PN Opens Independence Celebrations With Call For A ‘Free Country Without Fear’

The Nationalist Party has launched its 2026 Independence Day celebrations with a public discussion at the Floriana Granaries, where Opposition Leader Alex Borg outlined the party's vision for what it described as "a new Independence" for Malta.

The event, held under the theme "A free country. A country without fear", centred on governance, justice, education, press freedom and the state of the country's institutions.

According to the PN, Borg said Malta should be a country where politics serves the national interest and where citizens can live and work without fear.

Marking the 62nd anniversary of Malta's Independence, he argued that while sovereignty had been achieved in 1964, freedom must continue to be protected.

The Opposition leader questioned whether institutions could truly be considered independent if they were influenced by politicians in power. He also referred to developments in the trial linked to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, saying they highlighted concerns about individuals close to power acting in their own interests rather than those of the country.

Borg also called for increased investment in education, saying schools should encourage critical thinking while educators receive stronger support. He reiterated the PN's call for anti-SLAPP legislation, arguing that journalists should be able to carry out their work freely and without intimidation.

The discussion featured contributions from lawyer and former police officer Edmond Cuschieri, former diplomat Michael Cluett, lecturer Angele Pulis, lawyer and former journalist David Bonello, and commercial and financial law practitioner Arthur Galea Salomone.

Participants discussed justice, the implementation of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Public Inquiry recommendations, Malta's international reputation and the rule of law.

The PN said its Independence celebrations will continue over the weekend, including further events before concluding with a mass meeting addressed by Alex Borg on Sunday.

#MaltaDaily