Democracy is often best described as a form of government in which all eligible citizens participate equally, either directly or indirectly, through elected representatives. From time to time, citizens are called to select their representatives. Political parties, when asked by the electoral to take the driving seat, shoulder an enormous responsibility, including that of proper administration, in executing policies and in giving direction to present and future generations.
Other organisations make valid contributions too. Wealth is generated by the business community. Trade unions are constituted to protect workers. Voluntary organisations strive to give a service to different clusters. All these organisations lobby, officially and unofficially, political parties with the aim to influence political decisions. The Church, as an institution, is also a key player in the realisation of society and contributes in more ways than one.
While it may look, or may be perceived, to be an on-going tug-of-war between the political parties, with the exception of the extreme left and extreme right which hopefully are defunct, all other political parties have more or less the same objectives. The main differences between political parties are not found in ideology. Political ideologies of the past have long been dismantled and buried. Most of the political parties have moved closer to the centre and converge on most issues.
Traditionally, one party may have stressed the importance of fuelling the economy more than the other, while the other may have been portrayed more willing to spend taxpayers money on social services. The smallest of the three political formations remains committed steadily to the protection of the environment. All three political parties represent important issues and no political party can ignore the other two priorities without facing great difficulties if, and when, they are called to take the lead. Irrespective of the political parties’ priorities, people are and must remain at the centre of all political decisions. It is here that parties are called to show their true colours, their genuine core values and what they stand for.
Lately it seems that politicians, or rather their advisors, came to the conclusion that the promotion of values is not as appealing to our society as it used to be. Values are important and are a constant guiding line by which politicians are expected to lead. In a lay society, political formations should reflect well the aspirations of people, but should also ensure that values are reflected in processes and criteria that sustain the backbone of a healthy democracy.
Political transparency is one of the pre-requisites for a healthy democracy. It is easy for political parties to fall into the trap of setting priorities and high standards, but then find ways and means to by-pass these standards under different pretexts. If political parties do not consciously make every effort to stick consistently to their electoral promises and ethical conduct, they will drift off.
A case in point was the exclusive interview with former AFM Captain Martin Galea, which was published in this newspaper. The interview can be divided into two sections, the humanitarian aspect which was incredibly poignant and Mr Galea’s shrouded in mystery abduction. Unfortunately for Mr Galea, he has spent eleven days in captivity in Libya. From the interview I have drawn my own conclusions. He has gone through a life threatening experience while his family must have lived agonising moments. It remains questionable why Mr Galea’s abduction was not made public. The Prime Minister revealed the abduction after he was left with no option as the media broke the news. It is legitimate for people to ask whether Government is hiding other important issues. The abduction of Mr Galea in Libya by the militia and his release were handled by Government like a public relations stunt which has gone horribly wrong. The human element was dismissed completely and the press briefing by the Prime Minister and two senior Ministers at the Gudja airport on Mr Galea’s arrival left nothing but bad taste.
It is quite understandable that issues of certain magnitude need to be kept under wraps until it would be safe to divulge all details, but it is not justifiable to keep other political leaders deprived from information on issues which are not only delicate but sensitive to our people working in Libya and our national security.
From a local perspective, the turbulence between the various factions in Libya is not only a serious threat to all Maltese working in Libya but is also a matter of major concern to all Maltese entrepreneurs with huge investments in Libya. There are other local entrepreneurs with substantial business and trade activity with various companies in Libya which last year have reached €138 million.
It is most distressing that Government remains close-mouthed on an issue which will have adverse effects on our economy and employment. The turbulence in one of our neighbouring countries is a matter of concern to us all. The timely concerns expressed by the leader of the Opposition and the call by GRTU president to convene an early meeting on this issue are an eye opener.
Transparency is an important value in the political arena.
Gejtu Vella
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