstacle for young applicants.
Addressing the recent incident involving students in Pembroke, Borg expressed concern for the educators and children who witnessed the violence. He said Malta's changing social realities require stronger training for educators and improved safety measures in schools, as well as more emphasis on critical thinking and practical life skills from an early age.
On the broader education system, Borg stressed that Malta must adapt its curriculum to meet future economic needs, with earlier exposure to AI, gaming innovation and hands-on trades. He said students should be prepared for both theoretical and practical careers if Malta aims to build a quality-driven economy.
Turning to pharmaceuticals, Borg said his recent comments aimed to inform the public about limitations within the national formulary rather than criticise the industry. He noted that patients with certain neurological conditions often require originator medicines, which do not always feature on the government list despite generics not being equally effective for all.
Speaking on Malta's rising population, Borg insisted the issue stems from the government's economic model rather than from foreign workers themselves. He called for a national labour-market study to determine which sectors genuinely require foreign labour and where more Maltese workers can be engaged. He added that infrastructure investment must keep pace with demographic growth.
Gozo's rapid transformation was also highlighted, with Borg warning that the island risks losing the traits that long attracted visitors. He called for more open spaces, longer tourist stays and policies that safeguard Gozo's distinct identity. Borg also noted that many young Gozitans continue to struggle to find job opportunities and feel compelled to move to Malta.
He emphasised that improved connectivity remains central to the PN's proposals, outlining plans for five Gozo Channel vessels and upgraded port infrastructure. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the Gozo innovation hub and expand course offerings at MCAST and the University of Malta's Gozo campuses to attract students and create new employment pathways.
The interview concluded with Borg saying he will publish four years' worth of accounts following his crowdfunding initiative, reaffirming what he described as the Opposition's commitment to transparency - a standard he believes the government has failed to uphold.