During the fifth national conference for the State of the Nation survey on Friday afternoon, Opposition leader Bernard Grech called for a fundamental change in how politics is conducted in Malta.

Grech said that politics should revolve around the individuals who make up our society and that people should not be treated as numbers.

“Politics must place the person at the centre and use statistics only as a tool to improve lives,” Grech said.

He stated that the country requires politics that recognises the real challenges of Maltese and Gozitan families, and that “a strong economy is failing if it is not translating into a better life for everyone.”

As he gave his speech inside Verdala Palace, the PN leader was discussing several aspects that came out from this year’s State of the Nation survey, which was conducted by statistician Vincent Marmarà.

Grech noted that these snapshots of the Maltese society today illustrate “a clear picture marked by deep contrasts.”

Citing some concerns he derived through his observations from these Survey results, he observed that despite 72% of respondents saying they are happy with their lives, half the population is living day by day, instead of actively making plans with their lives in the long-term.

The Nationalist Party leader reiterated his concern with youth emigration rates and related obtained results. Grech mentioned that on top of government statistics revealing that an average of 19 young people left Malta every day throughout 2023, this latest State of the Nation survey has found that just under a quarter of respondents answered that they wish they had been born in another country.

This response was most common amongst respondents between the ages of 36-45 years old, with one in every three saying so, thus fanning worries surrounding national pride.

“This may indicate a growing number of people who are losing hope in their country and do not see Malta as the place where they can fulfil their potential,” Grech said.

The State of the Nation survey featured some queries related to Maltese politics, to which the Opposition leader was greatly concerned that over a third of Maltese do not consider politics to be an important aspect of their lives, even though political decisions do affect the lives we live.

On the other end, he said it was a positive development to read that 42% of respondents feel like they could vote for a different political party. Bernard Grech interpreted this as a sign of political maturity and that “people are waiting for something better,” rather than as a sign of indecision. Hence, he said that “we must be the catalysts for this change.”

The PN leader stressed the need to give young people real space and for politics to seek to uphold justice in all areas of life, in a manner where every individual is recognised.

“We are not numbers. Politics must give dignity to every person, whoever they may be,” Grech concluded.

This conference was held under the patronage of the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono. With this year’s theme being education in its broadest sense, this conference featured several panels of experts from the sector analysing trends that emerged from the survey, including PN MP Justin Schembri.

The conference was also addressed by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.