Politics of Values: A Maltese Perspective

Imagine this: a bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings, and in the midst of it all, a group of people holding placards, not with party logos, but with words like ‘Respect’, ‘Equality’, and ‘Integrity’. This is not a hypothetical scenario. It’s the reality of Malta’s ‘Partit tal-Valori’, a political party that’s putting values at the heart of its political agenda.

From Concept to Party

The journey of Partit tal-Valori (Ptv) is an interesting one. Born out of a desire to see values-driven politics in Malta, it was officially launched in 2019. The party’s founder, Dr. Arnold Cassola, a veteran in Maltese politics, saw a gap that needed filling. “We’ve seen politics dominated by party interests,” he says, “We wanted to bring back the focus on what truly matters – values.”

The party’s constitution is a reflection of this. It’s not filled with party manifestos, but with a set of core values: respect, integrity, equality, sustainability, and democracy. These values guide their political stance on various issues, from immigration to environmental protection.

Values in Action: Local Issues

Let’s take the issue of development, a hot topic in Malta. While other parties might focus on the economic benefits of development, Ptv looks at it through the lens of sustainability. They’ve been vocal against projects they believe harm the environment, like the proposed extension of the Marsa sports complex into the nearby nature reserve.

Another issue close to their heart is immigration. Ptv advocates for a humane approach, one that respects the rights of migrants. They’ve been critical of the government’s handling of the migrant situation, calling for better conditions at migrant reception centres and a more compassionate approach.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

It’s not been an easy ride for Ptv. As a new party, they face challenges like lack of recognition and funding. But Dr. Cassola remains undeterred. “We’re not here to win elections,” he says, “We’re here to change the political culture.”

Ptv’s impact is already visible. They’ve inspired conversations about values in politics, and other parties are now more vocal about their values. Ptv is also part of the European Green Party, bringing Malta into the fold of green politics in Europe.

As we look ahead, Ptv’s role in Malta’s political scene is set to evolve. With local elections around the corner, they’re gearing up to contest more seats. But their goal remains the same: to uphold the politics of values.

“We’re not just a party,” says Dr. Cassola, “We’re a movement. And we’re here to stay.”