United we firmly stand

History has shown us that every great political party goes through a period when it has to be tested and where its beliefs and principles are questioned not by traditional adversaries or independent critics but by those from within the party fold.

Now that our political stability is threatened, so too is our economy- David Casa

In a political party, there will undoubtedly be different ideas and views and there are various forums within the party structure where those who have dissimilar ideas to those of the mainstream can discuss their concepts and put their ideas forward. This makes the party not only healthier but helps it to grow stronger and keep in touch with reality.

However, it is unreasonable to expect that everyone’s ideas will be adopted by the majority. Even more so, no individual can expect to hold the party hostage until his/her demands have been met. There are times when, even though a particular idea would be valid, the time would not yet be ripe to implement it. Even in stable circumstances, political maturity generally demands that every member toe the party line.

But let us be clear. These are not stable circumstances. And by this I refer less to the political squabbling at home than to the economic crisis in Europe, which has already felled far larger and far more resilient economies than our own.

Malta’s saving grace was a stable and responsible government.

Now that our political stability is threatened, so too is our economy. Indeed, given the unpredictable times we are living through, it is not only party members who should be united but the whole country. We should, as a nation, be ready to brace ourselves for what there is to come.

Many exponents from the opposite camp speak about doing what is best for the country, little realising that their own actions are doing more damage than they can ever imagine. I have no doubt that these individuals care for nothing more than personal gain and we, as citizens, must be wary of them even as they project themselves as latter-day crusaders sent to save our country from itself. But, as the prospect of seizing power draws closer, the veil obscuring their self-serving agenda only grows thinner.

When one is at the helm of a country, one’s decisions bear a deep impact on the whole society and, as unpopular as some may seem, these decisions are taken after various scenarios are considered.

Being Prime Minister does not just mean having an office in Castille. It means shouldering the responsibilities and fulfilling the demands of a whole nation. That is why it is unacceptable for a democratically elected Prime Minister’s work to be hindered for no valid reason whatsoever.

For, ask yourself what is the reason for this upset? Can we no longer pay our debts? Is unemployment at a record high? Are businesses shutting up shop?

At a time of economic hardship unprecedented in Europe since World War II, Malta is the only country suffering a political upset for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with the economy.

The Nationalist Party in government was always very careful in separating party politics from the running of the country. Party matters are thus expected to be dealt with within party structures. Those who do not feel they belong to the party any more are always free to leave.

This country, thanks, incidentally, to the PN in government, is a democracy and in a democracy everyone has the right to exercise one’s beliefs in the way that one deems best. No one will deny this right to anyone.

However, in a democracy, with rights come obligations and there cannot be one without the other.

In challenging times like these, it is important not to let passion and emotions overtake us. We must continue to trust in dialogue and exchange. We must believe that through persuasion we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In more than a century of history, the PN has grown stronger using these tools and I am sure that this time around it will be no different.

This is the party that, through its successive terms in government, has taken the country to new heights and has given back to its people their dignity.

This is the party that has always believed that this country’s best asset is its citizens and has always believed in them.

Ultimately, this is the party that always had politicians and leaders that took the right decisions in the interest of the country.

This is a party of the people and for the people and I have no doubt that it will always be loyal to Malta and do whatever is in the interest of our country.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.