Malta’s Youth: Ready to Take the Helm

Imagine this: Malta’s youngest ever MP, Alex Muscat, just 21, is sworn into office. As he takes his seat in the Parliament, you can’t help but wonder – is this the dawn of a new era for Malta’s youth? A time when they’re not just the future, but the present?

Youth at the Helm

Alex Muscat’s election is not an isolated incident. More young faces are emerging in Malta’s political scene. The Partit Demokratiku’s (PD) recent elections saw a surge of young candidates, with some even challenging established figures. This trend is reflective of a broader shift, a growing restlessness among Malta’s youth.

But is this just a political phenomenon? Not quite. Look around, and you’ll see young Maltese making waves in various sectors. Take, for instance, the tech industry. Companies like Bravado and Bunkr are led by young entrepreneurs, creating jobs and driving innovation. In the arts, we’ve seen a rise in young playwrights, musicians, and artists, pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

Education: The Catalyst

So, what’s driving this change? Education, in part. Malta’s education system has evolved, with a greater emphasis on critical thinking and creativity. The introduction of subjects like Digital Literacy and Citizenship has equipped students with tools to engage with the world differently. initiatives like the Junior Achievement programme and Start-Up Malta are nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit.

But it’s not just about what’s happening in the classroom. It’s about what’s happening outside it. Malta’s youth are more exposed than ever. They’re global citizens, connected to the world through social media, aware of issues beyond our shores. They’re seeing change happen elsewhere and wondering why not here?

Challenges Ahead

However, this coming of age isn’t without its challenges. Youth unemployment remains a concern. According to Eurostat, in 2020, Malta’s youth unemployment rate was 13.2%, the highest in the EU. Affordable housing is another hurdle. Malta’s property market is booming, but it’s leaving many young people priced out.

Then there’s the question of political representation. While we’re seeing more young faces in politics, are they truly representative of Malta’s youth? Are they tackling the issues that matter most to young Maltese? .