Downpour Derailed: PN’s Rainy Day and Labour’s Dash for Cover

As the first heavy drops began to splatter on Republic Street, Valletta, the Nationalist Party (PN) was left with no choice but to call off their much-anticipated event. The rain, which had been threatening all day, finally made its presence known, forcing the party to cancel their gathering at the last minute. Meanwhile, across town, Labour Party (PL) members were seen scurrying for cover, their planned event also disrupted by the sudden downpour.

PN’s Rainy Day Cancellation

The PN had planned a grand event at the historic Pjazza Teatru Rjal, but the weather had other plans. The party’s secretary general, Clyde Puli, announced the cancellation just hours before the event was due to start. “We regret to inform our supporters that due to the inclement weather, we have had to cancel tonight’s event,” he said in a statement. The event, which was to be addressed by party leader Bernard Grech, was expected to outline the PN’s vision for Malta’s future.

This isn’t the first time the PN has had to contend with the weather. In 2019, their general election campaign was disrupted by a series of storms, with several events having to be cancelled or moved indoors. “It seems like the weather is always against us,” joked one PN supporter, as he hurriedly packed up banners and posters.

Labour’s Dash for Cover

Across town, the Labour Party was also feeling the effects of the rain. Their event, a rally at the Mriehel Industrial Estate, was disrupted as supporters sought shelter under nearby buildings and in their cars. PL deputy leader, Chris Fearne, was seen hurriedly making his way to a nearby office building, where he addressed supporters from a makeshift stage.

“We won’t let a little rain stop us from getting our message out,” Fearne told the crowd, as they huddled together under umbrellas and raincoats. The event, which was to focus on the government’s economic policies, was eventually moved indoors, with supporters streaming into the nearby Labour Party headquarters.

Weathering the Storm

The rain may have disrupted the plans of both parties, but it’s unlikely to dampen their spirits for long. Both the PN and PL have important events coming up in the next few months, including the PN’s annual general conference and the PL’s mid-term conference. Both parties will be hoping for better weather for these events, but they’re no strangers to having to adapt their plans at the last minute.

As for the weather, it’s typical of Malta’s unpredictable autumnal climate. One thing’s for sure – the island’s political parties will be keeping a close eye on the forecast in the coming weeks.

“We’ll be ready for whatever the weather throws at us,” said one PN official, as he loaded the last of the party’s equipment into a van. “After all, we’re Maltese – we’re used to a bit of rain.”