Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517531
IN a world where the very es- sence of democracy is under siege, where the cries for unity and progress echo louder than ever, it is imperative that we not only listen but act. Our partici- pation, or the lack thereof, in the political arena, is not a silent protest but a surrender — a re- linquishment of our power to shape the destiny we share. Now, more than ever, the weight of our vote transcends a mere act of civic duty; it becomes the cornerstone of change. In the tapestry of the European Union (EU), each ballot cast is a pledge, a vow that together, as a harmo- nious collective, we possess the might to surmount the hurdles no single nation can overcome alone. This is a call to arms, not to take up weapons but to wield our most potent tool: our voice. The stakes have never been high- er, and our role has never been more crucial. Our vision is clear, though we tread softly when we speak of fed- eralism, knowing the term may unsettle some. Yet, our ambition is bold: to forge a United Feder- al Europe, not through coercion but through conviction, show- casing our unshakeable belief in Pan-Europeanism and a Eurofed- eralist progressivist vision. We are the progressivist party, com- mitted to pioneering a path to- ward a renewed Europe, not just in governance but in spirit. At the crux of our mission lies a profound transformation, a radi- cal overhaul aimed at rejuvenat- ing the EU from the inside out. This journey towards a federal Europe is not a quest for power, but a pursuit of unity. It is there- fore a collaborative endeavour that demands the engagement of every citizen and leader across the continent (Volt is located in 30+ European states). We envis- age a Europe where democracy is not just a principle but a practice, embodied in a European Consti- tution that enshrines the rights and powers of its people into a new, more responsive, and en- gaging governance model. Understanding that a federal Europe is a vision for the future, we acknowledge the journey in- volves essential reforms to sta- bilise our politics and lay the groundwork for this ambitious goal, step by step. Building upon that framework, our ambition extends to the creation of a per- manent general citizen's assem- bly, ensuring that every voice is heard, every concern addressed. We advocate for a reimagined European Parliament, where governance mirrors the will of the people over the interests of member states, and decisions are made transparently, reflecting the collective will. A vision for tomorrow – the Eu- ropean Democracy Act The centrepiece of our manifes- to, the European Democracy Act, lays the foundation for this new era. It is a clarion call for a more democratic, fair, and just EU, ad- dressing the disconnect between citizens and the institutions that serve them. This Act is a commit- ment to transparency, participa- tion, and accountability, ensuring that every European not only un- derstands but influences the de- cisions that shape their lives. We seek to dismantle the bar- riers that have long made the European Council an enigma, shrouded in secrecy and inacces- sible to the very people it serves. By reimagining our electoral and parliamentary systems, we aim to create a democracy that truly reflects the will and interests of all Europeans, not just a select few. This includes initiatives to foster a robust European media landscape, capable of combating disinformation and ensuring that citizens are well-informed and engaged participants in their de- mocracy. But our vision goes beyond in- stitutional reform. It seeks to empower every European citizen to take an active role in shaping the future of our union. Our am- bition extends to the creation of a permanent general citizen's as- sembly to foster transnational di- alogue, reforming the European Citizens' Initiative to lower bar- riers for policy initiation, and en- suring that every voice is heard, every concern addressed. We advocate for a reimagined Euro- pean Parliament, where govern- ance mirrors the will and interest of the people, and decisions are made transparently, reflecting the collective will. Moreover, our policy initia- tives are meticulously designed to reinforce this vision. From the creation of a European Citizens' Assembly and the regular con- vening of the Conference on the Future of Europe to the reform of the European Citizens' Initiative, and the harmonisation of voting systems, each proposal is a step towards a more participative, in- clusive, and transparent Europe. Our dedication to gender equal- ity, minority representation, and the protection of fundamental European values, including sus- tainability, remains steadfast. Furthermore, our dedication to strengthening European regions, reforming European political parties, and enshrining voting rights for all residents under- scores our belief in a Europe that transcends national boundaries, a Europe where every citizen, irre- spective of origin, has a voice. As we march towards this ho- rizon, our actions in the Europe- an Parliament will be guided by an unwavering commitment to these principles. The enactment of the European Democracy Act, along with an additional nine acts found in our EP24 manifesto, which will serve as the bedrock of our efforts, embodying our ded- ication to a Europe that is dem- ocratic, transparent, and resilient against the forces of division and discord. Merely, a call to action In conclusion, the journey to- wards a renewed Europe is not just a political campaign; it is a civic duty, a moral imperative for all who believe in the promise of unity and progress. Our manifes- to is more than a document; it is a declaration of our collective am- bition, a blueprint for a Europe reborn. Let us not take our role for granted, for in our hands lies the power to sculpt a future defined by harmony, justice, and prosper- ity. Together, as a united front, we can turn the tide, ensuring that the European project remains a beacon of hope for generations to come. The time to act is now; the future of Europe is in our vote. P.S. I would like to highlight that this piece of our manifesto, diligently crafted alongside my colleagues - is a message by all of us at Volt Malta and Volt Europa – is a glimpse into the future we aim to build together. It is a testament to our vision for a transformed Europe. But beyond sharing our aspirations, this article seeks to send a message about the diverse and very viable alternatives avail- able in Malta, encouraging you to explore and potentially embrace the new politics. Your engagement and support can make a tangible difference. As we unveil parts of our mani- festo, we hope it not only show- cases our vision but also broad- ens the local perspective on the potential for meaningful change within our reach. After all, this dialogue is about more than our aspirations; it is an invitation for you to engage with and contrib- ute to the diverse tapestry of ide- as that can redefine our future. How might you say? By voting (for what best represents you). Your vote is not just a choice; it is a declaration of the future you wish to see for Europe. Together, let us shape a new dawn. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MARCH 2024 4 OPINION A new dawn for Europe, where democracy is reimagined Matthias Portelli Matthias Portelli is a Volt Malta MEP election candidate Volt advocates for a reimagined European Parliament, where governance mirrors the will of the people over the interests of member states