Guest Post: Change Starts With You

Since the 7th May 2026 (when I was confirmed as a candidate), I have spent countless hours walking through the locality, speaking to people outside their homes, in their gardens,…

Since the 7th May 2026 (when I was confirmed as a candidate), I have spent countless hours walking through the locality, speaking to people outside their homes, in their gardens, at bus stops, in shops, and cafés. Some conversations lasted seconds, whilst others stayed with me long after I walked away.

One phrase, however, came up again, and again – “Nothing ever changes.”

Sometimes it was said with frustration. Other times with resignation. But perhaps the most worrying conversations were with young people who quietly told me they no longer see the point in voting at all.

And honestly, I understand why many people feel that way.

Too often, politics has become something people watch from a distance instead of something they feel part of. Many have lost trust. Others have simply grown tired of noise, division, and promises that never seem to reach everyday life. But if there is one thing these past couple of weeks on the road have reminded me of, it is this –  despite the frustration, people still care deeply about their community and about Malta’s future.

People want cleaner politics. They want accountability. They want leaders who listen before they speak. They want representatives who understand the realities people face every day – not only during election campaigns, but long after the campaigning comes to an end.

As someone who comes from the private sector and works closely with people every day, I have always believed that leadership starts with listening. In business, if you stop listening to people, you fail. Communities are no different. I did not enter politics because I believe politicians have all the answers. I entered politics because I believe ordinary people deserve to feel heard again.

As a father, I also think often about the kind of country we are leaving behind for the next generation – not only in terms of infrastructure or the economy, but in the values we choose to build our society around. Do we want a country where people feel powerless and disconnected? Or one where people still believe they can make a difference?

Real change rarely happens overnight – and it certainly does not happen only online.

Posting frustrations on social media may feel satisfying in the moment, but it changes very little in real life unless people are also willing to participate, speak up, vote, and engage. Democracy only works when good people come forward because they refuse to stand on the sidelines. This election is not only about choosing politicians. It is about choosing what kind of country we want Malta to become over the next generation.

I genuinely believe Malta can still become a country where people feel proud, listened to, and optimistic again. But that change will not come from one person alone. It begins when ordinary people decide that their voice still matters. That is why I chose to be part of this election with others who believe in a new direction, a Nifs Ġdid, and a more positive style of politics under our party leader, Alex Borg. Not because politics needs more noise, but because Malta needs more people willing to step forward instead of giving up.

If enough good people stop believing that “nothing ever changes”, then maybe, together, we can finally prove otherwise.

Joe Aquilina is contesting the General Elections under the Nationalist Party Ticket on the 9th and 10th districts. Joe is a successful entrepreneur, community activist and local councillor with a strong commitment towards responsible growth and public service. Active within the Swieqi community for many years, he believes in staying close to people and giving back where it matters most.

Lovin Malta is open to interesting, compelling guest posts from third parties. These opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Submit your piece at [email protected]

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