Alex Borg’s first trip to Brussels as PN leader says a lot. Flanked by David Casa, the PN’s top crusader, and Peter Agius, Malta’s very own Aesop, Alex Borg’s first trip to Brussels looked less like a fresh start and more like a full embrace of the old PN playbook: photo ops, posturing, and another round of badmouthing Malta in the European Parliament.

David Casa and Alex Borg were like two peas in a pod, touring the EU institutions together on Alex Borg’s first trip since being elected leader. Looking important alongside them was Peter Agius, dutifully ushering the new leader through the corridors of the European Parliament.

Alex Borg’s strongest attribute so far appears to be his sleek campaign style marked by careful attention to detail, particularly in how, where, and with whom he is seen. The prominence given to the two PN MEPs during this visit was no coincidence. It was a clear endorsement of their way of doing things.  

If any doubts remained about Borg’s intentions, they were quickly dispelled when it emerged that the main purpose of the Brussels visit was to continue badmouthing Malta and to push for yet another debate against the country at the European Parliament.

The image of the young leader, all smiles while flanked by David Casa and Beppe Fenech Adami, speaks louder than words.

So much for inclusive politics, Alex Borg seems to be getting cosy with the PN’s top crusader. Is this an endorsement of Casa’s so-called “holy war” against Labour and the Maltese people? Those who need a quick refresher can read more here.

And if proudly walking alongside David Casa, the crusader, wasn’t enough, there was also Malta’s very own Aesop. A politician who is already seen as one of the least credible figures in Maltese politics. 

Changing the PN will not be easy for Alex Borg. But from the looks of it, it doesn’t even seem to be his intention.