Most of us are still digesting the outcome of the latest UK referendum.
To an extent, the result came as a shock but as we try to fully understand why this referendum went the way it did, we should also reflect inwards and on the local situation.
The two campaigns - the ‘remain’ campaign and the ‘leave’ campaign - both had their flaws, and let’s face it, the implications of both outcomes are hard to comprehend.
Understanding Brexit requires access to a number of facts and figures; it involves a deep understanding of economics, law and much more. It also involves a lot of unknowns, which depend on negotiations that are still to come. The UK has not yet invoked Article 50 - the article which actually triggers the departure of the UK from the European Union. In fact it seems that this step is still a long way to go and, perhaps, it may be too soon to truly understand what the real repercussions will be for the UK and for each and every member state forming part of the European Union.
I must admit that the UK referendum made me think about issues closer to home. One may argue that this referendum was based on populism and, as a result, the NHS and the immigration issue, were being spoken about in ways which swayed the public to vote in favour of the ‘leave’ campaign. But then, as soon as the referendum result was out, it was admitted that the money promised to the NHS was ‘a mistake’ and racist unrest sprouted all over Britain.
The situation pretty much reminded me of our very own 2003 referendum campaign, and more recently, the 2013 electoral campaign when Labour promised us the world and told us everything we wanted to hear. From transparency to the eradication of poverty, from environmental issues to meritocracy, you name it, and they had it slammed on all their billboards. Then, just a few years later, we are where we are, and almost all the slogans can be replaced with broken promises.
The people voted for what they thought they wanted (it is what they were told after all) and now we find ourselves in the midst of unspoken corruption, with just a few enjoying the benefits of the vows that were never kept. Where is the commitment to the people? Where are the billboards now? Who has lost and who has gained?
People (whatever nationality they are) deserve one thing - the truth. Is it that so hard to stick to? Is it that too much to ask for?
The UK referendum has also taught us one other fundamental thing – how important it is that every politician stays in constant touch with the people - no matter how local or global their work is. Over the years we have seen a clear disconnect between the people and politicians because politics is not about connecting with fake promises or untruths but about listening to the pulse of the people.
Malta will be the next member state to assume the Presidency of the EU in January. The Prime Minister has a big responsibility here, and for the greater good let’s hope that he will make the right decisions and that he gets expert advisors, no matter from which party they hail. Despite my reservations about this administration’s competency, I do hope that this government has learnt a few lessons, one of which being that what really benefits Malta should be paramount.