Every business owner in a modern democracy, whether running a small family enterprise or a large operation, needs to be able to trust one basic principle: that the rules of the game apply equally to everyone.

It's not too much to ask for. It is the foundation of any economy that strives through the growth of individual players, where success is measured by innovation, investment and hard work.

That is why when we hear of certain players being so dangerously close to the corridors of power, it creates a certain sense of unease for the rest. It affects businesses directly, from the smallest to the largest, and it has a real bearing on how attractive this country remains for serious, genuine investment.

Modern economies are driven through a strong sense of separation of powers, whereby authorities and operators are kept at an arms' length from each other to ensure independence and autonomy.

The role of Government is crucial for a healthy economy. It needs to empower, facilitate, and create the perfect conditions for sectors to strive. This is done through innovative and competitive legislation, through incentives that encourage businesses to invest and open shop on our shores, through timely support and a plethora of other tools available to the state to entice investors.

However, a government cannot ever be tempted to enter the race or leverage its immense power to favour one player instead of another. Familiarity breeds contempt, the British maxim goes, and in a small society like Malta's where we all seem to be either related by blood or by some other close degree of separation, an extra strong effort needs to be made, to counter for this proximity.

Because how can we fully believe in a level playing field when some appear to be so close to the government? How can we blame anyone for raising doubts about whether decisions are taken on merit or on relationships?

More than a political question, this is an economic one, and it either strengthens or erodes the confidence of anyone looking to invest, expand, or simply compete fairly in this country.

When business assumes, based on the reality we have witnessed over the years, that whoever is closer to the circles of power will have the upper hand, then we are in for a hard time as a country.

Quickly operators either lose their appetite to invest, or else start looking for a quiet exit. Either way, the country loses in efficiency, in innovation, and in its international reputation as a serious destination for investment.

Malta needs a government that acts as a strong, credible regulator, one that drives economic development by creating fair conditions for everyone rather than leaving room for a privileged few.

That means greater transparency in decision-making processes, oversight mechanisms that genuinely function, and a clear distance between those who take decisions and those who stand to benefit from them.

Darren Carabott is the Opposition Spokesperson for the Economy.