Speculation is rife as to when the forthcoming national election will be held. Will it be in the first quarter of the year or much later on? Which month is it most likely to be held? Could it be March? Possibly in May or in June?

Moreover, which are the most crucial factors that will affect the most plausible and probable date? Furthermore, the tango starts. A national election is held when “it is in the best interests of the country”! Others argue that this is too utopist and certainly that partisan interests are also at the core of every decision that determines the most probable date.

Speculative Factors

The introduction of the euro could have kick-started a short run but stiff election campaign. Does the official unveiling of id-Dar Centrali have anything to do with the actual decision regarding the peoples’ verdict day? These are only some of the most persistent considerations that most people believe will have a

significant bearing on when the whistle blows.

There are more other intricate speculative factors that could possibly determine the appointment with the moment of truth for our political parties. Among the most pressing are the structural deficit that has now reached astronomical figures, the still not settled issue of spring hunting, with the great probability of it being on the agenda once again in the early months of the new year, the negative effects of the euro on peoples’ pockets, an aging decadent government short of ideas and innovation and a crippling party that has to face another local electoral test in March with great chances of disgrace! Remember Marsa and Zejtun this time three years ago?

Uplifting

The wrinkles of age are evident and all attempts to cosmetically lift the old household faces are proving to be an onerous task. There is possibly a temptation to push back the date to the latest constitutionally permitted to give ample time for smoothing down the unpopularity among disgruntled PN voters who have formed particular factions and splinter groups, hence reviving even the slimmest chances – if these really exist.

After two decades, the media spin-doctors faithful to the present regime are endlessly attempting to drive home the point that we can still afford to have more of the same, as if the same people who have been in power for all these years still have to prove themselves.

Definitely, 20 years is more than enough and the general feeling now is that we have had enough of the same people playing musical chairs with ministerial portfolios and departments.

Hollow Slogans

One particular skill that has stood out during this blue cycle is the mastery of projecting slogans and messages that promote positive feelings and good vibrations, to the point of raising fervour, unprecedented enthusiasm and intense

sentiments.

Who can ever forget slogans such as “sound finances, national reconciliation”, “Smart Malta”, “becoming brothers and sisters once again”, “truth will prevail”, “one million Maltese Liri grants from the EU every year”, “foreign investors will be queuing up to invest in this country”, “work opportunities chasing workers”, “one million worth of investment every single day”, “you are living a better life” – the list goes on endlessly.

After 20 years of hollow slogans, the disillusionment cannot be repressed any longer and now it is more apparent than ever. The vast majority of the Maltese believe it is high time for a thorough pruning.

If we want to strengthen the roots of every vital sector of our country, weeding and pruning is desperately and urgently required.

Careworn

Whole social strata, ranging from the mid-middle class down to the lower brackets, are struggling to make a living and during the last years they have seen a decline in their standard of living.

Their purchasing power has been swiftly eroded by the beefy taxes, administrative charges and tariffs that were introduced as part of the “austerity” measures to control the deficit, and this despite the claim that our “finances are sound”.

They are the people who are making good for all the incompetence of those who believe that there is no alternative.

By and large, both parties have strong support from particular traditional social blocks. Incidentally, within these blocks are the roots of their origins.

Then there are certain groups that oscillate according to whom they believe can best protect their interests for the time being.

They swing according to the issues that affect their livelihood and it is they who will tip the scales and determine who will govern this country.

There is a parallel between what is going on today and what happened in 1996.

The same social classes, who at that time felt that their standard of living was being threatened by the introduction of VAT (apart from other considerations), decided in great numbers to not only protect their interests but also to show their dissent.

These are the ones who, once again, feel that they are the indemnity that is compensating for the resulting liabilities.

The direction in which they are heading is clearly visible – the indications of a constant trend where the pulse is beating “follow-on” and bold signs of dissent are speaking out loud.

Is it still a photo finish or a neck-and-neck situation? And you, what do you think about the present mood of the electorate? Who will be governing this country very shortly? Any doubts about the winds of change? yoU Bet!

Mr Galdes is Labour spokesman for the Environment and National Heritage