Life cannot be expected to always run smoothly and in one direction only. But with the passing of time and the gaining of knowledge and experience, with strategic choices of allegiance and the support of systems of rule, civil society does endeavour to travel in a democratic, just and positive order.
All in all, laws and regulations, though often tedious and costly, are there to protect the individual, society and the values, morals and decency of a country and its people. Youth, in its rebellious nature may protest at general rules or limitations laid down by parents or by the law. Businesses may want free rein on their activities and consumers may grumble at having to submit applications and other exigencies or resort to court to resolve an issue.
We all hate bureaucracy. Filling in forms, getting charged every step of the way and then just waiting in the dark, uncertain of the outcome and approval. It appears to manage our life and our freedom. Maybe it is a remnant in our psyche, from those free days of hunting and setting up abode wherever we fancied, as long as there was water and something to eat nearby, that causes us to grieve about conformity.
But order is necessary if we are to ensure a fair distribution of goods and services and to preserve our livelihood, our heritage and the social and political order we need, to live in a peaceful and sustainable environment. When Malta chose to join the European Union it was always known that it would lead to increased bureaucracy, new laws, burdens and commitments. We were prepared to sacrifice some sovereignty and liberty, for the common good and to share in the benefits. It was also seen as a kind of insurance against the excesses of our nature that sometimes causes us to ultimately do harm to ourselves and work against our own self-interest for short-term gain.
It seems, though, that the Maltese nature has taken the upper hand over regulation and order and like David and Goliath, we finally drew the sling and shot the giant down.
Muscat and co. decided they would do it differently. No more Environmental Impact Assessment and especially no more planning permits and applications. Live and let live. If there is to be a gas tank endangering not just the fishing industry but the region as a whole, so be it. If we want to speak our mind against god and religion, who’s to stop us? And why should some consultations or electoral mandate decide on a hospital in Gozo or St. Luke’s? Definitely, for mercy’s sake, let us not trouble the positive Labour Government in carrying out its unique plans for the nation, from freeing up the sale of citizenship by the truckload to converting an anti-immigration stance into a welcome sign and donating undeveloped land and historic towns to a middle-eastern business man.
This government had the opportunity to govern peacefully and effectively, having been elected with a strong majority. Instead, it expends its energy on foreign interests, defending the indefensible and pursuing the contrary of common good. It has engaged in contentious projects and issues on all fronts, led the country in a direction which it had never sought to go and eats and drinks with dictators whilst ignoring any civil rights abuses.
From a country that had made a clear choice that it wished to belong to the European Union and that had worked extensively to reach the criteria and even join the Euro, for the sake of shooting birds and avoiding planning permits, we end up with the mother of all abuses coming to our neighbourhood. No more Zonqor, no more picturesque Marsaxlokk, no more Festi? Ramadan and Lent. Between the two fasts, there cannot be much time for consumption and Christmas may have to become a scaled down affair in certain parts of the island at least.
The subversive nature of this government has brought unnecessary strife and conflict into our midst. Was it really necessary to make an impact and a show? Maybe it was pent up frustration and energy from 25 years of opposition, with old files that had gathered dust and new ones competing for attention, that caused a chaotic and disturbing approach, with corruption driving at its heels as power was released and the starting gun fired. This was a race to be run, the 100m hurdles without the hurdles. Chuck them away.
People who had qualified and specialised in their field of expertise where shown the door and advised to stop creating obstacles, following with the opposition and the media. Changing the nature of the game so that it no longer bound and burdened by the law required a wipe out of previous positions and structure. The separation of planning and environment at Mepa was needed to retake control of the system. Individually, there were many who secretly wished to have the liberty to build a farmhouse and pool in their grandma’s field or who would close an eye to shooting of birds as long as we could do as we want and not have to abide by foreign laws. The funny thing is, though, that whilst you knew where you stood with the foreign laws, right now, you have no protection or direction of any sort and can never know when you will be the next victim of some unprecedented public private partnership.
It would be much better for the sake of all, if such controversial projects could be re-evaluated and even dropped entirely. There are many issues that this government can focus on and that require a strong and honest cabinet to tackle. Public transport, roads, public health, education, pensions, caring for the elderly, jobs and investment, even tourism, all call out for serious attention. As does tackling corruption. Muscat may tell us that he can walk and chew gum at the same time, dealing with major projects and with the ministerial agendas, but the extraordinary energy and time that is having to be put into propping up private sector agendas and biased pre-electoral pledges, seems to have taken over the calm and careful planning needed when steering a country towards sustainable growth and improved standard of living.
Over in Sweden, where protest is something which was last exercised in a bygone century, the Swedes have had enough of the current style of government. They are used to a government that listens and that they can pick up a phone and talk directly to a Minister or even the Prime Minister. That has changed and in the face of a vast, growing immigration problem amongst them, the people will take to the streets on September 15th to demand the Prime Minister to resign. Their platform as a facebook group states as follows: “A Demonstration for the current Government’s RESIGNATION, for us, regardless of party affiliation, that have tired. We demand a Government that is looking to Sweden’s Security and dignity of the people. Are you like us tired and worried about our country’s rapid decay and disappointed in our current Government’s irresponsible position on everything that happens.” When people sense they are in a dangerous situation, they eventually react.
Justice can never be found in abandoning the rule of law and none of us should be above it. False confidence may trick you into believing that merit lies in taking and transparency in appointing yourself judge and jury. You may also believe that accountability is what you want it to be and power is absolute. Those who clamoured for change can now judge for themselves what is best. The national interest or the vested interest of the privileged band of kissers.