Although many youths claim to be disillusioned by local politicians, most of the time they are the very same supporters parading behind political leaders and partisan banners and enthusiastically attending political mass meetings. So what is it that has so drastically changed since the last election and the present blues? Why do we get so engaged when we're lighting the hob and so detached once the cooking is in progress? Do we lose all trust in the chef? Do we so sincerely disguise ourselves as comrades committed to a cause and, once the going gets tough, we just turn our back on the same horses we so gallantly rode at the start line?
The circumstances are complex, particularly so when the country is experiencing a difficult time as it battles through the international economic waves hitting our modest shore lines. The vast majority of us are trying to get a grip with our excessive credit terms, our career plans, our tedious routine jobs and our over-ambitious hopes and dreams of success. As we mature, reality hits and we come to realise that our aspirations may only be partially fulfilled and many times we find ourselves getting comfortable within our prevailing environment, possibly losing our initiative and drive.
Sure, youths travel a complex journey, having high personal aspirations yet having to face and deal with realities that determine whether their aspirations will be met. The character that we will develop and project is defined through our upbringing and experiences and these, in turn, are influenced by socio-economic realities such as fluctuating oil prices and decaying world economies while we are building secure homes and raising families, to name a few. The challenges we face are realistic and they are huge.
Our country shares a similar fate as it constantly faces new and demanding challenges, which require a high-dose injection of energy and innovative ideas. This can only be brought about by youths with fresh minds and an open mentality that can take us through these trying times. Youth participation is not only called for but is high in demand.
Sadly, politics may be perceived from the outside as a battle between two Trojan horses, which are mechanically controlled by technocratic elite who have studied the art of persuasion and apply it at every opportunity they get. However, this is not the reality and is far from the truth. Just look at the Nationalist Party and its new officials as an example.
The party is fronted by so many new faces who have gained political experience in different fields. With this renewing of all PN structures across the board, from top to bottom, the party's political openness to more young people with new ideas, and from diverse backgrounds, is refreshingly obvious and most welcome. This is definitely the right attitude to adopt. These are turbulent times that require fresh, determined youths to generate a new way of thinking and having enough energy to get things done and move on to face new challenges.
Politics isn't just about Parliament or its electoral appendix but is a network that reaches all the way down to local council committees and all the way across to the European Parliament. Politics isn't just about heated campaigns but about the daily selection and blend of the ingredients we are adding to our pot. Let's hope that politics does not become or portray itself as a match between two opposing teams with the populace as referee who counts the score of each team and provides the final verdict, lest we end up with a spectacular match that works for no good except the polls of the winning team. Rather, we should see politics as the organised exchange of proposals and their counter proposals, which are aimed at improving the well-being of our lives, family and country. This besides other key stakeholders who are constantly influencing the political process such as unions, non government organisations, smaller political parties, committees, pressure groups and anyone who believes that Malta deserves everyone's input in order to lead to an improved social and welfare state.
The PN has proven time and again to be an open party, one that listens and is available to those who would like to share their aspirations and offer their services putting their skills to good use. One year ago, our Prime Minister set a challenge before us. He asked us to get off our comfortable couch and start giving our contribution. The opportunity is out there to be taken, the invitation was made and the doors are open. Malta desperately needs more young faces who can participate in a meaningful way, new minds with new visions that will help define our tomorrow.
The call has been made, let's hope we will answer.
The author is a Nationalist Party candidate for the Żabbar local council elections.