Meet Your Candidate - Joseph Grech

1. As a candidate what fresh ideas do you bring to Malta’s political system? 

I come from a generation where trust in politicians and the political system is hard to find. Too many people have become disconnected from politics because they no longer believe politicians genuinely lead by example. I believe public office should once again be associated with integrity, accountability, and professionalism. 

Being a litigation lawyer, I bring a solutions-oriented approach. I believe Malta needs politicians who are prepared to speak honestly about the country’s challenges and focus on practical solutions rather than partisan rhetoric. 

I also bring the perspective and energy of a younger generation that wants change now, not at some distant point in the future. 

2. What are the three pressing challenges facing the country in the next 5 years? 

The rising cost of living, overdevelopment and infrastructure strain, and environmental sustainability. 

The cost of living is becoming one of the biggest concerns for families and young people, particularly in relation to housing affordability, wages, and everyday expenses. Financial pressures are making it increasingly difficult for many people to plan for the future with confidence. 

Malta is also facing growing pressures from overdevelopment, traffic congestion, population growth, and strained infrastructure. Economic growth must be balanced with proper planning and a better quality of life for residents. 

Malta must take environmental protection more seriously. People are increasingly concerned about excessive construction, loss of open spaces, pollution, and the long-term impact this is having on health and quality of life. Sustainable development must become a genuine national priority rather than simply a political slogan. 

3. Why did you decide to run for election? 

I decided to run for election because I believe Malta needs a new generation of leaders who are prepared to raise standards in politics and genuinely serve the public interest. This is what the PN is offering. 

Why now? Because we cannot wait. Malta is at an important juncture in its development. The decisions we take today on development legislation, infrastructure, quality of life, governance and so many other subjects will shape the country’s future generations. As a younger candidate and a father, I cannot simply watch, I want to contribute directly, and politics remains the best tool at our disposal to affect change. 

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

Every day during my home visits, I meet people who are genuinely concerned about the direction this country is heading in. So many ask the same questions: What will Malta look like in 10 years’ time? Will our children enjoy the same quality of life we once had? Will there still be open spaces, a sense of community, and opportunities for young people to build a future here? 

These concerns are shared by families, young people, pensioners, and workers who feel that the country is changing too quickly and, at times, without a clear long-term vision. 

This is an issue I am deeply passionate about because I believe Malta needs leadership that looks beyond the next election and starts planning seriously for the next generation. Economic growth cannot come at the expense of our environment, infrastructure, quality of life, and national identity. 

I believe we need more responsible and long-term decision-making so that future generations inherit a country they are proud to call home. 

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

I try spending most of my free time with my family. Together with my wife we have a soon -to-be one-year-old boy and seeing him grow over the past year has been wonderful. I also love maintaining a social life. I’ve been blessed with lots of friends and family, so I try and catch up with them whenever I can. 

I also have a strong interest in history, international affairs, space exploration and geopolitics. 

I also enjoy a good movie or series which I can binge on over the weekend! But we’ll leave all that for when the election season is over! 

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