We are at the beginning of this legislature, and so far, it has been quite the exhilarating experience. I don't have any qualms declaring, that this being my first time in Parliament, the learning curve has been quite steep, but it has already been extremely rewarding.

I have one aim for this new experience for me, and that is, that at the end of the legislature, I will be in a position to look back, and genuinely say, I did my duty to the best of my capabilities, and that is enough for me.

When I decided to enter politics, I did so because I wanted to serve the country I love and that has given me so much. I am proud of this country, and the people who have made it what it is today. From the Opposition benches, I want to give something back and contribute to a better Malta tomorrow.

Certainly, I am not looking for praise, nor do I expect to be remembered for my speeches. I want to be remembered by the work I do, the issues I raise awareness about, and the support I give people who need it most.

My promise is to roll up my sleeves and pay back the trust afforded me ten-fold, always. Coming from a business background, being a small entrepreneur myself, my work ethic dictates that hard work is not an option, and that is the drive I am taking with me to Parliament.

I am well aware that sadly, people have largely lost faith in politicians, and I do not judge them for it. Unfortunately, that loss of trust, in some cases is justified. Episodes of gross misconduct by politicians are all too fresh in everyone's minds, to be brushed aside. I understand that we must all carry this extra weight to prove ourselves, and I believe that comes with the territory.

That is why since being elected, I have set my own ethos with myself straight, and that is to let my work speak for me rather than words. I have already submitted a considerable number of parliamentary questions, aimed at shedding light on issues that require more attention. My goal is to keep Government accountable, for the benefit of the sectors I shadow, the operators I represent and our Constituents. Similarly, I expect no less than having our citizens keeping us, as Opposition, accountable for our work just the same.

Being a Member of Parliament, if the responsibility is taken seriously, is far more than a fulltime job. And that is why I believe that the time has come to have an honest conversation about how our Parliament can be strengthened, with more resources, more support for MPs, and more accountability measures built into the system.

Just like Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries have staff who support them with their work, help them with research, and the development of policies, shouldn't there be a pool of resources available to all Members of Parliament, to assist in their work?

If we truly expect our Opposition to behave and propose legislation like a true Government in waiting, shouldn't the country invest in this crucial function of our democracy?

Politics, however, is not only about Parliament. It is about people. It is about families, businesses, young people, the elderly, artists, workers, and everyone who gets up each morning trying to build a better future for themselves and for those who depend on them.

I know exactly what it means to face bureaucracy, pressure and the daily challenges of trying to get something done. That is precisely why I want politics to stay close to people's real, lived experience rather than drift away from it.

Within my own portfolio, I will keep working to ensure that the film industry and the wider creative sector are given the dignity they deserve. I want to see workers paid on time, better working conditions across the board, more opportunities for Maltese producers and artists, and transparent administration that gives proper value to every euro of public money spent.

I also believe politics should be modern, inclusive and understandable to everyone, built not on fear or propaganda but on empathy and real solutions.

When this legislature comes to an end, I do not want to be remembered for the speeches I gave or the headlines they generated. I want to be remembered for the people I managed to help, the problems I managed to solve, and the difference I managed to make.

That is my vision and the politics I believe in. That is my commitment to all Maltese and Gozitans.

Marilena Gauci is Opposition spokesperson for the film industry.