The lull before the storm

The super extensive Easter parliamentary recess was unique and definitely served as an exceptional breathing space so that GonziPN could have enough time to recharge its batteries before blowing the final whistle. While, in a nifty way, the backdrop was of calmness, stillness, tranquillity and serenity, on the other hand, all GonziPN’s brigade was frenetically seeking media exposure and hectic with house visits.

... a deliberate attempt to give the impression that it is business as usual- Roderick Galdes

Besides, throughout the past weeks, Cabinet members were in stiff competition trying to beat each other in hitting the local first and most, even with dim-witted frivolity! One such memorable occasion was when we amusingly witnessed Health Minister Joe Cassar struggling with numbers in one of his press conferences in an attempt to convince us that he willingly advised the Minister of Finance to deduct extra cash allocated to his ministry in the last Budget. The resulting pathetic situation inspired the posting of a satirical video titled Cassar Contro Tutti (Cassar against all the rest) on YouTube.

Amazing!

In reaction to Joseph Muscat’s visit to neighbouring country, Libya, in the most patriarchal way, GonziPN warned Labour leader: “Don’t dare ruin our reputation abroad!” A pompous statement that reflects the pre-eminence of a person who believes he is the guiding light and saviour of a nation!

What reputation is he talking about? The reputation of leading an exclusive oligarchy, of being held hostage by a clique, of having people close to you who bully others, or people who operate some network of terror as, after all, charged by one of his own backbenchers? Perhaps the beefy weekly pay rise of €500 approved by his Cabinet or maybe the record national debt of €3.9 billion or 69.1 per cent of GDP? What he is talking about is possibly his being the Prime Minister who, despite the fact that his parliamentary majority has been jeopardised, still holds on to his seat render ing Parliament a talk show.

This anomalous situation left GonziPN with no option but to do the utmost to prolong the term of this crippling Administration as much as possible. The main goal is that, by hook or by crook, they will cling on to power, possibly serving the full term. Meanwhile, they are engaging in a boisterous electioneering mood, handing out favours to win back disgruntled voters, resorting to scaremongering against the Labour Party and instilling fear among those voters who, fed up with Lawrence Gonzi’s Administration and style of running the country, consider switching their vote in the coming election.

While giving the impression that it is business as usual, throughout the past super extended Easter recess, GonziPN was more than busy giving handouts and trying to please one and all.

GonziPN, similar to a balloon vendor, is already in a frantic mood to distribute balloons of all colours and shapes in a bid to satisfy all possible fantasies.

When the helium gas escapes naturally, then you are left with a deflated balloon!

In February 2006, Dr Gonzi announced with great pomposity a major project in the south of Malta (ironically two weeks before local elections). Just some days later, Austin Gatt revealed that discussions were underway with Dubai’s Tecom Investments for the creation of a SmartCity Malta. It was set to generate 5,600 new jobs and turn the depressed south into “the core service hub of the island”.

Everyone still remembers the slogan Int@SmartMalta chosen by GonziPN as the main theme for its Independence Day festivities in September 2006.

Moreover, SmartCity should have contributed €179 million in value-added to the economy, increasing to €233 million if the multiplier effect is taken into consideration (by 2011, according to the KPMG study).

But beyond the hype, what has happened to this project and the expected number of jobs?

In June 2010, GonziPN announced a project to develop the derelict White Rocks complex into the largest multi-sports facilities in southern Europe through a €200 million investment that would eventually generate 800 jobs. This project was meant to house a sports college teaching 40 different disciplines with all sports organisations in Malta being able to somehow benefit.

Just a few days ago, to save blushes, the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Clyde Puli pointed a finger at the media for having possibly scared off investors with “damaging articles”. Unbelievable.

Incidentally, Mr Puli, was also responsible for the launching of the Marsa Sports Village project. According to official sources, this sports village was designed and planned using a holistic approach in order to provide state-of-the-art sport facilities whereby about 44 sport entities and over 10,000 people will benefit from the new sport facilities that will be available at the Marsa Sports Village.

We need not worry because, according to Mr Puli, a second call for public tenders for the development of the Marsa Sports Village is in the pipeline.

The latest prolonged parliamentary recess was a deliberate attempt to give the impression that it is business as usual. The government’s frantic mood however shows otherwise; that it is just the lull before the storm. And the more it is prolonged the more we shall be entertained with talk about mega projects and puerile stories.

Oh what a circus, oh what a show!

The author, a Labour MP, is the party’s spokesman for housing, planning, urban development and construction.