Am I correct to note that the Establishment is in a deep crisis? Would I be labelled as too negative if I were to point out that the courts, the Catholic Church, the political parties and other established points of reference are facing an ever-increasing level of mistrust?

My reading of the situation is that common citizens, in particular the young generation, are becoming more and more wary of such institutions. In the past, these institutions either served as a point of reference or as an inspiration to many. Now, many opt not to be bothered.

Many feel disappointed, detached and let down by the same institutions that used to inspire them or which they embraced. Due to unpleasant or outright negative experiences, common people feel that, unfortunately, the people entrusted within these institutions often do no walk the talk.

That the political class no longer enjoys public admiration and trust is an understatement. From various house visits, I find that mistrust, disappointment and frustration among families of all political shades are palpable. Citizens are rapidly losing trust in the way the country is run. Citizens eye with suspicion all those who hold public office or aspire to serve their community.

This is most unfortunate and worrying if we care enough to live in a healthy democratic country.

Over the years, particular politicians have contributed to this political degeneration. Some entered the political arena with the wrong motives and agendas. Some made it a point to be served rather than to serve their community. Their behaviour brought dishonour.

On the other hand, over the years, too many political compromises were made to safeguard popularity. Too many U-turns were made to save face. Too many political inconsistencies and bad governance were committed. As a consequence, public trust gradually eroded to the extent that, today, the political trust barometer is in free fall.

The Labour government, contrary to its solemn pre-election pledges, reinforced this worrying trend. The pledges of meritocracy, transparency, accountability and the commitment to a new way of doing politics turned out to be a huge scam. People who voted for change are faced with more of the same.

Being hostage to the past is not an option

Marlene Farrugia is just one name of a growing number of Labour supporters and genuine switchers who feel disillusioned and disenchanted. The giveaway of public resources to a Jordanian developer is the latest example. The so-called ‘American University of Malta’ turned out to be anything but ‘American’. It has now also resulted that it not only will not be a university either but that there is no secure funding.

Within this context, the recent publication of the Nationalist Party document entitled Restoring trust in politics is a genuine bold attempt to turn the tide. It is a tall order for good governance. It is not an easy endeavour.

The opening statement of the document is clear: “We will commit, with renewed vigour, to our convictions of honesty, fairness, impartiality and competence.”

Unfortunately, many will try to shoot down the messenger to avoid dealing with the message.

This document is not meant solely for the PN. It was written for all political parties and politicians who care enough to raise the bar. When joining the European Union we had opted to secure good governance. So, it will be beneficial for present politicians and aspiring candidates like myself to read through this document and take note.

It has over 100 bold concrete proposals. It proposes that the elected government secures a two-thirds consensus in Parliament when appointing high-ranking public officials such as the President, the head of the public service, judges and the Commissioner of Police.

It also contains a significant number of other proposals aimed at safeguarding good governance, accountability and good practices. It is most unfortunate that Labour’s immediate response was rather negative.

Simon Busuttil is fully aware that the PN contributed to the prevailing political degeneration. Aware of this credibility test, he is determined to go beyond past mistakes, learn from them to avoid repeating them and move forward.

Being hostage to the past is not an option. We need to be forward looking rather than take a backward approach. Those who argue that the PN still has skeletons in its cupboard fail to notice that Busuttil, contrary to his counterpart, is being assertive, is determined to raise the bar and is bold when faced with stories of public irregularities. Recent events within the party demonstrate once more that Busuttil does walk the talk. His position on the illegal boathouses reconfirms his political courage.

Restoring trust in politics is the third successive document published by a proactive Opposition party positioning itself as an alternative credible government in waiting. The pre-Budget proposal document was a first in local political history in which the party gave its feedback and suggestions. The second document, entitled ‘Economy for the people’, is a blueprint of what the vision and values of a renewed party are.

All this proactivism augurs well, although the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Trust is not a given right. It is a journey that one is obliged to work very hard to earn and, once obtained, should be carefully nurtured and safeguarded daily.

Albert Buttigieg is a member of the St Julian’s local council.