The Leader of the Opposition’s Constitutional Office Is Not Party Property

An important distinction is being overlooked in how Alex Borg’s new office at AŻAD in Valletta is being presented: the difference between his leadership of the Nationalist Party and his constitutional position as Leader of the Opposition.

The office of Leader of the Opposition is expressly established by Article 90 of Malta’s Constitution, which provides for appointment by the President. It is therefore an office within Malta’s constitutional framework, with a standing that goes beyond the internal structures of any political party.

Alex Borg holds two distinct positions. He is the leader of the Nationalist Party and the Leader of the Opposition. Although these roles are closely connected, they are not interchangeable. Holding both does not make the constitutional office the property of the party.

This is why I object to the use of the title “Office of the Leader of the Opposition” alongside the PN logo at premises associated with the party. In my view, this presentation blurs the distinction between a political organisation and a constitutional institution.

The Nationalist Party is entitled to open an office for its leader wherever it wishes. If these premises are to carry the party’s branding, the more appropriate designation would be “Office of the Leader of the Nationalist Party”. That would identify the office clearly and accurately without presenting a constitutional position as an extension of the party.

Borg has explained the move as a way of distinguishing his work as Leader of the Opposition from his responsibilities as PN leader. That makes clear branding all the more necessary. If the intention is to distinguish the two roles, the public presentation should reflect that distinction. (maltadaily.mt⁠)

Imagine Robert Abela displaying the Labour Party logo alongside the words “Office of the Prime Minister” outside a building in Valletta. What would civil society and the so-called independent media say? I find it difficult to believe that such a presentation would escape criticism.

The same standard should apply to both sides. Neither the Office of the Prime Minister nor the Office of the Leader of the Opposition should be presented as a party possession.

My objection concerns the institutional message conveyed by the title and branding. Malta’s Constitution gives the Leader of the Opposition a recognised place in the country’s system of government. That constitutional standing deserves to be clearly distinguished from the identity of the party whose leader happens to hold the office.