Winston Churchill, once said: “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” In fact, a lot of good can result from changes in the right direction. I trust that this belief is what triggered Opposition leader Simon Busuttil to change the shadow Cabinet some days ago. A change which, in my opinion, is a change in the right direction, for a number of reasons.
Busuttil opted for a compact shadow Cabinet which includes everyone. A shadow Cabinet which, to be effective, relies also on a number of spokespeople on a variety of subjects, and thereby covering the full spectrum of our ever-changing society.
While we were promised the most feminist government in history, in reality Labour failed to deliver in this regard. In stark contrast, the Leader of the Opposition has appointed the shadow Cabinet with the highest female representation ever. We have five female shadow ministers, some of whom are shadowing rather heavy ministerial portfolios. I do not generally believe in positive discrimination and I trust that Busuttil has chosen these five people not because of their gender, but definitely because of their abilities.
For the first time ever, MEPs have been included in the shadow Cabinet. Although this might seem problematic for some, since these MEPs do not have a seat in Parliament and thus will not be able to confront the respective ministers they are shadowing, the truth is that they have a team of spokesmen who will do that.
A number of spokesmen working with these MEPs are former ministers, who although often derided by the government, have a lot to offer to the country. The ministerial experience, albeit in different portfolios, is being put to good use. After all, they represent the people who have elected them in the last election with a huge number of votes. The government has every interest to taint such former ministers; nevertheless no action has been taken against any of the supposed wrongdoings committed in the past years.
By leading a united and inclusive team, Busuttil is gearing up the party for a brighter future
By including popular MPs who are actually newcomers, Busuttil has also listened to the electorate and sent the message that to work in, and for, the Nationalist Party, one needs not be a veteran in politics. Thus, the Nationalist Party can once again be the voice of the younger generation. Some of the new shadow ministers are known to be more liberal than others and this also creates a balance between different opinions, especially on social issues.
Judging from the reactions of the people who were directly affected by the change, the PN can boast of a loyal and stronger team. Teamwork is of utmost importance for an effective Opposition. It is also very important that all the MPs toe the line and give their support to the leadership. We cannot afford to have a divided Opposition. The government has a very strong nine-seat majority which in all honesty is not healthy for a democratic society.
Thus, a united Opposition, which is coherent and loyal, is essential not only for the party but also for the country. Busuttil is relying on the backing of his team. He is also putting his trust in them. After all, the electorate gave its trust to this team less than two years ago.
The PN’s shadow Cabinet, and their team of spokesmen, is made up of commendable people who are the elected representatives of the electorate, both in Parliament and in the European Parliament. The inclusion of MEPs in the shadow Cabinet will definitely increase the collegiality between all the representatives of the people.
Over the past years, since Malta’s accession to the European Union, a sector of the electorate might have felt alienated from our representatives in Brussels. Their inclusion will surely transmit the message that there is one team, working for all, both on a national level as well as on a European one. I trust that the whole team will continue with the good work that has already been done in the past months and will keep the government in check.
This team, headed by Busuttil, will be our shield. The reshuffle is a reflection of the leadership skills of the Nationalist Party leader. It embodies the vision and direction he has for the party. By leading a united and inclusive team, Busuttil is gearing up the party for a brighter future.
Graziella Schembri is a Nationalist Party candidate at the next general election.