Politics with Heart: Meet Malta’s Grassroots Champions

Imagine this: a political rally not filled with echoes of grand promises or heated debates, but with the warmth of shared stories and the scent of fresh pastizzi. Welcome to the heart of Malta’s grassroots politics, where change is brewing not in grand speeches, but in the quiet corners of our communities.

From the Streets of Żabbar to the Halls of Parliament

In the bustling streets of Żabbar, a stone’s throw from the iconic St. Peter’s Church, you’ll find the humble headquarters of ‘Xaqqun’, a political party that’s making waves with its unique approach. Xaqqun, which translates to ‘roots’ in Maltese, is a testament to the power of grassroots politics. Their manifesto? A simple yet powerful one: to put people first.

At the helm of this movement is Dr. Rosianne Cutajar, a Żabbar native who’s traded the corporate world for a life in politics. “I’ve seen firsthand the struggles of our community,” she says, “and I believe that politics should be about serving the people, not the other way around.”

Politics as Usual? Not Here.

Xaqqun is not your typical political party. They’ve ditched the flashy campaigns and expensive billboards for community engagement and dialogue. Their weekly ‘Kliem Xaqqun’ (Talk with Roots) sessions, held at the party’s Żabbar headquarters, are a testament to this. Here, residents can discuss their concerns, voice their ideas, and even help shape the party’s policies.

But Xaqqun is not alone in its quest to bring heart back to politics. The ‘Għawdxija’ party, based in Gozo, is another example of this grassroots resurgence. Led by former journalist and Gozitan native, Clint Camilleri, Għawdxija is committed to representing the interests of the Gozitan people, often overlooked in Malta’s political scene.

From Local to National: A Grassroots Revolution?

These grassroots movements are not just making waves locally; they’re starting to make their mark on Malta’s national political scene. In the 2020 local council elections, Xaqqun secured a significant number of seats, including a mayoral win in Żabbar. Għawdxija, too, has seen its influence grow, with several of its candidates securing seats in the Gozitan local councils.

But the real test lies ahead. As Malta gears up for its next general election, these parties face the challenge of translating their local success into national power. But with their feet firmly on the ground and their ears to the people, they’re ready to take on the challenge.

As Dr. Cutajar puts it, “Politics is not about big promises or grand speeches. It’s about listening to the people, understanding their struggles, and working together to build a better future. That’s the heart of politics, and that’s what we’re fighting for.”

So, as we navigate the complex world of Maltese politics, let’s not forget the power of the grassroots. Let’s remember the streets of Żabbar, the conversations at Kliem Xaqqun, and the voices of the people. Because at the end of the day, politics is about more than just power. It’s about heart.