In this newspaper it was reported that the anti-corruption protest, organised by the Civil Society Network last Saturday, was attended by around 300 protesters.  Yes, I can confirm that the anti-corruption protest was very poorly attended.  One may search for an explanation to justify the meagre turnout.  The truth is that the civil society protest did not accomplish what it had set to achieve – the resignation of Minister Konrad Mizzi and the PM’s chief of staff Keith Schembri.  Civil society had to make a much larger effort to make the PM understand that it is wrong to keep both gentlemen by his side.   

The PM had the gall to take the heat of two no confidence votes in the House and ten weeks of political tensions, and did not give an inch.  Last Saturday’s Civil Society protest was chicken-feed for the PM.  

Yes, civil society has lost an opportunity to voice its concerns. 

The PM has so far saved both Minister Mizzi and Mr Schembri, but not his credibility.  Political correctness needs no protests or votes of no confidence in the House.  Political correctness is a basic requirement which is expected from upright politicians.  

Malta’s PM has lost his credibility and legitimacy at least on two counts – accountability and transparency.                

Going back to the civil society protest’s poor showing, I come to the following conclusions:

1.                  Civil society is disenchanted with the way politics are being conducted and has started to abhor politics altogether.

2.                  Civil society has gone deaf, mute and blind and is ready to accept flimsy excuses from politicians to justify their wrong doings.

3.                  Civil society has accepted that politicians can use their loaned public office for their personal use.  

4.                  Civil society has been convinced that people in the political arena can flout political ethical standards and basic values.       

5.                  Civil society has accepted that politics may be the smartest fast lane to become wealthy.

If in my assessment I am correct, then this must be addressed at the very earliest and civil society has to wake up and starts taking an active part in the democratic, socio-political development of these Islands.  A standard yardstick should be used to measure the political responsibility and accountability of those politically exposed. Irrespective of the real or perceived professional track-record and/or managerial qualities that a politician or public officer may hold, he/she should not be exonerated from the responsibilities that emanate from their public office.

A public apology should not be considered good enough to bail out politicians from their political and administrative responsibilities.  The claimed thousand and one good deeds should not out-weight political responsibility.     

This brings me to the current race within the PL for the vacant post of deputy leader since Dr Mizzi tendered his resignation within days from assuming the post.  Some weeks ago, during a PL extraordinary general meeting, delegates voted in favour to amend the party statute so that Members of Parliament can run for the post of deputy leader party affairs.  This change in statute was solicited by the PM.   It was clear the PM wanted Dr Mizzi to take the vacant post.   Even if it was against their genuine aspiration, all PL MPs had to abide with the expressed wish of the PM.  No one dared contest the anointed one.

But since Dr Mizzi tendered his resignation, the contest for the vacant post is open.  Three have already expressed their intention to contest the PL deputy leader party affairs post.  Others may come forward.

I believe that the three gentlemen who have till now publicly expressed their ambition to assume and carry the responsibilities associated with the post of PL party affairs deputy leader must have considered showing their interest the first time the post was made vacant after Dr Toni Abela left.  To me it seems that none of the three were in the good books of the PM.  The PM wanted, at all costs, Dr Mizzi to take the post.  None of the new contenders seem to hold this special place with the PM.

It cannot be otherwise as, after months of waiting, the PM did not dismiss Minister Mizzi but instead promoted him to a position which may be considered as a senior position within the Cabinet with a specific role to supervise his colleagues.  

The question that niggles is what hold do Dr Mizzi and Mr Schembri have over the PM.

Gejtu Vella

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