This week, I was inspired by the words of journalist Jurgen Balzan. He made it very clear what difficulties a third party faces in Malta, and how difficult it is for people with a conscience to change a rigged, unjust system. Yet he also concluded by pointing out that so long as there are people who dream of something better, there will always be resistance. While some may only look at the challenges, and the long road walked to get this far, I instead see how individuals are catalysts for great change. I agree with him that it is up to us to create the political conditions which will allow us to fight injustices in the system, both in Malta and across the world.

A great feeling of hopelessness has overcome many Maltese. Ours is a system where the winner takes all, and where our institutions are political tools. It seems to many that no pressure, no scandal and no effort bring any change. The scandals continue to roll in, the latest being the St Vincent de Paul "direct order". The quality of life of many, meanwhile, continues to deteriorate rapidly.

Our media faces serious challenges, where independent journalists must compete with propaganda machines owned by the major political parties, which are in turn funded by corrupt businessmen paying legal bribes to secure their interests. Where then lies hope? When will the dawn break? In a healthy democracy, being in Opposition should not imply despair.

History has taught us that even monolithic empires can suddenly come crashing down; how single individuals can find it in themselves to bring about changes which resound across history and touch people far away. We underestimate our own capacity and ability to bring about change. It is why the vast majority of people do very little or nothing, to try to make the world a better place. Some years ago, I would not have imagined that not only would a third party finally be in Parliament, but that I would be in a leading position within it. I heard the call, rose to the challenge, and have not looked back, despite the inevitable sacrifices which must also be made on the road.

With just two Members of Parliament, Partit Demokratiku stood its ground over the extension of Majjistral Park hunting hours in defiance of the Labour and Nationalist parties. We blew the whistle on various problems which would otherwise have been ignored in Parliament, and watched as the two major parties jumped on these issues and tried to take ownership of them shortly after. In that manner, tiny Partit Demokratiku has often dictated the agenda in Parliament. Partit Demokratiku ensured that the Commission Against Corruption was functioning once again, when it was neglected by the Nationalists. I was again proud when Partit Demokratiku opposed the Bill on MP pension reform, when so many other problems desperately need attention and investment in Malta. Shortly after our stand, the MP pensions' reform bill was shelved in Parliament, with the two major parties in retreat.

Partit Demokratiku has been like David against Goliath. The two major parties have done all in their power to fight back. They try to focus attention on everything about Partit Demokratiku except the actual issues and policies we are talking about, since there is nothing they can criticise there. We are the consistent champions of good governance, the environment and social justice.

I say all this because, as we speak, 10 per cent of the population says it will not vote, and another 10 says it does not know for whom to vote. Our political orphans have always underestimated their power. At the beginning of the term of Partit Demokratiku's current executive, I expressed my belief that so long as a movement is growing, and keeps growing, then, like a river, it can cut through any mountain. The pitfalls of those who came before us included despair, treachery and disillusion. In previous third parties, people gave up or lost sight of their principles and vision, or let emotions get the better of them. If we stay focused, we will keep growing until one day, we idealists look around, and see that we are not so alone after all.

We individual citizens have the power to make great change. Idealists have brought down governments, empires and dictatorships. In our darkest hours, let us remember Churchill's call to never surrender. Dreams for a better tomorrow are born from difficult times. For those already fighting, never give up. If every one of us inspires one other person to make a stand, then we will form an endless chain. So let your candle burn bright in the dark, and use it to light the candle of another.

Join the Resistance.