Though the pitiable state of the country, in both economic terms as well as the socio-political one, is the result of a multiplicity of causes of various origins, one outstanding and at the same time remarkable facet comes from the man behind the desk at Castille.

One need not be a promising student in constitutional law to realise the flimsy thread by which the present administration clings to power. Surely the cook is in a fix. Far from having the last word, he must consult a junior who has only given him trouble since he appeared on the scene. I suspect that the interests are very high for any supposedly intelligent human being to accept being held to ransom in this way, as this flimsy thread can prove to be a noose round one’s neck at any time.

Condoning such a situation in itself shows how under developed our democracy is. If there ever was no sound reason for a radical change in political direction, this state of affairs should at least start all and sundry to think seriously.

Seen from the street, this prime minister’s tenure of office must have been, to say the least, a raw deal. The little initial glamour soon wore off; only to leave the bitter taste of the long drawn-out days of suffering, besieged in one’s own Ivory Tower. One cannot say that the Prime Minister failed for want of trying all the manoeuvres postulated in the handbook.

He must be made to realise that his time is up, for the good of the country. His present situation goes against all logic and decency. His present situation is untenable. He has reduced himself to being a prime minister only in name.

Ramon Borg-Bartolo

SLIEMA