After considering calls from many quarters, and with the support of my family, I have decided to run in next month’s election for Labor Party Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs.
I am choosing to extend my contribution to the consolidation of Labor and the Labor Government because I wholeheartedly believe that Labor and the values it enshrines are the best political choice for our country, and that we must all work tirelessly, as one team, for the common good of the people of Malta, as this Party has been doing since its inception, for more than a century.
During the last few weeks, I talked to fellow Labor MPs and delegates, including those who approached me to support my nomination. I also considered Prime Minister Robert Abela’s call for unity, and consulted Chris Fearne, who committed himself to the role of Deputy Prime Minister with impressive courage and determination for the last eight years. More importantly, I also met with many persons who wish that we continue to sustainably consolidate the prosperity that our country achieved since 2013.
Malta and Gozo are blessed with diligent and determined people, who try harder when faced with challenges, always working to make tomorrow a brighter day. Since I ventured into politics at the age of 16, I have always firmly believed in this great strength of our communities. It reaffirms the need to make sure that as politicians, we must continue inspiring and empowering our families and businesses to achieve their potential, as we support our children to become stronger, principled and more sustainable Maltese generations.
My experience as part of the Cabinet for the last 11 years has continued to demonstrate the results we can achieve by working diligently, together, and in good faith. We implemented some of the largest infrastructure projects that Malta has ever seen. During the last two years, we witnessed historic achievements for multilateralism in our country. I was honored to preside over the United Nations’ Security Council on behalf of Malta, reaching crucial agreements, including decisions on the Middle East and Ukraine. Concurrently, we were the only country among 57 participating states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to obtain the unanimous approval of all these countries, so that I am now serving as the 2024 Chairperson of this international platform, during one of the most delicate times in its history.
When I meet with leaders of other countries, they wonder how a small island state like ours can punch above its weight with such significant results on an international level. This unparalleled potential of our people has convinced me to step forward and offer to dedicate more of my time and energy to our country and to Labour, by nominating myself to serve as Deputy Leader.
As other countries and international organizations continue to warn of the risks of major regional conflicts, even in Europe, and as we continue to face the consequences of the climate emergency, Malta steadfastly persisted in our position against all forms of aggression and imposition. We embrace a vision of consensus through dialogue, of ensuring security through a rules-based order, of a sustainable prosperity through innovation and collaboration. Above all, we affirm our politics of peace through tolerance, unity and respect.
These are the values that we must continue to uphold in the administration of our country as well, in our efforts towards a better quality of life for our communities, and for a more sustainable country. They are also my guiding principles in any role that the Party delegates and the people of Malta and Gozo may want me to serve.
Ian Borg is the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and the Chairperson of the OSCE.
