From Mr M. Rizzo

The term “princeps” usually translates as “first citizen” and was an official title of a Roman Emperor. It is derived from Princeps Senatus (the primus inter pares of the senate). This title was given to Emperor Augustus in 23 BC, who was wise enough to see that the use of the title “rex” (king) or “dictator” would surely create resentment among senators and other influential men, who earlier on had demonstrated their disapproval by supporting the assassination of Julius Caesar.

The Latin phrase primus inter pares (first among equals) is usually used when referring to a certain group of people from a specific profession, one of whom is above the others for some reason or another. The Prime Minister is considered primus inter pares. Though he is considered the most important among his ministers, it all boils down to the fact that his position started out as a simple minister. The idea has a political influence, because it is often seen as “one of us” rather than some detached super being. The Prime Minister may be the leader of the government, but he is still just a minister who shares the same collective responsibilities as stipulated in our Constitution, and I quote Article 79 (2):

“The Cabinet shall have the general direction and control of the Government of Malta and shall be collectively responsible to Parliament.”

We have just began our short election campaign and it stands to reason that the Maltese electorate and the media should expect to be informed and addressed collectively and not solely by the outgoing Prime Minister. It is plainly evident that Dr Gonzi is playing as a one-man band for various reasons, not to mention the deficiencies of bad governance, the arrogance of his fellow ministers and the rampant knee-deep corruption. Gonzi’s sole appearance reminds our veterans of the Jones Party in the early 1950s.

The increased personalisation of the leadership in a number of European countries has led to Prime Ministers becoming themselves “semi-presidential” figures, due in part to media coverage of politics that focuses on the leader. Dr Gonzi is no exception, but at the same time we cannot blame him.

With the recent sweep of corruption revealed so far by the Labour Party and ex PN activists, Dr Gonzi seems to be more comfortable on his own rather in the faded shadows of his colleagues.

Manuel Rizzo

MOSTA