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6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 8 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS "The General Council, themed A Youthful Malta, is a Council built on the hope and determination we see in the Maltese and Gozitan people. Despite the challenges the country is facing, in recent months, a renewed sense of hope has emerged among the Maltese people – a hope that our country can change direction and once again find a path that opens new horizons for all of us." DURING a press conference on the eve of the Partit Nazzjonal- ista's General Council, Secretary General Michael Piccinino ex- plained that this Council was built on what the Maltese people want for their country. The Partit Nazzjonalista con- tinues to welcome more ideas, building a program that will lead to a new Nationalist Government capable of giving our country the direction that everyone so desires. During the press conference, the Executive Committee Chair- person Joe Grech provided an overview of the topics discussed during the three Assemblies for General Council members held in Mġarr with councillors from Mal- ta's northern localities, in Fgura with those from the south, and in the Gozo region. Education and Youth Inclusion Education was a recurring theme in these meetings. Young people expressed concern that this sector is not a priority for the Govern- ment, as shown by the fact that the Budget completely overlooked both the University of Malta and MCAST. Many students are losing moti- vation to study, and in addition, young people feel they cannot keep up with life and lack oppor- tunities to enjoy their free time in a protected natural environment. A serious investment is needed at every level of education, and we must ensure that our country is attractive enough for our young people to want to stay in Malta. Quality of Life and the Environment Unplanned development and population growth were men- tioned as issues seriously affecting the quality of life. In some locali- ties, the rate of new residents each year is disproportionate to what these areas and their infrastruc- ture can handle, raising concerns for many. We need to find a balance and make the necessary investment so that our country's infrastructure does not collapse under the enor- mous pressure it faces. Mental Health and Wellbeing The need for environmental protection and a holistic mental health plan are interconnected. Partit Nazzjonalista's Leader Ber- nard Grech also noted that the word "wellbeing" was not men- tioned in the Budget. This reveals how disconnected the Labour Government is from the people. Our country urgently needs a plan truly focused on strength- ening and caring for our mental health. Local Councils and Resources for Localities A quality country is made up of quality localities. However, dur- ing the Assemblies, it was noted that Local Councils are struggling to cope with rising costs. With population growth, localities face increasing pressure. One example is the rise in waste, which has also led to increased costs for Councils. Funding allocations for Councils are insufficient, demonstrating a Government that not only lacks interest in strengthening Coun- cils but seeks every opportunity to weaken them. Residents deserve Councils ca- pable of managing their localities without interference. Vision and Mission of the Party It is clear that many feel the need for a strong political alternative to steer Malta out of the dead end it has found itself in. The leadership and speakers of the Partit Nazzjonalista empha- sized the need to maintain a bal- ance between different policies and to address the social issues that the current Government con- tinues to exacerbate in a strategic manner. A Youthful Gozo The Assembly in Gozo discussed the ongoing challenges in this re- gion. The need for better connec- tivity, more quality jobs in Gozo, and the importance of increased foreign investment were high- lighted. In recent years, Gozo has seen a growing desire among young peo- ple to be more active and part of the movement for change in this country's direction. Young people, and all Gozitans, deserve a youthful Gozo that of- fers hope and opportunities. During the press conference, the speakers reiterated that the Partit Nazzjonalista is committed to of- fering open, sincere policies aimed at providing direction for a more youthful, responsible, and wise Malta in all areas of life. The theme A Youthful Malta signifies that the Partit Nazzjon- alista is determined not to accept the status quo or the reality that the Labour Party wants us to be- lieve, but to be among the first to provide solutions for this country. A Youthful Malta: Moving forward towards a lively, energetic country PN Secretary General Michael Piccinino (left) and Executive Committee Chairperson Joe Grech (right) highlight the discussions within the three assemblies held, including the one in Gozo (above)

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