Labour MEP Thomas Bajada called for a "bottom-up" approach towards politics which thinks beyond the immediate term and acknowledges the public's frustration towards traditional politics.

"We need to change the way politics is done," said the 29-year-old Gozitan fisheries technocrat who was elected for the first time as a Member of the European Parliament on Labour's ticket last June.

Bajada said that his vision for politics is rooted in redefining how decisions are made.

He is leading an initiative: an annual scientific study to determine the public's true priorities without political influence, which will "bring a revolution on the way we do politics."

"Instead of top-down politics, this study gives people a blank slate to define what matters most to them, providing a bottom-up approach," he said.

By capturing both the people's aspirations and concerns through focus groups, Bajada said he hopes to shape a mandate built on public input.

"We need to change the way politics is done. Frustration with traditional methods of politics is real, and I want to set an example of a better approach."

Asked on former Minister Clayton Bartolo and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, and them having granted a lucrative consultancy job to the former's wife, Bajada did not address this directly, but acknowledged the public's frustration with politics, citing frustration and the need for reform.

He said that this topic paints a picture of the "hurt" the Maltese people feel, symptomatic of the frustration felt towards politics.

"We must understand this hurt and address it," he said, referencing the results in the recent elections as a symptom of broader dissatisfaction.

He said that when he was approached to run for MEP, at first he did not accept, as he had always said that he did not like politics, and he did not want to "be stained by politics".

Bajada said that what hurts him in this situation is that there are many more youths who also view politics in this way, that "politics is dirty."

During his electoral campaign, many approached him saying he was "different than the others," and Bajada said he would joke and tell them that he "did not read the book on how to be a politician."

"I believe that not all politics is negative; we are all politicians, decision-makers in our daily lives," Bajada said, reiterating the importance of "re-writing" the way politics is done.

His approach to politics, shaped by scepticism of traditional methods, reflects a desire to build trust, he said, emphasising his commitment to long-term solutions and people-centred decisions.

Asked how he has settled in his role as MEP, Bajada said that his term began with a sense of familiarity, having previously worked in Brussels for five years as an EU Council expert on fisheries.

This experience, he explained, eased his transition into the political sphere.

"The reality of Brussels didn't shock me as much as it would have if I had just lived in Malta before," Bajada said.

Nevertheless, life changed significantly as he adjusted to the public and political demands of his new role.

Bajada emphasised his passion for legislative work, which now fuels his contributions on key committees, including the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety (ENVI) and the Fisheries Committees, along with his substitute role on the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.

He said he quickly found his rhythm, having participated in the vetting of prospective European Commissioners and initiating work on three dossiers, one focused on the economy and two on fisheries.

"The work has begun, and I aspire to contribute much more to the future," he said. Building a strong team in both Malta and Brussels has been a priority, as has forging strategic alliances within the European Union.

"Our delegation is small, just three Maltese members in a group of 1,200-so collaboration is essential to address diverse realities," Bajada explained.

Asked about the country's contentious construction sector, Bajada highlighted the need for more sustainable urban planning.

"One of the top things we've neglected is the urban environment, creating open, visually serene spaces that do not threaten our well-being," he said.

While acknowledging the economic interdependence between construction and growth, he stressed the importance of prioritising public well-being in development, for present and future generations.

On initiatives like Project Green, which promises green public spaces within ten minutes of residents' homes, Bajada said that this is a good start, "but we can go much further." He called for long-term, holistic solutions rather than "patchwork" approaches.

"Let us stop only thinking about what we will do now, but what we will do now that will garner results which we may not see in these five years," Bajada said, adding that his job as legislator is to legislate for the future.

Bajada was the only Labour MEP who had voted in favour of the extension of term of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, contrary to his colleagues Alex Agius Saliba and Daniel Attard.

He reiterated that he voted for her as she is a Maltese in a high position of power, which is an asset for Malta.

"We need Maltese people in the highest positions possible. While I don't always agree with her, I believe she's suitable for the role," he said.

"I appeal that Metsola must, in all her possibility, put Malta's interests forward at any position, so that our voices can be heard as much as possible," Bajada said, adding that while she must be impartial in her role, Malta should always be at the back of her mind.

Bajada also praised European Commissioner Glenn Micallef's portfolio on intergenerational fairness, youth, culture, and sport, describing it as a "strong portfolio," versatile and essential for shaping future policies that prioritize young people.

Labour exponents have called Metsola a "warmonger," and that she is in favour of increasing arms and defence in Malta. Asked if he agreed, Bajada expressed strong views on Malta's neutrality and its role in global conflicts, particularly regarding EU support for Ukraine.

"While I support aiding Ukraine, I do not agree with Malta, a neutral country, allocating 0.25% of its GDP to military aid," he said.

Bajada emphasised the importance of diplomacy and Malta's historical role as a bridge for peace. "Malta has always been central in promoting dialogue, and we must focus on principles that lead to stability."

"I also do not believe that we should influence further escalations globally. My single vote would not stop a war, as I am one of many, but the point of principle is important," Bajada said.

He mentioned the tensions divulging in the entire Middle East, and said that he wants to avoid any type of action the EU does which could instigate escalation.

Discussing Malta's progress on rule of law, Bajada stressed the importance of protecting journalism amid global threats from AI and misinformation.

"Truthful journalism is under threat, and we must start addressing the dangers posed by fake news and unverified information," he said.

Asked if Europe should implement a similar ban imposed by Australia, banning social media for under 16-year-olds, Bajada called for discussions on verifying online identities and ensuring digital safety, saying that age restrictions alone won't solve the problem.

"We need to see the bigger picture and create a safer digital environment, through structured and transparent true journalism, and not the existing jungle in the digital world," Bajada said.

A recent report by the EU Commission found that Malta's Budget was "not fully in line" with the Council's recommendations, saying again and again that Malta should remove energy subsidies.

Asked for his opinion, Bajada said that the holistic picture according to government is that it should maintain giving out energy subsidies, for now.

Criticizing the European Commission's stance on Malta's energy subsidies, Bajada argued that EU legislation often overlooks the unique realities of smaller states.

"The Commission tends to apply a one-size-fits-all approach, which does not always work for Malta," he said.

He warned that this disconnect has fuelled the rise of far-right narratives across Europe and emphasised the need for policies tailored to regional contexts.

As he continues his term, Bajada said his focus will remain on long-term strategies that address Malta's environmental, social and economic challenges.

"Legislators must think beyond their mandates," he said. "The decisions we make now should yield results that may not be seen for years, but they will define our future," Bajada said.