Warning that recent developments have allowed “attacks on sitting judges,” PN Leader Alex Borg said that the appointment of the Chief Justice cannot be treated as a “political football,” and must be resolved through confidential discussions with the Prime Minister.

Speaking in an interview with MaltaToday editor in chief Kurt Sansone on party media on Sunday, Borg addressed a wide range of issues, including the appointment of the Chief Justice, Malta’s neutrality, labour migration, pensions, energy subsidies and internal PN reforms.

Borg described the situation surrounding the appointment of a Chief Justice as “shocking,” adding that the role is the highest office within the judiciary and is central to safeguarding the rule of law.

He warned that the manner in which the issue has unfolded has created a situation where “everyone was given the freedom to attack a sitting judge,” something he said should never happen.

Borg said he had been informed by Prime Minister Robert Abela that a two-thirds parliamentary majority is now required, however, he said the practice used to arrive at a name remains unchanged.

He added that the Prime Minister had insisted on confidentiality during a phone call, “out of respect for the role.”

“I am keeping my word,” Borg said, adding that he remains ready to continue discussions.

“I am asking him to call me today. I am ready to cancel every appointment I have so that discussions can continue,” he said.

Borg said that he has several names to put forward to the Prime Minister for discussion but insisted that discussions must remain confidential until consensus is reached.

“This is not about questioning the professionalism or technical competence of judges,” Borg said, stressing that all judges are carrying out their duties professionally.

On foreign policy, Borg raised concerns about Malta’s possible involvement in former US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” saying that Malta should not commit without understanding the legal, political and financial implications.

He said that even the Prime Minister had not clarified whether Malta would join or not, and questioned why Gaza was excluded from the board’s remit, particularly given Malta’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine.

“Are we a neutral country or not?” Borg asked, saying neutrality cannot be selectively applied. He added that the matter should be discussed openly in Parliament, noting that many questions remain unanswered.

Borg also referred to a significant participation fee, saying Malta must consider its priorities carefully before entering international commitments.

While acknowledging that he had previously expressed admiration for Trump, Borg said this did not mean agreement with his actions or positions.

He criticised Trump’s statements on Greenland and said certain attitudes are not helping international peace.

“I am Maltese and European,” Borg said, adding that Malta must safeguard European values and avoid damaging relations within the EU bloc.

He warned that reckless foreign policy decisions could have long-term repercussions.

Commenting on recent surveys showing his trust ratings have plateaued, Borg said this reflects a wider problem of political disengagement.

“One survey after another shows that today we have a segment of people who have chosen not to vote because they lost trust in both parties,” he said.

Borg said his objective is not simply to reduce the gap but to win the next election.

He said the PN still has “a lot of work to do” to convince those who have lost faith, and that this requires sustained effort rather than complacency.

He said the PN is strengthening its parliamentary group, attracting new candidates and developing policies to function as a “government in waiting.”

Nearly 30 candidates are already confirmed, adding that while he is proud of the current parliamentary team, more work remains, Borg said.

Asked whether he would keep certain measures the Labour government has started, on pensions, Borg said pensioners must continue receiving cost-of-living increases and guaranteed access to medicines.

He said a PN government would build on what works, ensuring continuity where improvements have been made.

Borg guarantees energy subsidies would remain under PN government

Borg also gave a clear guarantee that energy subsidies would be retained should the PN be elected into government, saying he would not “throw people into the deep end.”

At the same time, he spoke of the need for long-term investment in alternative and renewable energy to keep bills lower not just today, but over the next 10 or 20 years.

On parental tax reductions, Borg said recent measures were positive but “far from enough.”

He criticised divisions created between those with children and those without, saying PN proposals aim to ensure that everyone benefits and no one is left behind.

Borg described the current labour migration policy as deeply flawed, saying businesses are struggling while infrastructure remains under pressure.

He said that within his first 100 days as Prime Minister, a comprehensive labour market study would be carried out and published.

The study would identify which sectors genuinely depend on foreign workers and which should instead be incentivised to attract more Maltese workers.

“I attack the system, not foreign workers,” Borg said, stressing that migrants should not be scapegoated for policy failures.

He said economic growth in recent years was not matched by adequate investment in infrastructure, education and long-term planning.

He pointed to the need for stronger investment in education, STEM subjects and skills development to diversify and solidify the economy.

On abortion, Borg reiterated the PN’s pro-life stance, saying he is determined to defend life from conception to natural death.

While he said he does not agree with automatic prison sentences for women who carry out an abortion, neither did he agree that the Prime Minister should use his prerogative for Cabinet to recommend against prison sentences.

Borg said that such cases must be assessed individually, on a case-by-case basis.

“I do not believe in throwing people in prison for nothing,” he said, rejecting blanket approaches.

Borg said discussions are ongoing on the appointment of a PN deputy leader, noting that constitutional amendments and internal party processes are required, which take time.

He said that timing would also depend on the broader political context, as he is focused on the next general election, whenever that may be.

Borg also confirmed that he will contest Gozo as one of his electoral districts in the next general election, saying he wants to remain close to Gozitan voters.

He said he will later announce his second district when the time is right.