Election Desk: The cast is complete – Malta’s political stage set for 2022

As the sun sets over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the political scene of Malta is taking shape. The cast for the 2022 general election is complete, with party leaders having announced their candidates. But who are the players, and what do they stand for?

Party Leaders Take Centre Stage

The spotlight is on the three main party leaders: Robert Abela of the Labour Party, Bernard Grech of the Nationalist Party, and Adrian Delia of the opposition party, Democratic Action Party (ADP). Abela, the incumbent Prime Minister, has been leading the Labour Party since 2020. Grech, a former lawyer, took over the Nationalist Party in 2020, aiming to revitalise the party after a series of electoral defeats. Delia, a former Nationalist MP, formed the ADP in 2019, positioning it as a centrist alternative.

Each leader has their own style and vision. Abela, known for his calm demeanour, has been focusing on continuity and stability. Grech, charismatic and outspoken, is promising change and renewal. Delia, with his legal background, is emphasising integrity and accountability.

Candidates: From Seasoned Politicians to Fresh Faces

The candidate lists reveal a mix of seasoned politicians and fresh faces. The Labour Party, in power since 2013, has retained many of its incumbent MPs. However, it has also given way to new blood, with several first-time candidates under the age of 35. The Nationalist Party, meanwhile, has seen a significant turnover, with many new candidates stepping up. The ADP, being a newer party, has a largely fresh face lineup.

Some candidates have made headlines. For instance, Labour’s Clayton Bartolo, the Minister for Education, is standing in the same district as Nationalist leader Bernard Grech. The ADP’s Rosianne Cutajar, a former Labour MP, is running as an independent after leaving the ADP over internal disagreements.

Issues and Promises

The campaigns are heating up, with parties focusing on a range of issues. Labour is highlighting its economic record, pointing to Malta’s strong growth and low unemployment. The Nationalists are promising a break from the past, pledging to tackle corruption and improve governance. The ADP is focusing on integrity and the rule of law, promising to clean up politics.

Housing and the environment are also key issues. Malta’s housing market has been booming, but affordability is a concern. Meanwhile, the island’s environmental challenges, from traffic congestion to waste management, are high on the agenda.

As the campaign progresses, expect to see more debate and drama. The parties will be crisscrossing the island, from the streets of Birkirkara to the rural villages of Gozo, making their case to voters. The stage is set, and the curtain is about to rise on Malta’s political theatre.

“This election is about the future of our country,” says Grech. “It’s about whether we want to continue down the same path, or forge a new one.”