With reference to Mr Micallef’s letter entitled: Lessons in true democracy (TMID, 14 October), I would like to point out the following:

Germany has been governed by coalitions since 1949 (the first elections after WWII). This has not irked the Germans themselves but it has seemingly disturbed Mr Micallef!

In this period Germany became Europe’s largest economic power, achieving one of the highest standards of living in the world. I don’t think that there is any shred of doubt regarding the democratic credentials of post-WWII Germany.

On the other hand, what has Malta achieved with the two-party system? I will leave the answer to that question to your readers!

Mr Micallef seems to be troubled by the fact that even though the CDU/CSU (itself a coalition) obtained the major-ity of votes, albeit a minimal one, it could ‘risk’ another five- year term in opposition. Well, Mr Micallef fails to understand the rules of the game as it is played in Continental Europe.

The person capable of rallying the majority of the elected representatives is entitled to be chancellor. If, for the sake of argument, Schroeder could have garnered such support then he would rightfully have been entitled for another five-year term.

It has been so in Germany for more than 50 years but Mr Micallef thinks that he knows better ...

I would also like to point out that many countries in continental Europe are ruled by coalitions... but as is always the case in this part of the world, we Maltese always know better (not)!

Mark Scerri

Attard