On 21 September, we celebrated 62 years of independence - an extraordinary achievement. Malta achieved independence through political struggle and negotiation rather than armed conflict, thanks, in no small measure, to the political astuteness and vision of George Borg Olivier.
After centuries of foreign domination, the Maltese could finally call themselves masters of their own destiny and begin shaping their future. It was a proud moment for Malta - finally standing tall as a free and democratic nation.
Since then, our democratic journey has taken us through several important chapters. We became a Republic and later joined the European Union as an equal among European nations.
However, perhaps it is time to ask a more provocative question:
Have we really become masters of our own destiny - or have we merely exchanged foreign masters for domestic ones?
Political independence is not merely about changing flags. It is about ensuring that our constitutional institutions remain accountable to the people and free from improper political or private influence.
'Power behind the throne' describes individuals who, without formally holding political office, nevertheless exercise considerable influence over those who do. I opt to call them 'fat cats' - greedy people who use money, connections and political opportunism to gain influence and protect their interests.
Although it would be unfair to tar everyone with the same brush, there are legitimate concerns about a handful of wealthy businesspeople. Their loyalty may have less to do with ideology than with access and opportunity. They know which doors to knock on, which relationships to cultivate and which buttons to press. Their objective is not necessarily to govern, but rather to influence those who govern.
Recently, Archbishop Scicluna was right in his remarks about 'networks of influence' and warned that if such networks become stronger than Malta's institutions, then we risk the 'capture of the nation itself'.
Although we democratically choose those who govern us, are these businesspeople operating behind our democratic institutions rendering politicians mere puppets on strings?
Who really has the clout? Who influences political decisions? Who has access to those in power? Who, behind closed doors, can influence the structures that determine who is elected to represent us?
These are uncomfortable questions, but they deserve answers.
The recent revelations surrounding the Yorgen Fenech case have made these questions even more pertinent and urgent.
The revelations that have emerged, with all their ramifications, have exposed deeply troubling issues concerning relationships between people close to those in positions of influence, business interests, State institutions, top police officials and individuals associated with Malta's criminal underworld.
Beyond the shocking verdict, credible evidence has emerged pointing to serious institutional failures involving police officers, public officials, former politicians and other public figures. These allegations must be investigated independently, regardless of how powerful or politically connected the individuals involved may be.
Nobody should be above the law.
This responsibility falls squarely on Robert Abela as the current Prime Minister. If he genuinely believes in the rule of law and our democratic institutions, he and his government must have the courage to let the truth emerge, even when that truth is uncomfortable or politically damaging.
Beyond these shocking revelations, however, and within the wider political landscape, I have come to the sad conclusion that both parties, despite their good intentions and the many good people working within their structures, are unable to act 'independently' but are instead 'colonised' by the influence and greed of those who finance them.
Both parties are well aware of this reality, yet both will publicly deny any such association. Sadly, until they agree to introduce genuine and transparent party financing, they cannot bite the hand that feeds them.
Until then, Malta is not truly an independent nation.
Is there hope, one may ask? Yes, there is - but only if citizens and civil society unite to force change.
Joseph Muscat did not resign simply out of goodwill or love for the country. He was ultimately forced out by pressure from civil society and from within his own political movement.
The time has come for us, the citizens, to use that same democratic power.
NGOs and civil society organisations must come together and demand change.
We must force both political parties to take the necessary step and introduce genuine, transparent and effective party financing and truly independent constitutional entities. We have already seen this happen with the environmental planning bills and the Manoel Island saga: the government was adamant about proceeding with both, but made a U-turn when citizens stood up assertively.
The time for citizens to act is now. The longer we postpone reform, the harder it will be to restore public trust.
Malta's independence gave us the right to govern ourselves. However, independence is not merely a historical event celebrated every 21 September. True independence exists only when our institutions are genuinely independent, free from improper political or private influence, and when politics safeguards the wellbeing of the many - the common good - rather than protecting the interests of the greedy few.
Independence gave us the keys to our own house. However, true independence means making sure that the house key belongs to the people - not to a privileged handful of fat cats who have convinced themselves that they own Malta.
Albert Buttigieg is former mayor of St Julians and former MP
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