The Malta Labour Party’s biggest problem is that it has become the Hamlet on the Maltese political scenario. This is because its representatives remain anchored in the past. Anchored in the past both physically and morally, unable to renovate and re-generate. To be or not to be? That, or better still, this is the question.

As the Socialist Party leadership race gears up, it is becoming amply clear that the contenders are all faced with one or more crucial dilemmas. Should change be the catalyst? Should change completely remove all old faces? Or should change simply be for the sake of change?

One is inclined to ask, when will the MLP let go of its untenable position that drags it down, releasing itself from the unnecessary chains that do nothing but weigh it down? When will the MLP come forward with an honest apology for its past wrongdoings, hence relieving itself of this heavy baggage it has been carrying around for such a long time? When will the MLP give up the false notion that the majority are against the EU? When will the MLP recognise the underlying need to embrace civil society? Embracing change is the catharsis needed. Hence we can move forward in our historical political process without recrimination and without false hopes.

No amount of self-recrimination and doses of cynicism will remedy this recipe for mediocrity. What is necessary is that the country moves forward. Forward as a nation rather than at the level of party politics. As a nation we should focus solely on change, a change for constant improvement.

That is why one accuses the MLP of being a political Hamlet. I believe that deep down the party in Opposition knows very well what the ingredients for a sound remedy are. Its problem is that it is not quite sure that this bitter medicine is the one it should swallow.

One surely agrees with Professor Dominic Fenech that the selection process should not be a hasty one. No rushing headlong without having first identified clearly the required qualities for a credible and valid leadership. One will have to wait and see, and hope that this process is successful. Only a sound and mature Opposition can fulfil its role. A strong government needs a serious Opposition.

This government surely waits in anticipation for a re-constituted Opposition. This is imperative for the democratic process to continue moving forward.