The Nationalist Party's reduced electoral deficit, despite not being a victory, nevertheless reflected a significant shift in public sentiment driven by a positive campaign, strong policy proposals and the leadership style of Opposition Leader Alex Borg, newly appointed PN Whip Ivan Castillo said, as he said that the party must now spend the next five years continuing to prove it is a credible alternative government.
Although the PN failed to win last month's general election, the narrowing of Labour's victory margin marked progress for the PN, and according to Castillo, offered the party valuable lessons about what resonated with voters and what must continue to define its approach over the coming legislature.
Looking back at the campaign, Castillo said one of the biggest factors behind the improved result was the decision to focus almost exclusively on the party's proposals.
"The way the campaign was presented made a difference because it was a positive campaign. We focused primarily on our proposals, which, in my opinion, were excellent. I have been involved in politics since I was 16 years old and I genuinely believe this was one of the strongest electoral programmes the Nationalist Party has ever produced," he said.
Castillo believed the decision to concentrate on policy rather than political confrontation allowed the party's message to reach a wider audience.
"We believed so strongly in our proposals that we wanted to ensure they reached the public. I think that had an effect," he said.
Castillo also credited Opposition Leader Alex Borg with changing both the tone and presentation of the party.
"I think Alex Borg had an effect because he presented politics in a completely different way, and that connected with people," he said.
Although Borg had only been Opposition leader for just eight months before the election, Castillo described him as energetic, approachable and willing to listen, qualities which he believed translated into increased public support.
"He's super energetic and has a lot of great ideas. He's an exemplary leader, someone who listens. His demeanour and the way he approaches politics filtered through to the public, and I think that was something people wanted. They wanted that energy, that sense of renewal, a young leader with a different vision of how the country should be governed," Castillo said.
Despite speaking positively about the campaign, Castillo acknowledged that the election remained a defeat.
"Unfortunately, the result is what it is. We lost the election. The Labour Party won and has every right to govern, but we equally have an obligation to ensure that the government delivers on what it promised the electorate," Castillo said.
That, he argued, was where the Nationalist Party's role over the next five years became crucial.
Castillo said the Opposition had to demonstrate every day that it is an alternative government.
He said that the Opposition's scrutiny had to be accompanied by constructive proposals.
Castillo also dismissed suggestions that the party's internal structures reflected uncertainty over its direction.
The PN has repeatedly altered its leadership model over recent years, moving from one deputy leader to two, then back to one, while discussions have once again emerged about appointing two deputy leaders.
Castillo insisted those changes reflected different leadership styles rather than organisational confusion.
"Every leader has his own way of delegating responsibilities. Borg has spoken about reorganising the party so that responsibilities are shared more effectively, allowing him to dedicate more time to other important matters," Castillo said.
"It is no different from the way I have two assistant Whips. Delegating responsibilities makes us more organised, more efficient and ultimately more effective," he said.
Castillo said that the party's objective was to become more accessible and more responsive to the public.
"One of the things Borg has consistently said is that we need to listen more. I firmly believe politics starts from the bottom up. Politics begins on the doorstep of every home in Malta because that is where you understand what people are actually experiencing," he said.
Castillo added that delegating responsibilities gives them more time to remain closer to the people.
Castillo was also asked whether the lengthy process of confirming the party leadership through the General Council should be shortened.
While acknowledging there was always room for improvement, he defended the process, arguing that taking sufficient time to complete internal procedures properly was preferable to rushing decisions.
"If you're going to do something, you should do it properly. If we were to rush the process, people would criticise us for cutting corners. I'm not saying everything is perfect, because there is always room for improvement, but I do think it is important that when we undertake something, we ensure it is done correctly," he said.
He also touched on the recurring debate surrounding overseas voting.
Every election raises questions about Maltese citizens living abroad who struggle to return home to cast their vote, particularly those residing outside Europe.
Castillo said the issue deserved serious discussion, although he stopped short of endorsing a particular model.
"This issue was raised with me repeatedly during the election campaign. I received calls from people telling me their children lived abroad and simply could not find flights back to Malta. I think it may well be time for the country to begin discussing this issue seriously," he said.
Castillo noted, however, that the issue was far from straightforward.
"There are many considerations. Someone living elsewhere in Europe obviously finds it easier to travel back than somebody living much further away," Castillo said.
He said that there is also the broader question of whether someone who permanently lives abroad should continue voting for a government whose decisions they may not experience directly.
"I do not want to take sides at this stage, but I do think it is healthy that Malta begins discussing the issue openly," Castillo said.
As the Nationalist Party begins another five years in opposition, Castillo's said that reducing Labour's majority had demonstrated that a different political approach could resonate with voters.
The task now was to ensure the Nationalist Party built on that momentum by remaining organised, constructive and consistently engaged with the electorate, rather than waiting until the next election campaign to make its case, Castillo said.
The first part of the interview was carried yesterday.