WATCH | Meet Your Candidate – Lisa Cassar Shaw

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

The fresh contribution I bring is shaped by three things: Listening, practical delivery, and dignity. 

Listening, because politics must stay close to what families, workers, older persons, businesses and communities are actually experiencing. Delivery, because people do not only want promises; they want services and systems that work. Dignity, because Malta’s progress must always be measured by how people live—whether older persons are respected, families are supported, communities remain liveable, and economic success is felt in everyday life.  

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

The first challenge is moving from strong economic growth to quality growth. Malta’s economy has performed well, and we should recognise that. But the next stage must be about productivity, skills, higher-value work, better infrastructure and making sure growth improves people’s lives. The second challenge is quality of life. People feel pressure from traffic, housing, public spaces, services, and the pace of change. Economic success must be matched by liveable communities. The third challenge is social resilience for families, older persons, children, workers and vulnerable people. We need to support families better, value care, invest in skills and make sure no one is left behind. 

3. Why did you decide to run for election? 
I decided to run because I feel I have reached a stage in life where I can contribute with maturity, seriousness and a real sense of service. I am not entering politics for a title. I am entering because I believe public life should be about improving people’s lives. My experiences have brought me close to families, older persons, workers, service providers, students, and communities. I have seen how decisions made at national level affect people in very practical ways. I am contesting with the Labour Party because I believe in a politics that combines economic progress with social justice – a politics that supports workers, families, older persons, children and vulnerable people, while keeping Malta ambitious and forward-looking. 

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

The issue closest to my heart is dignity in care, especially for older persons and vulnerable people. A society should be judged by how it treats those who may not always have the strongest voice. Older persons are not just service users; they are people with history, relationships, preferences, rights and a lifetime of contribution. Families caring for older relatives also need recognition and support, because many carry a heavy emotional and practical responsibility. My experience in social care has strengthened my belief that standards, compassion and accountability must go together. Good care is not only about buildings or systems. It is about dignity, safety, respect and trust. And this is also part of the Labour tradition I believe in. 

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

Like many mothers, much of my free time is family time. I value the simple moments; being with my husband and children, catching up properly, enjoying a quiet meal, speaking with friends, and having time to slow down. Public life and professional life can be very demanding, so family keeps me grounded. It reminds me why politics matters in the first place. I also think it is important for anyone in public life to remain connected to ordinary life. That is where you keep perspective. 

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