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9 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 AUGUST 2025 ANALYSIS & OPINION Alex Borg Malta's next chapter: A vision for renewal and opportunity PN leadership candidate ment against bullies, arrogant lobbies and oligarchs, and its lack of will to defend the com- mon good make it difficult for progressives on the political left to support it—even reluctantly. Labour is also vulnerable be- cause a segment of its voters supports the party despite— not because of—its progressive social reforms. Social media comments are ample proof that Labour has retained sup- port among the Trump-loving crowd and seems comfortable entertaining them. More disturbingly, some of these supporters even defend abuse and exploitation when- ever Labour is confronted by its left-wing critics or the media. Others use a discourse which is completely at odds with the party's progressive ethos, as was the case of the Mqabba depu- ty mayor who suggested that women enjoy being beaten up, before making a half-hearted apology. Crucially, Labour shows more interest in keeping these ele- ments on board than in reach- ing out to progressives advo- cating both liberal reforms and good governance based on so- cial justice. Sure, Labour still has one pro- gressive card left—euthanasia. It is a relatively safe issue with broad support across the po- litical spectrum even among people who are conservative on other topics like abortion. But apart from this notable excep- tion, Abela seems to have lost his appetite for reform. Significantly, he backed down on the decriminalisation of abortion in cases where child- birth could endanger a mother's health. This is the same Abe- la who invoked the suffering of cancer patients to justify a planning amnesty but refused to continue the battle to protect women at risk of blindness or severe mental illness if forced to carry a pregnancy to term. The problem is that regression often sets in the moment the political left loses its will to push bound- aries. Progressives cannot expect major reforms such as the de- criminalisation of abortion from the PN, regardless of which contender becomes lead- er. Still, some may continue to support the PN simply because they prioritise a change in gov- ernment over their progressive ideals. Others may try to push the boundaries within Labour which is more open to their ide- as, though this is becoming in- creasingly difficult as the party grows more inward-looking. Third parties may also provide an opening for orphaned pro- gressives although their growth remains constrained by the electoral system. MALTA is a nation with extraordinary poten- tial. For centuries, we have faced challenges with courage and opportunities with deter- mination. Today, we stand ready to write the next chapter in our national story; a chapter defined by long-term thinking, shared pros- perity, and purpose-driven leadership. We build on Vision 2050, recognising it as a necessary step in the right direction. But we are called to go further, to create a Malta where prosperity is shared, sustainability is a growth driver, and innovation solves our most pressing challenges. What do we want Malta to stand for in the next 25 years? Not just economic growth— but meaningful prosperity. Not only infra- structure—but quality of life. Not simply poli- cies—but a shared purpose. We aspire to build: • A Malta where wellbeing matters as much as wealth, and where health, education, and housing are within reach of all. • A country that leads in sustainability and innovation, rather than follows global trends. • A nation where young people stay not be- cause they must, but because they believe in Malta's future. • A fairer Malta where trust in politics and institutions is restored, and where growth is shared across all communities. Six national missions to inspire action Our vision is built on six national missions that will shape Malta's future with clarity and courage: • A healthier Malta for all: A nation where wellbeing is prioritised through prevention, nutrition, and mental health. A Malta where care starts in communities, not only in hos- pitals. • Smart mobility for a better quality of life: Transport designed around people's lives. Safer streets, cleaner air, and smarter systems that restore time and wellbeing to families and workers. • Malta as a small island of innovation: A country where ideas are tested, businesses grow, and Gozo becomes a living laboratory for sustainability, clean energy, and digital solutions. • Clean energy and climate leadership: Mal- ta as a Mediterranean clean energy hub har- nessing wind, sun, and sea. Exploring Carbon Island, green maritime fuels, and energy part- nerships with North Africa. • A human-centred economy: An economy that empowers creators, entrepreneurs, and workers. Expanding trade with Africa and creating value beyond our shores. • Preparing people for life, not just work: An education system that equips people with life skills, vocational pathways, and access to life- long learning. Supporting talent through in- clusive migration and modern schools. The four cores and 12 priorities These missions are anchored in four cores and 12 national priorities that drive our vi- sion. Core 1: The ethical foundation Environment: Protect nature, power Malta with wind and solar. Social: Ensure housing, health, and inclusion reach all communities. Governance: Lead with transparency, re- duce the size of parliament, and make MPs full-time. Core 2: The engines of progress Innovation: Build an economy of ideas, not imitation. Institutions: Restore trust by putting merit and service at the heart of governance. Infrastructure: Create smart, resilient infra- structure to meet the demands of a changing world. Core 3: The human dimension Housing: Regenerate abandoned buildings, modernise zoning, and ensure housing re- flects today's social realities. Health: Focus on prevention, nutrition, and mental wellbeing, alongside world-class acute care. Heritage: Use culture, the arts, and history to regenerate spaces and communities. Core 4: The growth catalysts Energy and environment: Lead in clean en- ergy and climate resilience. Economy and enterprise: Grow new sectors like the creator economy and expand trade with Africa. Employment and education: Focus on life skills, trade schools, and talent development for tomorrow's jobs. A Malta worth believing in Our commitment is to build a Malta where children dream bigger, businesses innovate fearlessly, and families live with greater dig- nity and hope. We do not seek power for its own sake. We seek the trust to serve, to build, and to renew. The Malta we envision is within reach. A Malta that protects its people and its nature. A Malta that leads with humility and courage. A Malta that inspires pride in all who call it home. This is the Malta we will build, together.