New blood calls for PN renewal

Daniela Farrugia

Age: 22

PN local councillor in Qrendi

Why did you join the PN? Since I grew up under Nationalist governments and I could understand and live the whole educational and social process which the PN had in its vision for our country. As a youth I have always seen the PN as a natural choice. I have also evaluated the past experiences lived by my family under a Labour government and as always I take my own decisions.

In the past few years did the PN give enough space to young persons and women? Yes, I think that the PN gave opportunities and space to a lot of young Maltese and Gozitan people both male and female, and I am an example of this.

What are the main reasons that led to the PN's heavy defeat at the polls? There is more than a reason. Definitely the PN has to start listening more, reflecting the people's needs while portraying a modern approach, making it not only an ideal policy maker but the best party to communicate and live up to people's expectations. I am sure that once again the PN will be the catalyst for change.

 How can the PN renew itself in the next few months? What needs to change? Reflect, rethink and regenerate.

Are you prepared to give your contribution in this renewal process? How? Like always I will continue contributing and I look forward to see more people within the PN with a modern and radical approach. I invite more youths to become protagonists in this process.

Robert Piscopo

Age:  29 years

PN local councillor in St Paul's Bay

Why did you join the PN?

I joined the PN because it was then clearly the party that stood by and for good moral values and principles. The PN had led Malta through tough times especially through recessionary periods and crippling economic crises worldwide and in particular Europe.   I noted that Malta's economy was faring better than other EU countries following the adoption of sound policies, and good strategies. The PN also seemed to appeal to both young and old. The PN was the people's choice and hope for a better future at the time. I hoped that by working from within a Local Council would be the correct step I should take.

In the past few years did the PN give enough space to young persons and women?

If I take your question to mean whether young people and women were given space to air their views, participate in events and programs and ultimately to be active in the public field, I can say yes, but with a proviso.  As happens in many organisations, influences and power have a deterministic effect on whether somebody can make it or not.  I feel that how things are now, nobody can be successful since they are being sanctioned by people higher in the echelons of an organisation, justly or unjustly.  Too many vested interests damn good people out, no matter how motivated or bright they can be.  A remote perception of possible damage to one's interests will be enough to kill some young person's dreams.

What are the main reasons that led to the PN's heavy defeat at the polls?

I will obviously do my part in helping the PN analyse the rejection of the PN by the electorate and I just cannot in a few words expand on this and give you the correct reason.  But I can perhaps say that good management requires a good balance between top-down and bottom-up approaches, however the party opted too much for the former, despite the various promises of wanting to 'hear what the grassroots have to say'. If there was any 'hearing', it was not 'listening' and the perception that people got was that 'we know what is best for you'.  The signs were there for all to see, arrogance by some key persons was the buzz word, and the middle and lower income families suffered tremendously.  Economic success must somehow translate into more money into people's pockets and a better quality of life.  If there were improvements either the people did not feel them or else where they were tangible, they were not communicated well. People need to be told and be helped to understand, period.

How can the PN renew itself in the next few months? What needs to change?

Like in baptism, the PN needs purification from past sins and needs to rejuvenate itself.  This is not a process of a few months. It took PL years to come to what it is now, and the PN helped them all along.  The PL will not be helping us taking their new converts away so this will be our starting line.  In a few words what needs to take place will be opening up to whoever wants to honestly contribute to being a good opposition first and foremost.  Then an effort must be undertaken to train these people in Team Building and Team Oriented Problem Solving, Strategic Thinking, Shared Values, Project Management, and the like.  I would go for bringing in experts and technocrats, people with business in mind.  One would need a discerning eye for high flyers, not necessarily on whether your next of kin militated in the party at some time or another.  All is needed is to invest on a solid foundation that will peak for the next legislature and last beyond for at least two or three legislatures. In the meantime there should be a continuous process of recruiting new blood and selectively replacing the top tier with the specialities /expertise as needed.

Are you prepared to give your contribution in this renewal process? How?

I am prepared to contribute beyond what I am currently doing as councillor at the SPB locality and into higher politics provided there is a level playing field.  Ii is important  to use the available venues such as Kazini or L-Istamperija to meet with people and interact with them on a constant basis.  I am a task-oriented person and I deliver what I set out to do.  I am a lawyer by profession but I have also my own experiences in certain themes that affect people's lives.  The protection of the environment is one such subject to my liking but a mature man can easily adapt to the needs and tasks with which he is entrusted.  In one word, I wish to be of service to all and any task that sees me improving anybody's quality of life, will see me plunging headlong into it wholeheartedly. In more practical terms, I can start contributing in the preliminary analysis that the PN has to undergo, and provided I am found to be what I perceive myself to be, I wish then to be part of the solution too, in one way or another.  All obviously within a spirit of just management of things. I am a loyal person and would support the line taken by a majority after open and responsible discussions and decisions.

Stephanie Cutajar

Age: 27

PN local councillor in Lija

Why did you join the PN?

I joined because I believe in total democracy , freedom of expression and also believe in PN values . 

In the past few years did the PN give enough space to young persons and women?

In the past years I feel the party gave space to young people and women but I think it was not enough . 

What are the main reasons that led to the PN's heavy defeat at the polls?

1.   The heavy defeat was due to the following : 

2.   Lack of communication with the people and committees of every district. 

3.   No close contact. 

4.   No listening to peoples elements and needs. 

5.   The party headquarters was only there for a certain few. 

6.   The administration was only listening to the privileged few. 

How can the PN renew itself in the next few months? What needs to change?

The PN needs a new leader, a new assistant leader, a new general secretary and a new CEO. A CEO should handle the administrative side and General  Secretary should handle the political side . Regular meetings should be held between the sectional committees and the party deligates on a regular basis because we are the eyes and ears or the party . 

Are you prepared to give your contribution in this renewal process? How?

I have worked hard to get elected in the local council in order to give and serve the party, so that we will regain the people's confidence and trust in the new reforms that should be done in the party . 

Mark Anthony Sammut

Age: 27

PN local Councillor in Gudja

Why did you join the PN?

I joined the PN because it's the party which most reflected my political values. Free market, lower taxation, individual freedom, the emphasis on education to empower the individual, and believing in Malta's place in the European Union as an equal partner.

In the past few years did the PN give enough space to young persons and women?

I think women did and still do have an equal opportunity to voice themselves and work in the Party, not only through the MNPN but also in the central structures. Both the President of the Executive and the President of the General Council are women, and elected without the need of quotas. Having said that, all Party branches including MNPN and MZPN need to reach out more to get youngsters and women to participate in the political dialogue. In these past few years, I feel that the youngsters involved in the Party were not allowed enough space to grow. And it's the young who now need to be the catalysts of positive change and reform within the Party.

What are the main reasons that led to the PN's heavy defeat at the polls?

1.   We did not inspire a common aspiration for the next five years. Following EU membership, the PN has lacked in transmitting a political mission. We only won the 2008 election because Gonzi was more credible than an already mistrusted Sant.

2.   The corruption scandals which happened under the PN's watch lost the PN its higher moral ground. People saw us as no different to Labour on those terms.

3.   Failed reforms like public transport damaged the track record that a Nationalist government always implements changes with seriousness and professionalism for the benefit of all.

4.   The arrogance embodied by certain Ministers drove people away. It wasn't the policies, it was the attitude and style that people voted out.

5.   The macro-scale economic success did not trickle down to everyone.

How can the PN renew itself in the next few months? What needs to change?

First of all the PN needs to re-think its political philosophy and identity, and set out on a long-term project of where it wants the country to go and what it wants itself to represent. This will give back to its members a mission to unite behind, not for power, not for what they can take, but for what they can give to reach that goal. Members need to once again be loyal towards an ideal and a vision, and not simply towards a person, be it the Leader or anyone else.

It needs to re-open itself up to a process of dialogue with society, and set its policies in a bottom-up approach. I think the Party should set up fora for professionals (engineers, scientists, doctors) to keep open discussions setting the Party and eventually the country's future policies.

It should also strengthen and reform its structures, rebuilding the communications network with the people through the Sectional Committees as links in the community, and through widespread youth branches.

It also needs to address the organizational deficiencies which were obvious in this election. Political candidates need to be prepared and approved early, and the role of AZAD as a true political academy needs to be improved substantially in this regard.

The leadership needs to also reflect a balance between the conservative and liberal wings, and in this balanced approach always put the individual at the heart of every decision, keeping true to the core human values which have shaped our society.

Are you prepared to give your contribution in this renewal process? How?

Yes, I will be giving my utmost to put my skills at the service of the Party that I love. I want the PN to become once again the driver of positive change, and the Party in which everyone can feel at home. Having been contacted by a number of Party councillors to contribute more in the Party's structures, I am obviously considering my options, and I am discussing my views with a number of Party councillors. In whatever role I might be playing, I am determined to help the Party turn this difficult situation into an opportunity to re-unite and regenerate.

Amanda Abela

Age: 28

PN local councillor in Zejtun

Why did you join the PN?

I joined because the party made me beleive in it, since it is a party for the people. Being raised in a middle class family, my parents always urged me to continue with my studies. I am therefore aware of the vast opportunity that this party offers to students who continue their studies in the various sixth forms, MCAST and the University of Malta. Apart from the free education, students are given stipends to help them financially.
PN is the political party that has always sought the best for the country being economical stability, job creation, education and health. I believe that having these sectors well taken care of puts peace of mind for the people at large.

In the past few years did the PN give enough space to young persons and women?

I'm a woman and a young person myself. When I asked to join the party, I found no difficulty in doing so. I was helped and supported by people that already had experience within the party to learn what was required from me.The Party believes so much in me that I was asked to contest the Zejtun local council election on its ticket.
In Government, PN did not only give space to young persons and women but invested considerably so as to create opportunities for them. In government, PN provided free education, and stipends to young people that wished to continue their studies, whilst it provided work for those who preferred to stop their studies.
Women were also given priority by the PN government, by giving women tax incentives after they give birth and also by increasing the maternity leave. The reduced hours concept and many other incentives introduced in the recent past also helped more women to contribute in the working environment.

What are the main reasons that led to the PN's heavy defeat at the polls?

The people started to believe that a change in the political party was necessary long before the electoral campaign started. It was difficult to change the minds of so many people that a change wasn't needed as the change was already happening and has been happening in our country for the past years. People see change as different faces and different color in government rather than in the form of improvements in the financial sector, the education sector and the health sector, to mention a few. Change is keeping the economy stable even when neighbouring countries were going through financial turmoils in their economies; it is the jobs created and the jobs saved throughout the years. However, some people were hurt and chose to vote for a change in government, others felt left out and others felt they were not given the attention they needed, and therefore chose to either abstain from voting or voting for the promised change by the PL.

How can the PN renew itself in the next few months? What needs to change?

Being the Party of change itself, PN will renew itself. The process started the day after the people went to the polls. In a few weeks' time, the Party will have a new leader, a new deputy leader and a new secretary general. In the meantime a commission to evaluate the reasons behind the defeat and to propose a way forward has been set up. The Party will be discussing the electoral result and the way forward not just within but will all those who feel that they can contribute towards the Party's renewal process. I think that it is not only a question of changing. It is more a question of learning from the past, which can help the PN renew itself. Being more close to the people, listening to people's needs, and by trying to offer tailor made solutions to people will help the party to be given the energy required to be again the party chosen by the electorate in the coming years. The PN will once again become the peoples' party.

Are you prepared to give your contribution in this renewal process? How?

Definitely, yes! My primary forcus will be on the Zejtun Local Council, of which I have been elected by the locals to represent them. I will be listening to what the people have to say to both the party as well as what changes they would like to see in our locality. I will be conveying the message both to the party and to the Local Council.
With the PN Leadership election which is expected on the 8th May, the Deputy Leader and General Secretary elections, my job will be to make sure that all the candidates that the general public wants to represent them will be part of the elections. I will be involving myself more in the party structures.
Afterwords, I commit myself to help in the renewal process of the party as needed, especially with the MEPs elections being a year from now. We need to all work as a team and be the medium between the party and the general public to pass on the message in a manner that will be easily understood by everyone. I believe that we can achieve great results if we can be one good team.

Maria Portelli

Age: 23

PN local councillor in Rabat, Gozo

Why did you join the PN?

I felt it was my right time and moment for me to join the PN. Now that I am graduate within the field of political science I not only use theory as main roots for any argument but I deem practicality and social contact with people as crucial to understand the day-to-day needs especially of grass roots. I define myself as fully determined, mature, and working responsibly for what I believe in. I want to give something back to the party that gave way too much for me in schooling, work opportunities, funding, and health measures amongst others. My participation as a youth and woman would give more energy to my city, Victoria. Investing my time visiting people gave me more courage and belief in what I wanted.

In the past few years did the PN give enough space to young persons and women?

During PN's legislature, women in the labour force increased. This is supported by a Eurostat statistic which showed that there was a constant increase in women employment. This is a sign that the PN took women employment at heart. One could also mention Dr. Marthese Portelli and Dr. Paula Mifsud Bonnici which hold significant posts within the party.

The PN's success with young people is shown in the ever-increasing number of graduates from educational institutions. This was thanks to the increase in opportunities in MCAST and ITS which encouraged students to further their studies. Being Gozitan myself, one should mention the past government's work by increasing incentives which helps ensure that we Gozitans continue our studies in Malta.

What are the main reasons that led to the PN's heavy defeat at the polls?

I have the utmost respect for Dr. Lawrence Gonzi as I feel that he took all the blame of the electoral result all over himself. He was a truthful leader in every manner; in fact, he led our country to a defined political direction. Indeed Dr. Gonzi without doubt proved to be the best "captain" in a time where turmoil was surfacing and acting on our neighbouring states. Our jobs were safeguarded while in the meantime job creation was on the rise.

People call it a defeat; I look at it more as a wake-up call. The problem was evident since the 2008 general elections where the PN won only with a slight majority. That was the wake-up call that the party unfortunately ignored. However, I still feel that the people casted their vote with a protest. It seemed as if only few took heed of the economic turmoil that shook fellow European Union members and the Libyan crisis which happened nearby. Troubles within the cabinet did not help matters. Testament of PN's stellar work is shown by the numerous certificates given to our island for its positive result in ensuring a stable and healthy economy. What I know is that we left a smooth road - not a steep one - for the incumbent Prime Minister and the new cabinet.

How can the PN renew itself in the next few months? What needs to change?

We hold a successful history and track record. The need for change and regeneration is a must; however the party must keep faith to its roots and values. The first steps of change have already been done through the resignations of Dr. Gonzi, Dr. Busuttil and Dr. Borg Olivier. A period of time is required to analyse and scrutinise attentively the electoral result to come up with the best solution for the future of the party. In all this process I believe that all those enrolled within the party, not only the General Council should participate in taking this important decision.

Are you prepared to give your contribution in this renewal process? How?

On a local scale I will now be a representative of my locals as a councillor for Victoria Local Council. This contributory role I will be upholding is definitely important for me and I hold with full pride. I will work shoulder to shoulder with my locals and open for any criticism put forward to enhance the best for my City. Apart from that I would like to get closer to the youths who are energetic enough to participate within the Local Council activities. For the PN I hope to work together with other volunteers to encourage more youth involvement with the politics of the party. My aim is to localise more my strengths towards Gozitan youths to invite them to get involved in politics. The science of politics is more understandable when you debate and bring on dialogue and being open for fresh initiatives.