In an ever-changing world, the youth are being given countless opportunities. However, very few are utilising these opportunities to speak up about what’s bothering them with regards to how their country is governed. There are various reasons as to why this is happening, however, interest in politics has severely declined over the years.
Nowadays, when you ask a young adult about what they want to do with their lives, very few will reply with, “a politician”. This lack of interest may have come around due to the lack of unbiased education regarding the way a government is run, and what is ethically correct. Although many will claim that this education is taught through the Systems of Knowledge Subject in sixth form, it is rather unlikely that this is taught without any opinion being weighed in.
Politics is a literal taboo in Malta, whether people like to admit it or not. Many people are very partisan and hold their respective political party very close to their hearts, and one may even say that it forms part of their identity. Along with all this, it is also to be noted that many people, especially the youth of today, will only give importance as to what benefits them. Unfortunately, most adults who are eligible to vote reason this way, which has been transmitted to their children, like a domino effect.
There is no doubt that Malta’s government is stained, especially after the chaos that erupted due to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Our reputation is very much tainted, and you truly cannot blame many people for not wanting to clean up such a large mess or take on the responsibility to prove to a very close-minded public, and the world for that matter, that they are different. It’s hard work, to say the least, and it’s understandable why many youths would not like to participate in that.
Despite all this, now more than ever, youths must stand up for what they believe is right. Many of the people who are extremely partisan and who are making excuses for all the mistakes that have happened will not be able to vote anymore, and we will soon be left to take care of the country ourselves. It is up to us to deal with how this country’s future is going to look like, since it’s going to affect us. We are the future doctors, lawyers, teachers and politicians. The decision as to whether we are willing to make a change, a difference, and clean up Malta’s political reputation, is in our hands. Whether we are prioritising our wallets or the common good, is in our hands.
Politics is there to voice the opinions of those who cannot, and help those who have no one to stand up for them, to make sure that everyone is truly heard. We must break free from the close-minded partisan mindset we have, and truly take a diverse stance, and do what is ethically correct and benefits as many people as possible. It is impossible to please everyone, however, our youth must want our leaders to care about everyone.
Really and truly, the world, especially a small island like Malta, is interdependent. That’s why our youth must stand up and set their place and importance in this country. If we show that we are a force to be reckoned with, those of a higher position will have to at least listen to us. The future is near, and the youth must harness a certain power, in preparation to take over our governments themselves, in the near future.
Written by: Michaela Giorgio
(This article was originally posted on civilsocietymt.com)
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