No, this is not an editorial about fireworks, although there is always so much to say about that subject too.

This editorial is about the first face-to-face debate between Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat, which will take place tonight on what is Malta’s most popular programme, Xarabank.

Catherine wheels are what in Maltese we would describe as “giggifogu”, and this word is also an expression that we use colloquially to illustrate heated moments characterised by some confusion and more melodrama.

And this is what the people will be expecting tonight when the two political leaders shake hands and set off on their first official debate. Sparks will fly in the same way as they do when Catherine wheels are lit up in various towns and villages all through the summer festa season.

It has taken longer than one would have imagined for Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat to debate political issues head to head, in public. They have obviously already met quite a number of times, such as when Dr Muscat had visited the PN headquarters a few days after being elected MLP leader last June.

More recently, since Dr Muscat was sworn in as Opposition Leader, the two have also met in Parliament. But although they have already entangled themselves in political controversies, until now they have done so only from afar.

There are therefore great expectations for tonight’s debate. Although the type of programme that Xarabank has developed into over the years – with all the advertising interruptions and audience interventions – might not be the ideal scenario for Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat to explain their vision for the country’s future and how they intend to tackle the problems that we are facing, the fact that the programme will be watched by thousands of people will put great pressure on the two leaders to perform well. They both want to emerge victorious; they both want to score as many points as possible.

Over the years the local political scene has depended much on what the political leaders say and do. Election campaigns have literally become head to head confrontations between the leaders, and ours have become more like presidential campaigns rather than a struggle between political parties.

Well, it can be said that today we will have the result of the first of a series of matches that will lead us to the next election. The year 2013 is still far away, and great volumes of water will have to pass under the bridge by the time we arrive at that point, but tonight’s event will serve to shape the way forward.

Who will win?

Dr Gonzi is certainly more experienced, having taken part in several debates with Dr Muscat’s predecessor Alfred Sant, sometimes on television too. His track record as Prime Minister is one that has seen the country move into a European Union membership that has brought about important, positive changes; and one which has seen Malta continue to develop as a country that is able to generate work and attract foreign investment. As PN leader, he has led the party to an unprecedented third election victory in a row.

For his part, Dr Muscat is not shy of the media, and comes across as someone who is confident in front of the cameras. Having taken over the leadership of the MLP only four months ago, it is still too early to pass judgement, although he has already shown a different style of management; one that, if maintained, could lead the party to win over enough neutral voters to turn the tables in Labour’s favour.

Catherine wheels, spectacular as they might be, fizzle out after one or two minutes. But the effects of tonight’s debate will linger on much longer than that.