The Party That Gutted the Police Force Now Dares to Lecture Us About Law and Order?
The Nationalist Party’s latest outburst over the arrival of eight unarmed Italian police officers to support local law enforcement in tourist zones is nothing short of cheap political theatre. Once again, the PN is throwing tantrums over common-sense cooperation – this time with our long-standing partners in Italy – as if cross-border collaboration is something new or scandalous.
Let’s be clear: these officers have no executive powers. They are here to assist with community visibility and engage tourists in areas with heavy Italian footfall. Similar initiatives exist all over Europe, including Maltese police on patrol in France – as Minister Byron Camilleri rightly pointed out.
Byron Camilleri
So what’s the real problem?
Nothing, except the PN is desperate for headlines – and willing to insult Malta’s institutions to get them.
And the biggest insult of all?
The PN dares to accuse this Government of failing the Police Force – when it was theirs who left the Corps starved, demoralised, and neglected.
Let’s remind the people:
- Under PN governments, the Police Force was treated like a burden, not a priority.
- AC units were literally stripped from police cars, leaving officers to bake in the summer heat – a cruel symbol of cost-cutting and disregard for frontline personnel.
- Investment in training, equipment, and working conditions was virtually non-existent.
Now these same people have the audacity to pretend they care?
The PN today says:
“A new PN Government will allocate the best resources to rebuild the reputation of the Police Force…”
Spare us the scripted hypocrisy. The only thing the PN ever rebuilt was public distrust in law enforcement.
The truth is simple:
This government is investing, recruiting, and modernising the police. And yes – it’s also fostering international cooperation that benefits both residents and visitors. Just like other modern European countries do.
If helping Maltese police deliver safer, more visible patrols in tourist zones is “a certificate of failure” – then what do you call stripping them of basic dignity for 25 years?
The PN abandoned the Police Force. Labour is restoring it.
