Was it written on the wall? Was it expected? And did polls predict the fact that the Nationalist Party was in for an unsatisfactory result at the European Parliament elections? Whatever the reason, it is surely a difficult time for the party in government, but definitely it is also a wake up call. Both the party and the government need to roll up their sleeves and work even harder, communicate more with the people or rather communicate more effectively, and be more sensible.
Was this loss also expected? In most European countries most people voted against parties in government, irrespective of whether they are left or right wing. However, globally, the Socialist group obtained a dismal result across Europe. It is a fact that the international crisis and economic situation has had its effect on a lot of governments and consequently it had a ripple effect on the way governments acted and in the way people voted.
It is not enough to focus entirely on the government’s agenda and the work programme for this legislature. The government, its MPs and the party need to stop and think. Think about the policies themselves and the effects on the individual in the light of the present economical situation. Bottom line results are well and good, but there is more than that. We all need to get closer to the people. The challenge is there and we all need to act and work even harder than ever before. We need to brush up our strategy. It’s easier to do this while in opposition, but we must all stand up to the challenge for better policies. Most important the party should constantly be geared to formulate new policies to stay on the edge and monitor the way the government is working and performing.
After all we are not facing any real opposition. Apart from the smoke screens, PR and political stints, the Labour opposition does not offer any alternative. No real substance in policies and visions. During this campaign, the PL managed to shift the focus on national issues. At the time the PL is simply riding on a wave of public discontent. After all the government was elected only one year ago, and it is quite normal for governments not to be extremely popular during the first two years in office. There are quite a few reforms in progress, plus most people feel the pain of the energy tariffs. Did Labour offer any alternative solutions? No, of course not. It does not have any, and it does not want to scare away any potential new voters. On every single issue, they do not commit themselves and simply sit on a fence.
But now that the honeymoon period for Joseph Muscat is over, it will surely be the time to see what real political solutions the PL has for this country. Now, four years before the general election, the people ask: who of the two parties has the best vision on subjects like education, health, environment, economy and investment? We have to wait and see...
Another factor to ponder upon is the list of candidates, or rather the mix of candidates. It is a known fact that certain Labour candidates attracted a number of Nationalist votes, maybe the same votes that voted for AD in 2004. Most EP candidates have a lot to offer and we are grateful that they volunteered to run for these elections. However, the Nationalist Party should perhaps ponder why certain sectors, such as the non core voters, felt more comfortable with the moderate Labour candidates. Should the Nationalist try to focus on certain sectors more? This might be a blessing in disguise in the sense that the PN should anaylse the electorate’s needs and moods prior to approaching any candidates for any election. People are becoming less and less loyal to the party ‘brand’ and vote for individuals.
Hard work and humble attitude pays. This is evidenced by the excellent result obtained by Simon Busuttil in this election. He was the only candidate to be elected on the first count. Simon proved to be consistent, hard-working, and credible. People recognise hard work. PR is needed, but the foundations need to be there as well. People know when substance is tangible or not. Good luck, Simon, and congratulations.
The PL ran a national campaign based entirely on local issues. That was their choice and strategy, and it worked. They felt the discontent and tried to lure in the protest vote. Their campaign was completely void of any substance. In the EP and local elections voters are more adventurous with their votes and use them to send a message. However, the saddest thing is that the ethical level of the campaign has deteriorated dramatically. Certain issues which should have never been politicised became political balls overnight. We immediately realised that under the new leadership of the Labour Party, there was and there will not be any issues that will be untouchable in the future campaigns, irrespective of the sensibility of the issue and the harm that it can cause to the country. This election was an ample proof of that.
Unfortunately Labour felt the need to resort to its typical mudslinging machine. This time they recycled the lie that the PN administration will introduce health tariffs. We all know that this will not happen. Health, education and pensions should never become political balls. However, the government has now realised that it does not have a partner in these reforms, and these issues will never be debated maturely as their sensitivity deserves. Labour have only one goal: take over the government in four years’ time. Joseph Muscat has already said that his aim is to become Prime Minister at the age of 39! As to policies and alternative solutions, that’s another matter. Have we not already experienced this in 1996?!
I am however convinced that the PN will rise to the occasion and react positively to the call of our people. The Maltese people have confidence in us to govern this country: Look at the result of the General Elections of 1987, 1992, 1998, (referendum 2003) 2003 and 2008. Five general elections which resulted in a positive vote for the PN.
I am sure that we will do our very best in the present international economic crisis to steer this country in the right direction, offer a strong vision for the future and make our citizens feel better than ever before. This will take some time but we will work hard to achieve it. Then I am sure that the Maltese people will give us back their vote at the right time!
David Agius is the government whip