This legislature has had one common theme, and that is the confrontational, and sometimes aggressive nature of our politicians’ attitude towards each other. The phenomenon first reared its head in the new parliament building, where the seating arrangements changed from  the old chamber, in terms of adopting a rounded Continental plenary, rather than the two opposing benches.

The old Maltese parliament seating design owes its origins to the British House of Commons, which was also traditionally a two-party system. In fact, the two benches were designed to be far enough apart to allow two sword lengths between two MP’s standing opposite each other.

Without reading too much into the nuances of it, it was symbolic, meaning that discourse would always have the edge over violence in the House of Commons. Malta’s parliament did have its share of unfortunate moments, with MPs crossing the floor and manhandling each other in the past, but those times were thankfully resigned to the history books.

Then the migration took place and since then, there have been numerous occasions where members from both political parties have been verbally aggressive and confrontational, and sometimes downright hysterical to the point that the speaker has had to intervene with harsh language to solve the dispute. He has also left the chamber and he has also appealed for more respect to be shown in the house. The Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition have also made the same appeal, but it seems to fizzle out very quickly.

Tensions have been running high in Malta of late, and one of the reasons seems to be that politically charged supporters are becoming even more agitated because politicians are reflecting this in their behaviour. Sometimes it is caught on camera and it does not make for pleasant viewing. Now the two leaders are appealing for their supporters to not succumb to provocation. What era are we living in exactly? The President yesterday made an appeal for politicians to tone it down, saying that irrational discourse can sow divisions. And it does. We have been there before and we should not go down that route again. The President also says this, adding that old wounds should not be reopened.

“Politicians have a long-term duty and responsibility to keep our nation together and of fostering unity among our people,” she wrote in her introduction.

The President goes on to mention the rifts that our country experienced in the 1960s and 1980s, adding that she believed that such incidents “resulting from destructive divergences and political short-sightedness are relegated to history”. However this also reflects on when Marie Louise Coleiro Preca was Secretary General of MLP during the worst violent period in Maltese modern history. If she is giving this advice, then can this also be interpreted as a form of apology for what went on during those times?

It is understandable that people have strong views, especially at a time when so many scandals have rocked the foundations of the electorate. But do we really need to take it to that level? We are still talking about criminal charges being issued for libel cases, and we live in a supposed modern democracy. The truth is that a President does not take to penning an open letter to politicians and a people without being worried that things are going to escalate.

Malta is not a paradise, but it’s fairly close to it. We are blessed with so much, yet we are so polarised. It’s almost like we are pre-programmed to take sides. It might be a character trait, but those who are leading the country should set the example. This is not what Malta and Gozo deserve. We deserve better.