Results are now what they are. The results of the local council elections two weeks ago clearly showed that Labour was well-prepared for them and that the work carried out was not in vain. What is perhaps more important to us, however, is that the message we are putting forward is being received and understood.
We are now fast approaching the real electoral test, that of the general election. We can here state that we have been preparing for this election for the last few years. The circumstances surrounding the last general election were such that we were then not only contesting the Nationalist Party on its own, but also an issue that had nothing to do with the Nationalists’ economic and political performance as a government of Malta.
Not only that, but following the last general election, their change in leadership did not change the political and administrative decay that we had been witnessing over the last few years. In all this, the people are the real sufferers, and far beyond the hype and colourful declarations, the reality is painful indeed.
On the other hand, and notwithstanding the ongoing victories over the last four local council elections, Labour cannot and will not be complacent. If we feel assured of a victory, this reduces the rhythm and expectations for the eventual election. We must guard with diligence the moves of our adversaries and stay alert until the party takes over the running of the country; it is only then that the country as a whole will benefit.
Positive results indicate that we are on the right track, but this gives us more responsibility and opportunity to work with and for the people. Labour has managed to work very closely with the people and the way it goes about making politics clearly shows that there is no other way for true political success.
Whatever politics we do, whatever we plan for the next general election and for the years after, we definitely have to be one front, one united front – a family, one united family, looking for one thing, a serious and clean administration. Our party is a family that has grown over the last few years and that will continue to grow until we reach our final goal, that of an administration built on social justice, humanity and true solidarity.
Yes, we are looking forward with courage to the coming general election. The party is constantly preparing to give our nation what it deserves, an administration that looks forward to the development of our economy and perhaps, more importantly, an administration committed to giving dignity to those who have lost it due to the bad administration and wrong policies of this government.
A Labour victory will be a guarantee that Malta will be put on the right track once again and that it will prosper anew, contrary to what is happening at present. Change has been promised by the Nationalists, but not delivered. Labour promises and will deliver change – a change that will ensure all and sundry live better and in solidarity.
Together, all those who work in the party, and those who have this time decided to vote Labour, will work as a united front to arrive at the place at which people wish us to arrive – a serious and progressive government. The spin of “all is well” is failing over and over again, and the reality of the politics of “anything goes” is continuously emerging from among the rosy hype with which this government is trying to shower us.
Labour’s message to one and all is to work together to give our nation what it really deserves – a Labour administration: a better government, not just an alternative one.
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Dr Michael Falzon is the MLP Deputy Leader for Party Affairs