The Partit Nazzjonalista has officially opened the process to confirm its leader following the 2026 general election, with Alex Borg declaring that the party is determined to become Malta’s next government.Addressing the opening of the PN’s General Council, Borg said the party is now focused on “building the future” and continuing the renewal process that began ahead of the general election.While acknowledging the election defeat, Borg said the PN should build on what he described as its strongest result since 2008, highlighting an increase of more than 13,000 votes, victories in six electoral districts and a swing of almost 18,000 votes in the party’s favour.“The election showed that the Partit Nazzjonalista is a living party, full of energy,” Borg said.He pledged that, by the next general election, the PN would be closer to people than ever before, with a stronger presence in every locality and community while continuing to present itself as both a serious Opposition and a government-in-waiting.“I believe in this Party, I believe in our Malta and Gozo,” he said.Borg also announced plans to modernise the party’s structures, including the creation of two Deputy Leader roles, one responsible for Party Affairs and another for Parliamentary Affairs.During the General Council, members approved a motion formally launching the leadership confirmation process. The PN’s Electoral, Records and Data Commission will now oversee the process in the coming weeks.Other speakers, including Deputy Leader Alex Perici Calascione, Secretary General Charles Bonello and General Council President Mark Anthony Sammut, acknowledged the party’s electoral defeat while insisting the result demonstrated growing public support and momentum for the Opposition.The General Council also heard the findings of a post-election analysis, which found that Borg was widely viewed as bringing new energy and optimism to the party, while identifying stronger communication and a greater presence in local communities as key priorities moving forward.What do you make of this?•