Imagine this: a sea of umbrellas, not for rain, but as a symbol of unity and defiance. This was the scene at Valletta’s Freedom Square just a year ago. Today, those same umbrellas are ready to take centre stage in Malta’s parliament. Welcome to the rise of Malta’s newest political force, Il-Haq.

A Spark in the Heart of Valletta

It was on the cobbled streets of Valletta, Malta’s capital, that Il-Haq was born. The party emerged from the 2020 protests against corruption and mismanagement, with citizens demanding accountability and change. The umbrella, a symbol of the protests, became Il-Haq’s logo, a constant reminder of their roots.

Il-Haq’s manifesto is a daring dream, promising radical reforms, from electoral reform to a new constitution. Their candidates are a mix of seasoned activists and fresh faces, all united by a desire to clean up Malta’s politics. Among them is Claudia Attard, a 32-year-old lawyer who left her job to run for parliament. “We’re not just here to win seats,” she says, “we’re here to change the system.”

Daring to Dream, Ready to Govern

Il-Haq’s rise has been meteoric. In just a year, they’ve gone from protest chants to polling high in the latest surveys. Their success lies in their bold policies and their candidates’ authenticity. They’ve tapped into a deep well of frustration among Maltese voters, offering a vision of a cleaner, more accountable Malta.

But can they govern? Il-Haq’s leaders insist they’re ready. “We’ve been governing ourselves for a year now,” says Attard, referring to the party’s grassroots structure and democratic decision-making processes. “We’ve proven we can lead, and we’re ready to do it in parliament.”

The Road to Parliament

The road to parliament is never smooth. Il-Haq faces challenges, from the established parties’ attacks to the complexity of governing. But they’re undeterred. “We’re not afraid of the fight,” says Attard. “We’ve been fighting for a year. We know what we’re doing, and we know why we’re doing it.”

Il-Haq’s rise is a story of hope and change, of citizens daring to dream and demanding better. It’s a story that’s far from over. As Malta heads to the polls, one thing is clear: Il-Haq is ready to govern.