Outgoing PN Leader urges party unity and vision as formal process to elect his successor begins
Bernard Grech addresses the PN General Council as leadership race begins – June 22, 2025.
The Leader of the Partit Nazzjonalista (PN), Bernard Grech, addressed the General Council that officially launched the process to elect his successor. In an emotionally charged speech, he called for unity, hope, and fresh vision, stating: “It’s not important who the captain is, but that the team reaches where it needs to go.”
🔷 Leadership Transition Begins
During the Council meeting held on Sunday, 22 June 2025, Grech said that while the past provides lessons and the present offers opportunities to mend, the future must be shaped collectively. “We win together,” he declared.
With this speech, Grech formally stepped aside and invited others to fill the space with genuine commitment to a renewed PN.
🔑 New Leader, New Chapter
Grech emphasised that the responsibility now falls on PN members and councillors to choose a leader who can guide the party into government. He called for support for whoever is elected, stressing the PN’s historical role as a transformative force in Malta – the party of Independence, Democracy, and Europe.
“With a new leader, the PN must dream again – and reflect what people want from us today.”
🧭 Messages from Party Officials
Deputy Leader Alex Perici Calascione reiterated that no one is bigger than the party, and no party is bigger than the country. He said this election must be the start of a bottom-up regeneration driven by service, not ego.
Secretary General Charles Bonello highlighted achievements under Grech’s leadership – from justice for Jean Paul Sofia to stronger electoral performances and reforms in NET FM and NET TV. He thanked Grech and stressed the need for a united front behind the next leader.
🗳 The Path Forward
The General Council, chaired by Mark Anthony Sammut, also approved:
A motion of thanks to Bernard Grech,
A statute amendment allowing 18-year-olds with six months of party membership to vote,
The official election regulations.
Mario Callus, Chair of the Electoral Commission, outlined the procedure for submitting expressions of interest, which remains open until Sunday, 29 June at 2:00pm.
📣 Grech’s Parting Words
In a final heartfelt message, Bernard Grech told his future successor:
“Dear Leader, I want you to win — because if you win, Malta wins, Gozo wins, the PN wins, and we all win together.”
The General Council will remain in session until the conclusion of the leadership election process.
By commenting you are accepting our Comment Policy.