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

Imagine this: a sea of young faces, eyes alight with passion and purpose, filling the historic Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta. This wasn’t a concert or a festival, but a political rally. The crowd was there to hear from a new generation of Maltese politicians, eager to make their mark on the island’s future.

Malta’s Youth: A Political Force to Be Reckoned With

Malta’s youth are no longer content to be mere spectators in the political arena. They’re rolling up their sleeves, donning rosettes, and stepping onto the stage. This shift is evident in the surge of young candidates contesting the upcoming local council elections. According to the Electoral Commission, around 40% of candidates are under 35, a significant increase from previous elections.

Take, for example, 24-year-old Matthew Caruana from Żurrieq. A political science graduate, Matthew is running on the Labour Party ticket, driven by a desire to make a difference in his community. “I’ve grown up here, I know the issues we face, and I believe I can help address them,” he says, standing outside Żurrieq’s historic parish church.

Issues Close to Home

Matthew’s priorities reflect those of his peers: affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and job opportunities. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re pressing concerns for Malta’s youth. According to a recent survey by the Malta Development Foundation, 74% of young Maltese feel that housing is too expensive, while 68% believe there aren’t enough job opportunities.

Environmental issues are also high on the agenda. Malta’s youth have been at the forefront of climate action, inspired by global movements like Fridays for Future. They’re pushing for more ambitious targets and practical solutions to tackle climate change.

New Parties, New Ideas

It’s not just about youth within established parties, though. New political parties are emerging, founded and led by young Maltese. One such party is Volt Malta, part of the pan-European Volt movement. Their candidate for the upcoming elections, 28-year-old lawyer and environmental activist Rianne Borg, is passionate about giving young people a voice in politics.

“We need to create a political culture where young people feel represented and heard,” she says, sitting in a bustling café in Paceville. “That means policies that tackle the issues we face, like affordable housing and climate action, but also a political culture that’s inclusive and transparent.”

Volt Malta’s manifesto reflects this, promising to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and foster a culture of political participation.

Challenges Ahead

While the enthusiasm is palpable, challenges lie ahead. Malta’s political culture can be divisive and polarising, and young candidates may struggle to make their voices heard. the island’s political scene is dominated by two major parties, making it tough for new voices to break through.

But Malta’s youth aren’t daunted. They’re used to challenging the status quo, from fighting for LGBTQ+ rights to campaigning for climate action. They’re bringing a fresh perspective to politics, one that’s more inclusive, more forward-thinking, and more in tune with the issues they face.

As Matthew Caruana puts it, “We’re not just the future of Maltese politics. We’re here, we’re now, and we’re ready to govern.”