WATCH | Meet Your Candidate – Chris Bonett

1. Looking back at your term, what do you consider your most significant achievement in your ministry, and what impact has it had on people’s lives?

I am particularly proud of the work we started on the ferries and the creation of a proper sea-based public transport network. My vision was to give people more realistic alternatives, not only by improving what already exists, but by creating new connections and new habits.

With the Gozo-Buġibba-Sliema ferry service we took the next step towards making this vision true. Already, in its first week in activity the service was used by more than 12,000 passengers. That means less pressure on our road network.

2. With the benefit of hindsight, what is one decision you would approach differently, and what would you change if given the opportunity again?

We improved a lot in communicating with the public on projects such as the Msida Creek, where people were always duly informed about what was going on. That is the direction I believe in.

But if I had to approach one thing differently, I think we need to rethink how we reach people who do not always come forward such as young people. Young people understand traffic, public transport, urban spaces much differently but many of them still do not approach government with their ideas in the same way that older audiences do. They do not attend events, consultation sessions in the same volumes and end up not being heard properly. They have good ideas, but no clear route to present them.

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

Modernisation of the economy. Malta has changed rapidly, and our economic niches must keep adapting. We need an economy that remains competitive, attracts quality investment, creates better careers, and is supported by modern infrastructure and automation.

Better public transport. People need public transport that is reliable, frequent and practical. That means more investment, better planning, new routes, stronger connections, and a system that people can trust in their daily lives.

Greener infrastructure. Cleaner transport, more efficient infrastructure and smarter planning are not luxuries. They are necessary if we want Malta to remain competitive and liveable.

4. Why did you decide to run for election?

I have always been interested in improving society. For me, politics was not a sudden decision. It was a natural continuation of the things I believed in from a younger age. I was involved in activism; I always followed public affairs closely, and even the professional decisions I took in my life were connected to service and to the country. Politics is the environment where you can turn ideas into decisions, and decisions into change. I wanted to contribute directly to improving people’s lives and to be part of a government that does not only talk about progress, but works to deliver it.

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

The issue I am most passionate about is social justice, especially equality of opportunity. I believe people should have a fair chance to move forward in life, no matter where they come from, what school they attended, or what circumstances they were born into. Government has a responsibility to open doors, remove barriers and make sure talent and effort are not wasted. That is why I believe so strongly in the work of Labour governments.

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

I enjoy watching football and spending time with my family. Public life is demanding, so I value the moments where I can slow down and be with my wife Maxilene and two sons, Matteo and Luca. Watching my children grow and discover the world is one of the things that gives me the greatest joy. It also keeps me grounded. Politics can be intense, but family reminds you what really matters.

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