Are we now a neurotic nation?

While the Labour government frequently highlights our resilient economy, many people are left wondering: at what cost? People are constantly on edge and ready to flare up.

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Although Malta is thriving economically, a closer look reveals growing signs of social strain, signs that are not only becoming increasingly visible but are also leaving lasting marks on the daily lives of many.

It seems that more people are constantly on edge, irritable and ready to flare up at the slightest provocation. Are we becoming a neurotic, stressed nation?

Overdevelopment, overpopulation, traffic congestion and excessive tourism have undoubtedly become major stressors for many. The question is no longer whether our nation is stressed but, rather, how long we will continue to bury our heads in the sand, ignoring the writing on the wall.

While the Labour government frequently highlights our resilient economy, many people are left wondering: At what cost? Is our sanity, quality of life and social and emotional well-being at stake? Has this robust economy truly made us better people, more humane, more civilised and supportive of one another?

As our population grows, roads become increasingly congested and towns denser: a recent national survey revealed that overpopulation and daily traffic jams have emerged as the public’s top concerns, surpassing even inflation and corruption.

Overdevelopment has become a national stressor. Constant construction, dust, noise and heavy machinery disrupt daily life for many. This relentless construction blitz has not only transformed our streets and townscapes but has also left the island looking like a dirty, unsightly construction site. On the other hand, in addition to overpopulation, traffic and excessive tourism add yet another layer of stress. Malta has long had one of the highest vehicle densities in Europe. According to the NSO, the number of licensed vehicles increased by 1,744 between January and March 2024, an average of 19.3 new vehicles on Maltese roads every day. Meanwhile, in 2024, our island welcomed 3.56 million tourists.

Although these record numbers are hailed as economic successes, the government overlooks the immense pressure they place on our already overstretched infrastructure. With one of the highest population densities in Europe, the addition of three million tourists further amplifies congestion and a sense of suffocation.

Sadly, these stressors extend far beyond the physical realm. They seep into our social and relational fabric, impacting us personally. We are witnessing not only a rapid ethical decline but also rising reports of domestic violence, mental health issues, suicides, self-harm among young people, addictions and road rage.

According to the NSO’s 2024 report, 3,798 individuals reported experiencing domestic violence or sought related services, while tragically, 28 suicide cases were recorded.

Children growing up in Malta, surrounded by pervasive anxiety and stress, are inevitably affected in their upbringing and the formation of their future character. Sadly, today’s gains risk becoming tomorrow’s burdens. We must therefore reassess and realign our priorities if we wish to preserve both our collective and personal well-being.

Labour cannot be the solution, as it is deeply entangled in the problem itself. After 12 years in office, it continues to champion a growth model driven by constant expansion. Its mantra of ‘more building, more people, more tourists’ has left many exhausted. The more we accumulate, the more we crave, creating a vicious cycle and an unrelenting rat race.

The Nationalist Party is urgently calling for a more responsible and balanced approach. We are calling for a national, evidence-based capacity-building exercise to determine what Malta can realistically sustain in terms of population, infrastructure, skills and economic direction. We also propose strengthening and promoting local talent, enhancing competence and aligning the labour supply with genuine national priorities.

In my view, the true prosperity of a nation is measured not solely by a strong GDP but by the holistic well-being of its people, including those on the margins of society. If we continue on the current trajectory, our future looks alarmingly neurotic, regardless of who may be wearing Prada!

(This article was published on Times of Malta – 14 December, 2025)