After almost 25 years of political purgatory, the Labour Party promised that it was a changed party. Like a born-again Christian, Labour declared it was a born-again party. Many were sceptical and reluctant.

Labour left no stone unturned to assure that its old tactics and ignominies were things of the past. Through its sleek campaign and makeover, the party affirmed that past adverse experiences were consigned to our political history books. The message was loud and clear. It was time to change and Labour promised to deliver that change. Labour would be a positive experience, we were assured.

With the Gonzi administration systematically portrayed as a symbol of the status quo, Joseph Muscat positioned himself as a catalyst of change. He solemnly pledged his determination to usher in a new way of doing politics. Although change may install feelings of insecurity and/or anxiety in some, change can also make people dream and hope.

Labour is repeating the same mistakes that the party was so critical of in opposition

In the slogan Malta Tagħna Lkoll, Muscat successfully encapsulated people’s dreams and hopes. A new political dawn was awakening, so we were told. Meritocracy, transparency and accountability were to be the hallmarks of this change. Good governance would be at the top of the government’s agenda. Clientelism, nepotism, sleaze and cronyism would be only bad memories from past administrations. With Labour at the helm, Malta would cease to be divided according to tribal political lines.

Labour also took an inclusive approach. Its critics were guaranteed that they would be still welcomed and their jobs safeguarded. Labour was to give priority to the environment and to the vulnerable. The common good would once more prevail over the interests of the few and powerful. Social dialogue would take over the oligarchy. With Labour it was assured that Malta will return to be once more tagħna lkoll.

Many were convinced. How could they not be with so many promises? Many voted Labour for their first time. The rest is history. Just under three years in office, Labour’s major commitment of being a catalyst of change is anything but. Everlasting episodes of bad governance, chronicles of sleaze, abusive public appointments and shady public dealings have characterised the tenure of this administration.

This debacle uncovered a stark reality: the solemn pledges of meritocracy, accountability and transparency were just gimmicks and gloss. Going over Labour’s pre-electoral speeches, PR stunts and theatrics one finds them quite insulting to the average intelligent citizen.

What was said then and what is being implemented now are two completely diametrically opposed versions. Bad governance is more rampant than ever. The oligarchy was replaced by a different oligarchy. The powerful are more influential than ever. The green agenda has been hijacked by unscrupulous developers. Malta is still a divided nation. Half of the country is still reeling. The other half is making hay while the sun shines.

The change that people desired and voted for did not materialise. The actors may have changed but the new guys on the block are still reciting the same old political script. Many feel disappointed and disenchanted. A growing number are regretting voting Labour for the first time. They feel conned. They ended up moving from the proverbial frying pan to the fire. On their part, genuine Labourites are questioning whether Labour has lost its roots and ‘soul’ as a left-leaning party.

To his credit, Muscat did usher in long overdue social reforms, in particular the introduction of the civil union Bill and now the cohabitation Bill. It is easy to implement change when the social tide is one step ahead of you.

The real challenge is when one introduces new measures without popular consensus but believing that it is beneficial to the country. The former Nationalist administration believed in introducing a fiscal morality measure. There was no popular consensus but the government ploughed on. Through the introduction of VAT, a new fiscal culture emerged.

With a strong 36,000 historical vote difference, Muscat had the numbers and the moral authority to deliver on his commitment of change. As a former MEP himself experiencing good European practices, he had the chance to introduce mainstream European politics and standards. If he did, meritocracy would have won the day over clientelism. Accountability would have had its say over shady characters while transparency would have boosted the ratings of his party. Sadly, this was not the case.

The current administration was held at ransom by the old Labour socialist mentality. As a consequence, Labour is repeating the same mistakes that the party was so critical of while in opposition. By anointing Konrad Mizzi as deputy leader, with the remit to track disgruntled Laborites, are we to expect another surge of clientelism, ‘positions of trust’ and sleaze prior to election day?

On his part, Joseph Muscat has lost a unique opportunity to be remembered as a great change agent. He may well be remembered for winning a historical vote but does he also risk being remembered as merely a sly salesman?

Discerning citizens are starting to feel uneasy about these evolving events. The latest survey is only an indication of this creeping discontent. Elections are not lost on election day.

People voted Labour to bring change, not to repeat, justify or perpetuate past bad governance practices. What was bad then is bad now. Change for the sake of change is no change.

Albert Buttigieg is a Nationalist Party candidate on the ninth and tenth districts and a St Julian’s local councillor.