I always believed that we have to be the change that we want to see, that the best version of ourselves comes from within us. It is the reason why, throughout this campaign, in my discussions with party delegates and volunteers, I have emphasised that we already know the winning recipe, we already know how to create the better Malta and Gozo we envision.

The Labour Party’s reinvigoration that took place not too long ago has proven that but, yes, as time went by we got weary, we may have disagreed, maybe we became complacent. Whatever the reasons, last June we saw their effect – and it’s time to reinvigorate again, to be the change we want to see in the party.

It starts with us, the ones who have been there for the losses, the Opposition years, the near wins and the big wins. It is why I chose to run as President of the Labour Party. I want to see your thoughts, suggestions, and vision for Malta and Gozo come to life. However big or small the idea, what little or great time you can offer, it is all needed and it is all appreciated. Everyone has a place in the Labour Party. Everyone’s voice is valid.  My aim is to harness that potential by giving it the space to grow, by facilitating conversations, opening the floor to debate and, yes, sometimes to disagreement.

The Party that we all love is one that fights for what it believes in – so I look forward to supporting our branches and committees in updating our policies to resonate with the aspirations and ideals of the Maltese and Gozitan people.  As I have said many times during this campaign, I am here to work with everyone, there is space and opportunity for all of you.

In the years leading up to the 2013 election, we helped the Party become a movement – a place where progressives and moderate thinkers came together, made plans, and thrust Malta into some of its best years yet. We are the party of ideas and ideals, and I believe and know through our conversations that there is more to come, as we face the new challenges that come with a fast-growing economy; the realities and changes in employment post-pandemic; and the vital need to create a balance between progress and our environment, on improving our quality of life and standard of living.

This must all be done in the spirit of not forgetting where we came from. We are fundamentally the party of socialists, a party that believes in reaching out and helping those most vulnerable in our society – that no family is left behind. Our legacy remains one to be proud of: increased pensions and stipends, free childcare, tax refunds, as well as the in-work benefit, all meant to support more people in their employment. And we did not stop there, Labour’s efforts in Government on civil liberties, education, as well as helping the next generation get a foot on the property ladder are all the ideas and ideals that we have worked hard to be proud of.

Whatever the result this week, I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet and spend time in discussions with our tireless volunteers and members, the heart of our party – the ones who, rain or shine, can always be relied upon. I had the chance to listen, and we have work to do, but we also have a vision.

I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. We already have the ideas, the talent, and the determination to lead Malta and Gozo to a better tomorrow. But the key ingredient is you –  utilising what each and every one of you has to offer and then working together to achieve our goals.

From the start of my campaign, I have always maintained that I am only waving one flag – that of Partit Laburista.

Alex Sciberras is running for the position of PL President.