Following Maltese political developments from afar, I confess I found myself caught up in the recent MLP leadership elections. I had expected the MLP to win the March general election not necessarily on the back of their own merits, but on the demerits of a Nationalist Party that seemed devoid of ideas and unable to exercise control over self-serving influential figures in its ranks (I write this not as a staunch Labourite having a dig at the PN as my record as a voter in Maltese elections has been as a strong supporter of the EU).
No, I simply thought that it was time for a change in the Maltese political scenario and thus expected an MLP victory. With the PN’s win I became curious on how things will subsequently unfold and upon reflection, an MLP loss in the last elections is possibly the best thing that could have happened to Malta in the medium to long term. In the last 2/3 months, an opportunity for an era of “new” politics has opened itself up in Malta.
The opportunity that lies ahead is one of doing away with polarised adversarial politics and ensuring a unified common approach on issues of national interest (e.g. environment, sustainable economic development, foreign investment, etc.). It as an opportunity to focus political debates geared to the future, rather than fear of the past. An opportunity to have mature policies based on reason and not dogma.
In terms of ideology the two main political parties in Malta are not far off, they occupy the centre ground and in relative terms compared to other EU countries, it’s probably centre left (i.e. strong social policy and more centrally-driven government). The choices going forward have less to do with ideology and more to do with the quality of individuals participating in the political space, their vision, their ideas, their approach, their policies and their ability to deliver results and get things done.
Upon reflection, I think the election of Joseph Muscat will prove to be a good thing for both the MLP and the country. I think his election heralds an opportunity for change. He will act as a catalyst for change in the MLP operations and in the manner in which the opposition relates to the government and as a consequence, influence change within other political institutions/ processes. Daphne Caruana Galizia may label him a poodle or secretly (or not so secretly) think of him as a hamallu, but that says more of her being an arrogant and condescending individual with politically-myopic views, than of Joseph Muscat’s attributes.
He has a good record as an MEP where he has proven that he is comfortable tackling difficult issues and more importantly getting results (which shows he does not just talk a good fight). His approach to the MLP leadership election indicates he is a man driven by genuine motives and has policies which are intellectually sound. Moreover he is courageous to admit his and his party’s mistakes (I think a first in the Maltese political scene).
He is a grounded and level-headed individual, who has the potential to be a breath of fresh air into Maltese politics and my hope and wish is that he fulfils that potential.
Mario Mifsud
Weybridge, UK