9 March 2013 – almost 6½ years ago – the electorate was called to exercise its democratic right to vote for who it considered to be the best choice to govern our islands for the following five years.

2013 – “Malta belongs to us all”

During the last Labour Mass Meeting under the slogan “Malta belongs to us all”, in a high-pitched voice Muscat declared solemnly “I always keep my promises”. A day after, during the day of silence, the Maltese could consider the manifestos of the two major political parties and what was promised by their leaders. Notwithstanding the prophetic warnings not to trust Joseph Muscat, the electorate gave a resounding victory to Muscat and his Labour Party. Malta voted for change after almost 25 years.

Mr Prime Minister, please advise why some electoral promises are resulting to be a gimmick. It is futile declaring that you keep your promises – the people are aware of the truth, are facing harsh reality. The majority that was deceived is suffering whilst the growing numbers of the select clique are having more than their share.

Trusting Muscat

6½ years ago the majority believed Muscat had a roadmap showing where we would arrive together. Apparently he neither had a map to guide him nor knew the road ahead. The majority believed that Malta will belong to us all. Muscat was believed he would make Malta the best in Europe. Many believed Muscat’s meritocracy claim. They believed that what counts was what one knew, not who one knew. They believed that Malta will not belong to a clique, to a party or to a politician. The majority believed the promise of a “just society” where everyone, irrespective of political creed, progresses.

Muscat was believed that his government would be transparent and would not use the services of those blacklisted by international organisations. The majority believed the slogan of “Zero tollerance for corruption”. Muscat was believed about responsible and accountable politicians and that the national broadcaster would have no political interference.

Not trusting Muscat

When Muscat went up the steps of Castille, many promises – which probably were vote catching to satisfy his ego becoming Prime Minister – were thrown to the four winds. The people were deceived. People like Muscat cannot be held to anything they say when running for office.

Recruitment and promotions for the clique, for friends of friends and family members turned meritocracy into corruption. Among the many who benefitted were a Minister’s wife, a friend of Muscat’s wife and some journalists from the Labour station. Also, in a very short period a person was given three successive promotions to put him where they wanted him to be. Transfers were the order of the day. With Muscat at the helm, the promised ‘movement’ turned into a clique. For Muscat, Malta belongs to them only. Some are drunk on power. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Responsible and accountable politicians

Muscat promised to “remove all powers from the political class as it is not the politicians who have a right to power. Our children should have the right to decide their own future”. He declared “we shall bring forward meritocracy, transparency and accountability so no one would need to go begging to a politician to get what one rightly deserves”. He insisted “we will be one family, labourites and nationalists together and, under a Labour government, the next five years will be years of unity”. Is this Malta of today? We hear violent words (a Minister threatened the use of an axe). We face top secrecy and lack of accountability. The government does not listen but rolls over everyone.

Muscat promised clean politics and a fight against corruption. He promised full democracy and transparency. “We believe in politics and politicians of responsibility and accountability where politicians will answer for their actions which actions they will ensure to be transparent”.

In February 2017, on the Labour radio Muscat said that the next election will take place in March of the following year as scheduled. Can he be trusted in what he says? In May 2017 he announced an early election for the 3 June, a year ahead of schedule, which confirmed he was in a panic. Who knows why. However he said he announced an early election in the country’s interest. I do not believe him.

2017 – “The best of times”

In 2017 history repeated itself. Labour presented a manifesto full of promises. We were told Malta was classified with the best in Europe. He promised that wealth generated will reach everyone. At least 76,865 persons at the risk of poverty – out of which 12,000 cannot make both ends meet by the end of the month and 18,000 are children – do not agree with him. Are these the best of times under a Labour government that promised that no one remains behind? Malta under Muscat’s Labour reminds me of George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ where it is said that all animals are equal but some are more equal than others.

Can Muscat and his Labour Party be believed when they promised that “social justice means environmental justice” and “cleaner air”? “Priority to the environment” was promised as were “more trees and gardens”. We are all aware of the current destruction of thousands of trees. The environment is being destroyed and those suffering from asthma are on the increase. Another promise was that “the Government will keep watch on and be active in the rental market to make it sustainable”. Muscat should consult those who wish to rent and they will give him a bit of their mind.

Sinking deep

The workers were promised more money in their pockets. Can this be achieved with the high increases in prices of essential items when the pay remains on the low side? Recent increase in prices include bread, milk and its derivatives, postage rates, petrol, diesel and medicines.

With Muscat’s majority in Parliament, Malta could have been turned into a heaven on earth. On the contrary, we are sinking deep. Joseph Muscat deceived who believed him. He is not accomplishing a number of promises. Prior to the elections of 2013 and 2017, Muscat promised many things and is doing the opposite or nothing at all about some of them. Political dishonesty and deceit. Labour never changes. Labour cannot be trusted, should not be believed. Vote Labour, get Labour.

Malta does not belong to all of us and we are not living in the best of times. Most certainly Malta is not in Labour’s heart.