01/09/2026
STATEMENT BY THE PARTIT NAZZJONALISTA – 01/09/2026
UNACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS FOR RESIT EXAMINATIONS DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT
The Partit Nazzjonalista notes with concern the conditions currently being experienced by students sitting MATSEC resit examinations, following reports that a number of students have had to sit these important examinations in unbearable heat due to a lack of air conditioning.
Over the past few days, several students and examination invigilators complained about the conditions in which these resit examinations are being held at the height of summer. There have also been several reports from parents whose children are experiencing the same situation.
This is unacceptable.
Students are sitting examinations that may be decisive for their future, and they have the right to do so in a safe, dignified environment that is conducive to learning and concentration. We cannot speak about improving the quality of education when even the most basic conditions are not being guaranteed.
The Partit Nazzjonalista has long insisted that education requires more resources, greater investment and a clear long-term plan. More recently, the PN has also called on the Government to accelerate the programme to equip schools with adequate air-conditioning systems, together with immediate measures such as improved ventilation to protect students and educators from excessive heat.
The PN is calling for:
• A clear and urgent plan to ensure that schools are equipped with adequate cooling and ventilation systems;
• Greater investment in school infrastructure, not only in new projects but also in continuous preventive maintenance;
• Immediate measures during heatwaves, particularly when examinations and resits are taking place;
• Further installation of photovoltaic panels on school rooftops;
• More resources for education, so that investment in the sector keeps pace with the real needs of students and educators.
Quality in education does not begin with slogans. It begins by providing students and educators with the environment they deserve.
If we truly want to make a leap forward in quality, we must first ensure that the foundations are sound. It is evident that major shortcomings still remain in those foundations, including in the most basic of areas.
The Partit Nazzjonalista will continue listening to students, parents and educators, and will continue putting forward concrete solutions so that our schools can truly provide a dignified environment for the education of our children.
Jerome Caruana Cilia
Shadow Minister for Education and Citizenship