With talk of an early election drawing ever closer, and since it could very well be my last intervention in the House of Representatives during the current legislature, last week I decided to dedicate an adjournment speech to a subject which is very much at heart.

During my brief speech, I asked those present to reflect and ask themselves genuinely, if they didn't upload their speeches in Parliament, in video or written format to social media, carefully edited reels and posts on tik tok, would anyone care? If the speeches weren't not clipped, shared, and amplified, would anyone actually hear it?

It is an uncomfortable thought, but this is the time to tell it as it is. The truth is that Parliament, as the highest forum of national debate, is slowly losing its relevance. Gone are the days when people would gather around a banged-up radio to listen to Parliamentary debates. Today, a post on social media is almost guaranteed to reach further, resonate more, and create greater impact than words spoken from those green seats. And this should concern all of us, regardless of political colour.

That is why, I believe we should all move towards a reform of Parliament, to ensure that it continues to reach our country's ambitions and fulfill our needs.

Firstly, we must recognise that the role of a Member of Parliament demands full commitment. Making MPs full-time is necessity if we expect proper scrutiny, proper preparation by our sitting MPs, and flawless accountability.

Secondly, the introduction of a structured Prime Minister's Question Time would bring a stronger culture of direct accountability to the head of the executive, allowing for more immediate and transparent engagement between Government and Opposition.

Thirdly, Parliamentary committees must be strengthened and given the right resources and bite. We should move towards a system where committees are given the time and authority, to properly oversee institutions and investigations, ensuring that scrutiny takes place for the benefit of the public, not the other way round.

Fourthly, we should rethink how we use time within Parliament itself. Shorter speeches like those we are accustomed to on the mainland, and delivered more frequently, will encourage sharper debate and greater participation, rather than long speeches that often serve the speaker more than the audience.

Furthermore, I believe the time has come to consider a new Constitution for Malta, one that reflects the realities, challenges, and aspirations of today's society. Our current framework has served us well, but it was designed for an era that is unrecognisable today. Updating it would allow us to strengthen institutions, modernise governance, and build a system that is truly fit for the Malta of today.

At the same time, we must break down the barriers, both symbolic but also physical, that separate Parliament from the people. We cannot, on one hand, knock on doors seeking trust during an election, and on the other, surround ourselves with unsightly metal barriers that send all the wrong messages.

When Renzo Piano provided the magnificent designs for a house of the people, he intentionally created a conversation between open spaces and the Chamber of representatives. The second we inhabited the building we decided to build hideous walls around it. This is wrong.  Parliament should be open, accessible, and welcoming, to all.

As I reflect on this journey, I am grateful to the many individuals I have had the privilege to work alongside. Some brought years of experience, others a fresh perspective, but together we learned, debated, and served our constituents the best way we could.

Looking ahead, I sincerely hope to see new candidates stepping forward from both sides of the political spectrum. To them, I offer one piece of advice: do not be discouraged by personal attacks, especially those driven by the machinery of power. Stay focused, keep moving forward, and remember that our country needs people willing to rise above the noise.

I am nothing but energised to continue serving the people that have lent me their trust and whom I have served from the Opposition. The people of the First District, but by extension all the people of Malta and Gozo who we represent in Parliament.

May this be the dawn of a new era for Malta. We are nothing but ready to serve on the benches of a new Government.

Darren Carabott is Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee