Have you ever been tempted to burn the Maltese flag? Probably not. Most of us are proud of our country and, despite frustrations we encounter, when we speak to foreigners we let them know that our islands are a gem in the Mediterranean where the sun shines and the streets are safe.
It is because of our tradition of speaking up for our country that the behaviour of Nationalist Party figures, from leader Simon Busuttil down, is so peculiar. They may not have set fire to any flags but they are stoking the embers. We are used to their daily dose of negativity here in Malta but being reckless with the country’s reputation abroad is disturbing.
The country’s economic success, with a growth rate outstripping that of most other EU countries, hasn’t come easily. The reforms of the Labour government of the past three years have played a big part but the behaviour of the Labour opposition in the years before was important too. The message sent to investors then was that they had little to worry about a possible change of administration – Labour’s ambition was to build on what had been achieved, not undermine it.
It’s because of Labour’s impressive economic record in government that PN have had to look elsewhere to find things to criticise, but all they’re really doing is running the country down.
The PL has fire in its soul while the PN wants to burn the house down. But what should most Maltese do? My suggestion is to continue flying the flag with pride
As big investors lined up to develop new projects here and create jobs, PN queried their motives and gave the cold shoulder. Why offer a smile when a sneer comes more readily?
PN lashed out at the Individual Investor Programme, putting in jeopardy revenue of one billion euros, and only withdrew after the European Commission gave its seal of approval.
The PN, the party of the Enemalta oil scandal, have been shouting the word “corruption” to whoever will listen even though they can provide no evidence. What they don’t mention is that it took a Labour government to enact a Whistleblower Act and remove prescription, the time limit on investigations into corrupt politicians.
Even when it comes to nominations for positions within the European Union there are PN figures who see it as an opportunity for skulduggery and undermining the PL. It’s quite a contrast with the days when the PN were in government and Labour in Opposition. Labour actively supported the government’s nominees, putting the reputation of Malta above party advantage.
While there might be some short-term advantage for the PN in running the country down, little do they realise that the damage done to a country’s reputation is not done against one party or another, and is not easily repaired.
Governments need to perform well and deliver for their citizens. Oppositions are right to hold ministers to account but they also have a duty to offer an alternative, and that should be built on ideas and good intentions, not bitterness and tantrums.
Fortunately, Malta is getting a fair hearing with international bodies that matter. The credit rating agency Moody’s, in its latest report, hailed Malta’s impressive economic growth and predicted more to come as public finances are brought under control, the labour market expands and the energy sector is reformed.
The PL has fire in its soul while the PN wants to burn the house down. But what should most Maltese do? My suggestion is to continue flying the flag with pride.
Ian Castaldi Paris is a former president of the PN College of Councillors.