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

Imagine this: a crowd of over 500 young people, buzzing with energy, packing the historic St. James Cavalier in Valletta. They’re not here for a concert or a party, but for a political rally. This is not your typical Maltese political scene. This is the Malta Youth Party (MYP) convention, and it’s a sign of changing times.

Born of Frustration, Fueled by Hope

The Malta Youth Party was born out of frustration. Frustration with political apathy, with the feeling that youth voices were not being heard. Founded in 2019 by a group of young activists, the MYP is the first political party in Malta to be led by and for the youth. Their slogan, “Daring to Dream, Ready to Govern,” is more than a catchy phrase; it’s a promise.

“We’re tired of being told to wait our turn,” says 23-year-old MYP leader, Andrew Borg. “We’re not just the future. We’re the present. We’re ready to take our place at the table now.”

From Social Media to Street Campaigns

The MYP’s rise has been swift and digital. They’ve harnessed the power of social media, using platforms like Instagram and Facebook to engage with young voters. But they’re not stopping at likes and shares. They’re hitting the streets, organizing community clean-ups, hosting town halls, and even running for local council seats.

“We’re not just about big ideas,” says Borg. “We’re about rolling up our sleeves and getting things done. We want to show Malta that youth can lead, that we can make a difference.”

Take, for instance, their campaign against single-use plastics. It started with a social media post, gained traction with a beach clean-up at Golden Bay, and culminated in a petition that caught the attention of the government. The result? A ban on single-use plastics in Malta’s six most popular beaches.

Policy, Not Protest

The MYP is not just about flashy campaigns. They’re serious about policy. They’ve got plans for education reform, environmental protection, and economic growth. They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, to ask tough questions, and to offer innovative solutions.

“We’re not here to protest,” says Borg. “We’re here to govern. We’ve got plans, we’ve got ideas, and we’re ready to put them into action.”

But it’s not just about big ideas. It’s about the small things too. Like making sure young people have a say in their communities. Like making sure their voices are heard. Like making sure they feel like they belong.

“We want to build a Malta where every young person feels valued, where they feel like they have a stake in our future,” says Borg. “That’s what we’re fighting for. That’s what we’re ready to govern for.”

And so, the stage is set. The youth of Malta are ready to take their place. They’re daring to dream, and they’re ready to govern.