Councillors of the Nationalist Party this evening started a four-day meeting which will see a revamp of the party's structures aimed at making it more open and also more attractive to pockets of society which are not normally active in politics or traditionally associated with the PN.

The amendments to the statue were prepared by a commission headed by Francis Zammit Dimech.

The councillors are expected to approve the convening of a convention to discuss the formulation of policies for the party. The convention will be open to members of the party and representatives of  civil society.

The PN is also planning to set up a number of structures aimed at catering for new sectors of society such as a forum for equal opportunities, another for professions,a college for firmer MPs and another for candidates.

All party members will be able to vote for the party leadership.

A new ethics commission within the party will act as a watchdog of behaviour by all those who are associated with the party.

Addressing the PN councillors at the opening of the council meeting, Dr Zammit Dimech said that the amendments to the statute were the most significant changes to the party structures in the past 40 years.

"We want the party to continue to be a popular party but also a party based on sound values. Through these amendments we are rebuilding our structures and opening up our doors wide open. All those who want to contribute are welcome to come forward and give us their ideas."

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the PN was not a party of marketing and wanted to continue to show even from the opposition that it was a party based on sound policies and creative ideas.

"Look what happened to those who base themselves only on marketing" he said while referring to the cash for citizenship scheme. Their after sales service is so bad that they had to try to fix a problem three times", he said to the delight of councillors.

Dr Zammit dimech said that the latest twist by the government on its sale of passports programme has highlighted once again how important it was for the PN to continue to be a strong party.

"If it wasn't for us, this arrogant government would have continued to steamroll over everyone and continued to harm Malta and its reputation. However, because we are a party of principles, and in spite of all the threats, we continued to fight until the government had to bow to pressure and agree with us."

 

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