The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) said that it “advocates for a meritocratic framework wherein policy advisors and consultants to decision-makers meet the necessary academic qualifications and experience, and adhere to high ethical standards.”

The MFPA was referring to a comment made by Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo to the Times of Malta, when he said, “in life, it is not just about diplomas or degrees. In life you have those who are able (to work) because of their experience.”

In a statement endorsed by sixteen organisations, the MFPA went on to say that “education forms the foundational building blocks of all professions. MFPA has consistently expressed serious concerns regarding declining educational standards, as evidenced through MATSEC examination results, questionable hiring practices which ignore lack of suitable qualifications including not least political appointments of persons of trust as consultants to Ministers.”

In this regard, MFPA said it distanced itself from public comments by high members of Government, “which discount the necessity of qualifications, experience and ethical standards for consultancy positions in Public service.”

It argued that “such irresponsible claims undermine and discredit the need for students to pursue academic education to attain qualifications in the form of diplomas and degrees, and for professionals in all areas of practice to strive to enhance their practice through continuing professional development during the course of their service to society.”

“These declarations continue to encourage the decline of educational standards and lack of professionalism and accountability in our country,” said MFPA. “We already have several professions which are plagued with trumped-up positions filled by lesser-qualified people attempting to do the work of qualified and warranted professionals.”

Masking deficiencies in qualifications, experience and accountability of individuals in any position, especially those in high-ranking ones, as well as the proliferation of dubious designations undermine the integrity of our professions and tarnish the social fabric.

MFPA reiterated that professionalism “is not merely a title but a commitment to ethical standards, social responsibility and fitness for purpose. Professions are a vital component of civil society, and we urge and encourage our youth and students to pursue careers defined by diligence and genuine passion.”

It concluded by saying that “during these weeks when thousands of students are celebrating their graduation after years of studies and patience, let us praise their resilience rather than send a message that all their sacrifices were frivolous. Together, let us cultivate a society grounded in true meritocracy and democratic values.”

This statement is endorsed by:

MAPCo-Re: The Malta Association of Professional Conservator-Restorers

Kamra tal-Periti

Kamra tal-Ispi?jara ta’ Malta

Association of Speech Language Pathologists – ASLP Malta

Chamber of Engineers

Dental Association of Malta

Malta Chamber of Psychologists

Malta Association for the Counselling Profession – MACP

Maltese Association of Social Workers

Association of Podiatrists of Malta – APM

MAY – The Maltese Association of Youth Workers

Malta Association of Physiotherapists

Malta Medical Association

Society of Medical Radiographers Malta

Malta Association Of Occupational Therapists

Malta Veterinary Association.

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