Yesterday’s heavy downpour didn’t just dampen spirits; it forced the Nationalist Party (PN) to cancel their event and sent Labour Party (PL) members scurrying for cover. The sudden storm, which lashed Malta around midday, caught many off guard, including political parties with outdoor events planned.

The PN had planned a rally at the Granaries in Floriana, but the heavy rain and gusty winds made the open-air venue uninhabitable. Party officials, mindful of their supporters’ safety, decided to call off the event at the last minute. “We had no choice but to cancel,” said a PN spokesperson. “The weather was just too unpredictable and dangerous for an outdoor event.”

Meanwhile, Labour Party members, who were canvassing in Msida, found themselves caught in the storm. They quickly sought refuge in nearby shops and cafes, including the popular Caffè Cordina. “It was quite a surprise,” said one Labour activist. “One minute we were knocking on doors, the next we were huddled inside a cafe, watching the rain pour down.”

Labour’s campaign continued indoors, with activists using the opportunity to engage with locals over coffee. “Every cloud has a silver lining,” quipped a Labour official, laughing. “We might have been caught off guard, but we made the most of the situation.”

This isn’t the first time rain has disrupted political plans. In 2019, a heavy downpour forced the PN to cancel a rally in Mosta. But parties are used to adapting their plans, whether it’s due to weather or other unexpected events. “Politics is unpredictable,” said a political analyst. “You have to be ready to change your plans at a moment’s notice.”

As for yesterday’s events, both parties seem to have taken the rain in stride. They’re now to their next planned activities, hoping for fairer weather. After all, as one PN activist put it, “You can’t let a little rain dampen your spirits. We’ll be back out there, rain or shine.”