Imagine this: Malta’s bustling Republic Street, the heart of Valletta, filled with the hum of chatter and the aroma of fresh pastizzi. Now, picture Alex Borg, Nationalist Party (PN) candidate for the 13th District, walking down this very street, not as a politician on a campaign trail, but as a local resident, greeting shopkeepers and passersby with a familiar smile. This is the image Borg paints when he talks about putting people at the centre of his politics.

A Conversation on the Street

In a recent interview, Borg, a seasoned politician and former Minister for Gozo, shared his vision for a PN government that prioritises the everyday Maltese. “We need to start from the ground up,” he said, “understand the needs and aspirations of our people, and build our policies around that.” He envisions a government that’s not just present in the streets during election time, but one that’s always there, listening, learning, and acting.

Borg’s approach is a departure from the usual political rhetoric. It’s not about grand promises or flashy initiatives, but about the nitty-gritty of everyday life. It’s about ensuring that the elderly woman in Rabat has access to affordable groceries, that the young couple in Msida can find an affordable home, and that the student in Birkirkara has access to quality education.

From Policy to Practice

But how does one translate this vision into reality? Borg has some concrete ideas. He proposes a ‘Community Council’ system, where local councils are given more power and resources to address community-specific issues. He wants to see more community policing, not just to combat crime, but to foster a sense of security and belonging. He also envisions a ‘Social Impact Bond’ system, where private investors fund social projects, with the government reimbursing them based on the project’s success in improving people’s lives.

Borg is also keen on us technology to improve public services. He points to the success of the ‘MySkills’ platform, a PN initiative that connects job seekers with training opportunities. He wants to see more such platforms, making public services more accessible and efficient.

A Challenge to the Status Quo

Borg’s vision is a challenge to the status quo. It’s a call to move away from the top-down approach of policy-making, to a more inclusive, bottom-up model. It’s a call to move away from the ‘us versus them’ mentality of politics, to a more collaborative, people-centric approach.

But it’s not just about Borg’s vision. It’s about the people of Malta. It’s about the shopkeeper on Republic Street who wants to see more foot traffic in his shop. It’s about the student who wants to see better facilities in her school. It’s about the elderly woman who wants to see more respect and care in her community.

As Borg walks down Republic Street, he’s not just a candidate. He’s a neighbour, a friend, a fellow resident. And he’s asking us to join him in building a Malta that’s not just about politics, but about people.

Alex Borg: “Politics should be about people, not just policies.”