Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat shared his personal analysis of the recent European and Local election results, emphasising the shifts in voter behaviour.
Muscat noted that the Nationalist Party (PN) made limited gains, maintaining a vote share just over 40%. Despite these gains, he highlighted that the PN has not significantly increased its support over the past decade and a half.
Muscat also addressed the Labour Party’s (PL) performance, acknowledging that it lost ground, primarily due to increased abstention, spoilt ballots, and votes for independent candidates.
He described this shift as a “soft” defection, suggesting that Labour voters were sending a measured signal without fully abandoning the party. Muscat stressed that the PL needs to re-establish contact with its core and marginal voters, avoiding knee-jerk reactions and focusing on uniting for change.
Highlighting the success of independent candidates, Muscat praised Arnold Cassola and Conrad Borg Manche for their strong performances. He expressed hope that Borg Manche would return to Labour, emphasising the authenticity and connection that independents have demonstrated.
Muscat concluded that Labour must adapt to the changing needs of society and focus on direct engagement with people rather than relying on social media and pundits’ opinions.
At the Labour Party rally, Prime Minister Robert Abela called for the party to renew and reform itself, focusing on improving the quality of life and avoiding clientelism. Meanwhile, PN leader Bernard Grech celebrated the narrowing gap between the two parties, urging supporters to work towards forming the next government and criticising Abela for deflecting blame.
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