Alex Borg signals willingness to stay on as leader

Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg said he is prepared to continue serving as party leader if he retains the confidence of eligible party members, but added that the necessary process must take its course according to the party statute.

Speaking to NET NEWS on Saturday, Borg claimed there is “no doubt” that Prime Minister Robert Abela chose to call an early election because he was aware that the opposition was making major advances and had nothing to do with the international situation.

While acknowledging that the PN lost the election, Borg described the party as a “government in waiting” and promised to continue to work even harder over the next five years, noting that the reaction following the result indicated Malta’s growing desire for a strong opposition.

Borg said that in the first few days since the election, more than 800 people have offered to help the party, while many others have sent in ideas and suggestions on how it can continue to grow stronger. He said this shows that people are increasingly seeing the PN as “a new hope” for the change the country needs.

“The energy I have seen in people, not only before and during the campaign, but even more so now that the election is over, continues to fill me with courage and hope that the PN will succeed in bringing to fruition this project we have started, for the good of the Maltese and Gozitan people,” Borg said.

On his decision to retain his 13th District seat, Borg said he wanted to show Gozitans that he stands with them not only in words, but also through his actions, adding that he is confident the statute allows him to do so.

Borg condemned the Labour Party for abandoning people throughout its legislature, but on the eve of an election, decided to start using  the power of incumbency to do what it should have done years ago.

Borg also addressed the PL’s choice to appoint Chris Fearne into Cabinet, explaining that he cannot help but be concerned by the fact that a person who is actively facing criminal charges has been given such an important role. While Borg said he hopes Fearne is found to be innocent, he affirmed that the PN will remain committed to clean politics, transparency, and good governance.