Frequently, the political debate is taken out of context, and is either trivialised or blown out of all proportions. Of course political debate is necessary, even healthy,when conducted with the best of intentions. But the current puerile political debate is becoming seriously disappointing, as mud-slinging and political bickering are taking over significant current issues.
The parliamentary sessions’ monologues, with the occasional outburst topped with cynical comments, are becoming more of the norm than the exception. People’s concerns should be addressed with adequate explanations from the politicians and supported by robust investigations conducted by constitutional institutions to ensure transparency and accountability.
While most parliamentarians are at their best delivering soliloquies, they fail to address pertinent questions from journalists. Once again, recent media reports have exposed various Parliamentary Secretaries and Ministers, including the Prime Minister, who showed that they are not capable of handling journalists with respect and dignity.
Lately some ignored journalists and kept mum while on their way to the House, others tried to look busy answering their mobile phones, another even sought the protection of the Speaker. This claim was turned down. Others used sarcastic tones and outright disrespectful attitudes towards journalists. The Prime Minister went a step further and tried to ridicule the journalists during a press conference wherein, together with Sai Mizzi, he announced that Huawei Company will test 5G technology in Malta. This showed the lack of preparation and incompetent organisation to hold a press conference, which by all accounts should be a mundane event. Suffice to say that Ms Mizzi was not able to control herself and had to be stopped by the Prime Minister, who in turn came across as an amateur.
They looked more like jelly babies.
But let’s be positive. Hopefully, after parliament’s summer recess, this will change. The 2016 Budget will be amongst the first major social and economic issues which will be discussed in the House.The pre-budget document pencils the way forward on issues which are directly linked to economic growth and social cohesion.
Looking at current issues from a political perspective the outlook maybe blurred. Let’s face it,not all is wrong with our society. We have many strong characteristics, one of which is the big, generous heart of our small society. Various occasions haveshown that,in a matter of hours, thousands of euros are collected. Similarly,large containers are filled within hours with all sorts of food products, medicines and clothing to support other people in different countries around the world.
We treat with care all immigrants who find themselves on our shores after a life-threatening experience at sea. The same can be said of blood donors,who are quick to donate blood to others whenever a call is issued.We should be glad we live in a caring society.
But fine-tuning is necessary.
When different solutions to a problem do not leave the desired results,voluntary organisations often step in. They deliver sterling service to various people in our community. We should be grateful for their untiring efforts. All Maltese should be glad that, notwithstanding the differences and diverging views we might have on a range of issues, we still have the national good at heart.
This brings me to a subject which has, over the years,troubled me. What is the difference between solidarity and charity? As more organisations, in defence of various good causes, have launched money collection campaigns to support others,has this subtle but relevant difference become obscured?
Eduardo Galeano, a Uruguayan and one of Latin America’s journalist, writer and novelist who passed away earlier this year had this to say.“I don't believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is so vertical. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other person. I have a lot to learn from other people.”
Galeano was best known for his 1971 book Open Veins of Latin America, which rocketed to the top of US bestseller lists after the Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez presented a copy to President Barack Obama in 2009.
Back to Malta, it was recently reported that applicants for the IIP can earn residency points if they make a donation to a charitable institutions. This reminds me of the Mintoffian era.
Social justice should be well defined now even more so that government, in broad daylight, is squandering millions of euros amongst the select few leaving many struggling to cope.
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