In the last few years,we have witnessed the perception and image of the political class across Europe and the English-speaking world crumblingin the eyes of their respective electorates.
After the last financial crisis a number of simmering issues that had lain dormant for a considerable time started to bubble to the surface. Unemployment, income inequality, the untouchable banks,an increasingly impersonal European Union and the migration onslaught wreaked havoc on a delicate political balancing act. This schism was felt more strongly in particular countries although very few nations can safely say they were insulated from this. As frustrations kept on growing, political forces dubbed as right wing, nationalist and anti-establishment found increasing support from a populace that was disheartened, angry and impotent in the face of emerging crisis.
On the European front things were not getting any rosier after the financial debacle of the years 2008/2009. Greece was dragged through the mud as patchy solutions were cobbled together to keep the peace and save the skins of major European banks. The emerging migration crisis and the advancing swell of humanity, a function of a crumbling Middle Eastern status quo, added the necessary tinder for a full-blown electoral backlash.
The European Union is facing some of its most urgent challenges since its inception over 60 years ago. Undoubtedly, the UK Brexit vote has sounded the clearest alarm so far. While respecting the will of the people, it has become evident that the British political class had by no means prepared itself for a leave vote. I remain amazed at the tongue in cheek exit of David Cameron following the mess he left behind after the June vote. The way things developed confirmsonce again the shortsightedness of some political figures. In an attempt to quell an uncomfortable minority within his party, Cameron threw caution to the wind with unintended consequences. Such a stellar personal electoral performance only a year before was drowned and disbanded. Less than six months from the Brexit vote, Cameron was not even an MP any longer!
US politicians are faring no better in the unattractiveness stakes. The leaders of the most powerful nation in the world have over the last few years displayed an unflattering approach to bi-partisan politics. Although the exiting President Obama had his good points, his second term appeared weak. Infighting in the Senate and Congress continued to stall any real solutions to a number of emerging challenges such as income inequality, a confused foreign policy and a rising number of Americans without real career prospects.
After what has been described as the dirtiest electoral campaign in US political history, Donald Trump emerged victorious. Indeed up until two years ago, anyone describing Trump as a possible presidential candidate would have been scoffed at. Today Trump is US President with all its unintended consequences. The first couple of weeks of the Trump administration have had their moments. Some of his decrees appeared unplanned, rash and over the top and political observers have signalled that this is a turning point. Trump may be facing an upward struggle but is clearly up for the fight.
On the domestic front, some of our high profile Labour politicians are doing their utmost to continue rubbishing the image of the political class even further. This week’s shenanigans have added to a long series of political gaffes that are turning our public administration into a veritable circus.
Punch drunk in the belief that the 2013 electoral victory is unassailable, this government expresses no remorse for the actions of some of its senior members of Cabinet. Cronyism, sleaze and corruption have become the order of the day. While the Opposition is pulling no stops in its relentless attempt to steer the government back to sanity, this administration has become almost invisible, hiding behind glitter, shovelfuls of feel-good factor soundbites and cynical chuckles.
I invite my readers to revisitNationalist Party Leader Simon Busuttil’s parliamentary speech of last Tuesday. His succinctremarks are a clarion call to the political class to truly wake up and smell the coffee! Or, rather than the smell of coffee, the permeating stench that wafts over this country. Transparency International’s report confirming that this government is the most corrupt in our nation’s history is an embarrassment to us all. A fast and urgent clean up is required before our country’s hard-earnedgood reputation is dragged further through the pig’s trough!
[email protected]
Ms Galea is a Nationalist Party candidate for the General Election on the Fourth District