Democracy has been a fundamental tenet of the Maltese way of life for many decades but there is no assurance it will survive intact as a form of government without our constant vigilance. The results of the Europarliamentary elections should make us pose questions on the well-being of our democracy.
On the announcement of the election results thousands leapt for joy but our nation also woke up to the terrible realisation that our cherished democracy has been transformed into an oligarchy, or the rule of a few over the majority. The facts show a dramatic loss of popular support for the party in government, now the second largest party in Malta. Voters who are disinterested and disenchanted with the PN government have swelled to 60 per cent.
Those who always pushed forward the banner of democracy and flaunted it as if it were their own have since this election become dangerously comfortable with the notion of government by oligarchy. It is clear that the election results are not just a flippant popular signal of discontent as PN political gurus are trying to make us believe. The immense swing against the PN seems to show that the people have unambiguously withdrawn their consent for the PN to govern this country.
Meanwhile, in the face of such resolute democratic expression, the PN government simply carries on indifferently with its oligarchic methods of administration. In recent months, absolute one-party rule by the PN at every level has been strengthened rather than abated, despite being recently challenged by the people.
The oligarchic method of government ensures that nearly every position of power or influential opinion available in this republic remains occupied by PN activists or PN sympathisers only, whether they are in government committees, boards, commissions, in authorities such as Mepa or positions in publicly-funded entities, such as corporations and the university.
But who are these persons paid from our taxes really representing? A dwindling minority comprising 40 per cent of the population? Are they representing an arrogant government that tramples on the democratic traditions of this nation which for 40 years has had a government ruling by the consent of the people? These questions bring to the fore the stark reality of oligarchic rule and its unpleasant consequences of more arrogance and selfish self-interest by those who cling to the seat of power despite popular resentment.
The loss of popular support by the party that lingers in government has plunged the country into a political crisis, even if the PN administration would not admit this. When democracy is short-changed, the usual symptoms of rising unemployment, lack of investment and lack of initiative make their appearance.
It is useless for the PN to argue that such social and economic maladies are worldwide, because that is not true. Such problems usually arise when democracy and the respect of the majority are trampled by those who misuse democracy as a vehicle for power rather than as a method for the people to have their will respected.
The crisis in employment, the environment and lack of competitiveness can find their appropriate solution when the political crisis is resolved. This crisis is evident because a party's claim to administer government is not just a matter relating to the number of parliamentary seats (a notion very dear to the PN!); it is also a question of legitimate and responsible rule.
In recent years, the PN has failed to demonstrate it can govern in a responsible manner. The nature of government has been transformed from a method of promoting progress and the common good to a means of personal gain for a few. Examples of how taxpayers' money is squandered for the interests of a few abound. Now, even the legitimacy of the PN administration, which should be based on popular support, is in question.
The Labour Party's role in society and politics has undoubtedly been heightened even though it has not found its expression in government, except where popular will is allowed to express itself freely as in the case of local councils. Meanwhile, those selected on government boards, committees, Mepa, the university etc and who continue to pontificate the PN's diktat irrespective of the people's will should re-examine their conscience and their belief in democratic values. Those who persist in ignoring the will of the people will, in turn, be disregarded by the people.
Mr Mizzi, MP, is the Labour Party's main spokesman for infrastructural services.