Tidal waves or teething problems?

Joe Debono Grech is a man of principle. His decision to tender his resignation from the Malta Labour Party was not taken abruptly. Although there has been complete silence since his resignation was announced, it speaks volumes!

Rumour has it that Mr Debono Grech could not accept the Labour delegates' verdict at the leadership contest and, particularly, following the cold shower received by his favourite candidate.

In the absence of a clear explanation for his unexpected farewell from the party he had served as parliamentarian for the past 40 years, people are asking whether Mr Debono Grech's move is related to his chances of getting elected to the European Parliament through a casual election, which has to take place once the MLP leader is appointed Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

Others are spreading the word that Mr Debono Grech is expecting to become the next President of Malta on the basis of a gentleman's agreement between him and the former leader of the MLP. In this regard, the opposition is expected to barter the "pairing" arrangement with the "Presidency" and Mr Debono Grech could possibly feature in this scenario. So far there has been no official confirmation or denial from either party on this matter.

But in the days to come one would know the whole story from the horse's mouth as Mr Debono Grech is reported to have given an ultimatum to the party to react to his demands.

Jason Micallef used to be the smiling face of the MLP. He publicly stated that he would be sticking to his guns. He had some regrets about how he performed on some occasions in the past but he is adamant to defend his record as secretary general of the MLP. He is well aware that his power of incumbency could outweigh the threats and undercurrents directed at him or his position since Labour's electoral defeat. Mr Micallef made it clear that his contestants would not have an easy ride.

Something must have been brewing over the past months since both declared aspirants, namely Alfred Grixti and Darren Marmarà, kept a very low profile without uttering a word even after the leadership elections. This has led to speculation that another potential contender for the post of secretary general could be the head of One News, Miriam Dalli. Other activists are expected to join the race.

It is a known fact that Mr Micallef's post is in jeopardy. His re-appointment would mean that Labour has transformed its face but not its body. On the other hand, if he is offered another significant role within the party structures, the leader might be accused of just playing musical chairs!

Michael Falzon did not mince his words. He could not fathom how he could maintain a working relationship with the current secretary general.

George Abela expressed the same feelings not without justified reason.

Evarist Bartolo's "one hand" lost some of its fingers on the way.

Marie Louise Coleiro Preca had, understandably, the shock of her life and it would take some time to overcome her inner trauma.

Nonetheless, the leader proclaimed that all of them would be assigned special duties at party level as he recognised their validity, experience and political acumen that are needed to undertake the necessary changes within the party.

It is easier said than done. Time will tell what level of involvement these leading personalities would take up, especially now with the appointment of the new deputy leaders.

Both Anġlu Farrugia and Toni Abela are associated with Old Labour. Their past public appearances and speeches have always appealed to the diehards and, consequently, had generated quite an element of antagonism by the party moderates and those who do not form part of the inner circles of the MLP. Perhaps that is why they managed to secure an overwhelming support by the delegates in the deputy leadership elections.

However, they should know by now that popularity within the party does not translate into votes of support from the public. If they do not want to end up running a "supermarket for party members" they would need to change their approach, their rhetoric and their old methods of doing politics. It would be wiser if they talk less and act more.

It would be interesting to see their reaction and what position they would hold if the party decides to abolish one of the deputy leadership posts in line with the leader's short-term plans of internal reorganisation!

Indeed, the proof of the pudding is in its eating! Joseph Muscat has no time to enjoy his political honeymoon. His greatest challenge is to put his house in order in the shortest possible time. With only few days at the helm he is already going through his baptism of fire. His leadership skills are put to a rather difficult test that could make him or break him!

matyas@maltanet.net