The next two weeks or so will be a crucial time for the Nationalist Party on three fronts – Europe, Pieta’ and Valletta.
The first big day will be the approval or otherwise of Tonio Borg as Malta’s nominated European Commissioner. The European Parliament will be voting for his approval or otherwise on Wednesday. After the resignation of John Dalli in the wake of an investigation by the EU’s anti-fraud office, Malta cannot afford further embarrassment.
A week later, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech will be presenting the budget for 2013. That day is important for Malta to know what the government is planning for next year, but it is what happens in the days when the budget is discussed and voted on that carry more weight. With the government calling for the first vote since it lost its majority in the House when Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando became an independent MP, it will be the first time that the government tests its strength.
In between the presentation of the budget and the discussion that will ensue in Parliament – the Opposition has one week in which to prepare its line on the financial and political exercise – the Nationalist Party will elect its new deputy leader. Mr Fenech and Dr Simon Busuttil are contesting for the post after Dr Borg’s resignation.
All three events – which may not all be linked with each other, but which all have a direct bearing on the government and the way it is perceived – will tell us a great deal about the future of this country.
Dr Borg is having a rough time on European soil, although in the circumstances Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi could not have chosen a more experienced politician for the post. Still, his eventual disapproval will throw all of the PM’s plays haywire, not to mention the humiliation Malta will suffer in the eyes of Europe for the second time in a few weeks.
The budget for 2013 is the last one of this legislature. Whether or not this passes through Parliamentary procedures is in great doubt although, at this stage, whether the election is called in December or in January makes little difference. But the government will see it as an exercise in which to gain some ground and earn more credibility. A good budget for the country which is shot down because of personal issues will be a good sign for the Nationalist Party.
By that time, the PN will have its new deputy leader. Whoever wins between Dr Busuttil and Mr Fenech – both aged 43, and both coming from the same St Aloysius background – will give a fresh look to the PN on the eve of an election.