Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545062
THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Clint Azzopardi Flores 1. What fresh ideas do you bring to Malta's political system? For the past four years I have focused on proposing concrete policies for Mal- ta's economic challenges, such as the right to adequate green space in high- ly urbanised zones. This initiative ad- dresses recreation and mental health, and ties directly to citizen well-being as outlined in the PL's Manifesto. I will also continue to prioritise affordable housing, having already proposed a financing mechanism adopted in the PL's manifesto. My approach is solu- tion-driven, offering practical alterna- tives rather than mere criticism. 2. What are the three pressing chal- lenges facing the country in the next five years? The first challenge is the environment, including climate change, biodiversity loss and nature preservation. There can be no social justice without respect for the environment. The second pressing challenge is mobility and the urgent need for change in how we commute. We need a cultural shift and better pe- destrian roads, integrated with new modes of transportation—an integrat- ed approach using water, overground and other modes. The third challenge is the upskilling and reskilling of work- ers. Human capital is important rela- tive to the size of the population to achieve higher levels of value added in a limited territory. We need to start transitioning from labour-intensive sectors to high-value-added sectors. This warrants an accelerated approach to achieve it in a relatively short period to compete with our peers. 3. Why did you decide to run for election? For the past two years, I campaigned for better policies on affordable hous- ing, the environment, and issues that directly affect the younger generation. Wholeheartedly, I believe in youth— Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and the Digital Natives. We must give them the right opportunities, support, and an excel- lent education and digital ecosystem to thrive, develop higher skills, and achieve financial independence. There is no freedom without achieving finan- cial independence. As an economist, I want to see them succeed, make mon- ey, and preserve their conscience to help others. However, this requires a cultural shift, including learning to em- pathise and care for others. We must give the younger generation the right tools to dream bigger and go farther. That was my dream as a kid form Borm- la and Cottonera. I managed to partial- ly fulfil it with the help of others. I want others to experience it and realise it. 4. What is one issue you are most personally passionate about, and why? The environment and our heritage. I grew up in Bormla, an Urban Con- servation Area, and roamed the small green patches there as a kid. Many did not know about them. And thank God for that. My grandmother loved the environment and animals. She taught me to respect nature if I want to be re- spected. I am an economist by profession, and we are normally tempted to tap into fast-growing sectors to accelerate GDP growth. However, I realised that a bal- ance is needed between GDP growth and sustainability to achieve prosperi- ty. Today, my specialisation is on sus- tainability, specifically ESG. The Well- being Index tied to the PL's manifesto is the way forward. 5. Outside of politics, how do you like to spend your free time? My main passion is cooking. I also enjoy walking and jogging daily from Tarxien to Bormla to visit my mother. Lastly, I like reading about foreign af- fairs and international politics. Quickfire Q&A Lisa Cassar Shaw 1. What fresh ideas do you bring to Malta's political system? The fresh contribution I bring is shaped by three things: Listening, practical de- livery, and dignity. Listening, because politics must stay close to what families, workers, older persons, businesses and communities are actually experiencing. Delivery, because people do not only want promises; they want services and systems that work. Dignity, because Mal- ta's progress must always be measured by how people live—whether older per- sons are respected, families are support- ed, communities remain liveable, and economic success is felt in everyday life. 2. What are the three pressing chal- lenges facing the country in the next five years? The first challenge is moving from strong economic growth to quality growth. Malta's economy has per- formed well, and we should recognise that. But the next stage must be about productivity, skills, higher-value work, better infrastructure and making sure growth improves people's lives. The second challenge is quality of life. Peo- ple feel pressure from traffic, housing, public spaces, services, and the pace of change. Economic success must be matched by liveable communities. The third challenge is social resilience for families, older persons, children, work- ers and vulnerable people. We need to support families better, value care, in- vest in skills and make sure no one is left behind. 3. Why did you decide to run for election? I decided to run because I feel I have reached a stage in life where I can con- tribute with maturity, seriousness and a real sense of service. I am not entering politics for a title. I am entering because I believe public life should be about im- proving people's lives. My experiences have brought me close to families, old- er persons, workers, service providers, students, and communities. I have seen how decisions made at national level affect people in very practical ways. I am contesting with the Labour Party because I believe in a politics that com- bines economic progress with social justice – a politics that supports work- ers, families, older persons, children and vulnerable people, while keeping Malta ambitious and forward-looking. 4. What is one issue you are most personally passionate about, and why? The issue closest to my heart is dignity in care, especially for older persons and vulnerable people. A society should be judged by how it treats those who may not always have the strongest voice. Older persons are not just service users; they are people with history, relation- ships, preferences, rights and a lifetime of contribution. Families caring for older relatives also need recognition and sup- port, because many carry a heavy emo- tional and practical responsibility. My experience in social care has strength- ened my belief that standards, compas- sion and accountability must go togeth- er. Good care is not only about buildings or systems. It is about dignity, safety, respect and trust. And this is also part of the Labour tradition I believe in. 5. Outside of politics, how do you like to spend your free time? Like many mothers, much of my free time is family time. I value the simple moments; being with my husband and children, catching up properly, enjoy- ing a quiet meal, speaking with friends, and having time to slow down. Public life and professional life can be very de- manding, so family keeps me grounded. It reminds me why politics matters in the first place. I also think it is important for anyone in public life to remain con- nected to ordinary life. That is where you keep perspective. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MAY 2026 LABOUR PARTY LABOUR PARTY