'Abela is creating uncertainty for businesses with election teasing’: Alex Borg

Opposition leader Alex Borg has accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of plunging businesses and the wider public into uncertainty by being coy about the date for the next general election.

With speculation of an imminent election reaching fever pitch, Borg was asked about the rumours on Sunday morning at a Nationalist Party event in Mdina. 

"[Abela] is creating uncertainty among businesses and families,” Borg said, saying he sees no need for an early election. 

“Supposedly, the last budget was the best ever; we have one of the best economies in Europe, and there are no major crises happening locally,” Borg said, adding that the Prime Minister’s thinking was informed not by the well-being of the country, but by his own self-interest.  

“He can announce it whenever he likes, as is his prerogative. When he does, I’ll be ready to win, not just reduce the gap, because Malta needs a solid vision with people at its core.” 

Borg said that when he became Opposition Leader, he knew an early election might be on the cards. 

“I want to be everyone’s prime minister, not just for the few. If you’re currently doing well, under PN, you’ll do even better, and if you’re struggling, we’ll get you on your feet. Our aim is not to leave anyone behind,” he said.  

Borg said several candidates, including new faces, would be announced soon. 

PN will retain energy subsidies 

Asked about the Opposition’s plans for the energy sector, given increasing global uncertainty, Borg said the PN would ensure that electricity bills remained low by retaining subsidies.  

"We need to make sure we have alternative sources of energy. Where are the offshore windfarms that the government has often spoken about?” he said, pointing out that Malta is one of the lowest-ranked countries in Europe when it comes to renewable energy generation.  

“We want Malta to be one of the best. We have sun and sea – free energy that we are not currently exploiting. When there is an international crisis, we won’t worry.” 

Addressing Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, Borg asked what would happen when Malta’s current LNG supply agreement expires. 

On transparency, Borg pledged that under a PN government, the assets of MPs’ partners would also be public.  

In March, the government proposed changes to asset declaration requirements that would remove the requirement for MPs to list immovable property belonging to their spouses.