Ido not think it is a good sign of our maturity as a nation state that the chances of success at the polls are pinned on one side by the hopes of a significant project such as Mater Dei or the new parliament opening on the eve of the elections, nor on the other side by the hopes that the economy is brought to its knees close to bankruptcy where the suffering of the population is unbearable. It is true that both scenarios do move the core supporters into an emotional frenzy, such that the political parties manage to recruit eager helpers easily in the campaign and ready to man the barricades.

But a close observation of the new upcoming electorate finds that this is not what they want or wish for. They want a government that manages wisely, looks at the long-term benefit of the social and economic fabric of our country and succeeds fairly well for the benefit of our families including their children. On the other hand, they want an opposition which is observant, highly critical of public policy, able to debate intelligently and that shows civility and co-operation when issues of national concern demand unity. Most importantly, it should show enough knowledge on social, economic and environmental issues so it will be looked at as the natural alternative to steer the political helm when the elect-orate so desires.

It does not help the current debate about the role of government and opposition that various labels are being mis-chievously pinned on both party leaders from each opposing side.

With respect to Lawrence Gonzi as leader of the party in government, I do not think, as some of his critics might like to portray, that the PM is uncaring or that he is not ready to listen or is not approachable.

As a person in politics from the other side of this artificial divide, I would like to think that the government is doing all it can to get to grips with the economic situation, wants to get as much foreign investment as it can lay its hands on and would like Malta to excel.

Of course the opposition's gut feeling is that this government is failing miserably and that many a time there was a better way of going about it rather than the approach taken. It would be unnatural if an opposing party were not to have this feeling. Like any co-pilot, an opposition's fingers are raring to get a grip on the wheel. What is important is that it gives all the necessary assurances that it is not prepared to upset the balance of the plane in flight.

So what should the opposition wish for? I think it should wish that the economy really recovers. It should show that it understands the present situation well, why we are in it, and how we can get out of it. It is up to the government to come forward with the proposals, plans and draft solutions. It is the opposition's role to assess them, give a rigorous critical analysis of them and propose alternatives. The role of the opposition is to oppose, propose and, subject to results at the ballot box, depose. It should demonstrate its ability and knowledge just like a know-ledgeable and experienced co-pilot sitting by the side of the captain who is ready to take over without hassles or tussles. The passengers could then put their mind at rest that both pilot and co-pilot know what they are doing, and that any hand-over will indeed be smooth.

The party in opposition must win the next election with conviction, not because the economy is in the worst possible state. As in a relay race, a sprinter should start running well before his team player passes the baton. At this point the opposition should, as in fact it is doing, continue to listen attentively to both experts and laymen alike and show a thorough knowledge of the policy issues. As the time gets nearer its plans must be more fully fleshed out.

Having come to know Joseph Muscat from close quarters, I am more than convinced he har-bours no wish of putting any obstacles to the country's de-velopment, or that he lets himself fall into a continuous mood of negativity as to Malta's outlook, no matter how dark it might be at the moment. As for the claim that he lacks suggested solutions, my personal opinion is that he has often gone quite far in giving detailed recipes for a way forward. It is his obligation and duty, however, to constantly put forward reasoned criticism of government programmes and attack any misguided economic policy.

The electorate needs a new administration ready to hit the ground running - I think Dr Muscat's team will be ready to do so.

Prof. Scicluna is a Labour member of the European Parliament.

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