WATCH | Meet Your Candidate – Ramona Attard

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 have been serving in parliament since January 2025. Despite the relatively short time, I managed to place the discussion on homework reform on the national agenda. I believe children should have a balance between revision at home and the opportunity to enjoy their childhood and family life. 

I also advocated for increased maternity and parental leave. From being one of the countries with the lowest maternity leave in the EU, our electoral proposals will now place Malta among the countries with the most generous leave arrangements. This reform will truly improve the lives of Maltese and Gozitan families. 

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

In life, there will always be decisions you look back on differently because every experience teaches you something. However, I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. Rather than dwelling on what I could have done differently, I try to focus on the positive lessons from every experience and use them to continue growing both personally and politically. 

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

We must ensure the economy continues to grow sustainably. A strong economy is the foundation of everything, because without it we cannot continue investing in public services, education, healthcare and the care of our elderly. Given the unstable international situation, we cannot take economic stability for granted. 

The second major challenge is traffic. The government has never believed this problem should be solved by increasing driving licence costs or fuel prices. Instead, it invested in free public transport and fast ferry services. Significant infrastructure projects were also completed in areas such as Mrieħel and Luqa. We also need more frequent bus routes, better village connectivity, and modern bus shelters with air conditioning and live information monitors. 

The third challenge is preparing future generations for technological change. Our education system must equip children with critical thinking, creativity and the skills needed for a rapidly changing world. 

4. Why did you decide to contest the election? 

In many ways, politics always found me. When I had decided to take a short break from politics to focus on my profession after having twins, just three months later Robert Abela asked me to contest for the role of party president. 

When I later stepped down, Robert Abela asked me to be co-opted into parliament. However, the real moment that convinced me to accept the parliamentary seat and contest the general election was a WhatsApp message from a woman who had spoken during the party’s general conference before the last election. She had appealed for changes to Malta’s IVF laws—reforms we implemented within the first 100 days of the legislature. At the time, she told me she had been trying to become a mother for five years. Today, she has a beautiful daughter. That message reminded me how politics can truly change people’s lives.  

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

Education is an issue I care deeply about. I believe we must prepare children for a rapidly changing future by equipping them with the skills they will need in life and at the workplace, while also ensuring they can still enjoy their childhood without unnecessary pressure.  

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

I enjoy spending time with my family, especially going for countryside walks where I can relax and enjoy quality time with my loved ones. 

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