Daring to Dream, Ready to Govern: The Rise of Malta’s Young Political Activists

Imagine this: a sea of faces, young and determined, filling the bustling Republic Street in Valletta. It’s not a protest, but a political rally. The year is 2021, and Malta’s political scene is being reshaped by a new breed of activists, daring to dream and ready to govern.

From Social Media to Street Politics

Malta’s political scene has traditionally been dominated by established parties and veteran politicians. However, the rise of social media and a growing discontent among the youth have given birth to a new wave of activism. Young Maltese are no longer content with liking and sharing posts; they’re taking to the streets, armed with placards and a passion for change.

Take, for instance, the Il-Hamman Kelma Malta movement. Born out of frustration with the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, this grassroots initiative has seen thousands of young Maltese, many of whom had never been politically active before, demanding transparency and accountability.

New Parties, New Ideas

This activism has also translated into the formation of new political parties. In 2020, Advancing Malta was launched, a centrist party founded by young professionals who believe in evidence-based policy making and a more inclusive Malta. Their manifesto is a breath of fresh air, tackling issues like mental health, climate change, and digital innovation with a forward-thinking approach.

Similarly, the Alternattiva Demokratika, Malta’s green party, has seen a surge in young members. They’re pushing for a greener, more sustainable Malta, with ambitious plans for renewable energy and environmental protection.

Challenges Ahead

While the energy and ideas of these young activists are infectious, they face significant challenges. Malta’s political system is complex, with deep-rooted party structures and a first-past-the-post system that can make it difficult for new parties to gain traction. the cost of running a political campaign in Malta is high, often putting new parties at a disadvantage.

However, these young activists are undeterred. They’re learning from each campaign, each rally, each conversation. They’re building a network of supporters, both online and offline, and they’re not afraid to challenge the status quo.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Malta’s political scene is changing. The youth are no longer content to be just voters; they want to be leaders, to shape their country’s future. And who knows? In a few years’ time, we might see some of these faces not just on Republic Street, but in Parliament too.

“We’re not just dreaming of a better Malta,” says 25-year-old activist and Advancing Malta member, Maria Grech, “We’re working to make it a reality.”