We are a ransomed country. This is not June 1971 when Malta had a one-seat majority, a real one-seat majority, not a legally-created one-seat majority as is the case with the 2008 minority Malta Government, but with a terrific leader who turned our country from a God-forsaken fortress rock into the bustling economy it eventually evolved into.

In 2008, in one of the dirtiest political campaigns ever in the history of our 44-year old sovereign, independent country, where the voices of some candidates were literally stifled by all sections of the manipulated media, Malta has a Government that can easily be subjected to political ransom considering the much-mentioned political DNA of some members on its side.

Our opposition has never appeared more lost in the wilderness of its administrative and leadership structures. There needs to be with respect to one and all a complete overhaul of the Party including a change in name to reflect modern Malta and the needs and exigencies of a pluralistic and cosmopolitan society. Within this framework, the intelligent electorate is questioning how Labour will function as an Opposition party even at a moment when it can excel in such a role. Through lack of an opposition, the majority of the electorate have to succumb to the whims of a minority government.

The latter in this scenario can find itself easily cornered by some rebellious or disgruntled member in its midst, or someone either crossing the floor (there are already members who precisely did just that!) or voting against (events in recent past have shown us that this is possible) and then what? At the end of the day, it is the electorate who will suffer at its expense as MPs have their way of entrenching and safeguarding their privileges and pensions. You cannot force a member to resign.

Hence let our dear nation save face and let a fresh call for general elections take place. God bless Malta.

Emmy Bezzina

Alpha Liberal Democratic Party

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