Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539398
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS Gozo Chamber cautions against 'confrontational politics' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "Politics and politicians need to remember that theirs is a vo- cation to serve," the Chamber said. "This cannot be achieved without meaningful dialogue that ensures major reforms are agreed upon, and that legislative and policy changes are carefully evaluated." The Chamber cautioned against confrontational politics, especially in a small society like Malta and Gozo's, warning that unnecessary antagonism can hinder real progress and the implementation of reforms that benefit society at large. Acknowledging Borg's roots in Gozo, the Chamber expressed optimism that his background will bring greater awareness to the unique challenges facing the Gozitan community. It also reiterated the need for stronger recognition of Gozo's regional identity to support its holistic development. Alex Borg sworn in on Wednesday Alex Borg called for national interest over partisan divisions after he was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition on Wednes- day. "We must forget about blue and red, and think in red and white," Borg said during the cer- emony at the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta. Last Saturday, Borg was con- firmed as Nationalist Party lead- er following a tightly contested election in which he beat Adrian Delia by just 44 votes. The 30-year-old Gozitan law- yer was accompanied by his mother Mary Debono Borg, his brother David Borg, and his partner Sarah Bajada. PN dep- uty leader Alex Perici Calas- cione and PN secretary general Charles Bonello were also pres- ent. First elected to parliament in 2022 as Gozo's most popular PN candidate with 6,100 votes, Borg quickly established himself as a rising figure within the party, matching Labour's Clint Camill- eri in popularity and outper- forming several veteran MPs. Leader of the Opposition Alex Borg was sworn into office on Wednesday (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) THE voices, proposals, and aspi- rations of Gozitan children and youth regarding the present and future of Gozo were heard dur- ing an event held in Marsalforn as part of the Gozo Vision 2050 initiative. Among those in attendance where Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli. The event was organised in collaboration with the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and Gozo's Chil- dren's Local Councils. Speaking at the event, Camill- eri said the event was not just a meeting but a celebration of young people's energy and creativity. He emphasised the importance of including chil- dren's voices in policy deci- sions, calling them "not just the future of Gozo, but also part of its present." He praised participants for raising fresh ideas on environ- mental protection, sustainable development, improved servic- es, and stronger communities, and said their input would help shape fairer and more sustaina- ble policies for the island. President of Malta Ma- rie-Louise Coleiro Preca ech- oed these sentiments, saying that Malta and Gozo cannot be planned without the direct involvement of young people. "We must put their aspirations at the heart of our vision," she said, adding that the children's contributions reflected a desire to actively shape the country's future. Parliamentary Secretary Zer- afa Civelli noted that the Malta Vision 2050 strategy stresses the need for inclusive com- munities where everyone has a voice. "Through children's lo- cal councils, we are equipping young people with the tools to aspire to a better country," she said. Jonathan Spiteri, from the Malta Vision 2050 team, con- cluded that many of the chil- dren's proposals are already aligned with the national vi- sion, which he said aims to build resilient and inclusive communities and improve overall quality of life. Gozitan youth present proposals for the future at Gozo Vision 2050 event The event was organised in collaboration with the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and Gozo's Children's Local Councils