Daring to Dream, Ready to Govern: Malta’s Youth Take the Political Stage

Picture this: a bustling Republic Street, the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the historic buildings. Amidst the humdrum of everyday life, a group of young Maltese, armed with posters and passion, are making their voices heard. They’re not protesting, but campaigning – a sign of things to come in Malta’s political scene.

Generation Z: The New Political Force

Meet Malta’s Generation Z, the cohort born between 1997 and 2012. They’re digital natives, socially conscious, and they’re not afraid to challenge the status quo. They’ve grown up in a world shaped by the 2008 financial crisis, the rise of social media, and the climate crisis. Now, they’re ready to shape their own future by entering the political arena.

Take 23-year-old Kayley Chetcuti, for instance. A political science graduate from the University of Malta, she’s running for parliamentary elections with the Labour Party. “We’re not just the future,” she says, “we’re the present. We have ideas, we have energy, and we’re ready to govern.”

From Social Media to Street Campaigns

Malta’s political scene is no stranger to youth involvement. The island has a long history of youth activism, from the Nationalist Party’s youth wing to the Labour Party’s Young Labour. But this time, it’s different. Social media has given these young politicians a platform to connect directly with voters, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.

Take a stroll down Triq San Gwann in Msida, and you’ll see what we mean. Here, the Malta Youth Party (MYP) has set up shop. Their bright yellow posters and catchy slogans (“Vote for Change,” “Your Voice Matters”) are hard to miss. The MYP, founded in 2016, is the first political party in Malta to be led by a youth council. Their candidates, all under 35, are using social media to reach out to voters, especially the youth.

Policy Priorities: Youth-Led, Future-Focused

So, what are these young politicians campaigning on? Education, climate change, and mental health top their lists. They’re pushing for reforms in education to make it more accessible and relevant to today’s students. They’re advocating for stronger climate action, in line with the island’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. And they’re calling for improved mental health services, a pressing issue among Malta’s youth.

Take the issue of climate change. Malta’s youth have been at the forefront of climate activism, inspired by global movements like Fridays for Future. Now, they’re bringing that passion to the political arena. “We’re not just talking about the future,” says 27-year-old MYP candidate, Neil Falzon, “we’re fighting for it.”

But it’s not all smooth sailing. These young politicians face challenges too. Some are struggling to balance their political ambitions with their studies or jobs. Others face skepticism from older generations who question their experience and readiness to govern.

Yet, they remain undeterred. They’re learning on the job, seeking mentorship from experienced politicians, and building alliances with other youth-led movements. They’re also reaching out to the diaspora, using social media to connect with Maltese youth studying or working abroad.

As the sun sets on another day of campaigning, one thing is clear: Malta’s youth are not just the future of politics. They’re the present. They’re daring to dream, and they’re ready to govern.

As Kayley Chetcuti puts it, “We’re not waiting for our turn. We’re making our turn.”