Notwithstanding some shortcomings which the Nationalist administration might have had and although, from within, there were those who were pulling the carpet from under the feet of the administration, an ever-increasing number of Maltese are realising that we were better off four years ago. The Nationalist Party at the helm of the country guaranteed stability, professionalism and honesty and worked in the interest of Malta and all the Maltese. More and more admit, some not publicly because of the fear element, that Joseph Muscat's administration lacks serious leadership despite the change in direction for the better promised by Muscat and Labour.

Introducing Labour's electoral manifesto which Muscat described as "not a party manifesto but a manifesto of the people, from the people, for the people", he declared "Our country needs a change in direction". He further stated that "This programme is a clear roadmap which we intend covering together" and "a programme of work in progress, not a vote-catching exercise".

80% of Muscat's term of office is history. Time is proving that most of Muscat's promises were a shameless auction for votes. His campaign was a popularity one aimed at buying votes. This is not only admitted by those with a Nationalist belief but also by others with a non-partisan leaning and even a Labour leaning. The writing is on the wall.

From a serious Nationalist administration Malta moved to Labour, which takes certain decisions in a confused way and lacks the transparency that Muscat pontificated about before the election. Between some of Muscat's electoral promises and the way they are ignored there is a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde resemblance.

According to Irish writer Oscar Wilde "some cause happiness wherever they go; others cause happiness whenever they go." Many Maltese rejoiced when Muscat's Labour was elected. The pleasure is yet to come when Muscat's Labour is given the boot come next election. The Maltese will act according to the sour experiences gained after Labour's election: a worse off situation and failed promises proving what Muscat's and Labour's words are worth.

 

Muscat's broken promises

Words are meaningless to Muscat. Some of his promises were forgotten or ignored within days he took over the seat of power. Apparently, as has become customary with the Labour government, pages and clauses of the Labour manifesto were blacked out hoping that they will be forgotten by the electorate. We shall not forget what was promised. Actions speak louder than words and promises!

Before the election, Joseph Muscat made a hullabaloo about what he referred to as the exorbitant increase in the salaries of Ministers in the preceding administration. On taking office he ignored his claim of "unwarranted expenses" and pushed up Government expenditure by creating the largest Cabinet in Malta's history. Also, eventually, laws were amended so some Labour parliamentarians could, apart from their parliamentary honoraria, receive further remuneration (or remunerations?) for appointments on Government boards gratuitously given to them.

With the dawn of Muscat's legislature, the battle cry "Malta belongs to all of us" ('Malta tagħna lkoll') started meaning "Malta belongs to the select few" through political and vindictive transfers. From Muscat's promises of meritocracy and the importance of "what one knows and not who one knows", the Labour administration is dishing out appointments without those appointees  having the necessary competence or merit.

Amongst numerous cases, "a friend" received three successive promotions in a few weeks to be appointed to a high-ranking position. Konrad Mizzi's wife was appointed and remunerated at €13,000 monthly whilst a business partner of Joseph Muscat's wife received a lucrative deal. The movement of unity promised by Muscat has been turned into a clique given lavish 'thank you' benefits for their part in Labour's electoral victory whilst the lesser mortals are kept yawning.

From promises of transparency and accountability - essential for good governance, Muscat's administration moved, amongst other cases, to suspicious lack of transparency in agreements effecting Malta and its finances and to some strange Ministerial declarations of assets. The cherry on the cake was the scandalous opening of secret accounts in Panama by very close colleagues of Muscat, soon after taking the oath of office. So much for the promises of transparency and accountability and that politicians will be accountable and transparent in their actions. "Not in the public interest" took over the promise of "more accountability to the people". Lack of transparency and secrecy begets tyranny.

How can the Maltese, especially residents of the south of Malta, forget the fear Muscat instilled in them about the power station which he repeatedly claimed to be "a cancer factory" as it used Heavy Fuel Oil? Four years down the line and Muscat's "cancer factory" is still operating as it was. And he still occupies the seat of power, despite his public declarations that he would assume responsibility and resign if the new power station would not be completed by March 2015.

Muscat's Labour's manifesto promised a reduction in the tax burden to assist families and the most vulnerable. Instead, the cost of living is increasing steadily due to higher direct and indirect taxation and the exorbitant fuel prices we are forced to pay. Recent Eurostat figures showed that Malta had the second highest cost of living in the EU which was prevalent for months due to Government not passing the savings from the cheaper cost of oil to families and businesses. The figures also showed that the price of food in Malta is higher than the EU average. This badly impacts low-income families who use the greater part of their income on food.

The "government that listens" is arrogant. Muscat's government does not care to listen. Amending legislation, without consultation, to postpone the local council elections in half of Malta and Gozo which were due a fortnight ago is an example. The residents, including 16-year old first time voters, were denied their right to express their opinion. Why is the "government that listens" afraid to listen and rolls over everyone?

 

Worthless words and promises

One never knows where one stands with Muscat. There are many examples of chasms between what Muscat says and promises, and what he actually carries out. Interviewed before entering politics, Muscat emphatically declared that to be in politics one has to be either mad or a liar or a missionary and that he did not consider himself as one of them. A few years later he did enter politics. Further comments are superfluous.

Muscat changes his opinion as day turns into night. Prior to Malta's joining the European Union, Muscat was heart and soul against membership, strongly favouring Alfred Sant's "Switzerland in the Mediterranean." He vociferously advocated a vote against membership or an abstention. Some months ago, Muscat declared that joining the EU was Malta's best decision and that an EU referendum for Malta would be suicidal.

Before the 2013 election, Muscat's sole aim was to become Prime Minister. He promised heaven on earth, everything to everyone. After four years, the Maltese know what his words and promises are worth. The Maltese should be very cautious now that an election is approaching. We should beware of Muscat's words and promises. According to the philosopher Karl Popper "Those who promise heaven on earth, never produced anything but a hell".

 

Beware of bogus promises!

The nearer the next election, the more will Muscat fear the looming loss of power. Labour has much to lose. Not to allow power slip away, Muscat could, as in 2013, resort to manipulating minds through words and promises and by inventing allegations about the Opposition.

In 2013, Muscat was elected because the majority of the Maltese were falsely made to believe that Labour could improve their lifestyle and aspirations. Muscat succeeded in convincing them of the then Nationalist administration's alleged bad governance, corruption and lack of transparency and accountability. The majority of the Maltese accepted Muscat's promises that everyone could contribute for Malta's success and that Malta will not belong to a clique, to a politician or to a political party. The list of essential words and promises that Muscat's Labour went back on or ignored is endless.

This time the Maltese will not take another risk. They will not allow to be deceived again. Through their democratic vote, the Maltese will make Muscat pay for his broken promises and deceit and put him and Labour where they deserve - in Opposition.