Roderick Galdes

During his tenure as Qormi Mayor (2001–2004), Galdes is best remembered for the vast infrastructural projects undertaken throughout the locality, including resurfacing of the road network.

At the age of 29, Galdes became a Member of Parliament, replacing long-serving MP John Attard Montalto who was elected to serve as an MEP in Brussels.

[5] Upon taking the oath of office, then Labour leader Alfred Sant gave Galdes the responsibility to shadow the Environment and National Heritage ministry.

[9] Consequently, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat appointed him as Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights under the Ministry of Environment.

[18] Under Galdes, Malta enacted its first National Agricultural Policy,[19] inaugurated a new botanic garden Ġnien il-Pjanti Maltin to safeguard and conserve Maltese trees and plants,[20] launched the first Animal Welfare Fund to assist NGOs and sanctuaries[21] and initiated upgrades at the Pitkalija market.

[23] Taking office as junior Minister for Social Housing, Galdes immediately launched a number of initiatives related to the sector.

[28] On 15 October 2018, Galdes published a detailed White Paper on rent reform, encouraging longer leases, regulating rental increases, without imposing any fixed prices.

[29] The proposed rent reform was lauded by Employers,[30] a coalition of 20 Social NGOs,[31] Caritas Malta,[32] Developers,[33] Architects,[34] Trade-Unions, and CEOs of Gaming companies among others.

[35] Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said the rent reform piloted by Roderick Galdes 'aimed to protect the most vulnerable while allowing the market to operate as freely as possible'.