Daring to Dream, Ready to Govern: Malta’s Youthful Political Renaissance

Picture this: a chilly January evening in Valletta’s St. George’s Square. A crowd of young Maltese, bundled up against the winter breeze, is gathered, not for a protest or a concert, but for a political rally. The speaker is not a seasoned politician, but a 33-year-old lawyer named Roberta Metsola. She’s running for the European Parliament, and her message is resonating. “We are the generation that will govern,” she declares, and the crowd cheers.

Malta’s Youthquake

Roberta is part of a wave of young Maltese politicians who are challenging the status quo. They’re not just running for office; they’re winning. In the 2019 European elections, Malta elected the youngest ever MEP, David Casa, at 37. Metsola, at 33, became the second youngest. Back home, the average age of Malta’s Parliament has dropped significantly, with more than a third of MPs under 40.

This youthquake is not just about age. It’s about a new way of doing politics. These young politicians are digital natives, using social media to connect with voters in a way that was unimaginable a decade ago. They’re also more diverse, with backgrounds in fields like law, tech, and NGOs, not just politics.

From Social Media to Parliament

Take for example, Ian Borg, now Malta’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs. In 2013, he was a 28-year-old lawyer with a popular Facebook page where he discussed politics. Today, he’s one of Malta’s most senior ministers. “I started by engaging with people online,” he says. “Then I realized I could do more by being in Parliament.”

Borg’s journey illustrates how social media has democratized politics in Malta. It’s given a voice to young people who might otherwise have been overlooked. It’s also changed the way politics is done. These young politicians are more transparent, more accessible. They’re used to engaging with people online, not just speaking at them.

Challenges Ahead

But governing is different from campaigning. These young politicians face significant challenges. Malta’s political scene is polarized, and they’ll need to navigate complex issues like migration, the economy, and Brexit. They’ll also have to prove they can deliver, not just inspire.

they’ll have to contend with the expectations they’ve set. They’ve promised a new way of doing politics, more inclusive, more transparent. They’ll have to deliver on that, or risk losing the trust of the very people who elected them.

As Metsola put it that evening in Valletta, “We are the generation that will govern. But we need you to hold us accountable. We need you to keep us honest.” It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. For Malta, for its young people, and for the future of politics.

In the heart of Malta’s capital, the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – are a testament to the island’s rich history. Today, they’re also a symbol of hope for Malta’s future. They’re where the old and the new meet, where tradition and innovation coexist. They’re where Malta’s youthful political renaissance is happening. And they’re where the dreams of a generation are becoming reality.