At the heart of society

The Nationalist Party’s successes were always forthcoming when the party was responsive to the needs of society. As politicians, we only remain relevant if we remain sensitive and reactive to the aspirations of the people we represent.

This is not a populist appeal; it is a responsible one. In the same way that politicians should direct and influence positive change, a political party and its representatives need to ensure that they are still in synch with the ever-diversified society we are out to win over and represent.

The Nationalist Party is not a one-themed political movement; it is a synergy of ideas, coming together from the widest form of our social spectrum, guided by the principles that form the European popular belief based on the Christian Democratic values. These are distinct, non-populist and sound compared to the ever changing socialist/social democratic school of thought. What matters most is what we then put into practice and in that case we can all agree that the Nationalist Party has a lot to show for that.

My appeal is to once again see the Nationalist Party on the ground working in tandem with civil society. We seem to have moved in different ways over the last few years and even so more recently. I want to once again bridge the two together.

My idea for the party’s electoral programme is for it to become an evolving working document based on regular updates as discussions progress with all stakeholders. This is one way in which we can further engage with civil society. For this to succeed, we need an organised structure, led by the president of the PN general council (or another administrative role) who shall conduct this work together with all the party structures through workshops empowered with the task of devising proposals of the political position the party needs to adopt. We need to engage with these experts and technocrats who have first-hand experience and solutions in their fields of expertise.

This is what people-centred politics is about. Not populist, but people-focused, the core of our belief that places people at the heart of all our political decisions. We need to find the right dose of what requires political drive and what requires stakeholder input. The right balance will give us the recipe to success and a true alternative government based on sound ideas and methods.

Part of the solution to the institutional crises that we are faced with lies in the hands of all stakeholders. Civil society needs to become vociferous on this. UĦM Voice of the Workers and the Malta Employers Association have done so; it is now time for others to follow in order for true change to be implemented. Such change requires political will and action.

I have the political will to do so, my parliamentary seat is available not only to represent those who elected me but also those who have at heart the desire for good governance and justice. I will strive to keep these issues high on the agenda of the new PN administration. We need to focus on keeping the party relevant but also we need to stand firm against abuse of power and impunity.

We are truly at a crossroads. We have come so far only to now be questioning if keeping on the path of social and economic prosperity requires centralised or independent institutions.

I want to see reforms take place that address the political influence that leads to abuse in what should be independent and autonomous institutions. This needs to be addressed once and for all.

We have seen the lack of confidence in the police commissioner and the attorney general; now we are witnessing a similar approach at the University of Malta. This has got to stop. It is now up to civil society to use its authority to call for action.