Not calling an early election is ‘another U-turn’ by Abela, says Alex Borg

Robert Abela’s declaration that he will not be calling an early election is “another U-turn” by the prime minister, Alex Borg accused on Sunday.

Addressing a PN activity in Senglea, the Opposition leader said Abela had previously indicated he would call a snap election if the PN elected a new leader, as this would destabilise the country. 

But Abela effectively ruled out an early election in a Times of Malta interview published on Sunday.  

“It doesn’t matter. Whenever it [the election] comes, we will be prepared to provide hope for Malta," Borg said.

Borg announced that he will be contesting the election on the Gozo district, a first for a PN leader. The Opposition leader, who was born in Gozo, said he will also be contesting a second, as yet unrevealed district. 

Questioned about recent opinion polls, Borg said that irrespective of whether the gap to Labour is 7,000 votes or over 20,000 votes, neither of those outcomes are a good result for the PN.

“Let us be honest, it is still a loss. Whether the gap has halved, or is down to 7,000. Losing by one goal to nil is still a loss. There is still a lot to do. Let us roll up our sleeves, and knock on every single family’s door in Malta and Gozo,” Borg urged.

PN accounts to be published 

Borg promised that he would be sticking to his pledge to publish the PN’s audited accounts within the first 100 days of his leadership.

With the clock on that deadline ticking down, Borg said he has spoken to the party’s auditors, who have assured him they will stick to that deadline.

Earlier this year, Times of Malta reported how the PN has failed to file its statement of accounts with the Electoral Commission for the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

The PN is also missing donation reports for 2022, 2023 and 2024.

On financing White Rocks

The Opposition leader questioned how the government plans to fund its planto turn the abandoned White Rocks complex in Pembroke into a national park.

He said no mention of the plan was made during Finance Minister Clyde Caruana’s October budget speech.

The plan was only unveiled days later by the prime minister.

“It is a PR stunt. How can they go about this without even a single line item dedicated to it in the budget,” Borg asked.

Borg greeting PN supporters during Sunday's event. Photo: PN

Comings and goings

Borg also touched upon the announcement that PN MP Ryan Callus will not be contesting the next election.

While thanking him for his service, Borg assured that the MP will continue to help the party as part of its campaign team. Borg said he has no doubt that people like Claudette Buttigieg, who made a similar announcement weeks ago, will keep helping the PN.

“I have no doubt that Claudette and anyone else who decides not to contest will continue helping the party,” Borg said.

The Opposition leader said more and more people are coming forward to contribute to the party, as evidenced by the hive of activity at its Pieta headquarters.

A ‘secret’ tax increase?

Despite the budget claims of no new taxes, Borg accused the government of “secretly” introducing a legal notice that will raise the registration costs of new medicines in Malta.

This, he said, will also mean an increase in costs for pharmacies.

No announcement was made by the government about this increase, Borg said.

The Opposition leader said this increase will give foreign companies that produce medicines in Malta an “excuse” to leave the country.

Free doctor services for the elderly 

Borg said a PN government will provide the services of a free doctor for elderly people and pensioners in acute cases, allowing them to use their family doctor to ensure continuity of treatment. 

This will be optional both for patients and for private doctors who wish to participate.

Borg said the measure will also reduce pressure on primary care and hospitals.