Top-level political insensitivity

In Malta we pride ourselves of being able to indulge in nationwide constructive debate on issues deemed important to the country. The role of a Leader of the Opposition in contributing to such debate is of the essence and when it comes to issues crucial to a healthy economy – such as tourism – the input of the opposition is most welcome, as I said last week.

Joseph Muscat claims that when it comes to the running of his party he takes lessons from no one – presumptuous nonsense – however, it is obvious that when it comes to diplomacy and statesmanship he had best enrol in an intensive course for beginners as soon as possible.

The Leader of the Opposition recently claimed that, in response to the crises in the region, he would launch a publicity campaign to exploit the hardship being experienced in Tunisia and Egypt in an effort to attract tourists to the island.

What mind-boggling nonsense! He has once again demonstrated he knows nothing about leadership or diplomacy. He knows nothing about tourism and neither is he particularly well versed in economics, despite his frequent claims.

Malta will gain nothing from instability in the region. In fact, we only stand to lose out and lose we will. The price of oil has rocketed, investors will flee, Malta’s trade with the North African countries in question will drop and two-directional foreign direct investment will be negatively affected.

Yet, the first comment of the Leader of the Opposition is to launch the “biggest ever marketing campaign” to attract tourists to Malta. What small-minded, blinkered, immature, toe-curling nonsense!

Most tourists planning to visit these countries would do so by going through tour operators and a marketing campaign would achieve incredibly little. This is beside the point, however. To think what Dr Muscat did while people are losing their lives in an effort to secure a better country for their children, the idea of a prominent figure in Maltese politics spewing such crass nonsense is shameful.

Indeed, besides his evident lack of understanding of all the issues concerned – even the economic ones – from a foreign affairs perspective his comments are hugely embarrassing showing complete insensitivity to the plight of our North African neighbours.

We all make mistakes but Dr Muscat further compounded his gaffe when he refused to apologise with a PL minion stating “the Opposition Leader’s comments are aimed at the best interest of our country and we have no apologies to make for putting our families’ interests first”.

He has evidently learnt nothing. How nauseating.

Our neighbours to the south have been deprived of their rights for far too long and, finally, they have shown courage and determination by taking to the streets to protest against established regimes, causing chaos and upheaval, albeit, hopefully, temporary, in an attempt to trigger a transition to democracy. Like wild fire this urge for reform has spread from Tunisia – sparked by the actions of one man – to Egypt and, possibly, beyond. Let us do our utmost to help our neighbours in their time of need to encourage and support the transition to democracy and to the eventual spread of peace and stability in the region.

david.casa@europarl.europa.eu

www.davidcasa.eu

The author is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.