Who Could Replace Bernard Grech As PN Leader?
With Bernard Grech announcing his resignation from Nationalist Party leader, attention now turns to who could replace him at party’s helm. With the PN under pressure to redefine itself ahead of the next general election, here are some of the names being mentioned:
Mark Anthony Sammut
Currently serving as president of the PN’s General Council, Sammut is seen as a steady pair of hands. At 38, he combines experience with relative youth and has played a key role in shaping the party’s internal structures under Grech. If the party opts for continuity and discipline, Sammut could emerge as a consensus candidate.
Alex Borg
The 29-year-old MP for Gozo has long been floated as a future party leader. Charismatic and media-savvy, Borg represents a younger generation of Nationalists who want the party to move beyond its traditional messaging and connect with everyday concerns. While seen as ambitious, he may still need to prove he can appeal beyond his Gozitan base.
Adrian Delia
The former PN leader could attempt a comeback. Now 55, Delia retains a loyal faction within the party and has slowly rehabilitated his image after his ousting in 2020. While his return would be controversial, some believe he is the only candidate with a clear political identity and grassroots support strong enough to mount a challenge to Labour.
Jerome Caruana Cilia
A low-profile but respected figure, the 36-year-old MP currently serves as shadow finance minister. He’s seen as competent and policy-focused, especially on economic and cost-of-living issues that have gained prominence in recent months. His candidacy would likely appeal to members who want a technocratic, no-nonsense leadership style.
Roberta Metsola
Though unlikely, Metsola remains the big name on the sidelines. At 45, she’s currently President of the European Parliament and enjoys high popularity among moderates and swing voters. In order for her to be able to run she would either have to step down as EP President, or the PN will need to agree to appoint a caretaker before holding a leadership race after the next election.
Darren Carabott
At just 30, Carabott is the one of the youngest MP on this list, but he already chairs the Public Accounts Committee and has made a name for himself holding ministers to account. If the PN opts for generational change, Carabott could be seen as a bold choice, especially among younger members disillusioned with the status quo.
Franco Debono
Once a PN rebel, Debono has spent years outside active politics, but his name still stirs interest. Now 50, he has consistently positioned himself as a voice for deep reform and constitutional change. A return would be dramatic, and likely divisive, but would signal a party willing to rethink everything.
As the PN looks for a new leader to rebuild credibility and regain lost ground, it faces a choice between continuity, generational change, or ideological reinvention. Whoever takes over will need to convince both the party base and the broader public that the PN is once again serious about winning.
Who do you think will be the next leader?