A parliament that matters

The adjournment of parliament for the summer offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and assess what has been achieved since the opening of the 15th Legislature. Although only five weeks have passed, they have demonstrated both the immense responsibility entrusted to parliament and the urgency with which that responsibility must be exercised.

For those of us in the opposition, parliament is not simply a chamber for speeches or political theatre. It is the institution through which government is held accountable, public money is scrutinised and the concerns of citizens are brought before the nation. That responsibility begins on the very first day of a legislature and does not diminish with the passing of time.

Since parliament reconvened, we have sought to approach our role with seriousness and determination. In these five weeks, I have personally tabled 545 parliamentary questions across a wide range of sectors, seeking transparency on government expenditure, recruitment within the public service, the management of public finances, healthcare, infrastructure, governance, taxation and the administration of public entities.

Parliamentary questions may not always attract headlines but they remain one of the most powerful tools available to MPs. They compel ministers to account for their decisions. They uncover information that would otherwise remain hidden. They build a public record against which governments may ultimately be judged.

Good governance depends not only on good intentions but on continuous scrutiny.

Our work has extended beyond the chamber itself. We have participated actively in parliamentary committees, examined legislation, proposed amendments where necessary and contributed constructively to debates affecting the lives of Maltese and Gozitan families.

Opposition does not mean obstruction. It means offering alternatives, highlighting shortcomings and insisting that government decisions withstand public examination.

As shadow finance minister, I have sought to focus particular attention on the sustainability of our public finances. Economic growth is welcome but growth alone cannot become the measure of national success. We must also ask whether public expenditure is sustainable, whether taxpayers are receiving value for money and whether today’s decisions are safeguarding tomorrow’s prosperity.

A healthy economy is built not only upon favourable statistics but upon confidence in our institutions, fairness in our tax system, responsible public spending and a regulatory framework that commands international respect.

Malta has made significant economic progress over recent decades. That progress should never be taken for granted. It requires constant vigilance, sound governance and a willingness to confront weaknesses before they become crises.

This legislature also begins at a time when our country faces challenges that extend well beyond economics. Families continue to grapple with the rising cost of living. Affordable housing remains out of reach for many young people. Businesses operate in an increasingly uncertain international environment. Our healthcare system continues to experience pressures. Infrastructure requires long-term planning rather than short-term solutions. Public confidence in institutions must continue to be strengthened.

We will continue to ask difficult questions- Adrian Delia

None of these challenges will be solved through slogans. They require competence, transparency and political maturity.

Throughout these first weeks, we have also sought to raise broader questions concerning Malta’s international reputation, financial governance and institutional credibility. Our country’s standing abroad is not an abstract concept. It influences investment, employment opportunities, financial services and our ability to compete internationally.

Protecting Malta’s reputation is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a national responsibility.

Parliament functions best when robust disagreement is accompanied by mutual respect. Democracy is strengthened not by silencing criticism but by responding to it with facts, evidence and accountability. Vigorous debate is essential. Personal hostility is not.

Our constitutional institutions deserve respect because they belong to the people, not to whichever political party happens to hold office.

As parliament adjourns, our work does not stop. The issues affecting families, workers, pensioners, students and businesses do not take a summer break. Neither should the commitment of those elected to represent them.

The coming months should not simply be viewed as a pause before political activity resumes. They should be an opportunity to continue engaging with citizens, listening to their concerns and preparing proposals that can improve the quality of public administration and strengthen our country’s future.

Politics should never become an exercise in managing headlines. It should remain an exercise in serving people.

The 15th Legislature is still in its earliest days. Much remains to be done. The challenges before us are significant but so too are the opportunities.

Our commitment is clear. We will continue to ask difficult questions when difficult questions need to be asked. We will continue to support measures that genuinely serve the national interest. We will continue to oppose decisions that undermine good governance, transparency or fiscal responsibility. And, above all, we will continue to place the interests of the Maltese and Gozitan people above partisan convenience.

Parliament matters because accountability matters. Democracy matters because citizens matter.

As we conclude this first chapter of the 15th Legislature, our message is a simple one: our work has begun and our commitment to serve with integrity, diligence and purpose remains as strong as ever.

Adrian Delia is the shadow finance minister.