One of Malta's most cherished songs, Xemx - better known to many as Xemx Wisq Sabiħa - was written and composed by the late Dominic Grech, who first performed it with his band, The Tramps, during the 1970s.
I rarely drive anywhere without listening to my favourite radio station. Recently, while making my way across the island, this timeless classic came on. As I listened, my thoughts drifted and, before long, the reflections that follow had taken shape.
In many respects, Alex Borg of Gozo can be likened to the sun itself, bringing warmth, energy and renewed optimism to Malta's political landscape.
Music helps me relax while driving from one destination to another, an activity that has become increasingly frustrating. The relentless summer heat, combined with slow-moving traffic, can turn even the shortest journey into an exhausting experience. The situation is further aggravated by the numerous road works taking place simultaneously across the island. Trenching and construction projects often seem to lack proper coordination, leading to severe traffic congestion, extended delays, and unnecessary disruption for motorists.
Commuters continue to face unnecessary delays as refuse collection trucks and mechanical street sweepers occupy major roads during peak traffic hours. Repeated assurances by the responsible minister that this long-standing issue would be addressed now appear to have quietly faded into the background, leaving many to question whether those promises were ever intended to be fulfilled. These disruptions are further compounded by recurring failures in the electricity supply, adding to the daily frustrations experienced by the public.
Against this backdrop, the General Council of the Nationalist Party recently convened to confirm the sole candidate who submitted his nomination for the vacant position of party leader. At just 31 years of age, Alex Borg received an overwhelming vote of confidence from party councillors.
At an age when many young people are pursuing academic goals, sporting ambitions, community volunteering, charitable work or the early stages of their professional careers, Borg has chosen to assume one of the country's most demanding public responsibilities. He has accepted the leadership of one of Malta's two principal political parties, embracing a role that carries immense responsibility and national significance.
The challenge before him is formidable. The months ahead - and indeed the remainder of this legislature - will represent the greatest test of his political career. The hurdles he must overcome are likely to be higher than those faced by even the most accomplished athlete. He will undoubtedly receive encouragement from many quarters, but he will also attract criticism from those who disagree with his decisions or question his approach. At times, that criticism may become harsh or relentless, yet such scrutiny is an inevitable consequence of political leadership.
True leadership is not about imposing one's will. It is about listening carefully, bringing together diverse opinions and forging consensus among people who may hold very different views. That is never an easy task. Humility, sound judgement, persuasive leadership and a genuine willingness to evaluate every proposal on its merits, rather than dismissing it outright, can make that journey considerably smoother while helping to guide both the party and the country in the right direction.
Borg has already demonstrated both the determination and the political ability required to meet demanding challenges. Before the last general election, he had only recently assumed a prominent leadership role within the party. Despite the limited time available, he and his team succeeded in preparing a comprehensive electoral programme while significantly reducing the electoral gap between Malta's two major political parties.
Nevertheless, neither Borg nor his colleagues can afford to rely solely on the momentum generated by recent achievements. Politics is ultimately measured by results. In sport, trophies are awarded only to those who stand on the highest step of the podium, regardless of how impressive the journey may have been.
It is equally evident that the Opposition is not competing on an entirely level playing field with the government. A clear, disciplined and effective strategy is therefore essential to address this imbalance. The government should not be permitted to dismiss every legitimate question or criticism by labelling the Opposition as negative whenever it raises issues of national importance. Holding those in power to account is not negativity; it is one of the fundamental pillars of parliamentary democracy.
The parliamentary group, now composed largely of younger MPs while still benefiting from the experience of more seasoned colleagues, has a genuine opportunity to inject fresh energy into the party. If these parliamentarians are encouraged to take initiative and are given the confidence that their efforts will be supported, they can help revitalise the party's grassroots organisation, inspire greater public confidence and present themselves as a credible government-in-waiting.
Like the sun celebrated in Xemx, authentic leadership has the power to illuminate, inspire and energise. I believe Alex Borg, together with his team, possesses the vision, commitment and determination needed to translate promises into meaningful action over the months and years ahead.
I am equally confident that Borg will continue to grow in stature, both within Parliament and among the Maltese public. His personal integrity, combined with his ability to unite and strengthen his party, has the potential to earn the trust of a broader electorate and transform hope into tangible political success.
At the same time, he must remain vigilant against those who offer comforting but misleading assurances - those false prophets who seek to convince compromised individuals that political accountability can once again be avoided and that the Opposition will remain permanently excluded from government. Genuine leadership requires not only optimism, but also the wisdom to distinguish sincere counsel from self-serving advice.
Gejtu Vella
People & Industrial Relations Consultant