Opposition leader Alex Borg has come out in favour of introducing a warrant for journalists, arguing that journalism should be treated as a profession that comes with both legal protections and responsibilities.Borg was questioned on the issue during a meeting with journalists, where the discussion turned to one of journalism’s increasingly complicated questions: who exactly counts as a journalist in 2026?A journalist pointed out that media today extends well beyond traditional newspapers and broadcasters, with people reporting through blogs, podcasts and other platforms, raising questions over who would qualify for protections intended for journalists. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)Borg was then asked directly whether he agreed with the introduction of a journalistic warrant.“I completely agree,” he replied.The PN leader compared the idea to the warrant held by lawyers, arguing that professional recognition brings both protection and responsibility.“My lawyer’s warrant gives me a certain protection, but it also gives me a certain responsibility in how I speak,” Borg said, adding that his words and actions consequently carry a particular weight.“The same applies to journalism.”According to Borg, a warrant could therefore give journalists greater legal protection while simultaneously placing greater responsibility on the work they carry out.However, things got more complicated when Borg was pressed on how journalism should actually be defined in an era of bloggers, podcasters and independent online commentators.“If I, Alex Borg, wake up tomorrow morning and decide to open a blog and comment independently, I don’t think that makes me a journalist like you,” he said.At the same time, Borg stressed that this does not mean bloggers and other online voices should be left without protection.He suggested there could be different “tiers” of journalists and protections, arguing that bloggers and others whose words carry significant weight should also benefit from safeguards because freedom of expression remains a crucial part of democracy.The discussion then turned to one of the biggest potential concerns surrounding a warrant system: could a government use it against journalists whose reporting it doesn’t like?When a journalist raised the possibility that someone investigating the government could fear having their warrant taken away, Borg pointed towards protections recommended by the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry and stronger anti-SLAPP mechanisms.He argued that journalists must be able to investigate and publish stories without fearing legal action capable of financially crippling them.Borg ultimately said that, under a future Nationalist government, he would want journalists to feel comfortable challenging those in power, including himself if he were Prime Minister.He said journalists should feel free to ask difficult questions, including ones that put him in uncomfortable positions, and should be able to do their jobs “without any obstacles, without any fear, without any intimidation”.For Borg, that freedom is necessary for democracy to continue functioning.Do you think Malta should introduce a warrant for journalists, and if so, who should qualify for one?•