Opposition Leader and PN Leader Alex Borg delivered his first Budget reply speech in Parliament on Monday evening, presenting 50 proposals outlining his vision for a “social, fair and forward-looking Malta.” The speech — themed “We work to live, not live to work” — served as Borg’s response to the 2026 Budget presented last week by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana.
During his address, Borg said a future Nationalist government would “restore dignity to workers and families” by ensuring economic growth built on value, sustainability, and quality of life — not overpopulation or cheap labour. He promised that in the coming weeks, he will provide further details on each proposal.
This marked Borg’s first Budget replica speech since becoming PN Leader in September 2025, after an internal election victory over MP and former leader Adrian Delia, who now serves as Shadow Minister for Finance.
Work, Wages, and Fiscal Measures
A major focus of Borg’s address was improving work-life balance and ensuring that workers benefit directly from their earnings. Among the key measures proposed were a tax exemption on the first €10,000 earned from part-time or overtime work, and a pilot project and consultation on the introduction of a four-day work week. The PN also proposed incentives for private companies that adopt teleworking, flexible hours, or reduced-hour arrangements, alongside support for those who provide childcare centres in the workplace. These measures are intended to promote modern, family-friendly employment structures that value flexibility and well-being.
Economic Reform and Diversification
On the economy, Borg said a future Nationalist government would seek to eliminate cheap labour practices and diversify the economy by focusing on sectors that generate higher-value employment. The proposals emphasise quality-driven growth rather than reliance on population increases, aiming to create better-paying jobs and more sustainable industries.
Transport and Infrastructure
To tackle congestion, Borg outlined plans for a mass transport system supported by Artificial Intelligence traffic coordination to improve road efficiency. The PN also pledged to invest in road networks that accommodate multiple modes of transport, such as cycling and walking, as part of a long-term vision for cleaner and smarter mobility across Malta and Gozo.
Education and Skills
Education featured strongly in Borg’s proposals, with plans to guarantee a Learning Support Educator for every student in need and build new schools across Malta and Gozo. The measures are aimed at ensuring equal access to education and preparing young people for future skills and industries.
Healthcare
Borg also prioritised healthcare, announcing plans to build a new mental health hospital and to regenerate Mount Carmel, St Luke’s, and Karin Grech hospitals. The proposals are intended to modernise healthcare infrastructure and improve access to both mental and physical health services.
Environment and Energy
On the environment, Borg proposed a nationwide afforestation and ecological restoration programme, alongside extensive urban greening projects to improve air quality and community spaces. He confirmed that a Nationalist government would maintain energy subsidies while investing in renewable energy projects to help reduce electricity and water bills for families, with a long-term focus on sustainability.
Justice and Gozo
The PN also reaffirmed its commitment to Gozo and the justice system, pledging the construction of a new courthouse in Gozo to improve access to justice for residents on the island.
Alex Borg said the Nationalist Party’s proposals formed part of a broader plan to restore balance, dignity, and opportunity in people’s lives, built on social values and long-term planning. The proposals collectively reflect the PN’s vision for a modern, family-oriented Malta that prioritises sustainability, fairness, and quality of life, one where people, as Borg’s theme underlined, “work to live, not live to work.”
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