Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544987
1. Looking back at your term, what do you consider your most significant achievement in your ministry, and what impact has it had on people's lives? I am particularly proud of the work we started on the ferries and the creation of a proper sea-based public transport net- work. My vision was to give people more realistic alternatives, not only by improv- ing what already exists, but by creating new connections and new habits. With the Gozo-Buġibba-Sliema ferry service we took the next step towards making this vision true. Already, in its first week in activity the service was used by more than 12,000 passengers. That means less pressure on our road net- work. 2. With the benefit of hindsight, what is one decision you would ap- proach differently, and what would you change if given the opportunity again? We improved a lot in communicating with the public on projects such as the Msida Creek, where people were always duly informed about what was going on. That is the direction I believe in. But if I had to approach one thing dif- ferently, I think we need to rethink how we reach people who do not always come forward such as young people. Young people understand traffic, public transport, urban spaces much differently but many of them still do not approach government with their ideas in the same way that older audiences do. They do not attend events, consultation sessions in the same volumes and end up not being heard properly. They have good ideas, but no clear route to present them. 3. What are the three pressing chal- lenges facing the country in the next five years? Modernisation of the economy. Malta has changed rapidly, and our economic niches must keep adapting. We need an economy that remains competitive, at- tracts quality investment, creates better careers, and is supported by modern in- frastructure and automation. Better public transport. People need public transport that is reliable, fre- quent and practical. That means more investment, better planning, new routes, stronger connections, and a system that people can trust in their daily lives. Greener infrastructure. Cleaner trans- port, more efficient infrastructure and smarter planning are not luxuries. They are necessary if we want Malta to remain competitive and liveable. 4. Why did you decide to run for elec- tion? I have always been interested in im- proving society. For me, politics was not a sudden decision. It was a natural con- tinuation of the things I believed in from a younger age. I was involved in activism; I always followed public affairs closely, and even the professional decisions I took in my life were connected to service and to the country. Politics is the envi- ronment where you can turn ideas into decisions, and decisions into change. I wanted to contribute directly to improv- ing people's lives and to be part of a gov- ernment that does not only talk about progress, but works to deliver it. 5. What is one issue you are most per- sonally passionate about, and why? The issue I am most passionate about is social justice, especially equality of op- portunity. I believe people should have a fair chance to move forward in life, no matter where they come from, what school they attended, or what circum- stances they were born into. Govern- ment has a responsibility to open doors, remove barriers and make sure talent and effort are not wasted. That is why I believe so strongly in the work of Labour governments. 6. Outside of politics, how do you like to spend your free time? I enjoy watching football and spend- ing time with my family. Public life is de- manding, so I value the moments where I can slow down and be with my wife Maxilene and two sons, Matteo and Lu- ca. Watching my children grow and dis- cover the world is one of the things that gives me the greatest joy. It also keeps me grounded. Politics can be intense, but family reminds you what really mat- ters. Quickfire Q&A Chris Bonett LABOUR PARTY EVERY SUNDAY AT 8.45PM ON maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MAY 2026 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION