With the passing of days and weeks it is becoming apparent that all we are going to get is blowing of raspberries in the Panamagate cases and other major topics.
This is quite normal for those who are used to framing their thoughts and endeavours around a consumeristic concept and little more. They see it as unremarkable and any protest as hype. Others, though, are of another mind about it. They are ready to show their indignation and utterly reject the puerile response and attitude taken by the persons involved.
The status quo is unbecoming of a democratic and modern government. Apart from the facts surrounding the Panamagate scandal and other scandals, there is a matter of respect. Respect that you answer to the people and that you are there to govern the country, for which you took an oath, around a culture and standard of ethics. It is quite infantile to assume that power will trump anything. This may be a hard lesson to learn. When you ditch the respect towards others, they will likely do the same to you. Events of this week, with the rejection of Dr Toni Abela’s nomination to the European Court of Auditors show that you cannot just take liberty to interpret serious matters in a subjective way or one that goes down well with party grass roots. There is another dimension which is commonly used by persons of honour and it will not be brushed aside for political convenience. Protests held in Valletta and from across the opposition benches are a reflection of the view of those who see clearly where the boundary lines stand. In time, the accumulation of scandals is going to paralyse this labour government.
People may move on because after all, the government and its ministers are not the most important thing in people’s lives but the opinions formed will not be altered or forgotten. There is also a strong sense of awareness and intolerance this time round.
At the end of the day, we have better things to do than teach this government how to run the country and respect the people or they may feel they do not need any counsel. They had many years to prepare to take over the running of the country so one can only assume that current decisions are deliberate or part of a strategy. Indeed, thousands were keen to see what this government could deliver. Now we know. All has been revealed in just three years.
We know what’s what and who’s who. There is no other option but to take it or leave it. The prospects for our future are dim given that we are poles apart on what constitutes good governance and we have not seen a single contract that was signed by Minister Mizzi. There are individuals, however, who are not willing to let things lie and who are advocating for action in the form of civil disobedience. That is how strongly they feel about the way they are being disrespected.
There will, no doubt – and we can already see it - be a surge in u-turns and diversions to try to lift the negative image that has engulfed the labour government. Funny how they went on and on about the PN being negative when they are now the ones in the midst of the most negative cloud. In just a few days we have been told that the extension of the hospitals, both Mater Dei and Gozo hospital is now so big that they will indeed need to apply for a permit. We also read about how poor families who were eliminated from the European Union list will start to receive food packs from the government. Let us see if the decrease in the price of petrol and diesel will be accelerated. People struck off the unemployment list may suddenly receive a notification of a change to their status or maybe the hike in the rent of social housing will somehow be re-adjusted. It may also be time for the hunters to be given a boost, though it’s hard to see how there is anything more to be granted to them. Some more videos and billboards perhaps?
Because, let’s face it, the much boasted about economic performance can only go so far and the University that is an Institute is not plasticine. The missing new power station, failure to improve public transport and insignificant foreign investment is evident. Targeting the opposition and launching attacks only serves to reinforce the argument against them.
The polls are saying more than the government is, about the current state of affairs. Reverse switchers, disgruntled labourites who say they will not vote, others who are sufficiently distressed by the poor performance that they will be voting PN and so on. This is not to say that this or that party will win the next election. It does, though, show that people are able to make up their own minds and come to their opinions as to what they believe. It also makes clear that the opposition are not alone in defending the arguments and an attack on them is an attack on those in the public who are behind them.
The Nationalist party there is today is quite distinct from the one of 2013. It has come a long way in regaining direction and leadership. The structure has been strengthened and will continue to be built solidly. The message is that it will be a party for the people and favour responsible politics over liberalism, having core values. To some that may seem inconvenient but we may ask whether we can actually afford not to have it this way.
At any rate, the undermining of good people, as happened in the past, for the sake of political scores will be met with equal response. Many of the false accusations have been uncovered and there are enough facts to turn tables on propaganda and biased media for more than the next two years.
It is, after all, a matter of perception. Hiding from the media, keeping contracts under wraps, avoiding confrontation and attempts at creative replies are only going to reinforce the negative perception. On the other hand, long-term commitment, hard work and nation building can prove to be a good alternative to short-term individual interests.
Malta will always be proud to do well. It is not a case of all or nothing. There is a point and probably we are already there, when the alarm bells ring and it’s time to call the cavalry. Prosperity needs a good home because without it, it corrupts and belittles. What progress is there in leaving others behind or betraying solid values? We can never grow used to being humiliated in the international stage. The younger generation have a choice before them but in all likelihood it is one they are prepared for and ready to make. So too the many good souls from ‘the south’ or Gozo. Make no mistake – the good name and reputation that Malta had gained internationally, served many Maltese students and job hunters well and the reverse can be true. We are one people and one country and we must be united in building up a good future for all.
Whatever words or slogans are planted, perceptions have changed and what matters is that when the time came for action all we had was raspberries. This government will have to stand on its record just like previous governments before it. They are more fortunate to have a strong opposition intent on doing a good job not just about getting elected but for the good of the country. They are also lucky to have had such a result in the last election. A golden opportunity given a whole new meaning.