Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544987
5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 MAY 2026 NEWS Alex Borg pledges development of new port for Gozo A Nationalist government will develop a second smaller port in Gozo, to facilitate the introduc- tion of more ferry vessels and al- leviate congestion at Mġarr Port, Alex Borg said. He did not indicate the location of the second port but promised that the crowded Mġarr Port will also be expanded along with in- frastructural work at the Ċirkew- wa terminal in Malta. When unveiling more propos- als for Gozo on Saturday, Borg said these infrastructural projects would require prior consultation with NGOs, residents, and stake- holders, and a full environmental impact study. The PN leader said better in- frastructure must come before adding more ships to the Gozo Channel fleet. A Nationalist gov- ernment will invest in a merchant vessel connecting Gozo with the Grand Harbour and the Freeport, as well as a fourth passenger ves- sel. Borg called the Labour Party's proposal for more ships "irre- sponsible," arguing that the cur- rent infrastructure at Mġarr can- not accommodate any additional vessels. He insisted Gozo cannot re- main an afterthought for the gov- ernment. Addressing security in Gozo, Borg proposed the implementa- tion of a specialised anti-drug po- lice unit specifically dedicated to Gozo. He noted that while drug trafficking has exploded, accord- ing to a government-released crime review last year, the squad tackling such challenges in Gozo had stopped operating over the PL's 13-year legislature. He also pointed out that most police stations in Gozo have been shut down over the last 13 years. Borg insisted that security starts from the strong presence of law enforcement, promising to bring back accessible police stations in every village. Borg said a PN government will invest in the necessary relocation of Gozo's court, noting that this has been promised over and over by the PL government with noth- ing changing to this day. Additionally, Borg insisted that the PN would invest into the long-promised breakwater in Marsalforn, which he described as vital for locals and infrastruc- ture. He added that a PN gov- ernment would invest in parking facilities in Marsalforn, Rabat and Xlendi. If elected to government, Borg promised the PN would invest in Gozo's roads, prioritising Triq l-Imġarr. Pointing to the high number of fatal accidents on this road, he said a speed camera was necessary on this street. Borg said the upcoming PN manifesto will make Gozo a true priority, insisting that as a Gozitan he was committed to en- sure that all proposed measures are executed. "Gozo needs politics that deliv- ers, not politics of ribbon-cutting and press conferences. It needs modern infrastructure without losing its identity, and safer com- munities that give people peace of mind. Only a new Nationalist government can give this 'Fresh Start' to Gozo and Gozitans," Borg said. EVA BRANNON ebrannon@mediatoday.com.mt Momentum proposes 26 weeks paid maternity leave, one year paid parental leave MOMENTUM is proposing an increase in maternity leave to 26 weeks with full pay, while pa-rental leave would be paid in full for a total of one year. Parental leave would be shared between parents; however, four months of that entitlement would be non-transferable. This, Momentum said, would encourage a balanced division of caregiving responsibilities be- tween both parents. The party explained that parents are forced to choose between work and family because Malta's parental leave provisions are among the weakest in Eu- rope. On Saturday, Momentum issued a series of proposals targeting workers' rights, insisting that workers are suf- f e r i n g the con- sequenc- es of an outdated and unjust employ- ment system. If elected to parliament, Mo- mentum promised to address the problem where care work- ers, security guards, and sec- retaries employed by agencies or private companies earn less than state employees doing the same work. Momentum said the problem persists despite recent legal re- forms, which they argue are not being enforced. The party explained that the widespread use of definite con- tracts has become a tool to keep workers in sustained uncertain- ty, not a legitimate response to genuine short-term needs. If elected, Momentum prom- ised to push to reduce the period after which a definite contract must convert to an indefinite one from four years to two. Additionally, Momentum ex- plained that if a post is left va- cant following a non-renewal, employers will be legally obliged to re-offer it to the same em- ployee if the position is reo- pened within one year. "Workers in Malta are only asking for a permanent contract after years of loyalty, decent leave to raise a child, and the same pay as the colleague doing the identical job next to them," Momentum candidate Matthew Agius said. "Both the PL and PN have had decades to deliver this and have failed." Reporting by Eva Brannon ELECTION 2026 Inset: Momentum Candidates Matthew Agius