Probably enthusiasm for festas is among the most prominent traits of the Maltese character. The Leader of the Opposition has given another proof of this, reportedly, with his call for Malta to celebrate one big festa when the Covid-19 pandemic has come to an “end”. If I understood correctly, he did not clarify whether it would have to be a national celebration or an occasion that could be organized separately by the two political parties.

Besides, a point to consider is (I imagine) that the Church for its part would also wish to participate in such a festa. On that side of the fence there might arise some embarassment since if I’m informed correctly, the Catholic Church has not yet appointed any saint to the position of patron and defender in the fight against corona virus. It’s a problem that eventually could be resolved, one would think.

What is crucial is to add another holiday to the ones we already have. Festas have had to remain celebrations fit for the catacombs this last year, not least because to be sure, many were still held clandestinely.

Long live festas! Let us not succumb to the narratives of cynical voices that in cries and whispers, try to remind us how apart from festas, the Maltese as a people excel most at celebrating funerals

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BALANCE OF POWERS

With its exit from the EU, the United Kingdom has confirmed its decision to achieve full sovereignty even if this will mean that it assumes the destiny of a medium sized state in a world where global powers or superpowers will be consolidating their position. True, the UK still has nuclear weapons and a permanent seat in the UN’s Security Council. Still, how meaningful will these assets be in coming years? The overall aim however is clear: admirably, it prioritizes the safeguarding of national sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the European Union – despite the loss of the second or third largest of its members (depending on how you calculate this) – still has the potential to continue enlarging the thrust of its activities. It could still succeed on the basis of its union, to compete head on almost with the US and Chinese superpowers.

To do so, European unity will have to become deeper and closer to some form of a federal executive. Will there be enough political will to carry this out, or shall EU member states still prefer to row forward on their own steam – less sovereign than the British people, yet with policies that distinguish them from each other along national lines?  

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NORMALITY

The ardent urge among peoples to witness the elimination as soon as possible of  the corona virus pandemic so that life can get back to “normal” is deep and widespread. Though such a development is understandable, some query – with reason – what exactly is being envisaged when such an aim is proclaimed? Which normality are we looking forward to?

For the claim is also being made that it will be a different normality to the one lived before the pandemic took hold. That’s surely true for those families which unfortunately lost a loved one. But how does it hold for people who have survived the pandemic, either because Covid-19 passed them by or because they recovered?