WATCH | Meet Your Candidate – Josef Bugeja

1. What fresh ideas do you bring to Malta’s political system? 

Although a new candidate, I have a lot of experience which I believe will be very useful in my political life. I know what the realities of our workers and families are because I have lived with them, and I know what it takes to improve their quality of life. I believe in the policy of dialogue and compromise based on values. In my career in trade unionism, I learned the art of compromise. To reach the greatest milestones, and bequeath a legacy of common good, one must be ready to listen, understand the other person’s position, and be able to persuade them. Hatred and attacks are out of place, when we can reach more people through dialogue. 

2. What are the three most pressing challenges facing the country in the next five years? 

Malta is part of a much larger world that is changing and developing, so we are constantly affected by everything that is happening around us. War is just one factor. 

Technology too is radically changing the world of work, and as a country we must invest strongly in the skills of workers so as not to lose jobs and safeguard the livelihoods of all. No one should be left behind. There is an opportunity for everyone. 

The effects of insularity are increasingly being felt, especially in the context of international instability. We must work closely with our partners in the EU and international fora, to address the impact of logistical constraints mainly on our industry, because ultimately, the impact is always borne by families.  

Above all, I feel that we must necessarily strengthen enforcement across the country to foster greater civic sense and respect for each other, if we are to achieve a better standard of living and a more serene life. 

3. Why did you decide to run for election? 

The worker, whom I have always been there for. I represent them, listen to them and understand their pains, and it has fostered in me a strong sense of empathy. From a trade-unionist career in which my job was to put pressure on behalf of workers, I now want to move to the next chapter where I legislate for workers, pensioners and parents.  

4. What is one issue you are most personally passionate about, and why? 

Undoubtedly, social justice. I genuinely believe that a country, an economy, that a system must work for everyone without leaving anyone out. Despite our economic success, around us I see people who still feel neglected, or invisible, and I consider it my responsibility to give them a voice. Social mobility is the sister of social justice, and I believe that this is the way forward for a better life and to live better together as a nation.  

5. Outside of politics, how do you like to spend your free time? 

I love reading, watching Formula 1 and football, and I love summer and spending time by the sea, but above all, every chance I get to visit my daughter who lives in England. I miss her a lot. Social media has improved communication between us, but we miss our long discussions on various topics. 

Meet Your Candidate is a MaltaToday sponsored production aimed at providing visibility to candidates from all political parties during the 2026 general election