I uphold the politics of values

Politics is about upholding the common good and empowering people, especially the most vulnerable, to go through their life journey with dignity, writes Albert Buttigieg. Labour’s environmental track record is abysmal.

Credit: Tommy Muric / Shutterstock.com

I am determined to remain an assertive advocate for our environment and a strong promoter of inclusion and social justice. I will not shy away from these core values. I uphold the politics of values.

Politics, for many, has negative connotations. It evokes instances of degenerated governance, arrogance, opportunism, inflated egos, corruption and power pursued for its own sake. Sadly, a growing number of citizens, in particular young people, are disillusioned and feel powerless before those entrusted with authority.

This is the dark side of politics.

However, politics in its truest form is anything but this. Politics with a big ‘P’ is a noble vocation. Those who choose self-interest over service end up tarnishing this ideal. Elected to serve the community, some, instead, choose to serve themselves.

On several occasions, discerning voters have asked what motivated me to enter the political fray.

My motivation derives from my responsibility as an active citizen in making our society a more humane and just society. I am not alone. There are a number of good honest politicians, over all the political spectrum, with their hearts in the right place.

In my handbook, politics is not about the ‘I’ but about the ‘we’. It is about upholding the common good and empowering people, especially the most vulnerable, to go through their life journey with dignity.

Consequently, Politics is about values.

The following are the core values that guide my political journey.

First, the value of life. All other values rest upon this cornerstone value. It is not limited to a narrow interpretation but embraces the dignity of every single person at every stage of life. It calls for us to care for what makes life meaningful: our communities, our environment, and our culture, the beauty and well-being of our animals and the richness of human expression in all its diversity and forms. Thus, going beyond the GDP mind-set we must promote and safeguard an economy that cherishes and supports the well-being of all our citizens.

Second, the protection of our environment. Our natural and cultural heritage are under unprecedented pressure. Labour’s environmental track record is abysmal. Overdevelopment, the systematic demolition of our heritage and growing sea/air pollution are visible realities. We must then act decisively with a clear sense of direction.

If entrusted once more, I will lobby and network to promote concrete policies that safeguard our environment. These include:

The establishment of a one-stop shop to coordinate and regulate the placement and management of tables and chairs in public spaces. Currently, responsibility is fragmented across multiple state entities including the Trade Department, the Malta Tourism Authority, the police, the Lands Authority and the Planning Authority. When residents flag concerns about noise and enforcement, these entities too often end up shifting responsibility onto one another. A single authority would ensure accountability, coordination and enforcement;

The creation of an aesthetics board to assess and validate development proposals, ensuring that new projects respect their surroundings and our architectural heritage;

The introduction of solar rights, guaranteeing residents the right to access natural sunlight in their homes;

The identification and safeguarding of public land and pathways, ensuring they are mapped out, accessible and protected for the enjoyment of all;

The protection of gardens and valleys, preserving the green lungs of our communities;

We also need to have a broader national vision: a holistic planning strategy, strict adherence to ODZ and UCA, without ifs and buts. The cost of our inaction and lethargy will be far greater than the cost of reform.

Third, inclusion and social justice. A society is judged by how it treats the most vulnerable. We must ensure that no one is left behind, regardless of one’s background, beliefs, abilities, colour of skin or gender. This requires stronger support for our families, dignity and reassurance for our elderly and real opportunities for all, especially for our young people who are leaving the island.

Economic success must be measured not only by growth but also by fairness, inclusion and the level of our quality of life. Corruption and bad governance undermine all of this. Sadly, Labour’s trajectory puts them to shame. To tolerate such degeneration is to become complicit in this injustice.

Over the past 40 years, I have served in different roles: educator, Franciscan Capuchin priest, CEO at the Housing Authority, administrator at Caritas, mayor of St Julian’s and, lately, as MP. In each role, I sought to lead with integrity, zeal and with a deep sense of responsibility.

That commitment remains unchanged.

As a candidate representing the Nationalist Party for the forthcoming elections on the ninth and 10th districts, I am determined to remain an assertive advocate for our environment and a strong promoter of inclusion and social justice.

I will not shy away from these core values. I uphold the politics of values.

(This article was published on Times of Malta – 16 May, 2026)