In every country, there comes a moment when society must ask itself: Is politics still a means of serving the people, or has it become an endless struggle between those who want to hold on to power and those who want to seize it? In other words, has power become more important than the people?

The metaphor of the "politics of monkeys" is a powerful one because it reflects a reality we often witness before our eyes: groups and individuals fighting to preserve their position, competing to appear stronger than others, and systems where the instinct for power triumphs over the value of service. This political culture involves everyone-from political frontliners to ordinary citizens who support one candidate over another.

In many countries, politics has become a stage where the most important objective is no longer what can be achieved for the people, but who wins the battle of public perception. Words become more powerful than actions, propaganda outweighs reality, and political opponents are portrayed as enemies to be destroyed rather than individuals with different opinions. The enemy is not always found in the opposing camp. Sadly, some of the fiercest battles come from those who once stood beside you.

This is not the kind of politics that a healthy democracy needs.

Countries around the world are facing enormous challenges: the rising cost of living, the housing crisis, social loneliness, increasing pressure on public services, climate change, and declining trust in institutions. These problems cannot be solved through insults, personal attacks, or a constant competition to appear victorious.

People cannot live on empty words. Families do not pay their bills with political arguments. Young people do not secure a better future through battles on social media. Workers do not feel safer because politicians are constantly fighting among themselves.

When politics loses touch with the everyday realities of people's lives, it becomes a game for the few instead of a tool for the many.

Perhaps the most dangerous development is when loyalty to a political party becomes more important than loyalty to the truth. When a mistake is excused simply because it was made by "our side," while genuine success is dismissed because it comes from "the other side." This mentality weakens society because it creates citizens who defend symbols rather than principles.

A nation does not become stronger when everyone thinks alike. It grows stronger when there is respect for those who disagree, when criticism is embraced as an essential part of democracy, and when politicians have the courage to admit their mistakes.

A true leader is not the one who wins every argument. A true leader is someone who listens even when the message is uncomfortable, who chooses the right decision over the popular one, and who places the interests of the country above personal ambition.

The "politics of monkeys" will continue to exist as long as power is viewed as a prize instead of a responsibility; as long as public office is regarded as a personal entitlement rather than a temporary opportunity to serve the people.

Every country needs a change in its political culture - not merely a change of individuals, but a change in the way politics itself is understood. Democracy is not weakened only by those who abuse power; it is also undermined when citizens grow accustomed to a culture in which wrongdoing is excused and truth is sacrificed for the interests of the group.

Politics must once again become the art of service rather than a struggle for dominance. It must once again be guided by values rather than ego. A country trapped in the politics of monkeys may experience countless battles, but very little progress.

Ultimately, the real question is not who won the fight, but who truly benefited from it?

Fortunately, in our country there are still politicians of goodwill who are willing to sit around the same table and discuss what is best for the people. Then there are others who are always ready to overturn the table if they believe it serves their own interests. In time, many of them discover that their approach simply does not work.

Because when genuine politicians forget the true purpose of politics, the people eventually forget them - or worse, reject them. In time, many citizens even lose faith in politics itself. Time and again, during house visits, people tell you they have completely lost interest. On the other hand, when you are involved in politics as an act of service, people welcome you into their homes with warmth and respect, even if they do not support your political party. And when the time comes to cast their vote, your name is often the very first they choose.

Ivan Bartolo MP is Shadow Minister for Social Policy, Family and Social Housing