From Mr J. Balzan

I was shocked to read various articles in the last few weeks in which contributors described Malta as a Third World country. Can Malta really be considered Third World?

For years we have lived with this magnificent illusion that we are a vibrant modern democracy. Yet Malta is the only country in Europe, including regional parliaments, with only two political parties in Parliament. This leads to five-year long totalitarian governments with disastrous results and it all boils down to our zero-sum political system.

Meanwhile, we have set a few unenviable records in various sectors. We are the proud holders of world records in adolescent respiratory diseases. We are the only country together with the Philippines where the civil right called divorce is prohibited. We can also boast a pluralistic broadcasting system dominated by the State, the two big political parties and the Church.

Having this political duopoly means that all regulating and safe-guarding institutions, authorities and commissions such as MEPA, the Broadcasting Authority, the Electoral Commission and the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools are appointed by the parties in Parliament. Independent and arbitrary my foot! Accountability and loyalty point at the control rooms in Pietà and Hamrun.

After witnessing various corruption scandals unfolding in Europe and the rest of the world, it is utterly shocking that in a country where everybody is well aware of institutionalised corruption, no politician or political party has ever faced serious court proceedings. It must surely mean that our almighty politicians possess an exceptional moral and ethical backbone.

Other results of our autocratic governments can be seen, felt, heard and smelt all around us. Air and water pollution, Maghtab, roads, hunters, boathouses, Mater Dei, nepotism, richer construction lords, dwindling tourist numbers, Dar Malta, golf courses, awful public transport, sky-high property prices, growing illiteracy rates and finally, even richer construction lords.

There must be something terribly wrong with our political system. It might have something to do with having only two parties in Parliament. Definitely maybe!

Jurgen Balzan