As the sun set over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the political leaders of Malta gathered for a debate that was anything but ordinary. The air was thick with tension, not just from the summer heat, but also from the weight of the issues at hand. The environment, transport, and a controversial ‘giveaway’ scheme took centre stage, with each leader vying to outdo the other in their promises and accusations.

The debate opened with a topic close to many Maltese hearts – the environment. The leaders were quick to showcase their green credentials, with Adrian Delia of the PN promising a ‘Green New Deal’ that would see Malta become carbon neutral by 2050. Robert Abela of the PL, however, was quick to counter, pointing out that his government had already begun implementing such measures, citing the recent ban on single-use plastics.

But it was the issue of development that really set the cat among the pigeons. Delia accused the government of prioritising development over the environment, citing the controversial ODZ developments in areas like Mgarr and Mellieha. Abela, however, hit back, arguing that the PN’s plans for a third runway at Malta International Airport would do more harm than good to the environment.

Transport was another hot topic, with the leaders clashing over the government’s bus reform. Delia was scathing in his criticism, arguing that the new bus system had led to overcrowding and longer journey times. He promised to scrap the current system and revert to the old one if elected. Abela, however, stood by the reform, insisting that it was a necessary step towards a more efficient and sustainable transport system.

But it was the issue of the third party operator that really got the audience’s attention. Delia accused the government of handing out a ‘sweetheart deal’ to a private company, while Abela insisted that the move was necessary to improve services. The crowd booed and jeered as the leaders traded barbs, the atmosphere in the palace growing increasingly heated.

But perhaps the most contentious issue of the night was the government’s ‘Leliċenzji u Programmi’ scheme, which offers tax incentives to those who invest in property. Delia was scathing in his criticism, arguing that the scheme was little more than a ‘giveaway’ to the wealthy. He promised to scrap the scheme if elected, replacing it with a more equitable system.

Abela, however, defended the scheme, arguing that it had led to a boom in the property market and created jobs. He accused Delia of wanting to take Malta back to the ‘dark ages’ of economic stagnation. The crowd roared in approval as Abela finished his speech, the debate reaching its climax.

As the debate drew to a close, it was clear that the leaders had little in common when it came to their vision for Malta’s future. Delia promised a ‘new dawn’ of transparency and accountability, while Abela vowed to continue the PL’s ‘progressive’ agenda. One thing was certain – whoever won the election, they would have a tough job ahead of them, navigating the complex challenges that face Malta today.

As the leaders left the stage, the crowd dispersed, their minds filled with the echoes of the debate. The future of Malta, it seemed, was in their hands.