The real point

It is only nine days away from June 12, the day we are called to elect five European parliamentarians to represent us in Brussels, reasonably hopeful that next time round it will be six.

Nothing impressed me on the different attitudes of the two main political parties to these elections than a comment by my colleague, George Vella, when he angrily called on, almost ordered, our Prime Minister to stop smiling. Perhaps this comment called my attention so much because, in the previous week, on three occasions I could observe at close quarters the disarming effect of Dr Gonzi's smile not so much on Nationalist supporters, which is to be expected, but more important on those who probably would view him as their natural enemy.

As the Prime Minister smilingly approached, I could witness more than once an utterly surly look slowly but surely turn first into an open smile and then into a warm welcome. Dr Vella's outburst probably is a sign that the Labour leadership is not only already feeling the heat of the present campaign but a new weapon with which to contend four years hence. Trust George to betray the still hidden feeling of the leadership. It is not so far-fetched that Labour can perceive even a smile as a threat.

Of course, a smile is no substitute for political substance. But more and more people understand that the contagious smile is the sign not just of an amiable persona but, what is more important, a calm personality (quite a rarity in Maltese politics), shrewd intelligence and serene self-confidence born out of outstanding success in all fields he touched.

Dr Gonzi knows that he has to lead at a crucial moment in Malta's history and in a most challenging situation. But he is confident that he can overcome the challenge and determined that he will do it in a new framework of conducting politics. He is not one that is easily flustered by adversity and nothing will derail his programme. He is determined that the new political spring advocated by his predecessor will materialise soon.

The MEPs' election is important, very important but not so vital as to disrupt the government's restructuring programme and the assault on the financial deficit. Dr Gonzi knows that, if not in the short term, this determination and single-mindedness will surely reap abundant fruit in the near future for the country first and, hence, for the party.

This perceived eventual success can be the only reason for Labour treating the coming election as a "do or die contest", as if it was a general election. "Licking the Nationalists and celebrating with torches in our hand"! I don't really blame them. They have to prove to their die-hards that Labour is still capable of winning. They need a victory, a real one, not a victory like the claimed partnership triumph which only Alfred Sant believes in, if at all.

However, whatever the result, on the morrow there will still be a Nationalist government successfully restructuring the economy with increasingly visible results. There will still be a smiling Prime Minister to reassure us all, friend and rival.

Of course, the election is important. But I am afraid most of the electorate has not realised the real point. It is not about national politics. It is about making a success not only of last year's decision, a mistaken decision for most of Labour. It is, of course, about reaping the advantages for the Maltese and Gozitans. Yes, it is about Malta growing within Europe.

But there is more to it than that. It is about building Europe, shaping Europe. Though Europe is as old as the mountains, the European Union is still young with its institutions evolving. Tiny Malta can still help shape it, building Europe in the image we believe in, shaping it on the values we believe in.

Peace on which there is general consensus in Malta. Solidarity, which, though a Christian Democratic principle, in the social sphere is in practice shared by almost everyone in Malta, but not in Europe. Subsidiarity, which is mirrored in competencies of the various Union structures and the states but about which there are different views, which are fundamental especially for the small states. The place of the human being. Here there are fundamental differences. Only the popular parties give so much value to each and every human being. Man and woman at the heart of politics. The economy working in the interest of persons not vice-versa. The value of the environment not for itself but at the service of present and future generations.

We should let no one make us feel ashamed of our values. We are proud of them. We will defend them. We should be eager to bear witness in the Europe we have joined and we want to build.

So while voting for individuals, the electorate will be voting for parties that share similar values. We have the duty to influence the European party we belong to. However, our sister parties will influence us as much as we influence them. This goes for all other parties and groupings. The Spanish proverb I quoted a fortnight ago bears repeating. He who goes with the wolves learns to howl.

So it is no wonder that the bishops did their duty and called on the faithful to place their trust in those who are ready to be courageous and fervent witnesses of Maltese Christian values. I was amazed by some outbursts. Some have forgotten that in 1969 the accord between the Church and the Labour Party had recognised the right and duty of the Church to teach its principles. Nowhere have the bishops overstepped this boundary. They just did their duty. Some deemed it better to hide their resentment lest it damages their prospects but, rest assured, we are in for a bout of venom on the morrow of the elections especially if the results do not match their expectations.

Dr Deguara is Minister of Health.