After a mammoth counting session, the results are finally in. The PL and the PN have secured three seats each in the European Parliament elections.

The first person to be elected was former Prime Minister Alfred Sant – the man who campaigned against EU membership in favour of a special partnership. He is our very own ‘Maltkip’, of sorts. If we look at the EU’s parliamentary composition now, Dr Sant’s slightly mellowed position does not look so outlandish any more. Malta is still a committed and eager EU state, but the result across Europe was definitely and awakening moment.

But back to the subject matter. Out of the six MEPs were confirmed, it resulted that four of them are women. Four very different women, but all capable and determined in their approach to their post.

Of course, we take nothing away from the other gent who makes up the Malta delegation, and we also take nothing away from the two men – one from Gozo (another encouraging sign).

But it is indeed an achievement for Maltese society to have four women representing our country in the European Parliament. At a time when Europe is still considering the introduction of gender quotas, we can only but be proud of our maturing society. It is incredible to think how far we have come in the past 20-odd years. Let us be clear, we still lag behind most European countries when it comes to gender, sexuality and other forms of social prejudice. But we are, especially in the last few years, really leaping ahead in terms of how fast things are changing. Its’a a pattern we always seem to adopt. A long period of conservatism followed by a short period of rampant social improvement. The reason why four women made it to the EP is that although Malta is still plagued by political bi-polarism, the people who voted actually sat down and thought that out of all the candidates standing for election, four out of the six who were elected were the cream of the bunch – they just happened to be women.

Whether or not they are the star candidates remains to be seen, their term in office will be their testament. Malta’s women have been, for too long, consigned to the backbenches, but now, there seems to be a very real change. It is the culmination of many things, in terms of a people. But the momentum of political and social ‘growing up’ began with the divorce referendum. But it has continued under this Labour government. Malta does have a party at the helm that is willing to push for us to become a more modern country. But, there are two caveats. We must not change too quickly – insomuch that society cannot grasp it, and the government must also realise that for all the progress, it has made mistakes and really must not only remain grounded, but be just a tad more humble in other areas. Maltese people are not ignorant, if something is not right, the people will let you have it. Revising and consulting in retrospect is noble, if the people have given you the message loud and clear. But listening in the first place is even more so. If the government can do that, and in particular if Joseph Muscat can do that, he might just turn Castille into Malta’s Camelot. But first, government needs to get of its high horse. You’re allowed to enjoy the ride, but all us other kids throw a bit of a tantrum if you hog the ride too long.