PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER “Democracy begins with active citizens” — Speaker Anġlu Farrugia

The Speaker of the House of Representatives today welcomed a group of young participants who visited the Parliament of Malta as part of an international youth participation activity organised by Proutist Universal Malta under the EU Erasmus+ programme.

During the meeting, the Speaker explained that Parliament should not be viewed simply as a building where political debate takes place, but as the central institution where the concerns, expectations and aspirations of citizens are brought together and discussed in the national interest. He emphasised that democracy does not begin inside parliamentary chambers but within society itself, through the everyday engagement of citizens in their communities and through discussions taking place in homes, schools and workplaces.

The discussion also focused on the programme's theme promoting the five elements for active citizenship, highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility, respectful communication, thoughtful reflection, empathy towards others and responsible civic behaviour. Speaker Farrugia encouraged the young participants to recognise that democracy ultimately depends on citizens who are willing to participate constructively in public life and to contribute positively to the wellbeing of their communities.