Momentum has spent its first year establishing itself as an organised political movement, strongly believing that there is a real thirst for an alternative to the political situation in Malta, which has seen two major political parties dominating the scene while smaller groups struggle, its secretary general Mark Camilleri Gambin said.
As Momentum approaches the first anniversary of its launch, Camilleri Gambin told The Malta Independent on Sunday that the past year has been largely dedicated to building the foundations required for a party to function effectively. He explained that forming a political party involves extensive administrative work, coordination and long-term commitment from volunteers. According to him, Momentum has succeeded in setting up operational structures and an internal system that allows the party to function on a regular basis, supported by a volunteer base that continues to grow.
Momentum developed following Arnold Cassola's European Parliament election campaign, which attracted interest from voters looking for an alternative to the country's two main parties. Camilleri Gambin said one of the party's priorities since then has been maintaining continuity, both in terms of messaging and organisational development. He added that a significant portion of the party's work involves meeting people, listening to their concerns and ensuring consistency in the issues the party raises publicly.
During its first year, Momentum also became a member of the European Democrats, a political grouping at European level. Camilleri Gambin said this was an important step for the party, as it reflects external confidence in Momentum's direction and values. He added that membership provides the party with a framework for engagement on European issues while building on the groundwork laid during the European elections.
Camilleri Gambin said public reaction to Momentum suggests that a segment of the electorate is seeking alternatives to the established political parties. He said many people express a desire for representation that they feel is currently lacking, particularly among those who feel disconnected from mainstream politics. While Momentum shares certain policy positions with other smaller parties, including ADPD, he said the party aims to act as a platform that brings together different independent voices rather than competing within a narrow political space.
At the same time, he acknowledged that limited visibility remains one of Momentum's main challenges. According to him, many people who might be interested in the party are still unaware of its existence. He said this contributes to lower levels of engagement, particularly among voters who feel that the political system is unlikely to change regardless of how they vote.
This perception, Camilleri Gambin said, has led some voters to disengage from politics altogether. He added that Momentum's approach is based on offering a credible option that prioritises consistency and adherence to values. According to him, one of the most common criticisms people express towards politics in general is the tendency of parties to compromise on their principles once they gain power, and Momentum is attempting to address that concern directly.
The party continues to face structural challenges associated with Malta's electoral system. Camilleri Gambin pointed out that the current framework requires parties to obtain a substantial share of the vote within a single district in order to elect a candidate, which makes parliamentary representation difficult for smaller movements. Momentum supports proposals aimed at reforming the system, including the introduction of a national quota that would allow votes from different districts to be aggregated.
Despite this, Camilleri Gambin said the party is not depending solely on electoral reform. He explained that Malta's 13 districts effectively provide multiple opportunities for representation and that, in practical terms, securing around 2,500 first-count votes in a district could result in the election of a candidate. While acknowledging the difficulty of achieving this, he said it remains a realistic objective over time.
Camilleri Gambin also addressed concerns that the entry of a third-party representative into Parliament could complicate governance. He said such arguments often come from those who benefit from the current system and that political systems evolve over time. In his view, representation from outside the two main parties could contribute to broader debate and increased scrutiny within Parliament.
Momentum has placed particular emphasis on engaging voters who feel disconnected from traditional politics, especially younger people. Camilleri Gambin said the party has organised workshops, community meetings and "vision circles", which are moderated discussion sessions where participants exchange views on issues affecting Malta, including governance, animal welfare and social policy. He said these sessions are intended to be structured and focused, with discussions informing the party's policy development.
According to Camilleri Gambin, these initiatives have led some participants who had previously never voted, or who were undecided, to reconsider their involvement in elections. While recognising that not everyone is convinced of the value of voting, he said Momentum encourages participation as a basic democratic responsibility, arguing that abstention leaves decisions in the hands of others.
Momentum's frequent press statements have attracted attention since the party's launch. Camilleri Gambin said the party issues statements regularly because of the range of issues it believes require public discussion. He rejected the suggestion that this approach is driven purely by a desire for visibility, stating that each statement goes through an internal review process before publication to ensure accuracy and relevance.
He added that smaller parties face inherent disadvantages when it comes to exposure, particularly when compared to larger parties that operate their own media outlets and invest heavily in advertising. In this context, he said regular communication is necessary to ensure that Momentum's positions are heard. He also noted that the party has, on occasion, not been invited to participate in broadcast debates, which further limits its ability to reach wider audiences.
Transparency and accountability remain central elements of Momentum's political approach. Camilleri Gambin said the party has consistently published its financial accounts and has advocated for stronger transparency measures at a national level. One of Momentum's proposals is to replace the current Freedom of Information framework with an "Open Malta Act", which would require public authorities to publish information proactively rather than releasing it only following formal requests.
He said this would allow journalists and citizens to access information more easily and reduce the administrative burden associated with repeated FOI requests. Momentum has also proposed mandatory publication and auditing of ministers' asset declarations, arguing that such measures should be standard practice rather than optional.
Momentum has become increasingly visible through its use of Freedom of Information requests, including requests related to public spending at locations such as St George's Bay and Ta' Qali. Camilleri Gambin said the purpose of these requests is to understand how public funds are being used and to demonstrate that citizens have the right to request such information. He added that some individuals approach the party to submit FOI requests on their behalf, either because they are unfamiliar with the process or reluctant to do so themselves.
While some FOI requests take time to resolve and do not always result in immediate public disclosure, Camilleri Gambin said the process remains important. He added that oversight mechanisms, including referrals to the Standards Commissioner, play a role in maintaining accountability even when outcomes are not immediate or conclusive.
On policy, Camilleri Gambin said Momentum is sometimes viewed primarily as an environmental movement, but its focus is broader. The party's platform is built around three main areas: governance, environmental protection and economic fairness. He said governance underpins the other areas, as effective oversight and planning are necessary for environmental protection and economic policy to function properly.
Camilleri Gambin described environmental pressure resulting from development and population growth as a significant challenge, linking it to infrastructure strain, housing availability and quality of life. Among Momentum's proposals is a tax on third and subsequent vacant properties, intended to encourage better use of existing housing stock. The party has also called for increased investment in public transport infrastructure, including improved facilities for passengers.
Looking ahead, Camilleri Gambin said Momentum's objective is to translate civic engagement into parliamentary representation over time. He said the party continues to work with activists and individuals who are active in civil society, noting that many people involved in advocacy are reluctant to enter formal politics. According to him, fielding candidates who are deeply rooted community activists instead of just aspiring career politicians could help rebuild confidence in the political process
As Momentum concludes it's first year, Camilleri Gambin acknowledged the scale of the challenges ahead, including limited resources and public scepticism. However, he said the party remains focused on gradual growth, consistent engagement and maintaining clear principles as it continues to develop its role within Malta's political system.