Putting People Before Profit: A Call for Discernment at the Polls

Imagine walking down Republic Street on a bustling Saturday morning. The sun is out, and the usual hum of chatter and laughter fills the air. Now, picture this: the shops are boarded up, the cafes are empty, and the street is eerily quiet. This isn’t a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie, but a very real possibility if we don’t start putting people before profit.

Malta’s Economic Miracle: A Double-Edged Sword

Malta’s economic growth over the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable. We’ve seen our GDP per capita soar, and our streets fill with new businesses and tourists alike. But as we’ve chased this ‘economic miracle’, we’ve overlooked the very people who make Malta what it is – us.

Our public services are stretched thin, our infrastructure is creaking under the strain, and our communities are divided. We’ve become so focused on attracting investment and boosting our economy that we’ve forgotten to ask: at what cost?

Profit Over People: The Hidden Costs

Take a drive down the Triq il-Kbira in Marsascala. You’ll see the beautiful old houses, the bustling market, and the fishing boats bobbing in the harbour. Now, look a little closer. See the cracks in the walls, the overflowing bins, and the lack of parking. This is a snapshot of what happens when profit is put before people.

Developers see the potential in areas like Marsascala, but all too often, they only see dollar signs. They don’t see the community that’s been there for generations. They don’t see the impact of their high-rise apartments on the local infrastructure. They don’t see the loss of character and culture that comes with mindless development.

Time to Vote with Our Hearts, Not Our Wallets

This election, we have a choice. We can vote for the status quo, for the parties that have promised growth but delivered little for the people. Or we can vote for change, for parties that prioritise people over profit.

We need to elect representatives who will fight for our public services, who will demand better infrastructure, and who will protect our communities from mindless development. We need to elect people who will put Malta first, not just its balance sheet.

So, as you walk down Republic Street, or any other street in Malta, look around. See the people, see the potential, and then ask yourself: who am I voting for? The economy, or the people?

Let’s make this election about more than just numbers. Let’s make it about us.