Past centuries of domination, characterised by the game of divide and rule played by successive masters, as well as Malta’s insularity have, no doubt, constituted powerful factors to polarise the social milieu of these islands.

When one considers that the Maltese people have tenaciously preserved their national identity, their language and their traditions under these this circumstances, this is a veritable paradox.

In the more recent years, the process of polarization became even more acute at given moments. But there has been increasing evidence that the younger generation is turning the scales, as reflected in the uneven swing of the political pendulum.

Is the process of polarization simmering down, or is it bound to remain on the boil in the immediate years to come?

What goes on in the minds of the up-and-coming breed of Maltese citizens who are travelling more, reading more and extending their range of contacts with the big wide world?

Is the younger generation happy with the established institutions and their leaders who are immediately responsible for the decisions that will shape Malta’s future?

Or are they being increasingly disenchanted by the poor performance of some of them, particularly when the stench of corruption is becoming unbearable?

Do they see promise in some middle-aged, aspiring leaders who are still imbued with the notions of the ancient regime?

Does the young generation consider that the church and established professional institutions prefer to sit on the fence rather than lead and enlighten public opinion when weighty social and national issues arise? Do they expect the Church to restrict itself to a mission of evangelization, or do they expect it to involve itself in social action with total commitment to the defence of the dignity of man and his human rights?

What are the feelings of public opinion – of the grassroots – on such matters as the unwillingness of certain politicians to tolerate dissent and to concentrate, instead, on

ad hominem politics and character assassination?

Are they comfortable with politicians who insist on sitting near their driver when they are in Malta, but sit at the back of their car when they are driven on official duties overseas? And what do they have to say about the mania that has apparently mesmerised the old school of politicians – namely the craze to display marble slabs and tablets commemorating every initiative of every minister or Party leader?

One gains the distinct impression that the younger generation is, in a sense, breaking the mould of Maltese social development, in that it is increasingly demanding its right to think with its own mind, and to exercise its right to promote its own aspirations.

There is something healthy in a generation that will not allow itself to be manipulated.

On the other hand, change has to be managed in order to ensure that the roots of Maltese values and cultures are not eradicated.

But how? How can the young generation drive history forward, enhancing its appreciation of the totality of the creativity of its forefathers as well as their legacy?

Surely, the way forward is to cherish the characteristics that made their motherland brave and tenacious, and their forefathers hard-working and ingenious. That, and their ability to adapt, while maintaining their national individuality, explains why they survived war, invasion, and foreign domination

It has taken the better of two millennia for the Maltese to achieve sovereignty. Having achieved freedom, it has taken some time for the modern Maltese generation to flex its political muscles, and to look towards the beckoning future. The new Maltese generation is on the march.

It has been well said that the history of free people is never really written by chance but by choice. This choice will be the burden – and the challenge – for Malta’s enlightened young generation. The right sort of enlightenment will surely emerge if there is a sense of history--- and a proper regard for the values that fired the pioneers who dreamed of the day when the Maltese would be masters in their own home.

A historical sense needs a focussed perception, not only of the ‘pastness of the past’, but of its presence.

That ‘presence’ manifests itself in active interest in clean government, and a will to preserve the environment and to promote social solidarity. Above all, it manifests itself in the exercise of electoral sovereignty in all its meanings

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