As the Prime Minister was in Dubai selling Maltese citizenship and boasting of Malta’s economic performance, the Nationalist Party was dealing with a very tricky situation. The fast pace of events that led to the resignation of former Nationalist minister Joe Cassar, first from party spokesman and, soon after, from Parliament was the result of media reports over the weekend.
Dr Cassar’s dealings with the Gaffarena family, involving a car purchase and works on his home, allegedly paid for by the Gaffarenas, were unacceptable even if there was no illegality. It was not just a matter of ethics either. No politician and, especially not a government minister, should put himself in such a situation where he is indebted towards anyone.
In Parliament, Dr Cassar spoke of blackmail and, in his resignation letter, of ferocious attacks on his character. It should serve as a lesson to other politicians who cosy up to businessmen and may, one day, find themselves at their mercy. The manner in which the information was strategically leaked to the press reflects the dark side of Maltese politics. Some may prefer to call it political assassination.
Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil, although initially appearing hesitant, has carried the day. Pushed or jumped, Dr Cassar’s departure is in line with Dr Busuttil’s promise of a new way of doing politics, one that is based on honesty and accountability.
Turning the tables on the government, Dr Busuttil said that Dr Cassar’s resignation should serve as an example to government MPs who refuse to step down despite being embroiled in scandals. He targeted in particular Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon and his involvement in the Gaffarena property deal controversy, a matter far more serious and involving far larger sums than Dr Cassar’s CCTV and house works.
The Prime Minister is awaiting the conclusion of an inquiry by the Auditor General before deciding Dr Falzon’s fate. He already has an internal report which, according to leaked extracts, has found irregularities. And, yet, Joseph Muscat chooses to wait, as he did in the wake of the scandal involving the driver of former interior minister Manuel Mallia. In both cases, Dr Muscat has come across as hesitant, though that is unlikely the case. It appears more a case of cold timing, which is why Dr Cassar had to fall first.
For the PN, Dr Cassar’s resignation shows the price it has to pay for raising the bar and promising honest politics. It is unlikely that he is the last to go and Labour strategists may possibly claim a few more scalps.
The Prime Minister may manage to manipulate the timing of Dr Falzon’s inevitable departure but not much more. The Cassar incident, and the constant parallels that have been drawn with Dr Falzon, are helping to raise public sensitivity to ethics and standards in political life. People expect similar swift action from Dr Muscat and maybe less strategy.
Dr Muscat can show his goodwill in matching the Opposition’s declared standards by seeing to it that a draft law on standards in public life is finally brought before Parliament.
Economic success is not enoughfor the electorate and Dr Muscat should have learnt that from his predecessor, Lawrence Gonzi, who bequeathed to him a sound economy and received a walloping at the polls.
Economic growth does not mean good governance. The electorate is becoming increasingly cynical of the political class and dirty games do not help.