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

Imagine standing on the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings, and hearing not the usual hum of tourists, but the energetic chants of young Maltese citizens. This was the scene on a recent Saturday, as thousands gathered for the Youth Initiative Party’s (YIP) first-ever political march. The crowd, predominantly under 30, held signs bearing messages like “Our Time is Now” and “Youth Power.” But who are these young dreamers, and what do they hope to achieve?

Born Out of Frustration, Fueled by Hope

YIP was founded in 2019 by a group of young Maltese individuals frustrated with the political status quo. They saw a lack of representation for their generation in Parliament, with the average age of MPs hovering around 50. “We’re tired of being told to wait our turn,” says YIP’s co-founder, 27-year-old Andrew Borg. “We’re ready to take our place at the table, and we have the ideas and energy to make a difference.”

Borg and his co-founders aren’t your typical politicians. They’re a diverse bunch, hailing from different walks of life and backgrounds. There’s a software engineer, a social worker, a marketing specialist, and even a professional footballer. But they share a common vision: to create a Malta that works for everyone, especially the youth.

Policy, Not Promises

YIP’s manifesto is a refreshing read, filled with practical policies that tackle issues close to the hearts of young Maltese. They’re pushing for affordable housing, better mental health services, and more opportunities for youth in education and employment. They want to see a greener Malta, with more investment in renewable energy and sustainable practices.

But perhaps their most ambitious goal is to reimagine democracy in Malta. They propose lowering the voting age to 16, introducing sortition (random selection) for some parliamentary seats, and creating a digital platform for direct citizen participation. “We want to make politics accessible and engaging for everyone,” says Borg. “We want to bring democracy into the 21st century.”

From the Streets to the Halls of Power

YIP’s journey hasn’t been easy. They’ve faced criticism and skepticism, even from within their own generation. But they’ve also found support, both online and on the streets. Their march in Valletta was a testament to this, drawing participants from all corners of Malta and Gozo.

Now, with local elections around the corner, YIP is ready to take the next step. They’re fielding candidates in various districts, eager to bring their ideas to the local councils. And they’re not stopping there. They have their sights set on the 2027 general election, where they hope to send a significant number of young, progressive voices to Parliament.

“We’re not just dreaming big,” says Borg. “We’re working hard to make those dreams a reality. We’re ready to govern, and we’re ready to change Malta for the better.”