Gozo Becomes Political Battleground As Abela And Borg Address The Nation
Gozo has become a focal point for political activity this week, as leaders Prime Minister Robert Abela, and Opposition Leader Alex Borg, addressed the nation with proposals and criticisms aimed at the island and its residents.
Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Robert Abela spoke at a political event in the Victoria Sports and Aquatic Pavilion, highlighting the government’s support for public sector workers in Gozo and various recreational activities.
Abela stressed that the Labour government would not open investigations into public sector employees as requested by the opposition, and called on the Nationalist Party to retract comments made by its spokesperson Karol Aquilina regarding Gozo’s public workers.
He outlined the government’s plans to continue investing in local pastimes, including hunting, sports, festivals, and fireworks, emphasising that such investments help preserve Maltese and Gozitan identity.
He also highlighted the Labour government’s infrastructure projects, including the Victoria Park redevelopment, a large afforestation project in Gozo, and the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Victoria Sports and Aquatic Pavilion, described as the largest sports project in Gozo to date.
On economic matters, Abela noted full employment on the island, claiming 627 jobs created in a single year and 7,000 new jobs overall in the private sector.
Plans for improved connectivity and roads were also announced, including upcoming work to link Rabat to Marsalforn and to improve the Qala–Nadur road.
Labour ministers Julia Farrugia and Carlos Zarb also addressed the event, highlighting ongoing projects in health, education, agriculture, and youth engagement.
In Nadur, Gozo, Nationalist Party Leader Alex Borg addressed concerns from citizens on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental issues. Borg emphasized a “politics of the people” approach, promising to listen to families, youth, and businesses directly to inform policy.
Borg focused on the challenges faced by young Gozitans, including limited access to tertiary education and lower average wages, proposing investments to make Gozo a centre of innovation and enterprise.
He also highlighted the needs of the elderly, promising improved healthcare facilities and services within Gozo, including a Reconstitution Pharmacy for cancer patients.
Connectivity and road infrastructure were also priorities for Borg, who called for improved ferry services and cargo vessels to enhance Gozo’s competitiveness.
On environmental and agricultural matters, he advocated protecting farmers, fishermen, and the island’s natural resources, while criticizing the current government for blocking discussions on legislation to make environmental protection a fundamental human right.
Borg concluded by addressing youth engagement in politics, noting that new energy within the Nationalist Party has drawn young people to become actively involved in shaping its policies.
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