Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544987
THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Franco Mercieca 1. As a candidate what fresh ideas do you bring to Malta's political system? More than an idea, it is a principle. Before personal interests, let us think collectively. In my opinion, we have be- come too individualistic, and the com- mon good is paying the price for it. The nostalgia we feel for the Malta of past years is certainly not because we had more material things, but because we had stronger communities and nobody was just a number. 2. What are the three pressing chal- lenges facing the country in the next five years? High levels of activity are creating pres- sure on the way we live, as well as on our infrastructure. We should aim for quality and not quantity in all that we plan. An unstable international scenario is inevitably creating turbulence, and this means that an island nation like ours faces double challenges. I believe the EU should take on a more central role and speak with a stronger voice. We must continue strengthening the founda- tions of our economy while finding the critical balance between progress and the protection of our land. Surely all of us want to leave a better country for our children. 3. Why did you decide to run for election? Many phone calls and a sense of re- sponsibility and loyalty. 4. What is one issue you are most personally passionate about, and why? Local identity. We must do everything possible to preserve what makes us Maltese and Gozitan— from our language, to our culture, and even our traditions. If we fail to protect these things, we simply be- come part of an overly globalised world. 5. Outside of politics, how do you like to spend your free time? Walking in the countryside, enjoy- ing a good glass of wine, debating with friends, and following sports, especially football. Juventus is my first love. Quickfire Q&A Ivan Castillo 1. As a candidate what fresh ide- as do you bring to Malta's politi- cal system? The artificial intelligence sector. This innovation can help us tap into many other sectors. 2. What are the three pressing challenges facing the country in the next five years? Overpopulation, traffic and the en- vironment. 3. Why did you decide to run for election? Politics should be a force for real change, where the voices of citizens are not only heard, but transformed into concrete action and a better fu- ture for everyone. 4. What is one issue you are most personally passionate about, and why? Wellbeing because I strongly believe that true progress is not measured only by career growth or economic success, but also by the quality of life people are able to en- joy. Everyone deserves the time to be with their families, invest in their passions, and maintain a healthy mental wellbeing. A modern society should empower people not just to work harder, but to live better. 5. Outside of politics, how do you like to spend your free time? Outside politics, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, travelling, discovering new experi- ences, and making time for the hob- bies that help maintain a healthy balance in life. I believe life should not revolve only around work and responsibilities, but also around creating meaningful moments, per- sonal growth, and enjoying the sim- ple things that bring happiness and peace of mind. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MAY 2026 LABOUR PARTY NATIONALIST PARTY Politics should be a force for real change, where the voices of citizens are not only heard, but transformed into concrete action and a better future for everyone We must continue strengthening the foundations of our economy while finding the critical balance between progress and the protection of our land