A third force in Maltese politics is an important issue raised by Marlene Farrugia recently, one that is very close to the writer’s heart and which has been the subject of several references in correspondence by the writer. It is widely regarded as timely, and very sensible in the context of our current political climate. Let’s examine why.
The point has often been made that people are, politically, fiercely partisan, mostly for no logical reason other than family-rooted allegiance. It’s like supporting a football team but with much more vigour and seriousness and that support often passes from generation to generation. In Malta, with possibly the exception of the last one, general elections have historically been so polarised governments are normally formed with a slender majority. The last election was much different, compliments of the unbridled ambition of Franco Debono and resultant disunity and constant internal bickering of the previous administration. No government could have survived that at the polls and it’s a circumstance which has afflicted both PN and PL governments over time. Small majorities lead to instability in politics. Many Members of Parliament become impatient waiting to claw their way up the ministerial ladder, knowing their position in a small majority government has leverage and that almost always translates to destabilization. At the last election, predominantly with the younger generation looking for change, some allegiances moved and we experienced possibly for the first time in recent history a significant element of a swinging vote resulting in a massive PL majority in Parliament.
Polarisation leads to near deadlock in parliamentary representation which leads to government instability. Conversely, a vast majority to one particular party as we have at present, albeit rare, brings about, as we are witnessing, irresponsible and undisciplined actions by ministers secure in the knowledge they are immune to discipline from their own party, or indeed a parliamentary vote of No Confidence. Over time they consider themselves beyond the filters designed to ensure honest and good governance and practically nothing stands in the way of their highly questionable activities.
Why a third force. The ideological variance between Labour or Nationalists or politics of the left or right no longer exists. Labour makes pro blue collar union noises from time to time to keep the already converted on side and the Nationalists equally make favourable noises to business interests and white collar unions to maintain their traditional support base; but very clearly both sides, to varying degrees as circumstances often dictate, play the populist Centre card. We now have a Labour government lending significant financial support to big business and a Nationalist opposition expressing concern and solidarity with threatened employees such as those of cash-strapped Air Malta. There are no remaining ideological lines drawn in the sand; it’s all about being elected to government. “To keep the bastards honest” was a phrase coined in Australia to describe the role of what was then a significant emerging third force ‘The Australian Democrats’. Never a truer word spoken as it applies to Maltese politics and may well be the new mantra of a budding new force. With a third force holding the balance of power there will still be instability and the need for horse trading between opposition parties, but unsavoury financial dealings will largely decline as Ministers will be careful not to alienate a third force not subject to enforced loyalty by their own party whip and which could hold the balance of power.
A third force in Parliament might also hopefully embrace strong environmentalist principles not just to strike a vote-winning populist chord with especially the younger generations more attuned to ecological matters threatening theirs and their future children’s well-being, but by giving expression to genuine ecological problems rapidly incubating in our once enviably pristine environment.
Dr Farrugia is clearly a force to be reckoned with. Taking on a rampart PL from within is not for the faint-hearted. She is clearly demonstrating a level of leadership and courage which deserves better than just being a voice, albeit a strong and eloquent one, on the cross bench at the back of the house. She has articulated very clearly her strong and courageous stand against wrong in what used to be her own party and Malta is in dire need of people with her commitment, integrity and purpose. The Green Party in Malta has generally failed to make good progress but that should in no way impact on Dr Farrugia’s vision of a third force. The Greens in Malta have failed to produce a strong combative leadership which is essential in Maltese politics. Dr Farrugia with her articulate oratory and strong and fearless actions clearly has already.
A. Trevisan