Throughout the past 15 months, the PN has made several attempts to regain the trust of the public, pledging it will strive to return to being the people’s party. Immediately after the election, the party set up a commission evaluating the election’s defeat. Later on, a commission was set up to revise the party’s statute.
Meanwhile, a number of opinion leaders speculated on what might have contributed to the party’s downfall, or what current standpoints are not helping the party get back on its feet. Activists within the party are in a general agreement that the party is taking its first steps forward. But others believe that while progress has been made, more needs to be done.
In comments to this newspaper, Dr Ann Fenech said that looking back, she is amazed at what the party has achieved in the last year and a half. “We are going the extra mile to meet up with families and businesses, taking the time required to get to know their needs. So many individuals are reintegrating within the party, even after admitting they have been somehow let down by the PN. Furthermore, others who have never publicly expressed any political interest are coming forward, offering their expertise and help. The feedback is immense.”
The detailed report following the election was carefully evaluated by the party. Following that, a number of specific commissions were set up. The forum of professionals serves as a platform allowing graduates and people working in different professions to express their views. This week, the party announced a board set up to monitor the financial operations within the party. “What is of utmost importance is the fact that the party did not merely lay out objectives on paper, but has set out to achieve them,” Dr Fenech added.
PN needs to admit its mistakes - Franco Debono
Former Nationalist MP Franco Debono, whose vote back in 2013 forced the Nationalist government’s dissolution, believes that although the party seems to have taken the first steps, there is a long journey ahead, and attitudes of party members need to change. “The public will grumble and shy away from electoral winners who are not humble and down to earth, let alone electoral losers who are not humble enough to admit their mistakes, acknowledge what went wrong, and provide a remedy where possible. The PN must overcome the siege mentality that led to catastrophic results and be willing to build bridges especially with people who wished to genuinely contribute but were ignored.”
“The first signs do show that the party is coming back to its senses, and realising what some have been foretelling for years. A few days ago, the party said that all those wishing to contribute are welcome to do so, but this is a far cry from some confrontational stances we’ve witnessed in the recent past.”
Dr Debono added that the party needs to analyse in depth why it chose not to heed the advice of those who wanted to steer the party in the right direction, and who have been proved right by recent events and electoral outcomes. Ahead of the 2013 general election, Dr Debono publicly criticised members of the Nationalist Party on several issues, pointing out to internal troubles within the party. “The party needs to go back to regarding the human person with dignity and self respect as the core of all political activity – the time for polarisation is over.”
Trust in electoral losers only built gradually - Said
General Secretary Chris Said believes that structural changes within the PN are proving fruitful; however, one cannot expect that objectives will be reached within a year or two, but rather over a number of years. “Slowly”, he said, “people are realising that the PN is based upon solid foundations, and members are making their utmost to meet with individuals from all walks of life across Malta and Gozo.” The forum for equal rights ensures that different members of society meet up and discuss mutual issues, ensuring that diversity unites rather than divides. “Within the Nationalist Party, these people have found a family ready to listen and discuss issues that directly affect the public. The people expect a credible opposition as much as a credible government.
Trust is only built gradually - Schiavone
Former PN activist Hermann Schiavone also believes the party is on the right track. In comments to The Malta Independent, Dr Schiavone stressed that following an electoral defeat, it takes a minimum of three years for a party to get back on its feet, a theory that has been proven by several research studies. “The public tends to hold a grudge against the political party in question, and trust is only built gradually. Currently we are still in a phase were mistakes by the government are somewhat excused by the fact that the PN had acted in the same, or in a similar way previously.”
Dr Schiavone added that the amendment process started a year ago, and even if results are not yet showing, the work is being done. He also said that a number of new faces have joined the party’s executive, putting forward innovative ideas. He is positive, that in the years leading up to the next general election, the PN would have registered significant improvement.
Asked about the leadership, Dr Schiavone said he highly believes Simon Busuttil has the essential traits of a leader, adding that the Opposition leader should not be compared to his predecessors, and even if someone else leaded the PN during the MEP election campaign, the result would have still been the same.