The overriding sentiment which manifested itself from across the spectrum of guest speakers and participants in Partit Demokratiku’s youth conference on Sunday was that there is a clear and not simply perceived dissuasion against real and inclusive democratic participation by the people and their non-partisan associations in Malta.

Citing concrete retributive practices in order to ‘control’ Youth Leaders, such as the restrictive covert actions by the partisan establishment vis-à-vis one’s future professional career serve as very effective tools to discourage both an active participation in Youth Groups and also a determined and pro-active attitude by Youth Leaders in terms of fighting for a healthy democracy.

Michael Piccinino , president of Kunsill Nazzjonali taz-Zaghzagh ( KNZ) which represents 42 youth member organization stated’... this underscores the sorry state of affairs in Maltese politics because I cannot believe that I should be saying such words but being the country we are where everything is taken as political with a big P in a partisan way..’

Young People and Political Renewal in Europe, the first in a series, organised by PD together with ALDE and LYMEC at The Mediterranean Conference Centre served as a formidable non-partisan platform for Youth Organisations to convey their preoccupations and the challenges they face.

The Conference’s keynote speaker from ALDE's youth wing, LYMEC was Danica Vihinen, whilst other panellists included Dr Mark Harwood, Lecturer at the University of Malta, and Michael Piccinino, President of KNŻ. Various youth organisations were in attendance.

The latter’s opening address acknowledged that it was sad that many youth organisations lived in fear of politically engaging due to the stigmas of Maltese partisan politics. Youth leaders during the event also spoke of the fear of suffering in their professional life should they be seen to support the wrong party at the wrong time.

Therefore it was concluded that a high voter turnout does not indicate a democracy working at its best. Youth engagement in young organisations was low, apart from the fear that is present in cooperating outside of one's organisation.

SDM was also present. PULSE was invited but did not attend, though it remains welcome to all such future events.

Partit Demokratiku has long argued against the system of clientelism forcing people to stay quiet for fear of being punished, and will continue to fight for a fairer, freer and more respectful democracy in Malta.