The result of the German general election and the squabbling in the Italian Parliament as elections draw near show how right those who oppose having representatives of small parties in Parliament are.

The result is described by The Times “as the worst possible result for Germany and for the case of the reform” while Il Messagero had this to say about the result; “if this is a foretaste of the future trend in Europe then there is nothing to be cheerful about”. Similar opinions were expressed by other papers.

At present, each of the two main parties needs the backing of the small parties to form a coalition government. It is clear that the two major parties which gained the majority of votes are now at the mercy of the small parties. Still, any coalition eventually formed will be fragile and not strong enough to pass the reforms needed to pull the country out from its present economic stagnation.

So while the political parties argue over the formation of a coalition government, the German people are in for a very hard time as the present situation is creating uncertainties that may result in further job losses.

This is the price the electorate has to pay for electing minor parties to Parliament. This can happen in all countries where minor parties hold the balance of power.

A similar situation in

Malta can have serious economical effects and would greatly prejudice hundreds of jobs.

The stalemate following the German election should make those who favour multi parties in Parliament reflect on the consequences. They should put the national interest first before everything else.

Carmel Camilleri

PAOLA