Sarah Bajada: ‘My Son’s Childhood Comes First, Politics Can Wait’

In the heart of Malta, the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, Sarah Bajada’s campaign posters have become a familiar sight. But one thing you won’t find there is an image of her young son. The reason? Sarah, a prominent political candidate, has deliberately kept her son out of the spotlight to let him ‘enjoy being a child’.

Balancing Motherhood and Politics

Sarah Bajada, a seasoned political activist and now a candidate for the upcoming local council elections, is no stranger to the public eye. Yet, she’s made a conscious decision to shield her seven-year-old son from the political limelight. “He’s just a child,” she says, sipping her coffee at one of Valletta’s popular cafes, Café Society. “I want him to enjoy his childhood, free from the pressures and scrutiny that come with politics.”

Sarah’s decision is a refreshing departure from the norm, where political candidates often parade their families as a symbol of their personal lives and values. But for Sarah, her son’s well-being comes first. “I want him to have a normal childhood, to play, to learn, to make friends, without the constant reminder that his mother is a public figure,” she explains.

Politics on Hold, Motherhood in Focus

Sarah’s son attends a local school in Msida, a stone’s throw from their home. She’s careful to maintain a healthy balance between her political commitments and her role as a mother. “I make sure I’m there for him, for his school plays, for his sports days,” she says. “I won’t miss out on those moments for anything.”

Sarah’s husband, a supportive figure throughout her political journey, shares the responsibility. “We’re a team,” she says, smiling. “We both work hard to give our son the best of both worlds – a stable home life and the opportunity for him to grow up seeing his mother make a difference.”

Politics as a Family Affair, But on Their Terms

While Sarah keeps her son away from her political campaigns, she doesn’t shy away from discussing her political beliefs and aspirations at home. “He knows what I do,” she says. “He knows that Mummy is trying to make Malta a better place. But he also knows that politics can wait. His childhood can’t.”

Sarah’s approach has earned her respect from her peers and constituents alike. “She’s a breath of fresh air,” says one of her supporters, a regular at the Msida market where Sarah often stops by to chat with locals. “She’s showing us that you can be a politician and a mother, and that the two roles aren’t mutually exclusive.”

As the elections draw near, Sarah’s campaign posters continue to line the streets of Malta. But her son remains notably absent from the scene. And that, Sarah believes, is as it should be. “I’m running for office to make a difference,” she says. “But I’m also running to show that a politician can be a mother first, and that’s something worth fighting for.”