Letters to the editor – May 28, 2026

Political loyalty

Ray Azzopardi of St Julian’s writes:

Few countries blur the line between politics and media as completely as Malta.

Politics here does not simply colour our ballots. It colours the news we read, the stations we watch and, increasingly, the version of reality many choose to accept. Malta’s media landscape remains deeply tied to political ownership, often blurring the line between journalism and propaganda.

The Labour Party operates One TV and One Radio. The Nationalist Party runs NET Television, NET FM, In-Nazzjon and Il-Mument. PBS, while legally public, is frequently criticised for favouring the government of the day.

Robert Abela addressing a news conference. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Alongside these are independent outlets such as Times of Malta, Malta Today and The Shift News, which attempt to operate outside formal political allegiance.

Yet, many readers instinctively distrust any source that challenges their preferred party’s narrative. Why? Because political loyalty in Malta is often cultural before it is ideological. It is inherited, reinforced socially and defended emotionally. The result is the growth of echo chambers where people mainly consume information that confirms what they already believe.

That carries a democratic cost.

Democracy depends not on blind loyalty but on citizens willing to question, examine and think independently. Reading beyond party lines does not weaken convictions. It tests them.

At a time of digital noise, misinformation and growing division, independent journalism is not just a democratic necessity but an educational one too.

Malta, with its small-island realities and outsized political divisions, deserves a public willing to think beyond slogans and read beyond party colours.

PN, pizza and wine

Eddy Privitera of Naxxar writes:

The political desperation and panic that has gripped Alex Borg and the Nationalist Party with days to go to the general election are encapsulated in childish, banal, incredulous and hilarious statements.

Let me start with MP Eve Borg Bonello. While taking part in a discussion programme with Labour’s Glenn Bedingfield on TVM, she said that tourists eating in restaurants “were now sharing a pizza bet­ween four”. 

When he was still leader of the opposition, Adrian Delia had claimed: “Under Labour, for a couple to go out to eat a pizza once a week, they had to work five jobs between them.” 

During a press conference on May 8, Alex Borg claimed that, with what the PN is offering: “When you go to eat in a restaurant, you will be able to buy a bottle of wine.” 

Can you imagine this same politically naive young man believing he can be Malta’s next prime minister on June 1?

This is why, on May 30, it is the duty of each voter, irrespective of one’s traditional political opinion, to ensure that, for their own and their family’s interest and, above all, the interest of our country, Borg is kept as far away as possible from power.

On May 13, Manoel Island returned to the people. The Nationalist government had given it to developers to build 465 apartments and a boutique hotel at Fort Manoel.

This is the best proof that whatever the prime minister and Labour promise will be delivered.

Most welcome apology

Giuseppe Scicluna of St Julian’s writes:

At last. After all these years, Alex Borg had the courage to admit the mistakes of the Nationalist Party and ask for an apology for the mistakes that grossly affected the genuine Nationalist.

I being one of them greatly appreciated the PN leader’s courage and, for this, he will again get my support.