We have an odd expression in Maltese which can scarcely be translated to English. ‘Traqqa l-pannu bil-qargħ’aħmar’, literally means trying to fix a piece of (presumably upholstered) felt, by using the skin of a pumpkin. I am not sure about the root of this expression, which I can assume lies somewhere in Malta’s rural heritage. What’s sure is that it refers to an instance when someone tries to come up with a poor, improvised solution that would probably result in having no effect at all – actually probably making things worse.
This expression, I feel, could so very easily be used to describe this Government’s operation, as so much that it does, feels to be haphazard, improvised and ultimately makes things worse.
Starting with the latest stroke of genius – the Prime Minister, during his mass meeting address, on 1st May announced (not really ethical to launch public policy from a partisan platform, but let’s let that slide for a second), that the Government would be distributing a fresh instalment of tax-refund cheques. To the roaring applause of the faithful who were present, Dr Abela explained that these cheques would be in the post as early as this week.
I won’t go into the merits of how financially sound such a decision is. Nor will I debate how improper it is for a government to distribute funds so brazenly in an attempt to literally purchase the electorate’s favour.
What I really cannot understand is what the Government really intends to achieve with such a move. Does Dr Abela really think that a cheque of a few euros can make any valuable difference for a family that is flirting with poverty? Will the cheque help someone with an average salary afford property in Malta in 2023? Or perhaps improve someone’s standard of living?
Sadly, a few euros will make absolutely no difference at all. It will only be the crystallisation of the Government’s brazen arrogance, that will reach intimately into our homes, screaming at our faces when we open those envelopes, saying: “this is as highly as your government thinks of you, this is what your vote is worth.”
It is becoming a trend, that government comes up with ad hoc patch work to cover up much more serious and important problems that would ideally require a greater plan.
Another example would be the much-promoted Project Green which so far has resulted in very expensive walls of dry twigs and suffering plants, together with other unsightly projects. All these are costing the taxpayer dearly and are having zero effect on the quality of life of our communities. Naturally, Government is reacting to its rock-bottom green credentials, and is now throwing cash at the problem with no real plan or vision.
What Malta really needs is a wholistic vision for our urban areas, that places conservation as a priority rather than development at all costs. When development does need to take place, this ought to happen with a view to enhance the surroundings rather than getting the most out of each square foot of land. We are losing our characteristic villages and replacing them by ugly wedges of glass and concrete. Many of these scars will be irreparable.
One other example. The complete mess that Valletta is in at the moment, showing no rhyme nor reason. A few months ago, Government bowed to the whims of a few catering outlets who want to play their loud music till late. This is now law, and our lovely capital city is the battle ground for competing questionable musical tastes being pumped loudly over PA systems which are way too large for the Valletta streets. Our capital deserves way better. The city built by gentlemen for gentlemen deserves a wholistic vision, a detailed plan and much more respect.
All of Malta deserves better. Let’s move forward from felt and pumpkins.