Imagine this: it’s a few weeks before election day, and political parties are out in full force, promising the moon and the stars to win your vote. But what if these promises, which could shape the future of your business, were made without even consulting you? This is the reality that the Malta Chamber of SMEs (Għaqda Malta Business Network) is warning about.

From tax incentives to regulatory changes, political parties have been busy unveiling their manifestos, each one more ambitious than the last. But according to the Chamber, these promises are being made without any meaningful consultation with the very people who will be most affected – small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“We’re seeing a lot of promises being made, but very little substance behind them,” says Marthese Portelli, President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs. “Politicians are talking about supporting businesses, but they’re not actually listening to what we need.”

From the bustling streets of Valletta to the quieter towns of Gozo, SMEs are the backbone of Malta’s economy. They employ two-thirds of the private sector workforce and contribute to around 80% of value added in the private sector. Yet, they feel left out of the political process.

Take for instance, the hospitality sector. SMEs in this sector are struggling with staff shortages and high energy costs. Yet, they feel their concerns are not being addressed in the manifestos. “We’re not asking for handouts, we just want to be heard,” says a hotelier in St. Julian’s who wished to remain anonymous.

The Chamber is calling for more consultation with SMEs. They want to see political parties engaging with them, understanding their challenges, and working with them to find solutions. “We’re not saying that politicians should only promise what we tell them to,” says Portelli. “But we want them to understand our perspective, to see the reality on the ground.”

This could involve anything from roundtable discussions to surveys and focus groups. The key, according to the Chamber, is that SMEs should have a say in the policies that will affect them.

With the elections just around the corner, the Chamber is urging SMEs to make their voices heard. They’re encouraging businesses to engage with political parties, to ask questions, and to demand answers.

“This is our chance to shape the future of our businesses and our economy,” says Portelli. “We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. We need to be at the table, driving the conversation.”

So, as you head to the polls this year, remember to ask: who’s listening to the SMEs? Because they’re the ones who’ll be delivering on those promises, one way or another.