Elections in Malta, the Country Where Game of Thrones Was Filmed

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John Merolla

Reporter, Life News Today

This weekend, while much of Europe was closely following international conflicts, inflation and debates about the future of the European Union, a small Mediterranean country once again made headlines. Malta held general elections and the result confirmed a political trend that has been going on for more than a decade: the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, achieved a historic fourth consecutive victory and will continue to govern the country.

Although Malta may seem like an unknown name to many, the reality is that it is one of the most unique and interesting countries in Europe. With only about 550,000 inhabitants and an area smaller than that of many Latin American cities, this small archipelago located between Sicily and North Africa has a historical, economic and geopolitical relevance that far exceeds its size. The elections reflected one of the country's most striking characteristics: political stability. Unlike other European democracies, where governments are constantly changing or rely on complex coalitions, here the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party dominate the political scene. On this occasion, the ruling party once again prevailed thanks to a solid economy, low levels of unemployment and sustained growth that is among the best in Europe. However, behind the economic numbers there is a much more fascinating story.

Malta is one of those places where every street seems to hide centuries of history. Its strategic position in the centre of the Mediterranean meant that practically all the great civilisations of the region passed through its coasts. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, and British all left their mark on the islands, creating a cultural mix that is difficult to find anywhere else in the world. The capital, Valletta, is probably one of the most impressive examples of how history can coexist with modernity. Built in the 16th century by the famous Knights of Malta, the city was designed as a virtually impregnable fortress. Today its stone streets, baroque churches and monumental walls attract millions of tourists every year. Walking through Valletta is like touring an open-air museum. From the traditional balconies jutting out of the buildings to the massive fortifications overlooking the harbour, everything seems to remind us that Malta was for centuries one of the most important military positions in the Mediterranean. Perhaps the historical episode that best explains this importance occurred in 1565, when the Ottoman Empire attempted to conquer the island at the famous Great Siege of Malta. For months, the Knights of the Order withstood one of the most intense sieges of the time. This victory was celebrated throughout Europe and made Malta a symbol of resistance against the Ottoman advance. But Malta does not live only on its past.

In the last twenty years, the country has achieved an amazing economic transformation. While other European economies were struggling, Malta bet on financial services, technology, high-quality tourism and attracting foreign investment. Its accession to the European Union in 2004 further accelerated this process. Currently, many international companies choose to set up operations in Malta due to its competitive tax system, political stability, and widespread use of English. In fact, a large part of the population speaks English quite naturally, a direct inheritance from more than 150 years of British rule.

That combination of history, pleasant weather, and economic opportunities also made the country an attractive destination for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and international students. It is not uncommon to find young Italians, French, Germans or Spaniards living temporarily on the islands while studying English or working for technology companies. Of course, growth also brought challenges. During the election campaign, one of the most discussed issues was the increase in the cost of living. Strong economic growth led to an increase in rents and increasing pressure on urban infrastructure. In addition, the massive arrival of foreign workers generated debates about the country's ability to sustain this rate of expansion. Even so, Malta continues to be one of the countries with the lowest unemployment in Europe and maintains economic indicators that many governments on the continent are watching carefully.

Another little-known aspect is its importance within the film industry. Thanks to its historic landscapes and clear waters, Malta has been the setting for international productions such as Gladiator, Troy and the Game of Thrones series. Its fortresses, ports and ancient cities allow you to easily recreate scenarios from different historical periods. In addition, the country has some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, making it one of the favorite destinations for scuba diving. Between underwater caves, reefs and ancient shipwrecks, Malta receives visitors from all over the world attracted by its natural wealth.

Perhaps most surprisingly, all of this is happening in an extremely small territory. With an area of just 316 square kilometres, Malta proves that a country's influence does not necessarily depend on its size. Over the centuries it managed to become a military fortress, a trading center, a strategic colony of the British Empire and, more recently, a modern economy integrated into the heart of Europe.