It is not unheard of that, for the promise of thirty pieces of silver, spineless individuals switch from one side to another, especially in politics. Membership cards and lifelong affiliations are demoted to serve only holders’ immediate needs. It is clear that some switchers are not concerned about the national good and well-being, but are more interested in their greed and passion for glory. Conveniently, some switchers must have suffered a memory short-circuit or a temporary bout of amnesia. They try to justify their actions in any way they can but their self-interest always emerges as the prime motive. I am of the opinion however that much as one tries, one can never square a circle particularly in the political arena.
I am certain that much as switchers look to find solace and coziness in the arms of their former political rivals, they will never be comfortable. Time will tell, I’m certain, that it cannot be otherwise. Take a much less important matter. It is only on rare occasions, if any, that a Manchester United supporter shifts sides to Manchester City! Or vice-versa for that matter. But I’ve been lucky. I have always supported Manchester United and have enjoyed the thrills and delights of the club. I have been spared watching England in a nail-biting world cup final as I was too young to recall the 1966 match against Germany. That was almost fifty years ago. Notwithstanding this, I still hope for the best without a thought of shifting my support away from England. I call it loyalty!
In any case, during the last electoral campaign thousands from the Nationalist Party shifted towards the Labour Party. Some had the cheek to go a step further by publicly participating in Labour organized events. They wanted to let the rest of the nation know of their intentions. Obviously, the Labour Party made use of these former Nationalists tactfully and successfully.
Some years back, the former Malta Labour Party had changed its name to Partit Laburista, changed its emblem and ensured that the red flags were kept in cupboards or chest of drawers. It was obvious the Labour Party was not able to successfully race against the Nationalist Party. The Malta Labour Party had a lot of filthy baggage and no inspiring dream for the future.
Labour Party strategists and fourth floor thinkers proposed the formation of a coalition of various interest groups to assist the Labour Party in its endeavours. Disgruntled organizations and people from different walks of life pooled together under the newly formed movement led by the Partit Laburista. This new umbrella brought together long-time sworn enemies for shelter. The Partit Laburista successfully transformed itself into a Moviment. The results are there for all to see, but now it is time for the present administration to lead and deliver on its wide-ranging promises. It is time for this administration to iron out the significant differences between the various organizations within the Movement and take the difficult decisions. This is no easy task.
People and organizations will discreetly return to the present administration to get their promised piece of cake. Finding ways and means to improve people’s quality of life will be subject to such pressures. The national agenda will have to take second place. The huge shift from the Nationalist Party to the Labour Party is partly due to people not having it their way. The fine line between keeping the national agenda on course and fulfilling the daily necessities of people was distorted. People fuelled by prima donnas and others did not give credit where credit was due.
While it is totally not acceptable for any leader to lead without seeking a broad base consensus through structured open dialogue, it is equally wrong for others involved to initiate, propagate and disseminate ideas which are not congruent with decisions taken by the senior officials in the organization after due and proper discussion, evaluation and consultation with the rank and file. Political parties, like all other organizations, need to have an open access to exchange of views. Political parties, as against movements, have ideals, values and objectives which one may either like and own or reject. Movements are different. These generally have and work towards a specific aim. A recent case in point is Malta’s joining the European Union. Except for the then Malta Labour Party and the General Workers Union, a movement, led by the Nationalist Party, was built around the idea of Malta becoming a member of the EU. Organizations and various bodies, which by their very nature and because they have different purposes and are often at different if not opposing ends of the spectrum, rallied around the objective of Malta joining the EU. Once this aim was achieved, organizations reverted back to attend to their own agendas and propagate their beliefs, be they national, sectorial or of any other nature or interest.
During the previous legislature people like Jeffrey, Jesmond, Michael, John, Franco, Kevin, Emmanuel and many others, for different reasons, felt that they had to draw the line and shift their allegiances. They made their position and stand known and actively participated in the Moviment.
Having said this, I have always believed that people should be treated with respect but on the other hand people have their integrity and credibility to safeguard. It seems that switchers have, in a short span of time, earned so much respect and esteem within the Partit Laburista structures that the new administration has seen it fit to make use of these people who could not hold the fire in their bellies under the previous administration. The Partit Laburista must however be aware that some of its staunch party supporters are already strolling down Republic Street expressing their frustration and anguish at their own party. They cannot grasp the notion that although they have supported their party for many years, switchers are now being served with high profile posts.
One of these is undoubtedly Dr. Franco Debono, who a couple of months ago was sitting on the back bench of the Nationalist Party. This rebel rouser within the Nationalist Party was appointed Commissioner of Laws on part-time basis and Constitutional Reform Coordinator. The need for the revision of our Constitution has long been felt and a number of statements were published by the main political parties and other interested bodies. The President of Malta went a step further and called for a referendum on the adoption of the new constitution. It seems that the spirit to change is there but the appointment of Dr. Debono as Coordinator on the Reform of the Constitution may be a major stumbling block from the onset. As a matter of fact the Nationalist Party has already reacted strongly to this appointment, which it described as “divisive” and “insulting”. The PN statement claimed that the appointment did not augur well for the seriousness and serenity with which the revision of the Constitution should be tackled. It said that, in view of the importance of this process, political wisdom demanded that every effort should have been made to build a national consensus.
Much as the Nationalist Party has lost the election with huge margins I am convinced that the Party has not lost its integrity and loyalty to the core values and principles it holds and should therefore refrain from participating in meetings under the chairmanship of Dr. Debono. No doubt the Party should be led by its leaders but due recognition should be given to its members. While this is my opinion, I am in no doubt that many others are on the same wavelength.
Players with various responsibilities within the structures of any organization, not least in that of a Moviment, take shelter under an umbrella which maybe too small for a large crowd. It is all fine and smiles while the sun shines but when the rain starts, then the umbrella may be too small to shelter all. Then the disgruntlement sets in. Especially when loyal party supporters see switchers jump the queue and are offered coveted positions. This, to them, is simply not fair.
By the way, and on a completely different subject, RTK anchor Tonio Bonello last Friday had two Senior Managers from Transport Malta as his guests in his weekly programme il-Polz tac-Cittadin. Astonishingly it seems that it has now been acknowledged that two years may be a little too long to build a new bus terminus. The Partit Laburista is committed to build a new power station in two years. I wonder which way is up.
Gejtu Vella
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