Imagine this: You’re driving through the winding roads of Rabat, Malta’s old capital, and suddenly, the potholes that have been your constant companions for years have vanished. The road is smooth, the ride is comfortable, and you’re wondering, “What’s going on here?”

Welcome to the world of political pork, Malta style. In a move that’s got tongues wagging and eyebrows raising, the Minister responsible for Infrastructure has overseen the paving of roads in his electoral districts. Yes, you read that right. The roads that lead to the minister’s doorstep, and those of his political allies, have been given a facelift.

Rabat, with its rich history and cultural heritage, has been the beneficiary of this sudden road improvement spree. The once-bumpy roads leading to the minister’s residence and those of his political colleagues have been transformed. The change is stark, and it’s not gone unnoticed by the locals.

“It’s like night and day,” says Joseph, a Rabat resident who’s seen the transformation firsthand. “I’ve been driving these roads for years, and suddenly, it’s like I’m driving on a whole new road. It’s a big change, and it’s hard not to notice the political implications.”

The question on everyone’s lips is: Coincidence or calculation? The minister, when asked, maintains that the road works are part of a larger infrastructure plan. “We’re committed to improving Malta’s roads,” he says, “and these works are part of that commitment.”

But critics aren’t buying it. They point to the timing of the works, which coincide with the run-up to the next election. They also note that while Rabat’s roads are getting a makeover, other areas have been left to crumble.

“It’s not about the roads,” says a political scientist who wishes to remain anonymous. “It’s about the message it sends. It’s a reminder to voters that ‘we’re looking out for you, we’re making your lives better.’ It’s a subtle, but effective, form of political communication.”

The road works in Rabat are far from over. More roads are set to be paved, and the minister shows no signs of slowing down. But as the tarmac rolls out, so do the questions. Is this a case of politics as usual, or is it a genuine effort to improve Malta’s infrastructure? .

One thing’s for sure, though: The roads in Rabat will never be the same again. And neither, perhaps, will the politics of road works in Malta.