At times when the economy is running very well, which is Malta’s case as of now, it would seem that to worry about safeguarding the public good is less than useful. Personally I think the contrary is the case. Indeed a better oversight could become more necessary given that in the impetus given by financial surpluses, commitments to excessive expenditures could be made which when the situation changes and the economy slows down, might become unsustainable burdens.

Whatever the circumstances, the obligation remains to commit public assets with the greatest prudence. For this reason, auditors’ reports in this area are worth their weight in gold, even if they give rise to political controversies.

Actually, it is in this sector that such controversies can deliver most benefits. For what could better than that politicians quarrel among themselves as to who can be wisest and most prudent when funds are being offloaded from the public purse?

It is imperative that the office of the auditor general is given greater backing and finances to allow it to function more effectively. On condition though that it too remains subject to a regular, independent review of its operations.  

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European socialism

During the first weeks of the European Parliament’s new mandate one could understand why socialism in Europe has continued trending down. In first place, there was the reaction of socialist MEPs to the European election results – they were so glad that results were not as bad as we had feared, that it was as if socialism had conquered. They reminded me of the current PN secretary general’s behaviour at about the same time.

Then statements were being made about the future content of European socialist policies.  On top, one could find: socio-ecological priorities; climate defence; tax justice; equality between the sexes; a Europe that’s more united...

These are worthy and important aims which should form part of socialist work programmes. But they happen to be too an integral part of what other parties are proposing, such as the Greens, the Liberals, and yes too, the Populars. In what socialists propose it seems that there is nothing which is theirs alone and which defines them as socialist.

This is a tremendous mistake. Above all, socialist parties used to be and should still be, the workers’ parties, though not only that. But it’s what gives them recognition.

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Polish

I failed to understand the glee of the local anti-government gangs at the European Court of Justice rulings about the judiciary in Poland. It as if the ruling and the ethos behind it somehow had a bearing on events related to the rule of law in Malta.

What the ECJ ruled primarily was that the Polish law which reduced the retirement age for all judges (present and future) undermined the independence of the judiciary and was not compatible with EU legal principles.

That legal arrangements in Malta need to be improved is universally admitted. However, the legal system we now have has not been changed in any way from the one that was vetted by the EU prior to Maltese accession and was then found to be totally acceptable.