In the months and years before Malta was declared an independent country in September 1964, huge controversies arose over how it could keep afloat if separated completely from the UK. From what could Maltese people earn a living? How? What should be done to create new jobs on the island when/if the British "left"? Many good souls, some not so good, were really afraid of what could happen.
With the assistance of the United Nations, a mission of experts led by Professor Wolfgang Stolper was sent to review the situation and give advice about what needed to be done. Their report, labelled "The Stolper Report" was presented to the Maltese government in January 1964, sixty years ago. The government accepted its conclusions. With time the report got forgotten, but when read today, one understands the voyage that Malta has accomplished since it went off "on her own".
Under the editorial label of -- quinque -- that I guide, it's being republished as a book under the title "The Stolper Report". We're showing it in its "primitive" presentation that makes a contrast with the formats of today's reports, that come packaged with glitzy gimmicks and beautiful PR photos. The report looks exactly like it did when it hit the desks of then Prime Minister George Borg Olivier, Opposition Leader Dom Mintoff and other Maltese leaders.
It still provides much food for thought.
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THE EXTREME RIGHT
The far right in Europe is now getting about a third of the popular vote. In Slovakia and Holland, it is participating in a governing coalition. In Hungary it is in government and in Italy it is leading a coalition government, even if up to now, European constraints have somehow tamed its fervour. In France and in Germany, tremendous effort has been expended to block it, although the political forces aligned together against it are not at all friendly with each other, and it is difficult to gauge how they could arrive at some stable agreement between them
Major questions remain pending. About them, the parties which stand against the extreme right in Europe are failing to find effective replies. What motivates people to swing to the far right in order to obtain the satisfaction they expect from society? How can this satisfaction be delivered without the adoption in Europe of policy choices that would lead towards fascism?
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PAVEMENTS
We hear a lot about how traffic has increased. About roads that have been badly built, confuse drivers and render driving hazardous. Also but with much less emphasis, about the needs of cyclists.
All these are issues of great interest which deserve full attention. All as well focus attention on drivers... of cars, motor cycles, bicycles. Not those of pedestrians who walk to arrive from point A to point B. For instance, never or almost never, are pavements mentioned.Too many of them are in a dilapidated state. Old people and mothers with children find difficulty in walking on pavements, always with the fear of making some false step and risking a fall.
Who is really responsible for pavements and their maintenance? The central government and its agencies? Local councils? How much funds get devoted to their upkeep? Are they enough? Are they being spent effectively?