Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545002
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 MAY 2026 NEWS ELECTION 2026 CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 Meanwhile, Borg slammed the rapid population growth with- out improving national infra- structure. Here he presented the PN's population authority as one of the fixes, explaining that this entity will focus on publishing studies on the population and planning accordingly. He said that this will involve a plan to ensure that Malta's infrastruc- ture can support such a popula- tion. Abela responded by saying that Borg's solution to overpopula- tion is an overpopulation of enti- ties and authorities. He slammed Borg's "populist rhetoric" and insisted that jobs were created, not by importing workers, but by attracting investment. Abela re- minded the unregulated nature of temping agencies in the past, presenting the Labour Migration Policy as one of the examples of government acting to address problems. He mentioned AI, au- tomation, and robotics as some of the solutions to overpopula- tion, insisting that this issue re- quires realistic measures. Abela pointed out discrepancies be- tween figures explained by Borg during the campaign and those presented in the PN's manifesto, saying that Borg responded that the differ- ence between himself and Ab- ela is clear, painting the prime minister as someone focused on attacking the Opposition's pro- posals while coming up with no new ideas. On the discrepancies in numbers, Borg said that "Ab- ela can only attack the numbers and not our ideas." He defend- ed his proposals by pointing to the success of similar initiatives abroad. The Opposition leader repeated that the PL had years to address problems and take initiatives. He further berated a number of Abela's u-turn. A comment by Borg over his party's proposal to reduce res- taurants' VAT dialled up the heat during the debate, as Abela insisted that this would create a discrepancy in VAT among dif- ferent sectors. Abela doubled down on his opponent's mis- takes in numbers, insisting that "the numbers are everything," and that one cannot present a vision by being fuelled "solely by populism." Abela mentioned the regulation of prediction markets as one of his government's new economic sectors. Responding to questions from those present regarding public procurement the prime minis- ter, reassured the person asking the question that the public pro- curement sector is strong and transparent. Alex Borg disagreed, and stat- ed that when it comes to public procurement, there isn't truly a level playing field, adding that the sector is being dominated by massive direct orders. He promised that a PN government would ensure that direct orders would be the exception and not the rule. Abela also promised that non-transparent ministe- rial asset declarations would similarly become a thing of the past, promising to hold himself and the political class to a higher standard. Abela then asked the person who asked the question wheth- er she could trust someone who makes "massive mistakes" in their costing calculations. He stressed that this issue and many others all boil down to a matter of credibility. Borg accused Abela of trying to lie or misdirect people when criticising the PN's costings, in- sisting that his opponent is pur- posefully omitting details when criticising the PN's proposals. The pair then began bickering and speaking over each other as the moderator tried to control the debate. Borg accused Abela of saying that the PN's proposals are all wrong, while Abela ac- cused Borg of copying the PL's promises. Borg and Abela were also quizzed on Gozo's regionality. Abela stated that initiatives such as the Gozo Regional De- velopment Authority (GRDA) as a commitment toward to pre- serving the island's character. He jabbed at Borg's statement regarding high-rise buildings in Gozo, while outlining measures that address some of the island's problems, namely that of con- nectivity. Borg said that he has always lived the struggles of every Gozitan. That is why, he said, the PN will truly act to address the island's problems, even by implementing promises forgot- ten by the PL. He mentioned the expansion of Gozo's port to fit the existing Gozo Channel fleet and the expanded fleet that is yet to come. Near the end of the event, the pair got into a heated exchange after Alex Borg said Robert Ab- ela simply signed the agreement that gave Manoel Island back to the public after activists did all the work. Abela clapped back by asking Borg who the experts behind the PN's fuel hub idea are, to which the PN leader responded by ask- ing which fuel smuggler Abela met. The pair also clashed on sub- jects like traffic, open spaces, and energy, as they attacked each other's competence to de- liver on these issues and more. In his closing remarks, Alex Borg said that the difference between himself and his oppo- nent is clear, as he accused Ab- ela of "petty politics." He told the business community that the PN's manifesto is full of pro- posals suggested by the same community. He was asked to speak about a measure that isn't included in his manifesto that he believes in. Borg mentioned a centralised system for all gov- ernment departments. Meanwhile, Abela told those present that the PN's manifesto is dependent on the new eco- nomic sectors it promises to cre- ate. He told the business com- munity that they understand the significance of having proper calculations, something the PN lacks. Abela presented himself as a credible, competent, and prov- en leader. Robert Abela and Alex Borg accuse each other of not having the credibility to implement their proposals