‘Gozo must no longer be an afterthought,’ Alex Borg says

Gozo should no longer be treated as a secondary concern in national policymaking and must instead be given constitutional recognition as a region, the Leader of the Nationalist Party Alex Borg said during a mass rally held in Rabat Gozo on Tuesday evening.

Addressing a large crowd, Borg centred his speech on themes of renewal, unity and opportunity, insisting that both Malta and Gozo require “a fresh direction” built on practical results rather than political division.

The event opened with short interventions from Mayor of San Lawrenz Noel Formosa, and deputy mayor of Kerċem Abigail Micallef.

Borg began by highlighting his personal connection to Gozo, presenting himself not only as party leader but also as someone deeply rooted in the island’s identity and community.

He described Gozo as a place with resilience, dignity and enormous potential, while arguing that it has too often been overlooked in national planning.

A central pledge of his address was the proposal to enshrine Gozo as a constitutional region.

Borg said this would guarantee long-term recognition for the island and ensure it is no longer treated as an “afterthought” depending on shifting political priorities.

“Gozo must no longer be an afterthought, but a strong engine within the country’s future,” Borg told supporters.

Much of the speech focused on young people and the issue of migration from the island.

Borg said too many young Gozitans still feel forced to leave in order to pursue education, careers and better opportunities, and insisted that this trend must be reversed through investment and structural reform.

“I want to guarantee that even in Gozo you can progress, build your career and build your life here,” he said, switching briefly into English for emphasis. “You should not have to leave your home to succeed.”

He argued that economic success should not be measured only through statistics such as GDP growth, but through tangible improvements in people’s quality of life.

Borg said a strong economy is one where workers earn better wages, businesses are able to grow and families feel secure about their future.

Borg promised stronger investment in hospital services in Gozo, saying elderly residents should not feel uncertain about access to medical care on the island.

He said that under a Nationalist government, healthcare services in Gozo would be strengthened so that residents could rely on quality care closer to home.

Borg also addressed the island’s business community, promising stronger support for entrepreneurs and workers.

He said that Gozitan businesses should not be disadvantaged because of geography and should be given the tools needed to expand and compete on equal footing with businesses in Malta.

Borg spoke of inclusivity and national unity, as he said that a future Nationalist government would not be vindictive or divisive, but would instead govern for all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

“We will not be a government of revenge,” he said. “We will be a government of all Maltese and Gozitans, whether you vote Nationalist, Labour or do not vote at all.”

He also appealed directly to politically disillusioned voters, acknowledging that some traditional Nationalist supporters had drifted away from the party in recent years, while others who previously voted Labour now feel politically unrepresented.

Borg described the Nationalist Party as a renewed movement focused on the future rather than the political battles of the past.

He criticised what he described as entrenched “blue and red politics,” arguing that partisan division has weakened national progress and damaged trust in politics.

He said Malta could only move forward if the country is united rather than divided, insisting that cooperation and shared national interest should take precedence over political hostility.

The PN leader also spoke about governance style, promising humility, accessibility and accountability.

He described his political commitment as a “contract with the Maltese and Gozitan people” and pledged to remain close to citizens and attentive to their concerns.

Looking ahead to the next general election, Borg framed the choice facing voters as one between continuity and change.

“This is a choice between more of the same or a fresh start for our country,” he told supporters towards the end of the rally.

He concluded by calling for national renewal built on unity, opportunity and long-term planning, while insisting that Gozo’s challenges should be treated as opportunities for transformation rather than obstacles.

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