Alex Borg pitches PN as party of the future at last mass meeting

Updated 10.51pm with ADPD statement

The Nationalist Party is the only party that can change the country’s direction and guarantee a prosperous future for all in uncertain times, leader Alex Borg said at the PN’s final rally in Pembroke on Thursday.

Addressing a large crowd at Luxol Grounds, Borg repeated the PN’s mantra throughout the campaign: that people were “thirsty for change” and struggling to make ends meet.

“When I speak to people they tell me they can’t keep up, that as hard as they work, they need to work more,” he said, adding that the middle class was being squeezed.

"I believe in an economy with people at its centre, not an economy of calculators, based only on figures. Numbers on paper can mean a lot, but they can also mean nothing. What counts the most in an economy is our productivity, and behind productivity there are workers and their families. Behind every business, investment, factory, office, shop, there are individuals. You are the strong economy,” he said.

PN leader Alex Borg and his partner Sarah Bajada share a moment during the party's final mass meeting at the end of the election campaign. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Borg was frequently interrupted by the crowd chanting his name and singing PN chants.

Throughout the campaign, Borg said, the country had witnessed “shocking” abuses of power by the government, including “cheques, jobs, and promotions.”

Borg said the Labour Party had run a campaign built on negativity and mudslinging.

“We didn’t come to you in fear; we didn’t come intimidated. We came with ideas, vision, proposals, and courage. We didn’t speak about the past; we spoke about our beautiful future the country has - the future of our youths who want to see that they can work, raise a family and have a high-quality life.

He framed Saturday’s election as a choice between chaos and renewal.

“Who created all this chaos? Those who are now asking you for your trust for another five years. Those who created chaos cannot solve it. Their interest isn't in the country, but in power. They have too much to lose. We’ve lost all sense of what’s good and bad. We have a prime minister who admitted he meets criminals and smugglers. He mocks institutions that stand up to him. We’ve lost the standard of transparency and accountability.”

The crowd of PN supporters at the Luxol ground. Photo: PN

Borg addressed several sections of non-PN voters, stating those who used to vote for the party but no longer do so due to being “hurt or forgotten” by the party.

“With humility, even though I wasn’t there, I take responsibility. I’m sorry. We have a renewed party. This is a golden, once-in-a-lifetime chance, Be the catalysts of change. Do as you did in the past and vote for change.”

To Labour voters disillusioned with the party’s current direction, he asked, “do you live in the Malta that was promised to you? The reply speaks for itself. Join us. Vote for change. Vote for the future.”

'No time for experiments'

Borg also sounded a warning to those who were considering voting for third parties.

“This is not a time for experiments. The country’s future is on the line. If you vote for others, you will be helping Labour stay in power. Only a vote for PN will bring change."

He also claimed there were people who were being told to take a photo of their vote while in the ballot box.

“Don’t worry, don’t be intimidated. That’s illegal. Vote according to your conscience,” he said.

However, ADPD quickly responded to Borg's statement calling out the PN's "attack" on the small parties.

In an immediate response, ADPD chairperson Sandra Gauci said:  “The PN offers copycat politics of the PL — politics in favour of speculators and environmental destruction, as well as an economic policy based on pollution. Beyond that, the PN also offers conservative policies that favour powerful interests such as the fossil fuel industry and oppose social progress."

“Anyone who wants to send a clear and strong message against the outdated PLPN political system should undoubtedly look towards ADPD’s progressive proposals and vote for a complete clean-up of this country," Gauci said.

Tribute to his father

Borg also paid tribute to his deceased father.

“If it weren't for him, I wouldn’t be standing before you right now. My father built my foundations and got me into politics. I would like to tell him, I hope I made you proud. Keep watching over me and give me energy so I can continue being of service to the people,” he said with tears in his eyes.

Brandishing a pencil from his pocket, he said people would be using one to determine the country’s future on Saturday.

“Use this power wisely. I’m proud to say you are the architects of our country. You will be writing our future, and that of future generations. There are 48 hours until election. You need to convince people, persuade them, inspire them,” he said.