Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544723
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 MAY 2026 ELECTION 2026 NEWS reforms without consensus and with the dissolution of par- liament, the two bills expired and would have to be re-intro- duced in the new legislature. In the midst of an election campaign, Abela yesterday ac- knowledged that parts of the reforms were "too ambitious" and that "society wasn't ready for them." When asked to elaborate on which aspects he was talking about, he mentioned a "particu- lar procedure" to bring green ar- eas into the development zone. Another was the sanctioning of industrial areas. Abela promised that if he is re-elected his government would not push forward aspects of the bills which didn't enjoy a consensus. "We managed to move toward more of a conver- gence on a number of points," he said. He then stated that if there is no consensus, government would change the local plans—a process that is long overdue— to address the "injustices and anomalies" created by the 2006 revisions. This, he acknowl- edged, will take a number of years to be finalised. Abela stressed that the original planning appeals reform must be introduced, while promising that the rights of people who file appeals will not be compro- mised. morning during a press conference Galdes withdraws, Edward Lewis hangs his boots al, Galdes stood by his criticism of the PL executive. The unexpected rejection of Galdes's candidature put a spoke in the wheel of an other- wise polished PL election cam- paign, posing a headache for the leadership. Meanwhile, Zammit Lewis became the latest veteran MP to hang up his boots from pol- itics, announcing on Saturday that he will retire from front- line politics. "Following careful reflection with my family, I have taken the difficult decision not to contest the upcoming general election and to take a step back from frontline politics, while focusing more on my legal pro- fession," he said, pledging to support Prime Minister Robert Abela in the upcoming election. In his message, Zammit Lewis also issued an apology for any shortcomings during his time in office and thanked those who supported him throughout his political career. Left to right: Former Labour ministers Roderick Galdes and Edward Zammit Lewis PN pledges new hospital, expanded Mgarr Harbour and regional status for Gozo A new Nationalist government will spend €350 million to build a 400-bed state-of-the-art hos- pital in Gozo, Alex Borg said on Saturday. The Nationalist leader said the hospital will also include a helipad near the emergency department. Additionally, the Victoria Health Centre will op- erate 24 hours a day. The initiatives form part of more than 100 proposals the party will be putting forward for Gozo in its electoral mani- festo. During a press conference outside the Gozo General Hos- pital, Borg said the PN will permanently establish Gozo as a formal region through a par- liamentary resolution. This will give Gozo access to targeted European funds. To address accessibility, a PN government will invest in a new fleet for Gozo Channel, in- cluding a passenger vessel and a cargo vessel that will operate from Valletta and Malta Free- port. The new passenger ves- sel will be operational by 2029, Borg said, adding it will be ful- ly accessible for persons with disabilities and equipped with calming rooms. The fast ferry service will have increased frequencies, with a half-hourly service during peak hours and extended late-night services on weekends. Borg also pledged an expan- sion of the crowded Mġarr Harbour and subsequent im- provements on the Ċirkewwa side. Another proposal is the con- struction of the Marsalforn breakwater, which has long been promised but never deliv- ered. "Through an integrated sys- tem combining efficient trans- port, digital solutions and a level of autonomy based on re- gional status, Gozo can begin to function as an integral part of the country," Borg said. Other proposals include pub- lic transport powered entirely by electricity that reaches more Gozitan villages and the Gozo General Hospital; the creation of a €9 million Gozo Cultural Fund for theatres and cultural centres to upgrade facilities; increase in grants for Gozitan students studying in Malta to €400 per month to reflect ris- ing rental costs; and the estab- lishment of a €2 million fund to modernise and build youth centres suited to today's reali- ties. KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt PN leader Alex Borg during a press conference on Saturday