Alex Borg proposes fixed election dates to end uncertainty over snap election

Opposition Leader Alex Borg proposed the introduction of fixed election dates, saying that the reform would end uncertainty and prevent governments from timing elections for political advantage.

Addressing supporters during a political event in Qrendi, Borg said that the atmosphere in recent weeks has been dominated by speculation over a possible general election, creating what he described as a climate of instability.

“No one knows what is going to happen,” he said, arguing that the government is “walking day by day” rather than governing with a clear long-term vision.

Borg criticised government for what he portrayed as reactive leadership, accusing it of using international developments, particularly conflict in the Middle East, as a pretext to justify its political positioning.

Malta, he said, is a neutral country, questioning the extent to which such events should dictate domestic political decisions.

He also pointed to what he described as a sudden surge in ministerial activity in recent weeks.

According to Borg, projects that had seen little visible progress over the past five years are now being rushed forward.

“Why is there all of this panic?” he asked, saying that the government is scrambling in anticipation of a possible election.

Referring to comments by Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Alex Agius Saliba, who recently said there would be no snap election, Borg questioned whether the Prime Minister would honour that position.

He accused the government of treating the election date “like a game of chess,” timing it for political advantage rather than national interest.

In contrast, Borg pledged that a future Nationalist administration would prioritise stability and fairness in the electoral process.

He proposed the introduction of fixed election dates, similar to systems in other countries, where the timing of elections is set at the beginning of a legislature.

Such a reform would remove uncertainty and prevent governments from manipulating timing for political gain, Borg said.

Positioning the Nationalist Party as ready for any electoral scenario, Borg said the party is prepared to contest an election “next week or next year.”

He said that the party’s focus remains on winning public trust and delivering change.

Borg also paid tribute to his predecessors, Bernard Grech and Adrian Delia, crediting them with laying the groundwork on which he is building.

He spoke of ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s ranks, including the approval of new candidates whom he described as both experienced and youthful.

A recurring theme in Borg’s speech was inclusivity, as he spoke of his belief in recognising people’s strengths rather than their shortcomings and called for broader participation in politics.

“I want to involve everyone,” he said, describing this as central to his political philosophy.

Turning to policy, Borg spoke of concerns raised during meetings with students and workers.

He said many young people aspire to study, work, and buy property in Malta but are increasingly finding these goals out of reach.

The rising cost of housing, now averaging around €400,000 for a typical property, was singled out as a major barrier.

Borg also drew attention to quality-of-life issues, comparing Malta unfavourably to countries such as Cyprus.

He said that similar nations enjoy lower stress levels and a better overall standard of living, adding that Malta should adopt a comprehensive national strategy to address stress and mental health.

Traffic congestion was identified as a key contributor to daily stress, and Borg said that for many workers, the first challenge of the day is simply getting to work, often arriving “stressed and angry.”

He criticised the government for failing to act decisively on transport reform, noting that proposals such as a metro system have seen no progress.

Referring to the government’s long-term “Vision 2050” document, Borg pointed out that key details on mass transport remain undefined.

He pledged that, if elected Prime Minister, he would begin work on a new mass transport system within his first 100 days in office.

Mental health featured prominently in the speech, particularly the issue of loneliness, as Borg said that solitude is not limited to the elderly but can also affect young people.

“We want no one to feel alone in this country,” he said.

He highlighted steps already taken by the Opposition, including the appointment of a shadow minister of solitude.

Borg also announced plans to introduce a Private Members’ Bill in the coming weeks aimed at addressing loneliness at a national level.

Rejecting the notion that Opposition parties are powerless, Borg said that meaningful action can be taken even outside government.

He cited the Nationalist Party’s role in initiating discussions on proposals such as the four-day work week as evidence of its proactive approach.

Closing his address, Borg framed the political moment as a decisive one for Malta’s future, particularly for younger generations.

He called for unity, warning against division in a small country.

“Our country is too small to be divided,” he said.

Borg urged voters to consider the long-term implications of their choices, positioning the Nationalist Party’s vision as one centred on opportunity, cohesion, and sustainable progress.

“We want a stronger nation, a better Malta and Gozo,” Borg concluded, expressing confidence that the country can move forward under a renewed sense of purpose.

In a statement issued shortly after the event, the Labour Party criticised Borg for failing to address energy prices and fuel policy in his speech, arguing that this omission highlighted what it called a lack of competence and credibility within the Nationalist Party.

According to the Labour Party, the Nationalist leader’s silence on the issue underscored an unwillingness to confront what it described as the “truth” about the government’s track record. The party maintained that its energy policy has been central to sustaining economic growth, ensuring high levels of employment, and improving household incomes.

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