The Natiinalist Party said Wednesday it has full confidence in the abilities of young people and in the contribution they can make to our society.

That confidence, however, must be reflected in the way politics involves young people in decision-making. For far too long, young people have been invited to participate, but not to genuinely influence. They have been consulted, but have not always been given a real opportunity to see their contributions translated into meaningful change, the PN said.

This reality is also reflected in the latest State of the Nation survey, which found that young people aged between 16 and 25 are the group least likely to regard politics as important, with only 19.8% saying it is very important in their lives. This should not be interpreted as apathy or indifference on the part of young people, but rather as a clear warning that too many of them do not believe the political system is giving them the voice, the trust and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Trust in politics is not built through words alone. It is built when young people put forward ideas and see them taken seriously. When they participate and see their contribution lead to tangible results. When they believe that their voice has not only been heard, but has formed part of decisions that have brought about positive change.

Only in this way can we rebuild trust in our democratic system and foster a generation that sees politics as a means of service, participation and change, rather than something distant from their everyday lives.

Young people must be the protagonists in the discussions that will shape Malta's future: discussions on how to build a country where merit prevails over connections, where young families can afford a home, where quality opportunities are created, where our environment is protected, and where the future in Malta is one that young people aspire to and choose to build.

Malta's future cannot be built for young people without young people. It must be built with them, the PN said.

For this reason, on International Youth Day 2026, the message must be clear: young people should not merely be invited to participate. They must be given a genuine role in shaping the decisions that will determine our country's future, the confidence that their ideas can lead to meaningful change, and the opportunity to be active partners in building a fairer, more sustainable and more ambitious Malta.

Because young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. They are leaders today, the PN said.

The statement was signed by Eve Borg Bonello, Shadow Minister for Youth, Wellbeing and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme