Alex Borg lost control of the PN

Owen Bonnici (Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.)

On Tuesday evening, during the Prime Minister's budget speech, the contrast couldn't have been clearer. On one side stood a strong, calm, and decisive Prime Minister, focused on delivering a clear vision for the nation. On the other hand was an opposition leader who seemed completely out of his depth - struggling, distracted, and evidently unable to keep his own party and parliamentary group under control. Former PN leader Adrian Delia, still badly bruised after the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal's decision on Steward Healthcare, went hysterical as the Prime Minister proudly spoke about what many have described as the best budget ever. PN MP Paula Mifsud Bonnici even went as far as to block the TVM camera as Robert Abela finished his speech - an act that spoke volumes. The Nationalist Party appeared to be in full-blown panic mode. The PN has hit rock bottom, politically and morally. When they go low, we go high.

The €400 million lie

The government has effectively and successfully defended itself against Steward Healthcare's claims that it unlawfully terminated its healthcare concession, according to an award issued by an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal. The tribunal also categorically rejected Steward Healthcare's contractual claim of approximately €148 million.

A win

The outcome of these arbitration proceedings vindicates the government's careful and consistent approach in protecting the national interest. It ensures that public resources continue to be managed responsibly, transparently, and in the best interests of the Maltese and Gozitan people. The tribunal - composed of internationally respected experts - delivered an objective and detailed assessment of the facts. In doing so, it completely dismissed the exaggerated and baseless claims made by the Nationalist Party, which for months insisted that Steward had somehow fled Malta with €400 million and that the government had paid the company for services it never delivered. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Good governance

The tribunal's findings were crystal clear. It determined that Steward Health Care actually delivered more services than the payments it received from the government. In concrete terms, Malta benefited from a total of €889,434,091 in services, whereas Steward Healthcare's benefits amounted to €884,644,629. This leaves a shortfall of around €4.78 million, which the government is now required to pay to Steward Healthcare. The numbers speak for themselves.

In a nutshell, the PN's loud and persistent claim that €400 million were paid for services "never rendered" has been conclusively exposed as a blatant lie. It was political theatre - nothing more. This judgment represents not only a legal victory but also a certificate of good governance and transparency for the Labour government. It confirms that Malta acted properly, lawfully, and in full respect of international standards.

Lost control

The tribunal delivered its award on Tuesday evening, just moments before the opposition leader's budget reply in Parliament. The timing could not have been more telling. No wonder Malta witnessed a visibly nervous Alex Borg and a gloomy Adrian Delia sitting pensively behind him. The following day, Delia again went hysterical, ranting as if trying to deflect from his own embarrassment. This time, however, it was Alex Borg's turn to watch helplessly as chaos unfolded within his ranks.

Barely two months into his leadership, Borg has already lost control of his party. The internal divisions, the public outbursts, and the lack of discipline are becoming impossible to hide. What was meant to be a new era for the PN has quickly turned into more of the same instability and confusion that have plagued the party for over a decade.

More of the same

Many people, myself included, were honestly expecting a fresh outlook from the new PN leader in his first major speech in Parliament following last week's budget. There was genuine hope that Alex Borg might rise above partisan bitterness and present a constructive vision. Everyone was waiting for him to acknowledge the strong and positive impact that Robert Abela's budgetary measures will have on Maltese families and businesses - and to explain, perhaps, how a future PN government would seek to build upon that progress.

Instead, we got a two-hour monologue of tired negativity and empty rhetoric. On Monday evening, Borg had an excellent opportunity to chart a new way forward for his party, to offer a credible and better alternative to the Labour government. But once again, he failed. He spent most of his time launching attacks on Prime Minister Robert Abela and the Labour administration, without offering a single new idea, without a single concrete proposal.

Half a loaf

It was almost comical when he claimed that what Labour gave to the elderly was equivalent to "half a loaf." That statement, coming from the leader of a party that froze pensions and raised water and electricity bills while in government, was pure irony. Those decisions had pushed thousands of elderly citizens into hardship. By contrast, the Labour Party in government has consistently increased pensions year after year since 2013.

Whoever advised Borg to attack Labour's record on social support clearly has no understanding of reality-or history. The truth is, the Labour government has given pensioners dignity, respect, and financial security. Borg's comment was not only tone-deaf; it was politically disastrous. It showed just how out of touch the Nationalist Party remains with the everyday struggles of ordinary people. Unfortunately, Borg seems to be taking orders from the same old PN figures who brought ruin to their party and pain to the Maltese public.

A confident PM

The Prime Minister's speech the following day stood in complete contrast. On Tuesday, Malta witnessed an optimistic, tried-and-tested leader outlining Labour's vision for the future. Dr Robert Abela demonstrated calm confidence and a deep understanding of what the country needs to continue thriving. He showed once again that only Labour has the economic competence, the political maturity, and the foresight to keep Malta moving forward.

Dr Abela clearly explained the stark difference between Malta's economic stability and the turmoil in other EU countries. As I write, the British Chancellor is preparing to announce drastic tax hikes in the UK, while the political scene in France is descending into chaos. Yet in Malta, under Labour, stability reigns. Employment remains strong, inflation is controlled, and investment continues to flow. The Prime Minister's speech reminded everyone that good governance, consistency, and vision produce real results.

A bright future

What Malta saw last Tuesday was a positive, future-oriented Prime Minister who radiated confidence and energy. His message was simple but powerful: the best is yet to come. It is genuinely impressive how the Labour Party, even after years in government, continues to renew itself, refine its message, and deliver a stronger version of its original mission. That ability to adapt, improve, and serve remains Labour's greatest strength.

 The same cannot be said for the Nationalist Party. It remains stuck in the past - divided, confused, and unable to craft a coherent policy plan for Malta and Gozo. Its leadership crisis reflects a deeper identity crisis.

Today, Malta faces a clear choice. On one hand, we have an opposition leader who seems to believe that leading a nation is about chasing social media likes and posing for selfies. On the other hand, we have a Prime Minister and a Labour government that continue to deliver tangible results for the Maltese people - creating jobs, investing in education, improving healthcare, supporting families, and ensuring that Malta's future remains bright and secure.