The system functions in such a way that, in a by-election, all candidates who fall during the counting process start from zero if the candidate ceding the seat was elected with no inherited votes from other candidate, irrespective of their first preference votes given to them by the electorate. Moreover, the reachable quota is half the official quota in the district plus one. The system is somewhat complex because, in the case of the seat vacated by Dr Grima, all candidates started at zero, and the same applied to that of the Prime Minister. However, if the ninth district had been counted before the second district, I would have started with 340 votes that I had transferred to Dr Falzon before my name fell on the day of the counting. This is a tricky part, and I would like to explain it further. On the day of the casual election, the Electoral Commission, in agreement with the Party’s representatives, follows a draw. It is literally like a Super Five chance. The order in which the districts of those who ceded their seats are counted is determined by sheer luck.

In my case, the first counting started with the seat vacated by Dr Grima, in which Rebecca Buttigieg was elected ahead of me with almost 90 votes. Then the second district followed, which was the seat vacated by the Prime Minister. In this case, I was not expecting to be elected after a few counts because the strategy employed during my campaign was to ask for the third and fourth preferences of other co-candidates rather than the second preference. The reason was that the first preference was always expected to be given to the Prime Minister, and the second preference to candidates who had toured and worked the district longer than I had. However, the game changer was the third and fourth preferences, which I asked many of my supporters and people on the ground to give me for an eventual by-election. And those were the third preferences of Ministers Clyde Caruana, Byron Camilleri and others. Indeed, the strategy worked, as I managed to garner most of the third preferences of the other candidates, in addition to extra second preferences after the Prime Minister. When the by-election of the Prime Minister opened, I was at around 1,250 votes. In the final count, I was elected from the second district, taking the seat vacated by the Prime Minister. Indeed, I am humbled.

After the second district was counted, the ninth district ensued. Obviously, my name was eliminated from the ninth district since I had already been elected on the second district. This opened the space for other candidates, in particular the mayor of Għargħur, Mariah Meli, who was the runner-up. If the ninth district following the by-election of Dr Falzon had been drawn to be counted before the second district, the story would have been different. Why? Because I would have been elected from the ninth district, while in the second district there would have been another name, given that my name would have been eliminated from the second district. Therefore, in truth, luck does favour you in such instances. This process is somewhat complex, and for this reason strategies differ from one candidate to another. In my case, since I submitted my nomination as a PL candidate later than others, it was not easy to compete in a district known for the big names. However, given that my profile and branding were already public due to the MEP elections campaign two years earlier, people seemed to have responded and voted for me as well, even if they were third and fourth preference. In truth, in the MEP elections I had around 36,000 second and third preferences and leveraged on this. Besides, I kept on listening to people’s concerns over the past two years and tried my best to assist where it was merited.

Certainly, I must thank the people who helped me achieve this result in just 21 days. We were a small group of volunteers across both the second and ninth districts. I did not even have an office when I submitted my nomination. In fact, we met at a restaurant in Marsaskala to devise a plan on how we would proceed with the campaign. Gradually, people started joining the team. We managed to achieve remarkable results in 21 days, even setting up my office in Bormla, which I own and which had been in a bit of a dilapidated state for two years. Thanks to my brother and a childhood friend, we completed it in a week. I must express sincere gratitude to several people, especially three close friends in the ninth district who truly supported me, and together we managed to garner around 562 first-count votes in that district. The people of the ninth district received me with enthusiasm, and that is something I truly cherish. It is a district that I will continue to represent for the next five years, just like the second district.

Lastly, I would like to make an appeal to those who were not elected. I firmly believe that you still have a lot to contribute. Had I given up after the MEP elections, I would not be here today. It is true that I was not originally planning to run for the current general election, and it is equally true that I was in the background supporting the PL. However, when the Prime Minister asked me several times to put forward my name as a candidate, I accepted. In the end, when the Party calls, we all contribute. Whether we contribute as frontline candidates, in logistics, customer care, or social media, we all play a role. And that is what truly matters. Your contribution is certainly valuable.

The post When loyalty is rewarded – thank you, Districts 2 and 9 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

This shows the government’s commitment to protecting the environment, and especially agricultural land. As I have reiterated over the years, this commitment must be backed by a top-down approach. If we allow laissez-faire decisions without strategic involvement, this will also affect the country’s food security, especially agricultural land, and we will lose our direction as a socialist government. Frankly, I am pro-business as an economist, to the point that it does not impinge on the collective. Truthfully, I am glad that the first Cabinet decision signals the newly-elected government’s commitment to protecting the environment.

Looking back at the PL’s campaign and the manifesto, Int Malta, the well-being index stresses the importance of protection and the quality of the local environment. If we do not protect the environment, we will have a problem with the well-being index. It is the first time in history that a Maltese political party has bound itself to a well-being index distinct from the costings of its electoral manifesto. I am glad to also see the ministers at full speed, following up on cases. I have already received some of the cases they got back to me on, and they are in contact to resolve some of the issues that matter to them, which are also merited and have lingered for years due to excessive bureaucracy.

Having said this, the PL still needs to focus on areas that require particular attention when it comes to the protection of the environment, among others are issues related to some areas and towns I visited as part of the general election campaign in the ninth district. I will have enough time in the coming weeks to talk about them and to write about these matters. Certainly, I had the opportunity to write about them before the general election and during the campaign, and I will not shy away from repeating them. As you all know, I am quite fond of the environment and nature. Being an economist does not mean that one excludes the other. Without a healthy environment, we cannot have a healthy population, a productive workforce, and a healthy economy. If you tell me what you want to continue focusing on in the coming years, the topics that are dear to me are the environment, social, and governance.

Besides the environment, I work on ESG within the Banking and Financial Industry. I am quite happy to keep promoting the topic because we also need an integrated approach among the local government, the banking industry, the EU Multiannual Financial Framework, and the funds to be allocated for infrastructure projects to mitigate physical climate risks. Furthermore, nature and its restoration, as well as the protection of biodiversity, are topics we must not overlook. On the social part, I ran on a socialist party ticket, and no matter how pro-business we are in creating wealth, we must never forget our roots. By no means am I in favour of taking from others to give to others for matters that are not merited. We all need to work hard to achieve a better standard of living.

However, the government must step in to assist where needed, especially when market forces are outpricing our younger generation. This is why the Int Malta manifesto promotes affordable housing. It is another topic that requires immediate attention. I wrote about this last week. This measure will provide a different perspective on loans, especially the 25% interest-free loans. This is the government’s commitment and social side, which will be promoted in the current legislature.

Another topic that requires attention is governance in many decisions taken at the authority level. True, bureaucracy breeds governance. However, excessive bureaucracy is halting government performance. Allowing this excessive bureaucracy is not helping to achieve several national-interest projects. I look forward to seeing the manifesto implemented. Certainly, the competence of the ministers in charge will make this happen. And it will, in the end, result in the good of the collective.

The post The environment must be a top priority first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

However, the PL must take note of the result and analyse what happened. It is only normal that a party in government for so many years starts losing its majority. One of the PL’s biggest mistakes in government was the performance of certain authorities and the public sector. Besides, some of the injustices perpetuated by the PN administration – which were promised to be addressed prior to PM Robert Abela’s leadership – were never addressed or only partially addressed, creating another injustice.

Another topic that is resurfacing is affordable housing, an area I have been writing about and discussing in recent years. The problem of rent, as well as housing prices, has become a sore point for many. We need to revise rent subsidies and accelerate the process of building as many affordable housing units as possible. The PL campaigned on a manifesto that introduced several measures to address affordable housing, including a 25% interest‑free loan.

Now, the PL in government must accelerate the implementation of the manifesto in its entirety. We must avoid past mistakes. The imperative here is to address the problem of those creating obstacles with requests for transfers, as well as to ensure that those halting any processes for government projects are removed from any position of power. Another issue that came up during this campaign is the problem of foreigners working in Malta. We must understand that some menial jobs must be executed by them; otherwise, we would have a problem. What the Maltese are not tolerating is the preference given to foreign workers over many locals. We do have a problem here, as this was another issue I noticed when meeting people.

Likewise, the traffic problem must be given priority. It’s not that we will eliminate traffic, but we can do better with the management of our road infrastructure, as well as with the work‑from‑home policy, morning appointments, and university and MCAST lectures. The PL did a lot of good and improved the lives of many, including pensioners. However, we must address those pockets that are not feeling the success of economic growth.

What PM Abela must do is surround himself with technical people, including political economists. Having an economist in politics is quite rare, and this is important. Policies must not be designed by regulators, but by economists who can understand the electorate’s concerns. Let’s be honest with ourselves: we could have done better in implementing national projects, including the upgrade of road infrastructure. However, there were other priorities, including cushioning the impact of the Ukrainian war and the ensuing energy shocks, which compounded into inflation that people could not cope with. Likewise, the problem of the Iranian war and the instability it created in the Middle East.

The PL must ensure the acceleration of projects of national importance and, as soon as possible, implement the policies outlined in the manifesto pertaining to social and affordable housing, as well as the SME Boost tax cuts. There are many other proposals in the manifesto which I want to see executed as soon as possible. However, the top priorities are affordable housing and the SME Boost tax cuts. SMEs need additional liquidity, just like our younger generation, as well as singles, separated, or divorced individuals, who need security when purchasing a dwelling.

The Maltese housing market changed, and so did the composition of our demography. What did not change is the way we tackle the problems created by economic success. We did not keep pace with the acceleration of economic growth. And this is why the electorate sent a message to the PL, even though the roughly 22,000 votes helped secure a strong mandate to implement the projects and the Int Malta manifesto.

Lastly, I wish I could contribute more to the country and to the PL. However, it is now up to the by‑election, which is expected to open in the coming days. Good luck to all those contesting.

The post Moving forward first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

For example, during my teenage years, I befriended someone from San Ġwann and became familiar with much of the Mensija area. I continue to spend Saturday mornings in San Ġwann, where I have established relationships with several residents while running errands. Swieqi is another locality where I have spent considerable time with close friends, fostering an attachment to the area. Għarghur, where Ray’s maternal family originates, holds particular significance for me, evoking memories of Auntie Vitor and Ray’s mother, Żarena. Choosing another district proved challenging, as I felt it would be unfair to run in a district alongside colleagues I had recently supported. So, it was natural to choose the ninth district.

After more than three weeks of campaigning, I have observed that the second and ninth districts require distinct policy approaches. The second district faces urgent social housing challenges, particularly regarding the timely completion of units in Hanover (Bormla). Over the past four years, I have advocated for the prompt delivery of these units. The PL’s manifesto addresses affordable housing within the current economic context, an issue I am deeply committed to and have consistently campaigned for. As someone hailing from the second district, I am acutely aware of the community’s needs. Many residents seek little more than secure shelter and the opportunity to improve their lives. Some face insufficient income to maintain a decent standard of living or are excluded from qualifying for social housing. I recognise that social housing should not be a permanent entitlement. Individuals who experience improved circumstances should be provided with a transition period and, if appropriate, transition to affordable housing options. Addressing these issues is essential in the short- to medium-term.

Conversely, the ninth district requires targeted economic and environmental policies. In Swieqi, for example, residents struggle to open their windows during summer due to bitumen production coming from distant but yet close zones, which negatively affects their air quality, and the quality of life. I have engaged with residents who contacted me through social media and email, and I fully support their concerns. It is imperative that authorities intervene to ensure collective interests are protected over private gains. This is not a topic I am speaking about now. I have been advocating for better environmental management, and social matters for more than four years.

In Swatar, the community awaits a decision on a significant development project originating from the 2006 rationalisation under a PN government. The transformation of ODZ land in this valley raises concerns, particularly regarding the inclusion of a sufficient green buffer space. While private land development is understood, proportionality must guide such decisions to safeguard residents’ quality of life. On the other hand, in Pietà, increased traffic and problematic traffic lights in Msida and other areas exacerbate congestion. It is essential that residents are consulted before implementing pedestrian projects. This is what I believe, and compromises must be the norm not the exception.

Certainly, additional issues remain to be addressed, and time constraints prevented me from covering every locality in detail. I have valued the opportunity to engage with residents and learn about the realities of both districts. I respectfully request your support and assure you of my continued commitment to residents, regardless of the outcome. Observing how both districts evolve in the coming months will be insightful, particularly if the PL is re-elected. While some individuals express disappointment with certain candidates, ministers, or parliamentary secretaries, I encourage you not to abstain from voting. Instead, consider supporting new candidates on the PL’s ticket to effect change. Abstaining may inadvertently enable those who have disappointed you to be re-elected. Therefore, I urge you to participate in the election and make an informed choice. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the PL’s contributions to economic growth, social support, and national stability over the past few years.

Finally, I think Dr Robert Abela deserves another chance. His leadership contributed to continued stability. And frankly, Dr Abela has had to govern under exceptionally challenging circumstances, from shifting geopolitical realities and a global pandemic to yet another energy crisis stemming from the Middle East. Surely, we need to choose between stability and the unknown. And people stand to lose what they have achieved in the past years. The PL in government delivered most of its promises and improved people’s lives. Risking everything for an unknown recipe is not the best option. Hence, choose wisely.

The post Examining some of the realities of the second and ninth districts first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Certainly, I had some time to read through the Nationalist Party’s pamphlet. One of the proposals that struck me was the paternity leave proposal under the Social Policy Chapter, proposal number 2. Here, the Nationalist Party is proposing a six-week fully paid paternity leave. However, those with a memory of an elephant remember that on Mother’s Day, the Leader of the Opposition proposed an extension of fully paid paternity leave of four weeks. The information is in the public domain; just Google Net News online. And legitimately, we ask, which version is correct?

Another contradiction concerns the proposal for renewable energy. Here, the Nationalist Party’s pamphlet states, under the Clean Energy Chapter, that it aims to reach a 30% renewable energy target by 2030, specifically under proposal number 8. However, under the Chapter Innovation, R&D and Digital Sectors, specifically proposal number 24, the Nationalist Party is proposing a 50% renewable energy target by 2030. The day after publishing their pamphlet, the Nationalist Party issued a statement correcting the figures after the media flagged them. I am mentioning it as it’s only fair to be true to what we are analysing and not to mislead our readers. Here, we can state that the Nationalist Party was not ready for a general election, despite its insistence that it would be ready whenever the general election was announced.

Another proposal the Nationalist Party is pledging is to reward university students with the equivalent of National Contribution for the years spent studying, a measure already implemented and in place. The credit for years spent at university contributing toward our future pensions is already in place, so in truth, it is a redundant proposal. What we have here is a situation where the electorate must decide which party will provide stability for their families. I was also let down by not finding anything relating to IVF. Whereas the PL is pledging an additional two cycles, up to five, fully covered by the state. And this boils down to empathy, and assistance to families. Before 2013, families trying to conceive babies through IVF were left on their own. Thereafter, the situation changed, and the PL assisted in amending the laws and conditions to provide greater clarity and support to families.

There are other proposals of the PN, which I wanted to cover in this weekly column. However, I also need to talk about the PL’s proposals. As I have already stated, one of the proposals I am most passionate about is the Affordable Housing proposal. We acknowledge that the increase in GDP and our economic success has brought new challenges to our families. And we must follow this not through statistics but through empathy. Surely, we, as economists, know quite well what families require, because over the past 13 years, the PL has stood shoulder to shoulder with them and the business sector. And they did it out of conviction, not convenience. The PL’s manifesto is clear. We need to go to another level.

The Wellbeing Index is ingenious, and we must seriously consider what’s being proposed to improve the quality of life. The PL is now presenting a manifesto that addresses the challenges of economic success. Gone are the days of an economy of €7 billion. With an economy of €24 billion we can now provide better assistance to our families, not least increases in students’ stipends, assistance with tax credit to our businesses, and additional measures such as the super bonus, the increase in pensions up to €50 per week, the 25% interest-free for first-time buyers and those priced out of the market, the €30,000 tax exemption for the younger generation, and the list goes on. Besides, the PL is pledging a target of a 4% annual GDP increase per annum during the legislature. The idea is to increase economic growth through sectors that add greater value, such as FinTech, Gaming, and Advanced Manufacturing, Family Offices, Prediction Markets, as well as new sectors like eResidency. These require limited space in a small territory and a less labour-intensive supply.

And the electorate will be analysing while they watch us, politicians, debate ideas and discuss our proposals on TV. They know in their hearts that the PL generated significant wealth and distributed it to families and businesses. What they will be asking before they enter the voting booth is whether they risk losing what they have achieved over the past years under a PL government or step into an uncertain and unknown territory. And the analysis will be done not because the Nationalist Party’s proposals are better, but because the PL’s manifesto is superior, and they delivered on their promises from 2013 onwards, unlike preceding Nationalist Party administrations.

My interest is that the younger generation requires a financial and economic boost to achieve their aspirations and dreams when they finish their studies or drop out of school with brilliant start-up ideas. And that financial and economic boost can only be given by the PL in government. As we did with their parents, and the older generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Digital Natives know that there is only one party in Malta that can fulfil their dreams. And that party is the PL in government. The PL was always open to new ideas. And the testament of this is its track record. I urge you to read the PL’s manifesto, the proposal therein, and analyse what’s in it for them and for you, too.

The post It is all about credibility! first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

After my submission, I was interviewed by the media. I was asked what my top priorities are for the second and ninth districts, which I am contesting. For the former, I campaigned for more affordable housing units and stronger social policies. For the latter, there are decisions to be taken in the near future, and my top priority in this district is protecting the environment and safeguarding nature and biodiversity. We cannot have a situation in this country where the PL is campaigning for a better living, and others disregard the country’s pledges. My top priority will be the environment, which I have been working on for the past four years in the banking and financial industry, alongside social and governance issues.

For the environment, I want to see better coordination between the multiple entities that govern this country. Also, I want to see better safeguards on how we decide on parcels of land, especially in highly urbanised areas. My pledge of the right to adequate green space in highly urbanised areas, which I proposed during the MEP campaign, is here to stay. I want to see a different Malta. A Malta that promotes the environment and nature before excessive development. I am happy to see people earning money, developing sustainably, and aiding their families and children. Who doesn’t? However, we need to have safeguards in place. And this is why the environment is a top priority for me. This ties with the social and the well-being of citizens in affected communities. We cannot achieve social justice if we do not safeguard our future resources, because resource exploitation comes at the expense of the collective. Which in turn ties to governance. We need a stronger framework and better governance structures for the environment.

There were many improvements over the years with the establishment of the Building Construction Authority. However, we need to do more to put people’s minds at rest. We’ve reached a crossroads, and Malta clearly deserves stronger safeguards. I am happy to be on the PL’s ticket. And this is why I am running a different campaign relative to others. Surely, my loyalty remains towards the PL. However, proposing policies to aid the country doesn’t mean abandoning loyalty. I am an economist by profession. True, principles do not change unless there are grave matters that require prioritising the collective interest over individual interests. Right now, the PL is the only party that proposed a well-being index and a costed manifesto. So far, we haven’t seen anything at this level. We saw other proposals that cast doubt without providing a proper cost analysis. The PL is pledging to increase the well-being index by 25% over the baseline in the upcoming five years, which aligns with Malta Vision 2050. The proposals have been studied, and the finance minister knows they are executable on both implementation and financial grounds. The idea of a manifesto with a well-being index is contemporary and one we have been waiting for over the past few years.

The proposal for affordable housing measures and a 25% interest-free mortgage is a brilliant idea. We needed this to help first-time buyers planning to purchase a new dwelling. I already said that this proposal is one I have been campaigning for and is among the best, providing social justice and security to many individuals. Whether we like it or not, we must admit that the PL in government has brought a revolution over the past years, with an increase in median income and better social benefits. We can do more. But the most pressing issues are now being addressed in the current manifesto.

Certainly, if the electors of the second and ninth districts give me their trust, I will never disappoint them. I will be there to continue assisting people as I have over the past years. I am a different politician. I debate ideas and propose solutions. I did not spend my years bickering and whining about everything without giving solutions. Au contraire, I used this weekly column as a vehicle for ideas. I propose ideas, others take note and implement. This is how we must make politics. We use every medium to promote change. And you, who are reading, must also bring change. Change can’t happen by staying at home. If there were politicians who disappointed you, simply vote for others; just don’t change the party. Thank you for the support you have given me so far. You know I respect you and love you. Two more weeks to go.

The post My top priorities are the Environment, Social and Governance first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

I understand that it is not easy to re enter politics once you exit. I thought it was going to be a short lived experience, given that I ruled it out back in 2024, right after the MEP elections. However, when the PL presented the manifesto, I realised that it would have been a shame to be left out of what I have been campaigning for – inter alia, affordable housing and aid for those in need. The idea of a 25% interest free loan to cover accommodation is indeed commendable. Certainly, the policies that the PL is currently proposing are designed to address some of the anomalies, as well as those pockets that are not reaping the benefits of economic growth.

When people ask me whether these proposals are sustainable and whether they will add to the country’s debt, the answer must be given in relative terms. This means that if the economy keeps growing, and we address these pockets to improve the quality of life of many, then it is sustainable. We always speak of additional economic growth, but we fall short in asking what it comes at the expense of. Seeing the PL’s manifesto addressing these lacunas and pockets is indeed commendable. True, after the MEP elections, I wasn’t keen on re entering politics. However, my passion to aid people and serve the country, as I did in previous posts before joining the private sector, made me reconsider. Surely, what I campaigned for was simply to stand shoulder to shoulder with families, especially those less advantaged. I am not here promoting laziness. I am promoting what we must do as a state to provide the tools to elevate people. I can express this because I grew up in a deprived environment. Material well being wasn’t the norm. We struggled to make it in life, especially in Bormla and Cottonera. The stigma was certainly untoward and unfair to us. However, when given the right opportunities, we exploited them and moved forward.

My vision is wider, and I want to see the PL’s manifesto executed if the electorate gives Prime Minister Robert Abela another chance. Many observers argue that Dr Abela has demonstrated leadership, keeping Malta afloat through economic storms and geopolitical shocks over the past few years. Surely, having a manifesto that offers a well being index tied to all the policies presented is unprecedented. Commentators note that no other political party has ever achieved such a milestone. This aligns with what I have campaigned for in the private industry, in banking and finance. So, I think it is important to keep pushing these ideas against the backdrop of Malta Vision 2050. One of the proposals I pushed for over the past two years was proper remote working, as well as flexi time. I tied this to improving efficiency in terms of time and reducing emissions. The proposal can help alleviate some of the traffic problems. It is also in line with the EU’s direction on decarbonising the continent.

The PL presented several proposals that aim to help families. When you consider these policies in light of what is happening abroad, one might question their feasibility. However, when seen in isolation and relative to economic growth and public finance management, one realises that it is indeed possible to implement the policies presented so far. What we need to ensure is that the PL clearly explains the policies to the public, as they are doing. My role is to aid the PL in promoting such policies. As you all know, I have never had any problem criticising government policies when needed, and I have been quite blunt and explicit. We need to ensure that whatever is promised to the electorate is executable and well thought out.

What is being proposed on the other side is a different story. I have not been convinced by the energy proposal, which many analysts consider crucial for stability. The solar panel proposal seems half-baked. The refuelling hub proposal is to consider LNG, which is seen as a source of clean energy in transition by 2035. Thereafter, we would need to rethink how to do business. An investment that will take years to realise and become outdated before it is even realised in terms of EU policy direction. Some experts would have considered other energy sources in line with EU policy.

To conclude, what I said this week on TV is that if Dom Mintoff were still alive, he would be shoulder to shoulder with us, campaigning for this manifesto. It is a manifesto that promotes socialist leaning policies. And for this, I must thank the Prime Minister and the PL for listening to us, and to the public, when designing it. Thank you. I am happy to be part of the PL’s formidable team. Let’s do this.

The post Re-entering politics first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The PL presented its first set of proposals the following day, including a 25% government loan of the property’s value to first-time buyers, interest-free and repayable over several years at a fixed rate. This measure is intended to support families with initial payments during their early years. Proposals for affordable housing to counter market speculation, such as those from the Foundation for Affordable Housing, may also be introduced. Another closely watched proposal concerns parental and maternal leave, offering additional weeks of leave to parents, a €5,000 birth bonus per child, and other measures targeted at families. Personally, I do not benefit from these proposals as I do not have children, nor do I benefit from the tax benefits announced during last year’s budget. Nonetheless, I appreciate that these measures were presented, as they seem necessary for the country at this time, even though my taxes subsidise such schemes. Furthermore, I welcome the proposal to increase pensions by €50 per week by the end of the next legislature, resulting in an increase of €200 per month over five years.

In addition, prior to this election announcement, the Minister for Transport launched Malta in Motion, a mass transport scheme connecting a rapid transit system along Malta’s Eastern coast, a bus shuttle service, a water transportation system, and cycling and walking lanes. This proposal aims to improve connectivity, ease congestion, and provide more sustainable travel options. I understand that many people were not amused by the proposal. Compared to the metro system proposal, it admittedly could be more ambitious, yet it remains the most feasible option presented so far. For the past four years, I have argued for connecting all transportation modes on our island, which measures 27km by 15km. The Minister for Finance has been clear. Approval depends on solid financial estimates of the costs, which is a prudent stance since we cannot afford mistakes. My position on social media has been that, by including the private sector and leveraging the budget through private capital, we could avoid funding the entire €2.8 billion from public finances. The remaining amount could be distributed over 15 years. This approach would ease pressure on public resources, and with moderate infrastructure adjustments – since further flyovers seem unlikely – the investment could be manageable if the economy grows as forecast by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund. Encouragingly, there is finally a national consensus that the economy is strong.

Another point, which was music to my ears when I listened to the prime minister, is that the PL’s electoral manifesto appears to be costed and provides a well-being index for the proposals presented. Indeed, the well-being index is highly commendable. Which measurements were chosen, as they are subjective and there are many forms, including the OECD, we still need to see. However, we are moving in the right direction, as this aligns with the Malta Vision 2050. The push, from now on, is to explain the well-being index to the public in layman’s terms, as it is quite subjective and intangible. Certainly, there are enough competent candidates, cabinet ministers, and MPs on the list who can articulate this easily to the public. Not to leave out the authors of the manifesto or those involved. Although it would have been interesting to see the reduction in emissions for this plan aligned with Europe’s decarbonisation strategy. Having a well-being index is already a great step in the right direction. Building on this is something we all aspire to, especially economists working in sustainability. The PL’s proposals so far are focused on family well-being. As time passes, we will see additional proposals announced.

By the time I wrote this article, I had not seen any PN proposals. I will write about them in upcoming opinion pieces. I only followed a press conference outlining what the PL failed to deliver during its term. Well, the Malta Flimkien manifesto was written for five years, not four years and two months. I will give a fair economic assessment of what is good and what is best for Malta from both sides. I was a candidate on the PL’s ticket in the last MEP elections. My allegiance is towards the PL, as I grew up within the party structures. Still, if there are good proposals from the other side or other parties, I will discuss them and state my views. I will also analyse PL’s proposals that I do not agree with.

During a general election campaign, our country must show maturity. I’ve already noticed divisive comments from both supporters, but we are all Maltese with mixed political family ties. Don’t let election fever harm family relationships over petty arguments. Support your party and discuss civilly within your family. Avoid political quarrels, especially among relatives. For now, everyone should remain calm as debates intensify. The PL currently leads in proposals. Perhaps next week, we can analyse the PN’s. Meanwhile, enjoy the election slogans, and I wish all candidates success as they meet voters and serve the people. I have been in that position before. Be honest and follow up on cases, as people are paying attention. If you need my help, I am here. Good luck!

The post A snap election has just been called in Malta! first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

I have written extensively on the traffic problem over the past years. I proposed building underground car parks in the outskirts of towns and villages. Parking spaces have become scarce due to infrastructure upgrades and population growth. We should use dilapidated, unregulated sites for underground parking. This would provide more parking while keeping the surface green, as seen abroad. Many government offices in Valletta could also be used more efficiently. We could explore using Marsa, in line with Chapman Taylor’s vision, to revitalise rundown areas. Such offices could support Marsa’s regeneration and provide walking access to Valletta, reducing traffic and emissions. Valletta’s palaces must be restored to help avoid rental office cost pressures. We must also preserve our UNESCO World Heritage status from over-exploitation. Teleworking and flexible hours are key to lowering emissions and reducing traffic from private vehicles.

Also, we need a serious discussion about how people should commute through new means of transportation. A water transportation system, connected to a tram system might be ideal on the island’s eastern coast. We do not need to dig up Malta to have this executed, because, firstly, we do not have space to dispose of our construction waste – unless we go for land reclamation – and doing so would be quite costly over a long period of time. We should first explore some low hanging fruit initiatives. Whatever is proposed is obviously welcomed. Besides, we might consider short-term measures and ask whether third country nationals need a driving licence to work and live in Malta, given that public transport is free, and perhaps delve further into data on tourists driving in Malta while on holiday. Eventually, I prefer to cap the number of rental cars for tourists per season to reduce emissions and traffic rather than impose it on locals, as some fringe parties have proposed. Traffic has indeed expanded to every hour of the day and every season.

Besides, the electorate expressed their concerns about over-construction. Indeed, I have also written extensively about the right policies to plan and pause some of the construction for refurbishments. The government did listen, as I saw a bit of a push in this area with grants that aid families to refurbish and green their properties. The Labour Congress last week was a good opportunity to listen to delegates and the public. After the MEP elections, I offered to help the PL draft the manifesto. As you know, I grew up within the Labour Party, so it is only reasonable to offer my services. Well, I would have loved to help, and I am still available should they need my services.

One of the reasons I kept this weekly column was to propose economic policies. And I know that many take note of what I write, and at times they use the ideas. Certainly, a policy which I would be happy to see in the upcoming manifesto is the preservation of residential gardens within our towns and villages. We need to revise our planning policies. Surely, the PL in government must stop contradicting itself on this matter. The government, rightly so, is spending millions to green Malta by restoring nature and refurbishing our existing open spaces for our families by planting hundreds of trees. However, in tandem, residential buildings that host mature trees and serve as green buffers between dwellings are being knocked down to make way for rows of flats.

Well, I understand that the PL is trying, through Project Green, to provide green open spaces within 10 minutes of every locality. However, when you arrive from work, after a busy day, and after spending time in traffic back and forth, the last thing you want is to open the window and see a row of blocks of flats and over-construction. If there is a green patch that can be saved within our highly urbanised areas, hosting gardens and mature trees, please preserve them. This can be tied to mental health problems too as part of an integrated approach, and what I have proposed as the right to adequate green space in highly urbanised areas two years ago. People cannot tolerate over-construction any longer, with roads closed for diversions to upgrade our infrastructure and, in tandem, the construction of rows of flats.

When I look at the electorate’s concerns, Malta’s problems seem largely planning-related, which is an irony given the economic success. However, no party in government was ever changed over traffic or construction issues. While the EU faces rising energy prices and economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and stagnating growth, I realise how fortunate we are in Malta to have the right government at the right time, with the right economic policies. Still, the government needs to accelerate road infrastructure upgrades. Currently, there are road closures and upgrades in several localities. Residents are not opposed to these upgrades, but their frustration stems from lengthy completion times caused by a lack of coordination among the various entities involved, including Enemalta (for cable upgrades), Water Services (for drainage and water pipes), and other agencies. It is indeed our malaise. Considering that the Marsa Junction was completed in just two years, it is hard to see why resurfacing and servicing a road should take about a year.

Indeed, the PL’s long-standing record and credibility are undeniable. Now, people expect higher-quality services. We must complete infrastructure projects on time, upgrade mass transportation where necessary, and preserve the environment. Over the past 13 years, the PL tripled the economy. We can address these issues today because our economy has grown faster than expected. Without economic growth, we cannot guarantee these services. We have already experienced this process in the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, the PL improved many lives in a very short time, and the electorate demanded higher-quality products. Now, 50 years later, the electorate seeks upgrades not in products, but in services, infrastructure, and the environment. Why? Because the basics are now met, the country is richer, and hence we must address higher-level of needs.

The post Taking note of the electorate’s concerns first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Now that we know Peter Magyar won by a landslide, the answer is clear. You can attempt to manipulate democracy, but the electorate draws the line at alliances that run counter to their values. Let’s not forget Hungary’s history. After World War 2, Hungary became a Soviet‑aligned communist state, which unsettled many. The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a nationwide uprising against Soviet control and the communist government. It remains one of the most significant anti-Soviet movements of the Cold War, still shaping Hungarian identity. Back then, Western Europe looked away, becoming complicit in the aftermath when the secret police opened fire and triggered wider revolt. Hungarians demanded Soviet withdrawal, free speech, and a new government. Now, Hungarians demanded better governance in a democratic set-up.

Certainly, with Ukraine invaded by Russia and Orban aligning with Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy, this was a significant factor. Hungarians chose freedom in 2004 and reaffirmed that choice. The path to joining the EU is not easy, as it involves rigorous tests and scrutiny. I was there and witnessed this firsthand. Although the EU Commission may be somewhat lenient, the principles of democracy – especially independence of the judiciary and other institutions – cannot be altered. The sentiment that Hungarians did not want to slide back to regime alignment was clear. History teaches us all a lesson.

Besides, the US interference in Hungary did not go well either. In a period where there is a chaotic situation going on in the Middle East, and the surge of gas prices and oil prices because of a war that has the support of the US, this is reminiscent of the economic hardship that Hungary had to endure during the invasion of Ukraine and might once again need to bear due to the interference in Iran. Now we can argue that there are many economic factors stemming from the Ukrainian war, inflation that eroded people’s pockets, and the wrong economic policies of Orban’s government. However, interference from the EU or the US is still interference. And having Vice President JD Vance endorse Orbán in such a chaotic time certainly did not go down well with the electorate, given that many within the Trump administration don’t look favourably on the EU’s modus operandi. Besides, Magyar managed to convince and onboard Orban’s stronghold base in villages to vote for him.

Indeed, many of my readers may disagree with my position, but I have never and will never support Orbán’s government. Orban, during his tenure, demeaned minorities and implemented non‑Western policies that compromised freedom and liberties, especially in foreign policy. The EU stands apart from the US, and the prevailing US narrative about the EU does not resonate with many educated Europeans. While we have always been US allies, recent years have revealed growing cracks in the relationship – originating not in the EU but across the Atlantic. The EU and US operate differently, and US policies and rhetoric – especially recent discourse against minorities – do not resonate with European voters. Despite the EU’s flaws, the bureaucracy and incompetence at the highest echelons of the EU Commission, I would rather live here than anywhere else. Though I often find the President of the European Commission’s approach lacking due to her incompetence, I still prefer the EU’s way of life. Nevertheless, today, the EU must reassess itself, as the rules‑based order is faltering. I am not suggesting that we abandon rules, but clinging to unchanged policies will not serve a democratic Europe.

Now that Magyar has become Hungary’s Prime Minister, we can fairly say that his government will pursue a pro‑EU approach, or at least I hope he doesn’t descend into Orban’s path. To give my readers some background, Magyar is the leader of the Tisza Party, a centre‑right, pro‑European political movement. He was a Fidesz (Orban’s party) insider who later became a strong critic of Orban’s government. Peter campaigned on anti‑corruption reforms, restoring democratic institutions, and strengthening ties with the European Union. Indeed, his campaign achieved a historic victory in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, reaching a two‑thirds supermajority in Parliament. The turnout was also historical, with 77% of the electorate voting.

The EU’s approach to Hungary remains to be seen, particularly regarding EU funds, the new prime minister’s stance on the war in Ukraine, EU assistance on Cohesion funds to keep him in power for the long term, migration, and foreign policy. The next four years will be challenging, especially in restoring Hungary’s reputation abroad, navigating relationships with other governments, and stabilising the economy in a messy world. In truth, Magyar is no outsider, and that’s probably what augmented the victory and allowed him to beat Orban. He was shaped by the Fidesz party within the same political culture and networks that engineered his predecessor. And the way it looks is that he is still deeply embedded in that neo-patrimonial system. His politics aren’t that different either. However, it won’t be wise to pursue Orban’s policies, the same polices that the electorate just dumped in the trash bin of history.

The post You cannot fiddle with democracy! first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.