I am writing this piece very early on 1st January, literally at the dawn of a new year. 2014 is already history but is still very fresh in our minds. It will therefore be a good thing to look back for a little while and assess what struck me most from the many events that took place in the past 365 days.
Locally, the EP elections provided perhaps the most challenging moments for the party I love so much and to whom I have dedicated a good part of my life so far. Having to go through the same ordeal we experienced just a year ago, at the dawn of what we consider as a new era in the history of this party, is no mean feat. A feeling of helplessness seeps in, instigating numerous questions: how can the electorate reward a government which has shown that it is anything but a government for all people (remember Tagħna Lkoll?), it has shown that it is so power-hungry that it has brushed aside all talk of meritocracy and instead has ensured that all its blue-eyed boys and girls are rewarded not for capabilities but for their loyalty to Muscat and Co. Analysts have come up with myriad interpretations as to why this has happened. There were those who mentioned that it is still very early in the legislature for people to change their minds and allegiances, others said that it is too early for switchers to admit that in March 2013 they voted for the wrong party, others mentioned the PL’s micro-management tactics which may, after all, be reaping results. Probably, as usual, the truth is somewhere in between.
On the positive side, in the second part of 2014 we witnessed the resurgence of the Nationalist Party under the leadership of Simon Busuttil. The culmination was reached in Dr Busuttil’s reply to the Budget for 2015 presented by the government in Parliament. I know that that speech was a morale booster for so many people who had been demoralised by the party’s successive electoral defeats. And that speech was certainly not a one-off. Simon has been inspiring in all his speeches and TV appearances so far. Our parliamentary group has been working hard under his leadership to collectively regain lost ground. In Parliament it has been very active, presenting numerous motions, private member’s bills and parliamentary questions. Both the President and the Speaker had no qualms in praising this sense of dynamism shown by the party in Opposition. Unfortunately, the results of a survey carried out by this newspaper were no good news for us since they have shown that despite its failures this government is still leading in the popularity ratings. This however should not damper our enthusiasm but should increase our resolve to focus on the road ahead and look back only to learn from past mistakes.
Despite such ratings, 2014 wasn’t such a good one for Labour in government. It has failed on another major electoral promise by not sticking to the self-imposed timeframe for the building of the new gas-fired power station. The completion dates has now been shifted to mid 2016. The Gzira shooting has also exposed Joseph Muscat’s weaknesses when facing real challenges. Dr Muscat failed to read the public mood and persisted in covering up for former minister Mallia until he had no choice but to dismiss him. It has also exposed this government’s shameless habit of lying and covering up its misdeeds. It has also shown how this government’s style of micro-managing institutions, which should be left to work independently, has come back to haunt it.
Looking beyond the boundaries of this tiny island, a lot has happened which should worry so much. The emergence of what is called the Islamic State has been very bad news for the world. They are nothing but terrorists on the loose occupying large swathes of land, killing thousands of innocent people, including children, in the process. The fact that IS has also reached Libyan shores should send shivers down our spine. It should also raise the EU’s antennas since the enemy is literally behind the door now.
Russia’s occupation of part of Ukraine was also a negative development. It has shown that Russia is truly being led by a dangerous person who seems to rule supreme in a political environment inundated with political leaders who seem unwilling to react promptly and effectively.
On the other hand, Pope Francis has continued to show the world what an inspirational leader he is. His style may have ruffled a few feathers especially within the Vatican itself, but he is proving to be a guiding light for many, including other world leaders. Speaking of the Pope, one hopes that he takes a final decision on who to appoint as our next Archbishop very soon. The local Church is in dire need of a very strong leader who perhaps will follow the steps of Pope Francis himself by going in for his mission with the same zest and fearlessness.
A new year brings with it new hopes. I am sure it will also bring with it new pains and disappointments but at this juncture we should all look ahead and hope that at the end of this year we will be able to say what a good year it has been.
May I wish you all a very prosperous New Year.
Charlò Bonnici is a Nationalist Party Member of Parliament