As a nation we are celebrating Freedom Day which marks the historic moment in 1979 when the last British troops left the island, signifying full sovereignty. This milestone further strengthened our independence and self-governance. Freedom naturally brings along happiness and aspiration for what the future may hold.
While the past generations fought for political autonomy, today's youths in Malta are engaged in a new struggle. A fight for economic, social, and environmental freedoms.
The youths of Malta today face unprecedented challenges that restrict their ability to lead a dignified and independent life. Economic hardships, soaring property prices, environmental degradation, job precarity, and mental health issues are shaping a new reality. These basic needs are keeping true freedom elusive.
Financial independence is becoming a distant dream. Despite a growing economy, the cost of living has risen dramatically, making it harder for youths to support themselves. Wages have not increased at the same rate as expenses, and many young people find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
Additionally, the shift towards a gig economy, on-the-fly short-term contracts, has left many in precarious jobs with unstable contracts. While previous generations could secure stable employment with long-term benefits, today's youths often work under uncertain conditions, where job security and fair wages are no longer guaranteed. Building a financially stable future is at risk.
The freedom to work should mean more than just having a job, it should mean having a job that provides dignity, security, and fair compensation. Employers and policymakers must work together to ensure that young workers are not exploited and that they have real opportunities to build successful, fulfilling careers.
Malta's rapid urbanization and overdevelopment have created an environmental crisis. Green spaces are disappearing, air pollution is increasing, and the island's natural and historical beauty is being sacrificed in the name of economic growth. For young people, freedom also means the right to live in a clean, healthy environment. The call for sustainable urban planning, the preservation of open spaces, and responsible development is louder than ever. The youth are fighting for a future where Malta's heritage is protected, not destroyed. After the hopeless battle to save Fort Chambray, now young people are fighting to save Manoel Island. Momentum stands side by side with this fight.
A growing number of young Maltese are choosing to leave the island in search of better opportunities abroad. The combination of high living costs, low wages, and limited career growth has made emigration an attractive option. This brain drain not only affects the individuals who leave and their families they leave behind, but also weakens Malta's future as it loses young talent to other countries.
The freedom to choose where to live should not be dictated by economic or environmental necessity. Young people should not feel forced to leave their homeland to build a better future. Instead, Malta must become a place where young people see opportunities for success, security, and happiness.
When it comes to political decisions, these often favour short-term economic gains over the well-being of future generations. Corruption, lack of transparency, and a political culture resistant to change have left many disillusioned. While Malta is a democracy, many young people feel their voices are not truly heard. Youths want real representation and a say in policies that directly affect their future. They seek freedom that goes beyond casting a vote every few years, but the freedom to be actively involved in shaping their country's direction. Political inclusion means empowering young voices and ensuring that their concerns are genuinely addressed. In this spirit, Momentum is shaping its policies in a bottom-up approach. Through the Vision Circles, people come to discuss a specific theme, inputting their ideas of how things can be done better. Our next Vision Circle on 12th April is dedicated to youths and their aspirations (https://partitmomentum.org/vc)
Malta's young generation, while facing these hurdles, is demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. They are not simply accepting the status quo; they are actively trying to shape a brighter future. Young minds are sparking a wave of entrepreneurial spirit and a demand for sustainable economic models that foster innovation, safeguard the environment, and prioritise the well-being of all citizens. Momentum is here to ensure that this vision becomes a reality, that true freedom is attainable for all, and that the next generation thrives.
Freedom Day should not just be about remembering past national victories, but it should also be about acknowledging the ongoing struggles for new types of freedom that Malta faces today. The battle for sovereignty may have been won, but the battle for personal economic stability, fair work, a clean environment, mental health support, and political representation is still being fought. True freedom is about ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope. The youth of Malta deserve a future where they are not just surviving but thriving.
Matthew Agius is a geophysicist with a passion for science and a strong commitment to community involvement. He serves on the executive committee of Momentum http://partitmomentum.org