Sir Temi Zammit hall was packed with University and JC students during yesterday’s political debate. The debate takes place every election year and it is hosted by the , the moderator for this year was Ms Yasmin Ellul, a fifth year Law student.
The political parties attending the debate were; Labour party (Dr Robert Abela), Nationalist Party (Dr Bernard Grech), ADPD (Dr Carmel Caccopardo) , Abba party (Mr Ivan Grech Mintoff) and Partit popolari (Mr Paul Salamone). The debate commenced with a two minute introductory speech by all leaders.
The debate was divided into several themes which were chosen by students and followed by Q&A by students in the audience.
First theme discussed was about Malta’s contribution towards the war between Ukraine and Russia and the leaders were asked ‘What do you think is the best we can do as a state and how can we prepare for the forthcoming challenges of this war?’
Second theme tackled was about the quality of public transport in Malta and the leaders were asked ‘What do you propose so that public transport becomes the most used method of travelling?’
Third theme was about one of the most crucial topics all over the world, about climate change and pollution. Ms Yasmin Ellul asked the different parties ‘What are you proposing so that we have a better quality of life, reduce pollution and tackle the effects of climate change?’
Fourth question was about first time buyers and graduate incentives. The question asked was ‘What measures are you proposing for first-time buyers, especially for recent graduates?’
The following topic was about the educational sector and the party leaders responded to the question ‘What is the vision towards the educational sector, especially at tertiary level?’
The next question by students was ‘How much of a priority will sexual health be in the next 5 years and what are your solutions?’
Another theme discussed at the debate was about the local media and the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the party leaders answered to ‘What are you going to do differently to implement the recommendations of the enquiry board?’
The closing question of the debate was about future projects between Malta and Gozo and the leaders were asked to clarify on ‘What is your position about the Gozo tunnel and how can we improve the connection between our islands?’
All political party leaders were asked to conclude with a closing statement.
The debate can be viewed .
