I was asked to either form my own mock political party or run as an independent MP. I ended up starting a party called “Partit Impatt” (Impact Party), which consisted of four people including myself.

In preparation, we held weekly meetings to discuss and share research on the role of the President and surrogacy. After thorough discussions, we reached a point where we needed to elect a President, who would deliver the introduction speech on 16th September.

Two people, myself and another member were nominated, and although the other candidate won, I was genuinely happy for him, as he truly deserved it.

After about four meetings, we split into two groups to draft bills and amendments for the event. I focused on an amendment related to the President’s role, as a new bill wasn’t necessary.

The amendment I worked on aimed to address the President’s position in Chapter 5 of the Maltese Constitution, which, though largely ceremonial, carries some executive powers. This proposal was inspired by a 2022 incident when Malta’s former President George Vella refused to sign the IVF bill due to personal beliefs.

To prevent similar constitutional issues, my party’s amendment imposed restrictions on who can be appointed as President and held them accountable if they refuse to assent to legislation. It also outlines a process for removing a President who blocks laws, ensuring their actions align with the will of Parliament.

D-Day: September 16

I woke up at 6:30 am, eager to head to Parliament. I carefully hung my clothes on the chair next to my bed, ensuring everything was ready and avoiding the usual last-minute scramble. My shoes were polished, my bag packed, and every detail meticulously arranged.

The speeches I had rehearsed countless times were neatly stacked, ready to be taken to Parliament.

By 8:30 am, I arrived at the Maltese Parliament. The room was adorned with the iconic green chairs and the polished woodwork that gives the space its distinguished character. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation for the national youth parliament that was set to commence at 9:00 am.

The day’s event began with a speech by the Honourable Anġlu Farrugia. Before the session started, a minute of silence was held in memory of Karl Gouder, a former Nationalist MP. This was followed by a speech from Sarah Xuereb, KNZ’s International Officer.

Then, the parties began presenting their proposals. First up was my party, Partit Impatt, with a six-minute introduction and presentation on the role of the President of Malta. This was followed by Partit Mexxej (the Leader Party) and Partit Vuċi Kollettiv (the Collective Voice Party), each with their six-minute presentations on the same topic.

Afterwards, we engaged in a 20-minute debate on the proposals that had been presented. I spoke twice, specifically opposing the proposals by Partit Vuċi Kollettiv. Following the debate, we voted on all the proposals presented by the three parties.

Next, we moved onto the topic of the legalisation of surrogacy. Each party presented its introduction, and when it came to this debate, even though I didn’t speak, I actively contributed by writing notes and providing rebuttal ideas to my colleague beside me.

Voting resumed this time on the proposals related to surrogacy, with each party’s ideas being scrutinised.

The session concluded with closing remarks from the Honourable Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, followed by Honourable Graziella Attard Previ, Shadow Minister for Equality, Civil Liberties and Children’s Rights; Honourable Bernice Bonello, Shadow Minister for Youth and the Creation of New Spaces; and Honourable Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality.

Reflecting on this event at first, I found it quite disheartening when my proposals on the Presidential reform didn’t pass, especially after putting so much thought and effort into crafting them.

Despite this, I had to remind myself that this is all part of the democratic process. In a system where various ideas and opinions are shared, debated, and voted upon, there will always be moments where not everyone will agree.

What I can say for sure is that it was a humbling experience, but it also reinforces the importance of persistence and resilience in pushing for change, even when immediate results aren’t achieved.

Ultimately, participating in these events and seeing the outcome taught me that democracy, with all its complexities, thrives on collective decision-making.