Why is it that when the Government and the Opposition generally agree on something, the general public seem dead against it?

Maltese politicians are very good at using the divide and rule concept, it works every time. But we have lately heard that the opposition and the Government are in general agreement on the issue of voting in favour of the next tranche of aid for Greece. Alternattiva Demokratika are also in agreement.

However, being what they are, and acting as they do, the major parties are always very cautious in expressing ‘agreement’ with each other on the way forward. This time, they have given an indication that it is indeed the case, the PN and the PL seem to be in agreement and it seems that the aid package will be approved.

Now, tying this in with what TMI’s editor in chief, Noel Grima, opined in his Sunday column, as well as the very vocal and tangible resentment of the proposal to give Greece more money, by the general public, on the street and on the internet, we can see the point begin to take shape.

The leading article above points out that our democratic system of government is changing, and this is one such instance. While Malta is usually completely dominated by petty, partisan and political arguments, the two parties have seen the greater picture.

But, who is right? Is it the government or Joe Public? Going on the same leader above, we even ask whether it really matters. What is increasingly clear is that the EU’s vision of solidarity has definitely not trickled down to citizens. In the case of Libya, solidarity from the general public, by and large, was immediate and heartfelt. But, the PN and the PL do not want to accept that the general public, that is the voter, does not want to give the Greeks money.

In a twist of irony, the people of Greece are also not too keen on accepting more money, as they know that it will lead them further up the wrong path. We wonder, we truly do wonder, when the EC, the EU, the MEPs and national governments will accept that in its current form, eurozone fiscal policy is simply not working. For those who are sharp, Ireland will be quoted as being the exception to the rule, and that is why Europe must continue to help Greece.

But it’s as plain as the nose on our faces. Greece is rapidly becoming a lost cause. The government does not have the strength to implement austerity measures, so, to be blunt, everything that the European taxpayer is funneling in, just goes to pay for the lack of productivity that Greece is experiencing due to strikes, industrial action and more. When will it all end? It is clear, people do not want to give Greece money. Before anyone goes off on a diatribe about solidarity and European values, we will ask one question. Why should the citizens of Europe pay for fraud, misappropriation and outright theft and lies? Justify that one if you will, and no more “but the euro must survive” nonsense, please.