Floriana's demographic crisis can no longer be ignored and requires coordinated action and concrete measures from the Government, the Opposition and the Local Council, the Nationalist Party said Tuesday.

The serious challenges facing the locality as a result of the continued decline in its resident population were discussed at a meeting Opposition Leader Alex Borg had with the council on Tuesday.

Floriana's population has fallen from more than 5,000 people to around 1,700, while the average age of residents has now risen above 60 and more funerals than baptisms are being held in the locality. At the same time, rising property prices are making it increasingly difficult for young people and families to continue living in Floriana, while more homes are being converted into boutique hotels, short-let accommodation and properties for commercial use.

The PN said it was the only party to include Floriana's demographic crisis in its Electoral Programme for the Local Council elections. Today, as the PN continues to implement the programme it presented at the last Local Council election, the Local Council has placed this challenge at the top of its agenda.

Over the past two years, the PN representatives on the Council have drawn up a policy document on the demographic crisis, which was approved unanimously, declared the crisis a local emergency, organised conferences and meetings with various stakeholders, and continued to put forward proposals aimed at safeguarding the residential community. The Council is also carrying out a study on the locality's carrying capacity.

However, the local council cannot address this crisis on its own, particularly given the limitations on its powers and resources. The PN said it is therefore calling on the government to involve the Council as a key partner and to act on concrete proposals.

These should include a review of the Local Plan and planning policies, greater protection of the residential housing stock, regional incentives for first-time buyers who choose to purchase a home and raise a family in Floriana, as well as the identification and use of vacant properties for residential purposes.

The PN said it welcomed investment and the regeneration of Floriana, but stresses that economic development cannot come at the expense of residents. Regeneration must not only be about buildings and public spaces, but above all about the community that gives life to the locality.

This is not a partisan issue, but a challenge of national importance. The PN said it is ready to work with the Government and the Local Council on concrete solutions to ensure that Floriana remains a thriving community where young people, families and residents can build their future.

Also present at the meeting were Shadow Ministers Bernice Bonello and Julie Zahra. Representing the Floriana Local Council were Mayor Nigel Holland, Deputy Mayor James Aaron Ellul, Councillor Justine Palmier and Executive Secretary Malcolm Agius Muscat.