PN deputy leader David Agius warned against focusing on government corruption to the exclusion of bread-and-butter issues, as he addressed the third plenary session of the party’s general council on Thursday.
“People living in a garage or sleeping in a car or waiting months for an operation may wonder for a moment about Egrant or 17 Black, but it won't solve the issues they face,” he said.
“We have to be a party that continues to fight corruption with all our might, but people are also expecting us to speak in their name and to show we can help them with their problems. We have to spur the government to take notice and take action.”
Mr Agius criticised the government for focusing on short-term solutions that offered nothing for the wellbeing of future generations.
By contrast, the policy document which the PN general council is set to endorse later this week represented a “long-term plan for Malta in 2030 and beyond” he said.
The document sets out a vision for the party based on safeguarding national identity, improving quality of life and creating a caring society.
People living in a garage or sleeping in a car may wonder for a moment about Egrant or 17 Black, but it won't solve the issues they face
It lists protecting life at every stage until its natural end as its first fundamental pillar, as well as stressing equal distribution of wealth and the fight against poverty and cheap labour. It also lists quality of life principles such as efficient transport, cleaner air and better waste management.
Mr Agius called in his address for a solution to the problem of young people leaving school without the skills or qualifications they needed for the job market.
He also stressed the importance of attracting foreign investment by transforming Malta into a centre of innovation, while seizing opportunities in the fields of
cryptocurrency, robotics and AI.
Speaking earlier, MP Karol Aquilina stressed the importance of next year’s European Parliament and local council elections, warning that many saw the vote as an opportunity to send a message to the PN.
He said the party should focus its efforts on retaining its three MEP seats and its majorities in tight council races, while targeting the Labour Party’s own slim majorities in localities such as Birkirkara, Gżira, Msida and Munxar.