I think few disagree that in recent years Malta has undergone a significant shift in its political climate and social fabric. As, statistically speaking, the country is going through a strong economic period and a neo-liberalism agenda has been pushed forth by the present government, it all seems to be well and good at first glance.

But somewhere in between the slick image of the Labour Party, despite ongoing corruption scandals and the widening cracks on the inside of the Nationalist Party, a third party has made it into Parliament – the Democratic Party. Or should I, less willing say, the Orange Party.

Without entering into the merits of the process by which this nascent party made it into Parliament, it is increasingly clear that it is setting its own agenda and causing reactions and U-turns from both the Labour government and PN Opposition.

The latest feather in the PD’s hat is the government’s reversal to its plans to extend the Bulebel industrial estate in Żejtun. Make no mistake – the PL had no intention of doing so, but only did in fear of losing votes amid the constant pressure from the PD and anger from residents and environmentalists.

Back in January, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat strongly defended the need to build more factories and extend the industrial estate. It was the PD who in February wrote to the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Planning Development to request a discussion on the proposed extension of the Bulebel industrial estate.

This was done in March over a number of committee meetings. By this time, resistance was mounting on the government’s plans who had been initially pointing fingers to the fact that the land had been scheduled for industrial development back in 2006 by a PN government.

Towards the end of March, the PD yet again took a pro-active stance by reminding the public that the government’s reversal had not yet taken place. The PD’s efforts came to fruition once the government bowed its head and scrapped its plans to extend Bulebel industrial zone.

Politics is unforgiving. Across the world hundreds of individuals go into politics with a burning desire for change and success only to burn themselves out too soon

This gives PD a total of two orange feathers which sit quite nicely in its newly crafted hat. The first one of course, being its ability to mount pressure on the government and Opposition to make a U-turn on the introduction of a full two-thirds pension to members of Parliament after only serving one legislature.

By far and wide, the PD has been effective on many other matters yet these two achievements have been the most considerable.

These feathers are both to be cherished and looked after. For a strong gust of wind or an unexpected downpour may quickly damage them. In a heavily bipartisan country, where media machines are strongly manipulated by political forces, it requires persistent courage, acute precision and relentless work to grow and strengthen a new party.

One wrong step may easily be the last. Politics is unforgiving. Across the world hundreds of individuals go into politics with a burning desire for change and success only to burn themselves out too soon.

As with every other achievement in life, there comes a sense of pride and satisfaction once hard work pays off. Yet misplaced pride may very well lead to mistakes. And some mistakes lead to disasters.

We live in a world where success is often measured by the number of degrees and important career positions. A politician’s privilege must solely lie in his popularity with the people whose well-being is his genuine interest. A true politician is one who is firmly grounded in sound principles, has a genuine ability to empathise and speaks to the crowds effortlessly.

Social media has been a major instrument in the change to our social fabric and is often used, if not abused, by politicians. Cunning algorithms are constantly building a virtual bubble of content programmed to our likes and personal data. Politicians must equally be aware of this. The true spectrum of opinions, realities and aspirations of the electorate lie in the kitchen and living rooms of every household.

The PD is in for testing times. It has passed its first test with flying colours. I have faith it shall continue striving for the good of Malta and Gozo. Whether its message reaches the audience is however another matter.

A day is a year in politics and only time will tell how far and wide the Democratic Party will grow.

Lee Bugeja Bartolo is a former candidate of Democratic Party and member of the executive.