Votes can be interpreted in many ways. A variety of features, both local and national, took their toll on the results.
One must note that the government’s plans span a number of years, and not just one. It was pointed out to us many a time by the Prime Minister that the past year was a year to be taken in the light of a bigger five-year plan, going past the next election, and beyond.
To this is tied the new EU budget where, at last, Malta will participate actively, and receive direct funding as part of the EU budget for the next six years (2007-2013). A small reminder to all is that when the EU application was frozen, Malta forfeited many millions of euros. It was another Labour blunder that we all had to endure after the Maltese electorate risked putting Labour back in government.
Recent voting patterns may point towards a trend of voting out one party and voting in another, with all the risks that this implies. Some messages are clear however – the continuous changes in the people elected, the number of non-voters – which is getting larger at each election – the static performance of AD, which resulted, again, in the MLP getting a majority by default.
All the MLP has done is criticise every move and proposal made by the government, and it has yet to unveil its own unique plans for an alternative government. We look forward to these announcements, to see if their proposals for bonus reductions and other measures aimed at hitting the heart of the middle class hard will be welcomed by the electorate. I have my doubts, as the path taken by the government is a concrete one which will eventually put Malta on a steady course of progress.
The Nationalist Party still remains the most stable, consistent party, giving the Maltese at large the living they all want. Hard work is required to produce results, helping out and reaching out to people who want this government to govern the country. All Malta’s past and historic achievements have been made by the PN. Look at the 125 years of PN history that formed Malta, brought about independence, and now EU membership, following the global trends upon which the world has embarked.
A small appeal to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority: How is it that so many residents have to resort to court action in order to get reparation for their grievances? Are we so aloof that nobody really cares if gas cylinders are dangerously placed in a block of apartments, or if a change of use to commercial premises is not checked, or a mosque is used to disturb the rights of others to live in peace? A change of direction is solicited.
Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP