Former Chamber President’s Warning: Don’t Be Dazzled by Big Promises

Standing at the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, former Chamber of Commerce President, Marthese Portelli, had a stark warning for Malta’s business community and the public at large. “Be wary of those who promise a lot,” she cautioned, her words echoing through the historic city centre.

From the Chamber to the Streets

Marthese Portelli, who served as the Chamber’s president from 2017 to 2021, has been a vocal advocate for Malta’s business sector. Her recent public warning, however, was not about economic challenges or market trends. Instead, it was a call to discernment, a reminder to keep a critical eye on the promises made by those in power.

“I’ve seen it time and again,” Portelli told Hot Malta. “Politicians, developers, even some businesspeople – they promise the moon and the stars. But when it comes to delivery, many of these promises fall flat.”

Lessons from the Past

Portelli’s warning is not without basis. Malta’s history is peppered with promises that, while they may have sounded good, often failed to materialize. Remember the proposed ‘City Centre’ project in Paola, which was announced with much fanfare in 2008 but never saw the light of day? Or the ‘Smart City’ project in Kalkara, which faced numerous setbacks and delays?

These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger trend that Portelli believes needs to be addressed. “We need to hold our leaders accountable,” she said. “We need to ask tough questions, demand evidence, and not just take their word for it.”

Promises and Reality

But how can one tell the difference between a genuine promise and a hollow one? Portelli suggests looking at the track record. “What have they delivered in the past? What’s their history of following through on promises?” she asked.

She also advises looking at the details. “Promises should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. If they’re not, they’re probably not worth much,” she explained.

Portelli believes that the public should not be afraid to challenge these promises. “Ask questions, demand transparency. After all, it’s our country, our future they’re talking about.”

As Portelli’s words echoed through the historic streets of Valletta, it was a stark reminder that while promises can inspire and motivate, they should also be met with a healthy dose of skepticism. Because, as Portelli warned, “Not all that glitters is gold. And not all promises are kept.”