The Nationalist Party faced existential, political and financial challenges, its new secretary general, Clyde Puli, said yesterday.

Mr Puli said the Opposition had to do some “soul-searching” to reaffirm its identity. His mission as general secretary, he added, would be to rebuild the structures of the party to challenge the government, which he described as “a master of illusion”.

The party had to think strategically, he continued, rather than simply reacting to the government’s moves.

READ: PN had pledged to sell 10 clubs to manage soaring debt

The PN would be using its financial resources wisely and efficiently, he said, adding they would not sell clubs if there were  no need to. However, the PN would be honouring contractual obligations it had undertaken.

“It is true we have financial problems but we never stole any property as the Labour Party did with Australia Hall,” he said.

I will serve with great determination and courage

Speaking in home town Qormi, Mr Puli insisted Labour “stole” no fewer than 30 properties from Maltese families to use them as clubs.

“This is not the way we operate,” he said.

Mr Puli said when party leader Adrian Delia approached him to run for the office of general secretary, he accepted and pledged to do so with responsibility.

“I will serve with great determination and the courage of a lion,” he said.

Mr Puli, who is also a Member of Parliament, said he would not abandon his constituents, though he hoped he would be able to follow in the footsteps of other general secretaries. He said he was consulting some of his predecessors for advice including Louis Galea, Lawrence Gonzi and Austin Gatt.

Mr Puli augured that the new party executive committee would reflect the energy, commitment and charisma Dr Delia had.

The new executive committee signalled the completion of Dr Delia’s campaign pledge that the executive elections would take place before the end of the year.