Though some people are sceptical about this (or make believe they are), the truth is that a government with a left wing orientation remains tagged with the label of being descended from some lesser god. What it does less than well is relentlessly criticised by the media and representatives of civil society. What it does well gets ignored or gets run down.

By contrast, with a government of the right, what it does “well” is praised and given full importance. What it does badly is sidelined if not excused. True, in recent years the so-called independent media have toughened their stance towards the PN in Opposiiton... perhaps because it was in that position.

However the rule that what a left wing government does right is given no credit has not changed at all. So, the achievements of a Labour administration are afforded restricted salience.

Old habits die hard. Or are we waiting for the time when the pendulum swings back and the right comes back with a vengeance?

***

SECURITY OF FOREIGN PEOPLE

It could be a wrong impression. In the accidents, sometimes murders, in streets, at places of work mostly construction sites, in homes, the victims for the larger part, especially women, seem to be members of the foreign community living here; this has now reached almost a fourth of the total population.

Meanwhile, both among Maltese as well as (or so it appears) foreigners who live in our midst, the feeling is that the Maltese islands provide an environment where one can live securely. Violence and crime against property are relatively limited compared to other places. The Maltese as a people are generous and welcoming.

Is this a correct perspective? Or does it refer to other times, other days?

We all believe in the deep generosity of the Maltese people as shown during the marathons which are frequently held to collect funds for “charity”. How then can we believe that there is some urge to hurt and kill those who come to live here?

*** 

METSOLA’S DISCOVERIES

I imagine that Ms Roberta Metsola was well aware that something like this was bound to happen – namely that her conduct as the European Parliament President would be placed under strong scrutiny. Surely however she could not have expected that Qatargate would emerge. Nobody did, though the ways by which the EP operates clearly open crannies through which such scandals can take root.

When considering what Metsola has been facing, the temptation arises to indulge in schadenfreude, as the Germans call the joy one feels at somebody else’s discomfort. Not least when the person concerned has for years – along with her party – enjoyed highlighting what she presented as sins of the Maltese government that she opposed.

Now, there are some who have been highlighting faux pas for which the current President of the EP is allegedly responsible. Schadenfreude leaves me completely cold also in this case, but I have to admit I could understand what gives rise to it.