In my four decades plus of existence, I can only remember one other week that was as difficult for our country as the one we have all just witnessed and experienced. For as long as I can remember, and provided my memory is not playing tricks on me, a week with so many tense events unravelling on a daily basis with no break I can only compare to one particular week in November 1986, when our country was on the verge of civil war. That week was characterised by the non-observance, disregard and interference with the right of freedom of assembly of the Nationalist Party in their civil protest in Tal-Barrani, Zejtun, which event was followed, a few days later, by the tragic event which remained imprinted in local politics as the darkest day in recent and not so recent history − that of the murder of an innocent bystander, Raymond Caruana, on 5 November 1986 at the Nationalist Party Club in Gudja. That week shaped Maltese politics and we all prayed and still pray that we will never live another dark moment such as that.

This week undoubtedly comes second in line as a defining moment in Maltese political history. Backbench rebellion led to the fall of the government on Monday and, as forecasted an event as one may say it was, it was still a major happening that had the public glued to television and radio sets and the Internet to live and relive the events that were unfolding minute by minute, whether with joy or anger. Personally, it was a sad affair that a democratic expression of governance was brought down single-handedly for personal motivations.

Tuesday saw the prosecution in court of Silvio Zammit, the alleged link in Commissioner John Dalli’s resignation from the post of Commissioner of the European Commission. As the details emerged of the attempted illegality, details, which did no good to Malta’s reputation, there was one point that seems to have been missed − the part the Swedish company played in its attempt to influence illegally a Commissioner of the European Commission.

On Wednesday evening, information was leaked that the police had arrested a judge in connection with a drug-related illegality. This was surely turning out to be a bad week for civil society and our integrity as a nation was surely under attack at this stage. Judge Pace was charged in court the following day, with many questioning how such events could have happened. Have we not learnt from what happened 10 years ago? Do we have such short memories? This is a story that will stay with us for long and which merits its own observations, maybe yet to come.

One of our pillars of democracy has been once again severely dented. It will take years to restore public confidence in our legal and judicial institutions, but we must not give up; we actually all have to work harder to restore their image and to instil in the general public the confidence that these institutions merit. However, here as well, this will not happen only with good intentions; it has to happen together with decisive action, with the implementation of the appropriate legal measures and amendments that are long overdue and without which we risk more adverse events. Our politicians have to put their words into action and have to forget their party differences. The parties have no other option but to agree on reform. I have long mentioned the reforms that are necessary to certain legislation − the Industrial Tribunal founding act, for one. Such observations, although popularly supported, have not found the necessary political support to be tabled in Parliament.

On Friday, we heard about the political decision taken by the Labour Party not to send its then deputy leader to participate in a television programme it had committed itself to take part in and to send, in his stead, Nationalist member of Parliament Franco Debono. By now, there is not one person who has not witnessed, heard or read about the decision and the events that followed.

Labour backtracked on this political decision within 24 hours and the debate went on air the following evening. This decision had the country glued once again to their television sets, but it was definitely not one of the easiest moments for broadcast media.

Saturday saw two impeachment motions presented by the Prime Minster against two members of the judiciary, Judges Ray Pace and Lino Farrugia Sacco. Ray Pace resigned within hours after the impeachment motion was presented, while Lino Farrugia Sacco did not, challenging the impeachment. His comments to the media regarding the Prime Minister’s decision before the impeachment motion was filed did little to help him or to restore faith in the judiciary.

The decision regarding Lino Farrugia Sacco rests with the Commission for the Administration of Justice, which is now under pressure to deliver its opinion and more importantly, to deliver its opinion within a reasonable time. All eyes are on the Commission for the Administration of Justice, the public are looking to it for direction and expeditious action is not a choice but an obligation in the circumstances. It cannot fail.

As though the events of this week were not enough, and as though the judiciary did not have its fair share of publicity, on Sunday, the Labour Party’s then deputy leader made some observations on a member of the judiciary and her conclusions. The consequences of these comments have spilled over, leading to the shock resignation of Anglu Farrugia from his post as deputy leader of the Labour Party.

This had two effects, the first being that my prediction that Malta will have a deputy Prime Minister from my law course of ’87 is now in jeopardy. Secondly, and more importantly, the fact that this country was hoping to take a much-needed break from politics to meditate, think and participate in one of the most important events of the year is now shattered. The country will have, once again, an overdose of politics in its printed, broadcast and digital media throughout the Christmas holidays. 

Tuesday coming is Christmas, a time for reflection and giving; let us all try to take a well-earned break with our dear ones, thinking of those passing through difficult times, and praying for a good 2013. A Merry Christmas to everyone!