Imagine this: a once-closed police station in the heart of Birkirkara, now reopened, its blue lights flickering back to life. This isn’t a scene from a movie, but a pledge made by the Nationalist Party (PN) for Malta’s third-largest town. But how will this, along with promised salary improvements, affect Malta’s disciplined forces and communities like Birkirkara?

In 2019, the police station in Birkirkara’s Republic Street was closed, a move that sparked concern among residents. PN’s promise to reopen it is a nod to the community’s cries for increased security. “We want to see our police station back in operation,” says Birkirkara resident and PN supporter, Mario Attard. “It’s not just about Birkirkara, but sending a message that Malta’s safety is a priority.”

The PN’s plan involves more than just reopening the station. They’ve pledged to increase police personnel, a move they believe will boost visibility and deter crime. But how will this be funded? PN’s spokesperson, Dr. David Agius, hints at a review of government spending priorities. “We need to ensure that our police force has the resources it needs to keep Malta safe,” he says.

It’s not just about numbers, though. PN also promises to improve the salaries of Malta’s police force, armed forces, and other disciplined services. “Our forces deserve fair compensation for the crucial role they play,” says Dr. Agius. “We want to attract and retain the best talent, and that means offering competitive salaries.”

But how competitive is ‘competitive’? PN is keeping specifics under wraps until after the election, but they’ve hinted at a review of the current pay structure. This could mean better base salaries, allowances, or even performance-based bonuses. For Sergeant Joseph Xuereb, who’s served for over a decade, it’s about time. “We see the value of our work reflected in our community’s safety,” he says. “It’s only fair that our salaries reflect that too.”

PN’s pledges are ambitious, but they’re not without challenges. Reopening the Birkirkara station will require staffing and resources. Improving salaries will mean finding funds in the budget. But PN insists they’re committed to seeing these promises through. “We’re not just making empty promises,” says Dr. Agius. “We have a clear plan, and we’re ready to implement it once given the mandate.”

if PN’s pledges become a reality. But for now, Malta’s disciplined forces and communities like Birkirkara are watching, waiting, and hoping for a safer, fairer future.