Malta Election 2022: Day 16 – The Final Push

As the sun rises over the historic streets of Valletta, the Maltese Islands awaken to the 16th day of an election campaign that’s seen no shortage of drama. The air is thick with anticipation, and not just because of the summer heat. Today marks the start of the final week before D-Day – 8th June – when Malta goes to the polls.

Yesterday was a day of contrasts, with the two main political parties holding contrasting rallies. The Labour Party (PL) packed the MCC in Ta’ Qali, their supporters filling the stadium to the brim, a sea of red and white. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party (PN) opted for a more intimate setting, addressing a crowd at the picturesque Pjazza Teatru Rjal in the heart of Valletta.

PL Leader and incumbent Prime Minister, Robert Abela, took to the stage in Ta’ Qali, his message clear: “We’re not going to stop working for you until we’ve won this election,” he told the cheering crowd. His speech was a mix of promises for the future – more jobs, better healthcare, affordable housing – and a defense of his party’s record in government.

Over in Valletta, PN Leader Bernard Grech painted a different picture. In front of the iconic City Gates, he promised a “new start” for Malta, attacking the PL’s record on corruption and economic mismanagement. “We’re not just campaigning for an election,” he said, “we’re fighting for the soul of our country.”

Today, both parties are out in full force, crisscrossing the islands, knocking on doors, and holding impromptu meet-and-greets. The PN has scheduled a major rally in the evening at the Ħal Far Open Centre, while the PL will be in Qawra, focusing on the tourism sector.

But it’s not just the big parties making waves. The smaller parties – including the Democratic Party, Imperium Europa, and the People’s Party – are also out there, fighting for every vote. They might not have the same resources as the PL and PN, but they’re no less passionate about their causes.

And let’s not forget the independents. Former PN MP and now independent candidate, Arnold Cassola, has been making waves with his anti-corruption message. He’s not the only one – several other independent candidates are challenging the status quo, offering voters an alternative to the traditional parties.

This election is about more than just who gets to form the next government. It’s about the direction of our country. Do we want to continue on the path we’re on, or do we want change? Do we want more investment in healthcare and education, or do we want to see more money spent on infrastructure and technology?

It’s about our values too. Do we want a Malta that’s open and inclusive, or one that’s closed and insular? Do we want a government that’s transparent and accountable, or one that’s secretive and opaque?

And it’s about our future. Do we want a Malta that’s sustainable and green, or one that’s polluted and resource-depleted? Do we want a Malta that’s innovative and forward-thinking, or one that’s stuck in the past?

So, as the campaign enters its final week, remember: your vote matters. It’s your chance to have your say about the future of our country. It’s your chance to make a difference.

And as you make your decision, remember the words of former President Eddie Fenech Adami: “Democracy is not just about having the right to vote. It’s about having the right to live in a society where you can make a difference.”