Malta’s Political Compass: A Conversation with Dr. Alex Muscat

Imagine standing in the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings. Now, picture a politician not just shaking hands, but genuinely listening to the concerns of the local shopkeeper, the tourist, and the elderly woman feeding the pigeons. This is the kind of politics Dr. Alex Muscat, a seasoned Maltese politician, is advocating for. He calls it ‘the politics of values’.

Values-Driven Leadership

Dr. Muscat, a former Minister for Education and a current Member of Parliament, believes that politics should be about more than just policies and power. “It’s about people,” he says, sipping his coffee at a café in Rabat, Gozo, his hometown. “It’s about understanding their struggles, their hopes, and their dreams. It’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular.”

For Dr. Muscat, the ‘politics of values’ is not just a catchy phrase. It’s a commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability. “I’ve seen too many politicians make promises they have no intention of keeping,” he laments. “I’ve seen too many backroom deals and hidden agendas. That’s not the kind of politics I want to be part of.”

From Education to Values: A Personal Journey

Dr. Muscat’s political journey began in the education sector. As a former teacher and principal, he saw firsthand the impact of politics on the lives of students and their families. “Education is about more than just exams and grades,” he says. “It’s about shaping young minds, instilling values, and preparing them for the world. But when politicians treat education as a numbers game, we’re doing a disservice to our children.”

This realization led him to politics, where he hoped to make a difference. But he soon found himself disillusioned by the political games and power struggles. “That’s when I decided to step back and ask myself, ‘What kind of politician do I want to be?'” he recalls. “The answer was clear: I want to be a politician who upholds the politics of values.”

Upholding Values in Challenging Times

Upholding values in politics is no easy task, especially in challenging times. Malta, like many countries, is grappling with issues like corruption, inequality, and the impact of technology on society. Dr. Muscat acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic. “We’re living in complex times,” he says, “but that’s all the more reason to stand up for our values. Because if we don’t, who will?”

He points to issues like the environment, where he believes politicians should be leading the way. “We’re seeing the effects of climate change right here in Malta,” he says. “Our beaches are disappearing, our seas are warming, and our air quality is declining. But instead of taking bold action, some politicians are more concerned with protecting their own interests.”

Dr. Muscat believes that the politics of values can guide us through these challenges. “It’s about putting people and planet before profits,” he says. “It’s about being honest about the problems we face and working together to solve them.”

He’s not alone in this belief. Across Malta, there’s a growing movement of people who want to see a more values-driven politics. They’re young and old, left and right, and they’re tired of the status quo. They’re the ones you see at protests, the ones who sign petitions, the ones who vote. They’re the ones who, like Dr. Muscat, believe that politics can be better.

And so, as we leave Dr. Muscat in Rabat, sipping his coffee and watching the world go by, we’re left with a question: What kind of politics do we want to see in Malta? The kind that’s about power and privilege, or the kind that’s about people and values? The choice, as they say, is ours.