A real sense of déjà vu

Listening to Joseph Muscat’s sermon during the Labour Party’s general conference brought to me a sense of déjà vu, back to 1996 and specifically to the situation in Malta in the run-up to the election that year.

A speech based on buzz words and self-gratification, very generic and nothing concrete, basically promising everything to everyone without showing any sign of concrete policy on how the economy and the country will be managed had he to be chosen as our next Prime Minister.

‘...an extensive wish list which proved to be contradictory and ultimately self-destructive for the government that was elected’- Tonio Fenech

This followed a compilation of cliché-loaded speeches by a number of so-called star-candidates, which when analysed and dissected translate themselves into vagueness of policy. The only point which was hammered was how big and good the leader is.

Let’s revisit 1996. Back then, the Maltese exerted the democratic right and opted for change. Back then, the feeling was change for the sake of change. The Maltese democratically chose to believe the vagueness of non-realistic promises such as the removal of VAT and cash registers, against a clear economic policy. They chose the superfluous concept of a Switzerland in the Mediterranean, against a clear vision and path of action of being an EU member.

The Maltese chose. They gambled on hope which soon after transpired to be false hope. Voters opted to put aside a clear agenda against an extensive wish list which in itself proved to be contradictory and ultimately self-destructive for the government elected.

The gamble happened in a period of global economic well-being, oil price stability – with a price of $12 per barrel – and a relatively peaceful environment in the region.

Perhaps some would say that in an ideal world, there are no taxes, we pay no bills and everything is given for free. It is much easier for anyone in government to lower taxes, lower bills and practically charge nothing for anything under the sky. As a government we would like to satisfy everyone’s wishes, have all our capital expenditure and infrastructure paid for and everything comes at no cost.

Alas, this is only an ideal scenario. It exists only in fairy tales, on stage and forms the perfect basis for fiction. Politics is about reality. It is not about living in crystal spheres, because history has shown that these are more like soap bubbles which are inflated to amuse in the short term, and which burst once the lightest pressure is applied.

It seems that everyone is appreciating the global economic scenario. The writing is on the wall for everyone to see. The same applies to our track record. The International Monetary Fund has reaffirmed that after a strong recovery in 2010, the economy continued to perform relatively well amidst considerable turbulence across the euro area. The IMF highlighted the government’s commitment to prudent macroeconomic policies and improvements in external competitiveness.

The economy now faces a worsening external environment that has created new risks and headwinds to growth and financial stability. The primary challenge in 2012 will be the ability to navigate a highly uncertain macroeconomic environment with a deteriorating economic outlook, and ongoing banking and sovereign crisis in Europe.

What we achieved together so far was not a mere coincidence. It is a result of responsible and targeted decisions that aimed at enhancing economic growth by supporting the right business environment. We invested in people, because we have confidence in the ability of the Maltese. We increased our education budgets. Above all we remained prudent and financially responsible, acted where it mattered to be sure that we ensure stability.

Quick fix solutions and lip service simply won’t do the trick. Dr Muscat claims that his party will provide hope. At the same time he’s saying that whatever might not sound good to anyone’s ears is disheartening.

Our policies and our track record are there to be seen. Our policies have always been inspired by a commitment to shared prosperity, balanced growth, financial responsibility and investment in the ability of the Maltese, with a clear vision for the future.

Our policies have been built around people, providing them with the necessary skills and tools while creating the conditions to make the most of our lives. Our policies are inspired by the notion of empowering our people to achieve their desired objectives.

We remain true to our principles, we want to keep creating an environment where no one is left behind, where jobs are protected and created, where foreign investment keeps coming and where every Maltese person is given the chance to develop and reach his ambitions.

Dr Muscat claimed that in 2008, his party was thinking about the election and not the aftermath. Today, from what we heard, the party is focused more on the leader rather than the party, let alone the country.

This is not the time to gamble with the future of our country’s well-being. We can’t put the future of our country at risk, for the sake of personal ambitions.

Let us ensure that the sense of déjà vu remains just a sensation rather than a reality.