From discontent to dissent

Having just won an electoral challenge in the last elections by such a small majority, the Prime Minister knew that his tenure in office was precarious because it could be undermined by discontented members. Ahead of him lay seriously challenging times. Not only did he have the country to run but also a number of backbenchers to please and appease from time to time.

What he may not have realised was that discontent could so easily translate into dissent.

Throughout this legislature Franco Debono has proved, time and time again, to be a thorny subject for the Prime Minister. From the beginning, he has preyed on the vulnerability of the one-seat majority in Parliament and, although there have been other backbenchers doing the same, Dr Debono exploited this vulnerability differently from other disgruntled backbenchers.

Not much hindsight is needed to see what was so transparent to others right from the start. It did not take Dr Debono long to realise that he was able to exploit political topics of the moment and was allowed by the powers that be to push his own agenda in an unprecedented way.

Over time he realised he was scoring many points with the public, especially with disgruntled Nationalist Party supporters.

In his psyche, his was the brave voice of constructive criticism that is tolerated in democratic countries. Over time, it became more and more apparent to him that he was succeeding in manipulating certain hot political topics to his own personal advantage and that is when he started to believe or, rather, delude himself that he had become an indispensable overall adviser to the government. The country needed him, or so he thought! His ego took on new dimensions and proportions.

What Dr Debono may not have realised was that what he was considering as constructive criticism was being perceived by others as dissent. Then, over Christmas the seeds of discontent, which had been sown throughout this shaky legislature, sprouted threateningly and cast an ominous shadow over not only the season’s festive spirit but also over the whole island, creating a climate of dangerous uncertainty and instability.

The weapon Dr Debono chose to use to coerce the government to bow to his demands was that of blackmail. At this point, Dr Debono’s political persona started to shrink and his popularity ratings began to wane.

Without going into the substance of all the points he raised on this government’s overall performance during its term of office, over the last two weeks Dr Debono has manifested and proven to us all that he lacks the fundamental qualities a seasoned politician must necessarily possess in order to be taken seriously. Not only has Dr Debono proven he is not a team player but he has manifestly also proven he lacks political acumen, wisdom and foresight as well as the all-essential quality of humility, all of which are fundamental qualities a seasoned politician should possess.

Much of the criticism and most of the points raised time and time again by Dr Debono were and are extremely valid. Regretfully, however, his constructive criticism and the points he was raising, which also echoed the sentiments of many PN supporters, were falling on ears that chose not to listen.

His recent unbecoming public displays have forced us to see Dr Debono in a different light. He might have the most brilliant ideas on how to run a country but he has definitely overstepped himself this time round.

It is apparent that his disgruntlement had reached its peak. When one takes into consideration his young age, it would have been much wiser and honourable of him to humbly bow out of the political scene only to resurface at the right time rather than cross swords the way he is doing, the results of which will be an undignified and humiliating end to a political career.

He has made himself public enemy of half the population and shall be used by the PN as a scapegoat while, in a twist of uncanny fate, Joseph Muscat will only have his former classmate to thank for flaunting his disgruntlement at parliamentary level with such dire consequences.

Is Dr Debono’s behaviour really worth it? If Dr Debono claims to be the clever man he really is, his best option at this point is to resign and not allow himself to be used by anyone should an early election be called.

This situation can in no way be compared to what had happened in 1998. Then, Parliament was not deciding a vote of confidence so Dom Mintoff’s actions can never be regarded as treacherous. It was Alfred Sant who single-handedly unseated his own party from government by referring to that vote as a vote of no confidence in his government. Constitutionally, he did not have to call an early election. So Mr Mintoff’s actions of 1998 can never be compared with Dr Debono’s actions.

At the eleventh hour Dr Debono may consider various options. He may choose to abstain from voting, keep away from Parliament or vote in favour or against.

If he chooses to exit the political scene by bringing down this government he will remain forever known as a traitor to his own party and constituents. If he bows out humbly but with dignity by resigning he will allow himself an escape route should he wish to reappear on the political scene at some point in the future.

I believe Dr Debono should well heed Shakespeare’s memorable words in Macbeth:

Naught’s had, all’s spent
Where our desire ’is got without content:
‘Tis safer to be that which we destroy
than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.

Dr Karlsson is a lawyer.