As Election Day looms closer we’ll bring you short interviews with those at the centre of the ballots – the candidates themselves.

The three political parties were sent the same questions to pass on to their respective candidates. To date the Nationalist party has sent no replies.

Architect, Edric Micallef, 35, is the current mayor of his hometown, M’Xlokk. He will be contesting the general elections on the 5th District (Birżebbuġa, Kirkop, Marsaxlokk, Mqabba, Qrendi, Sadi, Żurrieq)

What attracted you to choose a political career?

I have been representing people since my time at (on Senate and SACES). This was followed by 12 years in Local Council where one faces problems but is very limited in resources and faces a lot of bureaucracy to carry out the required work. 

What makes you believe in your party?

The sincere will to help the most vulnerable in society.

Which party values and policies do you cherish most?

The value to help first the most vulnerable; evaluating success not by general values (such as economic growth) but by the effect on the ground on all citizens; the environmental policies in particular the need to have better air quality.

What can you offer to the electorate and if elected are there any particular issues you will campaign for?

Expertise in infrastructure (especially roads construction) - in particular the need to give priority to traffic problems which effect people's everyday life and the whole economy; Experience in local issues in particular to southern villages and so will be campaigning for better environment in these areas, and more care to our heritage.

PL is breaking away from its traditional image, while PN is slowly moving towards a more inclusive attitude. What are your views on both?

PL realized that we have to break with the tradition of "the winner takes it all". There are valid people on all sides of the political spectrum which the country cannot afford to keep out. The PN still believe that the other side is simply bad.

Given your background (career) what policies and bill/s will you lobby for?

The PL manifesto is quite comprehensive and I think that effort should be made from all MPs to help in doing what is being promised. In particular, I would especially like to work towards the reform in the planning process, the Energy Plan, and better infrastructure.

What should the public expect from a new government?

An energetic government that deals with the real priorities of this country.

How do you rate the current electoral campaign and the proposals launched so far?

The campaign started with positive proposals coming out from the PL side with reactions from the PN. As soon as the PN realised that the PL does have proposals it increased its negative campaign based on fear, emphasizing phrases such as: if Labour gets elected we will run into a wall, tragedy, disaster.

‘Fil-Parlament ma jikbrux fjuri’ – How do you plan to be effective in Parliament?

First of all by being present, and then participate with all the available tools such as parliamentary committees, speeches, and parliamentary questions.

PL has been in the Opposition for years. Is the party ready to govern? Why?

Yes it is. It has a very good team of candidates which will surely result in a valid parliamentary group and cabinet. It has used the years in opposition to prepare a number of proposals which are collected in the manifesto. The PL has the energy and enthusiasm that is expected from a party who has been in waiting for a number of years.

Why should people vote in new blood over serving MPs? 

New blood would bring forward new innovative ideas, while serving experience would contribute with their experience. So I believe there should be a good mixture of both. The PL has a new young, energetic Leader who would surely require people of same generation with him apart from other experienced MPs.

In a parliamentary structure shrouded in allegations and lack of accountability, why do you want to get involved?

A good moral character would not be afraid to work in such circumstances. People who know me, especially those of my hometown, know that I have strong values of what is right and wrong. Thus, I look forward to enter in order to be a positive contributor to society.