The Nationalist Party has accused the Labour Government of losing control of security in Malta and Gozo, pointing to closed police stations, officers leaving the force, and a sharp rise in drug-related crime as evidence of a system under strain.
Addressing a press conference, PN candidates Beppe Fenech Adami, Edmond Cuschieri and Frank Anthony Tabone said the country's communities are being left without adequate protection, while members of the disciplined forces are increasingly demoralised.
The speakers referred to proposals announced by PN leader Alex Borg, aimed at giving what the party described as a "Fresh Start" to security in Malta and Gozo.
Fenech Adami said the Government had spent years promising stronger security and better support for the disciplined forces, but residents were instead facing closed police stations, lack of resources and reduced peace of mind. He praised police officers, soldiers, prison officers and Civil Protection personnel for continuing to serve despite difficult conditions and insufficient investment.
He outlined a package of measures aimed at improving conditions for members of the disciplined forces, including better wages, pension reforms, cost-of-living adjustments for retirees, an independent board to address injustices, and incentives for former officers to return to service.
Cuschieri focused on the decline of police stations within local communities, arguing that police presence should remain at the centre of towns and villages. He said Community Policing should complement, not replace, traditional police stations, warning that residents are often forced to travel to other localities to file reports or seek assistance.
The PN is proposing the reopening of police stations across Malta and Gozo, the integration of Community Policing with the station network, and investment in modernised facilities for both residents and officers.
Tabone highlighted figures from the Annual Crime Review 2026, saying that drug-related cases rose by 70% in 2025. He cited increases in drug importation, trafficking and possession cases, arguing that organised crime and drug abuse are becoming more deeply rooted in communities.
He said stronger enforcement against traffickers is needed through investment in technology at ports and modern intelligence systems, while also strengthening prevention, education and rehabilitation programmes.
Tabone also referred to Gozo, where he said the number of police officers has dropped from 130 before 2013 to fewer than 100 today despite population growth and increasing challenges. He criticised the dismantling of a specialised anti-drug squad and pledged that a Nationalist Government would re-establish a dedicated unit to combat trafficking.
The PN also called for greater investment in the Armed Forces of Malta, including technology, cyber security, emergency response and search-and-rescue capabilities. The party said it was unacceptable that the AFM effectively relies on a single helicopter to respond to emergencies.
The Opposition said security should not be treated as a slogan, but as a basic guarantee that communities, families and vulnerable residents can live without fear and with confidence that help is available when needed.