The hidden dark side of public life

Picture this: it’s a warm summer evening in Valletta. Tourists and locals alike are flocking to the capital, drawn by its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vibrant atmosphere. Yet, as the sun sets and the streetlights flicker on, another side of Malta’s public life begins to emerge. This is not the picture postcard version, but a reality that’s often hidden in plain sight.

Let’s start with an uncomfortable truth. Street harassment is a common occurrence in Malta, with women and the LGBTQI+ community often bearing the brunt. A recent study by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality found that 87% of women in Malta have experienced some form of street harassment. Yet, it’s a topic that’s often swept under the rug, discussed in hushed tones or dismissed as trivial.

Take Republic Street, for instance, Valletta’s bustling main thoroughfare. It’s a place where catcalls and lewd comments can echo as freely as the church bells. “It’s become so normalised,” says Maria, a Valletta resident who asked to use only her first name. “I’ve had men follow me, make inappropriate comments, even grab me. And when I report it, nothing happens.”

Another issue that’s often overlooked is homelessness. While Malta has one of the lowest homelessness rates in Europe, the problem is far from non-existent. According to the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, there are around 200 people experiencing homelessness in Malta, with many more at risk of losing their homes.

Stroll down Merchant Street, Valletta’s historic shopping district, and you might spot some of these individuals. They’re the ones sleeping in doorways, rummaging through bins, or asking for spare change. It’s a stark contrast to the luxury boutiques and high-end restaurants that line the street.

“Homelessness is a complex issue,” says Dr. Maria Pisani, a social worker who specialises in homelessness. “It’s not just about a lack of housing. It’s about poverty, mental health, addiction, and a lack of social support. And it’s a problem that’s only getting worse, thanks to factors like gentrification and the rising cost of living.”

Then there’s corruption, a topic that’s often whispered about but rarely openly discussed. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Malta ranks 56th out of 180 countries, with a score of 55 out of 100. While this isn’t the worst ranking, it’s far from ideal.

From the Panama Papers scandal to the recent allegations of corruption within the Planning Authority, Malta has seen its fair share of corruption cases. Yet, many feel that these are just the tip of the iceberg, with much more going on behind closed doors.

“Corruption is a cancer that eats away at the very fabric of society,” says Dr. Mark Camilleri, a political scientist at the University of Malta. “It undermines trust in institutions, distorts public policy, and creates a climate of impunity. And until we address it head-on, it will continue to cast a long shadow over our public life.”

—METADATA—

{
“title”: “Malta’s Hidden Dark Side: The Unseen Reality of Public Life”,
“metaDescription”: “Discover the hidden dark side of public life in Malta, from street harassment to homelessness and corruption, as we explore the unseen reality of life in the Mediterranean’s smallest country.”,
“categories”: [“Local News”, “Community”],
“tags”: [“Malta”, “Valletta”, “Street Harassment”, “Homelessness”, “Corruption”],
“imageDescription”: “A lone figure sitting on the steps of the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta at sunset, symbolising the hidden struggles of Malta’s public life.”
}