Pulse

Yesterday, former Nationalist Party Deputy Leader, Dr. Mario de Marco, confirmed that he will not be contesting the upcoming general election, marking the end of his role as a Member of Parliament. However, as he himself stated, this does not mark the end of his political journey. Dr de Marco has long been regarded as a highly respected political figure among both politicians and the public for many reasons. One of these reasons, was once again evident yesterday during his address at a Nationalist Party event in Valletta.

While congratulating fellow Nationalist Party candidates for the upcoming election, Dr. de Marco also took a moment to individually congratulate Labour Party candidate, Omar Rababah. In doing so, he made it clear that racism has no place in our country, stressing that when something is wrong, we must speak out against it. Regardless of political rivalry or party affiliation, such behaviour can never be tolerated, no matter where it comes from.

As Pulse, we strongly endorse Dr. Mario de Marco’s message and speech, as this is the kind of politics we as youths, want to see in our country. Politics that move away from division and rivalry, and moves towards respect, and unity. Malta needs political figures who are willing to lead by example, and this is an example worth setting for our youths in politics and everyday life.

Jum il-Ħaddiem 🇲🇹

Il-festa it-tajjba lil kulhadd!

During yesterday’s political activity organised by the Nationalist Party in Mellieħa, the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Alex Borg, outlined several proposals set to form part of the Nationalist Party’s Electoral Manifesto. Two measures in particular stood out for students:

* A 25% increase in student stipends across Malta and Gozo.
* A stipend equivalent to the national minimum wage (€994 per month) for students pursuing health-related courses.

While these proposals may appear attractive at first glance, they raise serious questions about feasibility, fairness, and long-term sustainability.

According to University records for 2026, 1,186 students are enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Setting their stipend at minimum wage would cost approximately €14 million per year on a gross basis, or around €10 million in additional spending above what these students already receive. Against a national post-secondary stipend budget of €48 million for 2026, that single measure absorbs between 21% and 29% of the total, for one faculty at one institution, before MCAST health students are factored in. The parallel 25% uplift for all other students sits on top of this and has not been costed publicly.

Moreover, healthcare is not the only sector facing workforce shortages. Education, Social Work, and other essential professions are also struggling to attract recruits. A policy focused solely on health students risks overlooking other sectors that are equally crucial to Malta’s future. Incentives should be designed through a broader and fairer national workforce strategy.

Higher stipends may also encourage enrolment, but they do not guarantee that graduates will remain working in Malta. Many qualified professionals continue to leave in search of better wages and opportunities abroad. While Dr Borg also proposed tax exemptions for returning professionals, this does not address the reasons why many choose to leave in the first place.

The Nationalist Party should therefore publish full costings and funding plans for these proposals, so students and the public can properly assess whether these promises are credible, sustainable, and fair.