The Maltese economy has experienced unprecedented growth in these past years. This is now admitted by one and all, including bodies like the European Commission and rating agencies.
But repeated surveys of public opinion have also shown a perception among the Maltese public of endemic levels of corruption inside the Maltese society.
Juxtaposed together, these two trend lines are deeply troubling. Perhaps the Maltese would prefer a lower growth but achieved at a lower level of corruption?
Or would they prefer to keep this rate of growth and to hell with all perceptions of corruption, anyhow achieved?
We may not have an idea what would happen if Malta were to keep the present rate of corruption? It could become a byword internationally for a deeply corrupt society where money gilds palms and opens doors. It could become an international pariah.
Do we understand what this could do to our international credibility? Before deciding on a relocation, potential investors examine closely the legal structure of a country, what level of justice can one expect, what is the state of play to enable a company to collect its assets and exit from the country, etc.
In the case of Malta, this is generally acknowledged as a country where the rule of law is supreme. The courts are independent and are respected as such. It is true there is a problem with the length of court cases but generally speaking justice is meted out, even if at a later date.
When people speak of rampant, endemic corruption, they mean a corruption at a lower level, especially where partisan politics get involved. They mean promotions exercises, they mean allocation of state housing, they mean jobs with the government, etc.
In recent months, allegations of corruption have increased by leaps and bounds. There have been many allegations regarding key figures in the Joseph Muscat Cabinet, and more recently allegations of corrupt dealings by key top staffers in some ministries.
On a wider level, there will always be allegations of corruption where any construction, and before that any excavation is involved. It is always difficult to get the government and related agencies to enforce discipline that goes into the nitty-gritty of bills and quantities.
There would also be allegations of people abusing on sick-leave or even staying at home instead of going to work. It is amazing how one rarely hears of such instances in private business but then it would seem that the government employment is rife with such cases.
What is amazing with regards to this current perception of corruption is that it would seem that a good share of the public sort of expect corruption to be there, at a lower level of course. People expect other people to allow them their small corruption. And they are quick to point out at your corruption if you point out at theirs.
This all adds up to our Mediterranean frame of mind, though in our case we had almost 200 years of British standards. But it is also important to realize that we need constant reminding and pressure to eradicate corruption wherever it raises its head.
But the most important element is that there must be a government that is completely against corruption in all its aspects and at all levels. The present government certainly does not qualify as one such and that is the most worrying aspect of all.