So now we have an anti-politician, ‘would-be anarchist’ in the most conservative leaning party in Malta!  Confusing one might add.  Possibly, but it is also symptomatic of a political scenario (all over the world) that has gone wacky where what matters most is the dais and not much else. 

Having said that, I believe that our political arguments benefit from people like Salvu Mallia because what he does is challenge stereotypes that we are getting used to.  Even though he uses populist language, which I find a bit impertinent and wounding at times, he is passionate and wants to make an ‘impact’ (no doubt on that one) – which should be the driver for all those engaged in politics, rather than get an endless list of ‘yes’ wo/man.  At least he has the guts to speak his mind, with a very clear undertone stating, ‘I have nothing to lose’.  Naturally, Salvu only surfaced so forcefully after not having his PBS show confirmed, which at times might be interpreted as a chip on his shoulder.  Conversely, I know as a fact that he has been toying with the idea of getting into politics for some time now and he has been anything but slow on the blocks.   

The questions that are being raised is whether Salvu is any Tom, Dick or Harry that can turn into a politician at the click of a finger (or a call from the Kap)?  Whether Salvu is suggestive of political parties that are struggling to find robust candidates and instead turning to those who can attract the most votes?  And, whether the PN is losing its ideological compass?

Let’s face it.  Really and truly Salvu was looking for a mouthpiece and he got himself one!  The Oranges and Greens were nowhere near the platform he was going to get from the Blues - and there you go, Salvu is now a Nationalist politician (or is he not?).  If there is one strategic gain for the PN in all of this affair is that this new candidate is deviating the attention from the PN’s weedy opposition. However, most of the on-line polls so far are showing that Salvu is not going places.        

Nonetheless, what I read in this situation is that the PN seems to have thrown all its beliefs and principles out of the window.  The message that is coming through is that all the party is interested in is ousting PM Joseph Muscat, at all costs, rather than fronting its own policies and values.  Maybe this is the result of the chaotic and unprincipled political scenario we are operating in.  The fact that politics is functioning in a post-modern context has made it more difficult than ever for political parties to survive unless they deferred their ideals. 

Coalitions, movements, partnerships, associations are just a convenient way of rationalising the battle cry.  In a way this might be understandable considering that Malta as a nation has all the frameworks in place, is now a modern State with its own institutions, its positioning in the international arena with the EU membership is sorted and we have a relatively stable economy.  In other words, we have all systems set to go with the only real issue being governance. 

However, I am still saddened that the PN’s identity is very quickly condensing in thin air.  This party that has been fundamental in bringing about so many changes in this country; with its commitment towards social justice values, the way it has modernised this country, with its intent to create wealth and its respect for the common good, with its engagement with an array of minorities and its positioning of social policy as a way of strengthening those in the lowest rungs - has in the past ticked all the boxes. 

The Salvology beg the questions; what is the political model we are subscribing to?  Is it just politics founded on disgruntlement, name calling, accusations and theatrical presence? 

For example, former PN leader and Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi was interpreted as a bigot and a dogmatist by many when he took his hard stance on divorce.  Many thought that as a politician his duty was to shut up and do what the people ask for - but he stood his ground the same way he resisted the calls to abandon the migration issue.  The Salvology seems to have jumpstarted a growing nostalgia (due to scarcity) of politicians that have principles, that are less interested in getting elected and more focused on taking this country forward.  So that is possibly why Salvu might fit in. 

So whilst I think that Salvu’s hype will fizzle out and his rounds with the pretty sausage dog in front of Auberge de Castille (phew, thankfully it did not poop) with his characteristic pompous body language re-enacting the La Vallette moves, will soon lose its crispiness.  What I am almost sure of is that it will not be an election on how people have made a choice of who offers the best solution to the current moral and social problems of this country but it will be the one who promises heaven on earth and some entertainment on the way. 

So what appears to be a knee-jerk decision by the PN to have Salvu Mallia on board will be interesting on how it will unknot and whether it will be more of a liability rather than an asset for this party with a celebrated tradition.  What I am sure of is that there is no way Salvu will dance to the tune and quicker than he might think he will be cold-shouldered like all those in a party who drifted away from the script.  .