I used to believe that it is only in Malta that public discourse is banalised to such an extent. Instead of discussing the available administrative and policy options, we focus on the people involved in the issues and see how to spin the discussion towards their personal behaviour; or seek to divert attention away from the consequences of proposals that are being made, by creating arguments about them that are completely irrelevant but which incite emotional responses among people. 

But the truth is that this hardly happens only, or mostly, in Malta. Far from it. In countries that are larger even if still considered to be among the smaller ones – indeed among the bigger places – such as in the UK over Brexit, in the US over President Trump’s proposals and elsewhere – the excesses that are indulged in, meant to highlight banal controversies at the expense of debate over the available choices, never cease. The social media keep pushing the process forward.

I disagree that it has only been the populists who have actioned this method. Traditional “democratic” parties and their supporters have also adopted it. The banalisation of the political domain seems to have become the most effective strategic tool by which to confuse minds and successfully hunt for votes.

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Politics versus economics

The confrontation between the regional Catalan and the central Spanish governments has stayed right through focussed on political issues. Do the Catalan people have the right or not to determine under which national system they should live?

The economic repercussions that a decision, one way or the other, would have were relegated to the margins. Meanwhile, a number of companies appeared to be making ready to move out of Catalonia and into Spain. If Independence were to be declared, they would have remained within the EU.

The process reminded me of how the same would happen during the campaigns regarding Malta’s application to join the EU. Those who advocated Maltese membership would shy away from discussing in concrete terms the economic consequences of membership and would focus mostly on “political” aspects.

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Sport at university

I never was into sports – to the contrary. Still, I always accepted that ideally, sports should be an important feature of our lives, not least as children and young adults.

So, I was totally surprised to learn that as of now, sports facilities at the University are almost non existent. I had believed there would be a gym as well as facilities for training in athletics and outdoor sports. That is what is needed on University premises to ensure that students who are already into sports can find close to their place of study a location where to train and practise, as well as to encourage other students to do the same. Such a facility makes much more sense given that the student population has been growing by the thousands.

But no. Sports facilities at Tal-Qroqq are still primitive. You could say they are non-existent. Students who are sports inclined experience deep frustration. I can understand that. Those who share my mindset and lack an interest in doing sports will find no opportunity to change their view.

It’s not a minor problem.