If the contribution by the two main political party leaders to The Times’ debate last week is a foretaste of what is to come in the election campaign, the electorate is in for a very trying time.
Unsurprisingly, the Prime Minister is still insisting that an early election is not in the country’s best interest. The Labour leader, on the other hand and predictably, keeps speaking of political instability following Franco Debono’s abstention on a vote of no confidence in the government.
So, is the political crisis over?
Dr Debono does not appear to have relented in his sharp criticism of the government and has made it clear that the crisis will only be over once the “oligarchy” (his favourite word) is dismantled.
Which means what exactly? How many heads does he want on the chopping block?
On the basis of his public declarations and the information made public so far, Dr Debono is very likely to remain a thorn in his party’s side until he feels that his claims are met. Confirmation of Lawrence Gonzi as leader of the Nationalist Party will not make any difference to the political situation as it affects the party and the country.
Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat seemed to be more interested in scoring political points in the debate than in engaging in a meaningful discussion, which was what those present there and the thousands who followed it via timesofmalta.com expected. They did their very best to wriggle out of tight spots and were both highly unconvincing when they were directly asked whether they thought that their respective policies on University students’ stipends and free health care could eventually land Malta into financial trouble.
What is particularly striking is that the politicians’ views on such a vital matter as the sustainability of services that are absorbing so many millions of euros in taxpayers’ money are diametrically opposed to those of the experts, including the International Monetary Fund and other authorities. The leaders’ waffling on this had to be heard to be believed. The gist of the parties’ argument is that this is a matter of evaluating priorities, with the Prime Minister, for instance, saying that the removal of the stipends would upset the educational system.
The Opposition Leader, on the other hand, makes the point that the Administration could make better use of the funds available, accusing the government of wasting money on this or that project.
There is some merit in both arguments. The economy certainly needs skilled workers at all levels and waste ought to be checked all the time not just in difficult financial times. However, the two leaders are missing an essential point here. Why should health care be free to all, even to those who can well afford it? The same argument applies to education. The savings that can be made through means testing would enable the Administration, Nationalist or Labour, to help those who are really in need of financial support and to improve the services where this is required.
However, neither of the two parties is prepared to listen to such talk for fear of losing votes, preferring to look after their narrow partisan political interest first rather than the financial well-being of the country. Proper consideration of the sustainability issue can wait.
Malta will one day pay dearly for the political short-sightedness of the two parties. Unless, that is, they see reasoning in time and correct their policies.