Old habits and new politics

Last week, one of the main government exponents seemed to be giving the impression that consultation is a waste of time. That is a bit rich coming from someone elected on the "Together" battle-cry.

This eminent member of the current Administration opined that he could not see any use in hearing what social partners had to say about what was arguably one of the decisions that hit consumers and small businesses hardest during the past few years.

If the government agrees with this political orientation, then it means that it is simply paying lip service to the role of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD).

Instead of meeting social partners, hearing what they have to say and addressing their concerns, government ministers seem to be much more at ease lashing out at all those who have a different point of view.

Some might be trying to foster a more sensible approach but it is crystal-clear that, for others, old habits die hard.

Maltese consumers were told that they should not complain about their utility bills and fuel costs. Instead, they should thank their lucky stars that they are among the lowest in Europe.

Of course, consumers should be kind enough to ignore any exercise comparing their disposable income, purchasing power and weighting of utility bills and fuel costs on their shopping basket with that of other Europeans.

Labour has appointed Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Joe Debono Grech as its representatives on the Maltese Parliament's delegation to the Council of Europe. Mr Debono Grech has tremendous experience in this forum and has built innumerable links throughout the years.

Ms Coleiro Preca will undoubtedly do us proud. She will put all her energy into representing our country.

Her nomination from the Labour side also means that Malta will now have at least one female parliamentarian representing it and will again be able to vote. The government had, over the past years, failed to make such an appointment.

Had Labour wanted to engage in obstructionism, we could have taken a different attitude. We decided not to go down that road. We want to be positive and we want the best for our country.

We want to hear what people have to say in order to be the people's voice. It would be easy for us to look in one direction and say "no" to whatever the government says.

During the leadership electoral campaign, I stated that if I was elected, this would not be the case. Change is not an easy job but I am committed to it. Moreover, I am finding the support of many who want a new way of doing politics in order to build a movement of progressives and moderates in this country.

Last week we launched a public consultation campaign to hear what people have to say about three specific subjects, namely the White Paper on rent reform, the local councils reform and the new utility tariffs.

The feedback we will receive, together with the expert advice we are seeking, will help us formulate our positions.

This is the new way of doing politics.

Last week in Strasbourg I listened to Nicolas Sarkozy's exposition of the French Presidency's work programme.

The last time that Mr Sarkozy spoke to the chamber he was not very well received.

This time around he struck the right chords.

He spoke about issues that are not necessarily within the EU competence but which are close to the people's hearts.

I liked his will to bring together European experts to fight diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer.

As Mr Sarkozy said, they have nothing to do with Europe but Europe's citizens expect their institutions to act on such matters.

Dr Muscat is leader of the Malta Labour Party and a member of the European Parliament.

www.josephmuscat.com