Malta is at a cross roads. One road is that of unbridled economic growth accompanied by complete disregard of the rule of law, ethics, moral values and even the most basic principles of democracy, even if this means the destruction of our natural environment, the marginalisation of various sectors of society, and the decline in the quality of life of those who lay in its path.
Those building this road fly the freedom of speech flag as though it were a licence to insult anyone who does not agree with them. They run roughshod over the arguments about the collapse of the rule of law by quoting past, and often irrelevant, situations as though these somehow justify the current malaise and give the incumbents the right to act as they please. Any attempt at constructive criticism is shot down immediately amid puerile accusations of ‘negativity’ - because those who venture down this road are expected to follow the Party which won the last general election with a large majority, as though the principles of what is fundamentally right or wrong are governed by general public opinion in an election process.
The other road is that of sustainable development, based on the pillars of economic growth, social strength and inclusion, and environmental protection. This is a road which has as its foundation the principles of dialogue, solidarity, justice and quality of life. It is a road which is planned and based on a long-term vision that has as its ultimate goal the betterment of our country, where each person has the opportunity to flourish, and where public participation and scrutiny is central to good governance. It is a road which may be more arduous and less glitzy and gaudy than its alternative because it does not promise immediate gain, but is one where standards are high, integrity and sound moral values are paramount, and where the rights of each individual are more important than the short-term gain of a select few.
The Nationalist Party today stands at this crossroads, as it selects its leadership team. In an unprecedented move, this decision is in the hands of the Party members. They have responsibility which goes beyond personal preferences based on myopic allegiances and provincial affiliations, because this is a decision which each voting member will take on behalf of the rest of our society. It is a decision that will determine which route the Party will offer as an alternative to the current state of affairs.
The mission of the Party in the coming months and years is to convince the electorate that it has got its act together and show that it can provide an attractive alternative route.
It must provide a vision that seeks economic growth through the creation of new and innovative economic sectors which are sustainable and will benefit society across the board, and not one which relies primarily on rampant development, the selling off our national assets, blatant clientelism and corrupt practices which bring nothing but shame to our name.
It must present a vision where the common good is at the centre of its politics, to ensure social cohesion and enrichment, to guarantee equality and the dignity of each person, as opposed to the more facile approach of giving priority to individual interests in exchange for guaranteed allegiance.
It must ensure a vision where environmental protection is paramount, not as a cliché, but as a clear choice for a better quality of life, from the way we treat our natural environment, to our approach and attitudes towards waste and resource conservation.
Above all, it must prove that it is ready to govern, by presenting itself as a tight, well organised structure, where all assets strive towards a common goal, with candidates who are beyond reproach and united in their mission. It must do this by seeking justice, democracy, freedom and equality in all it does, even while in Opposition.
It must, in the end, show that it has no interest in lording over a nation from a seemingly separate world, pursuing its own interests in the manner of medieval princes. Rather, it must strive to continue to embrace the notion that politics is the highest and most noble form of public servitude, where politicians are there to serve the common good.
David Agius is the PN Whip and a candidate for the post of PN deputy leader for parliamentary affairs.