In his treatise Vom Kriege (On War), the 18th century Prussian war strategist Carl von Clausewitz famously defined war as the continuation of politics by other means.

In our island, true to its status as a young nation trying to consolidate its own identity in its laborious voyage towards statehood, the reverse might be true: politics is the continuation of war by other means. Until only last March our two political armies rode, charged and plunged in the battery-smoke. Bodies lay broken on the battlefield in the process and arguably, amongst the casualties lay the credibility of the political class as a whole.

It's time everyone in the political arena realised that we are not at war. We are in politics.

It has been said that nothing happens unless we dream first. And I'm sure that the majority of the population has a small dream to the effect that the political parties in Malta start to disarm themselves from the symbolic ammunition and warfare and engage instead in a healthy competition on the basis of progressive and modern ideas for the good of the country as a whole. I, who had my own small but hard-hitting share of personal political attacks, can perhaps vouch more than others on how bad it feels to be at war and how good it feels to act for the good of the country.

This dream, I'm sure, is always running ahead of the majority of the people in Malta. To catch up, to live for a moment in unison with it, will be the miracle. The miracle and the attainment of a vision.

I dream of seeing our country - small but full of potential - convert to progressive politics. It is an attitude towards the world of politics that is broader than conservatism vs liberalism, and is an attempt to break free from what they consider to be a false and divisive opposition or tribalism.

Malta has to become a free and inclusive society where citizens, by working hard together, are able to determine their own lives. It is important to have an unprejudiced society of equals regardless of being black or white; male or female; straight or gay; Christian or atheist; pro-choice or pro-life; young or old; of sound mind or mentally infirm; working class or middle class, just to mention a few.

Malta has to become a society which promotes peace and combats injustice and oppression of freedom and civil liberties. A state and society that oppose the destruction of nature at all costs and highly promote the use of alternative energy.

Malta has to persevere in offering the best health care and improve the current educational system, while it remains free for everyone. However, everything has to be done by means of meritocracy, where those that work hard are rewarded and are guaranteed job security.

Essentially Malta has to transform into a society where women are more involved with work and have a higher representation and participation in the political sphere. This is a very vital point. Josè Louis Zapatero said: "I'm not just antimachismo, I'm a feminist. One thing that really awakens my rebellious streak is 20 centuries of one sex dominating the other. We talk of slavery, feudalism, exploitation, but the most unjust domination is that of one half of the human race over the other half. The more equality women have, the fairer, more civilized and tolerant society will be. Sexual equality is a lot more effective against terrorism than military strength."

Therefore, I hope to be witnessing gradual social change along the forthcoming years, where coalition becomes a possible option, where the shackles of Labour's inferiority complex are abolished and Malta is constructed on principles of social dialogue, equal opportunities and social justice, while encompassing a new style of politics by being objective and doing away with partisan politics and tribal war!

Taking into consideration this new style of politics, we have recently observed words put to action from the new Labour Leader Joseph Muscat. He has put forward concrete proposals in order to dilute the strong bi-partisan situation in our island. The drawing up of a code of ethics for the Labour media, for instance, augurs well and, if successful, will definitely be first in the local political scenario.

I only hope that our colleagues from the Nationalist Party take on board this initiative for their own media. Who knows, maybe someday we will be in a position where news coverage by the political media offers unbiased and realistic stories on what really goes on, seeking to enlighten their audience more objectively about the respective political ideas, while respecting their intelligence.

Furthermore, Dr Muscat also pointed out how vital it is to turn Malta into a truly liberal and European state. The divorce issue is a case in point. Dr Muscat bluntly declared himself to be pro-divorce, a very courageous act in itself, setting in motion a process which will hopefully trigger a movement which will make Malta more progressive.

His calls for a united front with the government on important issues such as ST and the shipyards were also a welcome gesture which hopefully will help to determine a better future while achieving the common good for the majority at large.

Obviously, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. However, I am sure that with the active participation of people who are eager to dream, to act and to achieve, Malta will effectively embark on a new way of doing politics in a new political season.

Indeed, if dreams are the touchstones of our character as a nation, then there is nothing like a dream to create our collective future - really and truly together.

Ms Zammit Alamango is a member of the Executive Committee of the Malta Labour Party and International Secretary of the Labour Youth Forum.

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