Election Desk: A Middle Finger in the Middle of the Campaign

Imagine this: a bright, sunny morning in the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta. The bustling Republic Street is alive with the usual chatter of tourists and locals alike. Suddenly, a commotion catches everyone’s attention. A middle-aged man, dressed in a worn-out shirt and shorts, stands on a makeshift podium, waving a large, hand-painted sign. The sign reads, “F**k the system, vote for change.” Welcome to the 2022 Maltese election campaign.

Meet the Unconventional Candidate

The man is none other than Joseph ‘Beppe’ Fenech Adami, a 55-year-old former chef turned political activist. Beppe is running for parliament under the banner of his newly formed party, ‘Partit Nies’. His campaign slogan? “Nies, Nies, Nies – Because we’re sick of the rest.” Beppe’s unconventional approach has sparked conversations and raised eyebrows across the island.

Beppe’s not your typical politician. He’s a self-proclaimed ‘anti-establishment’ candidate, fed up with what he sees as a lack of progress and too much corruption. He’s not afraid to use colourful language or make bold claims to grab attention. His campaign posters are a stark contrast to the polished, professional images of his rivals. Instead, they feature crude drawings and provocative slogans, plastered on walls and lampposts across Malta.

Stirring the Pot in a Polarised Election

Malta’s 2022 election is shaping up to be a polarising affair. The incumbent Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, is facing off against the Nationalist Party, led by Adrian Delia. Both parties have been trading blows over issues like corruption, the economy, and migration. Beppe’s entrance into the fray has added a wildcard element, drawing attention and ire in equal measure.

Beppe’s not afraid to speak his mind, and he’s not shy about criticising both main parties. “They’re all the same,” he says, sitting in a café in Paceville, a popular nightlife spot. “Full of promises, but when it comes to delivering, they’re all talk and no action.” His blunt assessment has resonated with some voters, particularly the young and disillusioned.

Can Beppe Make a Difference?

Beppe’s campaign has been a breath of fresh air for some, a distracting sideshow for others. But can he make a real difference in Malta’s political scene? The odds are against him. Malta’s political system favours the two main parties, and Beppe’s lack of funding and political experience could prove insurmountable.

Yet, Beppe remains undeterred. “I’m not in this for the money or the power,” he says. “I’m in this to shake things up, to show people that there’s another way. That you don’t need to be part of the old boys’ network to make a difference.” His determination is infectious, and his message has struck a chord with many.

As the election draws near, Beppe continues to campaign, his middle finger salute a symbol of defiance and change. Whether he wins a seat or not, one thing is clear: Beppe has already made his mark on Malta’s 2022 election. He’s shown that in politics, as in life, sometimes you just need to give the system the finger.