Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545062
THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Joe Giglio 1. What fresh ideas do you bring to Malta's political sys- tem? I bring with me 33 years of ex- perience working in the justice sector, with an area of special- isation in criminal law. I there- fore believe that I can contrib- ute to improve both the justice system and strengthen law en- forcement. 2. What are the three most pressing challenges facing the country in the next five years? We need to change the eco- nomic model, which is so la- bour intensive and create new niches that generate wealth yet do not cause havoc on our in- frastructure. The most pressing challenges facing the country, be it traffic, overpopulation, crowded hospitals, an infra- structure that is crumbling are all a direct consequence of an economic model the Labour Party introduced without any plan whatsoever. The rising cost of living is an- other issue which needs to be addressed. It is also indispensa- ble that local councils are given back the power they had to run their localities and that they are adequately funded to do so. The general sense of neglect is a result of the fact that councils have been rendered toothless and consequently ineffective. 3. Why did you decide to run for election? When I saw the state the country was brought into, I felt I had the duty to contribute for change. Politics is a vocation to serve your country. 4. What is one issue you are most personally passionate about, and why? Improving the quality of life of each and every one of us. The creation of new economic nich- es which would enable Malta to diversify its economy, strength- en long-term resilience, attract higher value investment and create more sustainable driven growth. We deserve better than over-crowding, rising costs and short-term vision. 5. Outside of politics, how do you like to spend your free time? I simply enjoy being with my wife and four children, especial- ly if we are all travelling togeth- er. Quickfire Q&A Marilena Gauci 1. What fresh ideas do you bring to Malta's political system? As an economist, I believe in sustainabil- ity and a long-term vision for Malta. How- ever, I also believe that politics should be rooted in hope, transparency, and a strong connection between politicians and citi- zens. I believe in a brand of politics where decisions are taken with real consultation and accountability. In line with the PN's vision for the econo- my, I support a shift towards quality-driven growth rather than expansion at all costs. My personal goal is to strengthen the link between education and industry. When it comes to quality of life, I believe Malta needs better urban planning, more green spaces, improved transport systems, and stronger environmental protection. The PN's proposals for sustainable devel- opment align with my belief that our urban areas should be designed for wellbeing, not overcrowding. What I bring is a politics driven by a heart that listens and a vision that inspires hope. 2. What are the three pressing chal- lenges facing the country in the next 5 years? The three challenges are: Managing over- development and environmental pressure; improving quality of life amid rising popu- lation density and infrastructure strain; and strengthening the economy towards sus- tainable, high-quality growth rather than quantity-driven expansion. Overdevelopment is placing heavy pres- sure on land use, infrastructure, and the environment. This is affecting the physical landscape and the sense of identity and wellbeing in our communities. There is a need for stricter planning enforcement, more transparent decision-making, and a stronger commitment to protecting ur- ban and rural spaces. Furthermore, over- all quality of life is being affected by traf- fic congestion, limited green spaces, and overburdened services. The PN's vision of investing in better transport systems, com- munity infrastructure, and environmental planning is key to addressing this. On the economic front, Malta needs to move towards a model based on quality rather than quantity. 3. Why did you decide to run for elec- tion? I decided to run for election because I want to help people in a genuine and meaningful way. I have always believed that every individual deserves to be un- derstood, respected, and supported. I have deep faith in humanity, and I truly believe that Maltese people deserve leadership that reflects that same trust and compas- sion. I want to be part of a positive change that restores dignity, listens with empathy, and works with sincerity for the good of everyone. 4. What is one issue you are most per- sonally passionate about, and why? One issue I am passionate about is the wellbeing of people. In politics we must always keep in mind that behind every sta- tistic there is a human story that deserves care, understanding, and dignity. This is why I feel strongly about building more accessible systems, where people are not afraid to ask for help and where support is available when needed most. I believe that when we lead with heart and restore faith in one another, we can build a stronger, more caring community. 5. Outside of politics, how do you like to spend your free time? Outside of politics, I spend much of my time running my two coffee shops in Gżira and St Julians. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life, listening to their stories, and getting to know them on a person- al level. There is something very fulfilling about seeing customers smile, having a good conversation over a cup of coffee. It keeps me grounded and constantly re- minds me of the human side of everything we do in life. At the same time, I also value quiet mo- ments away from the busy pace of work. Together with my husband Sam, I enjoy spending time surrounded by nature. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MAY 2026 NATIONALIST PARTY NATIONALIST PARTY The general sense of neglect is a result of theœ fact that councils have been rendered toothless and consequently ineffective