The Labour Party last Saturday launched its electoral slogan for the upcoming elections, Malta F’Qalbna (Malta in our hearts).

But what exactly does this mean? Surely, Labour intends it to seem that the party and government have the whole country close to its heart. However, given that a number of issues have arisen since Labour took office in 2013, we have taken a tongue-in-cheek approach to the Labour slogan to point out situations that need to be addressed.

Construction in our hearts – The Labour Party certainly likes the site of cranes and dusty streets. With the huge amount of construction going on around the island going hand in hand with the sheer lack of enforcement action by the relevant authorities, one cannot but insist that the PL loves dust, the noise of construction at all hours, and the complaints of the many residents around the islands.

Developers in our hearts – Of course the construction lobby is very close to the Labour Party. The Planning Authority has given many questionable permit approvals over the past years. The lack of a master plan for high rise towers also shows the PL’s idea to change Malta’s skyline, rather haphazardly. Indeed the next step, pushing through a permanent link between Malta and Gozo – a proposal which both parties are backing – will see developers spread their wings to reach the sister island, taking over there are well.

Corruption in our hearts – One corruption allegation after another has characterised this administration, but little action, if any, was taken against the perpetrators.

The judiciary in our hearts – The government had presented amendments in an attempt to make it seem as though it was introducing a more independent system of judicial appointments, but in reality the final decision was kept in the hands of politicians. The government has appointed a number of persons to the bench who were heavily linked to the PL. This is not to say the PN had not done the same when in government, but two wrongs do not make a right.

Justice in our hearts – Many argue that the courts take far too long to take action. In addition, the dealing of domestic violence cases by the police has raised eyebrows in recent times, with police not seemingly trained enough to deal with such situations.

Institutions in our hearts – The police force is perceived as being weak, inadequate and one that is under the government’s thumb. One weak police commissioner after another has not helped strengthen their image. The attorney general’s office and other institutions have often been accused of defending the government’s interests, rather than the public’s.

Clientelism in our hearts – It started when people who had appeared on pre-2013 election billboards and others close to the Labour Party being given their iced buns once Labour was elected. It was followed by a string of appointments, consultancies and whatnot to favour – and pay – people who served it.

Poverty in our hearts – while the government argues that statistically poverty is being eradicated, stories of people living in garages, single rooms or even in their cars and begging on the street are becoming more frequent.

Money, in our hearts – the overall understanding of the way this government works is that it gives money more importance than anything else. The impression is that values are being thrown out the window – as long as people have money in their pockets, they care little about corruption, the need to show solidarity and respect to others who are less fortunate.

Hunting in our hearts – The government once closed the hunting season because of abuses. Yet hunting abuses continued and hunting season was opened again.

After Taghna Lkoll and L-Aqwa Zmien, Malta f’Qalbna is yet another catchy slogan which will work wonders with Labour supporters.

But is Malta really in Labour’s hearts?