The mills of history are irresistible. Much as government ministers sing from the same hymn sheet, the Maltese political scene has changed since the last election. The government’s one-seat majority in Parliament has produced a situation that dictates its own imperatives. On the one hand, the government tries harder than ever to assert itself. On the other, the Opposition conveys the impression that it is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Both sides need the comfort of electoral support.

As the trial of strength gathers momentum, the government’s war cry is one of confidence. The government claims that the economy is going from strength to strength

Why should anyone read fiction when reality serves all purposes?

It is true that Malta’s structural deficit has been reduced in terms of GDP ratio – but it is still there. (It peaked up by a hefty €80 million in the first half of this year.)

The national debt continues to soar year by year, as if there is no tomorrow. During the first half of this year alone Central Government debt increased by €131 million, to a total of €3,468 million which is a record in the history of Maltese public finance.

The government continues to overspend. The bureaucracy is seemingly incapable of working within budget on all major public undertakings.

Malta continues to languish in the EU competitivity tables

The blunt truth is that government expenditure is constantly rising. This entails aggressive collection of more revenue from a cash-strapped public and many illiquid industrial and commercial establishments. It is what has set back thousands of families and businesses.

Another blunt truth is that, in recent years, various government ministers preferred to fiddle, while the ship of state was taking in water.

Change is of the essence

Meanwhile, the hard-pressed taxpayers were crying for action to salvage the ship. Much as they deplored the traditional style of confrontational politics, nothing seemed to change.

But change they must. We have wasted enough time and money in self-serving politics. It is time for deeds – not empty words – for action, not indecision.

From time to time, one could hear appeals to reason, but these did not galvanise the political class, nor did they set the media on fire.

Malta’s sultry summers only give in to festa fireworks.

Nevertheless, ideas are like lightning. One never knows where they will strike next. And what is the use of lightning rods at Pieta when the storm breaks out.

Inured to endless centuries of foreign domination, the Maltese electorate attained independence a mere 44 years ago, and is only now beginning to acquire a sense of its European status. It amounts to a sense of liberation from the clutches of the old-style political class.

It was only during the past four years or so that the electorate mastered the art of going for the jugular of the electoral clockwork – namely the electoral pendulum which it swung with relish once in a position to do so.

An electoral swing gives the electorate an opportunity to change direction and the ruling political team every so often.

The purposes of democracy

This serves the purposes of democracy, in that it could defuse a given situation. It may even reshuffle the political class, but it does not dispense with the necessity of politicians.

Politicians, therefore, come and go. Those that go might still make an occasional appearance on the political stage. There are times when these could carry more weight after their exit from active politics.

The human race is possessed of almost incredible vitality. It has survived the ravages of the elements, disease and murderous wars. In due time, it will survive economic upheavals and will, no doubt, learn to overcome the many spiritual ills besetting the present generation.

History, so often chary of revealing its secrets, has taught us one great lesson: what the hand of man has done, the hand of man can also undo.

It is a question of education, learning by experience, and growing up. It is also a question of courage and an ability to assimilate the one lesson that counts: namely, that democratic power resides in the people, not in politicians.

Government without the consent of the governed amounts to an aberration. It is an ever-greater aberration when politicians begin to convey the impression that, once given, the people’s consent no longer matters.

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