Although it is an acknowledged fact that the vast majority of the Maltese population are sick and tired of the present Nationalist government, many still ask themselves whether the Labour alternative is a credible and viable one. It is another acknowledged fact that people today prefer slow progress that does not impinge upon one’s daily life to fast progress with several shocks to the status quo.
Given the above, one has to ask the question whether putting one’s confidence in the Labour Party is the solution towards a better future for our own generation and future ones.
First of all, one has to point out that Labour lost three successive general elections precisely because people felt uneasy about the future should Labour be elected to government. In 1998, people were afraid of further political instability after the Sant-Mintoff clash that dominated the 22 months of Labour government. In 2003, voters were afraid of a special relationship with the European Union, which deviated from the norm found in most European countries aspiring towards a closer relationship with the EU. In 2008, with the major political parties head-to-head immediately before the general election, the politically suicidal proposal for a major educational upheaval with the introduction of the ill-fated “reception class” put paid to Labour’s hopes of being elected to government.
This time around, Labour seems to have learned the lesson that upsetting the applecart is to take the sure road towards electoral defeat. Given the metamorphosis within the party during the last three years, I see absolutely no reason at all why people should not place their confidence in the PL. Joseph Muscat has proved himself to be a very mature and capable leader. Yes, the Nationalist media paints a different picture of him as a person who tries to please everybody in order to win power. However, let’s be honest, who believes the Nationalist Party media today? Not even many Nationalist supporters themselves!
How would a future Labour government differ from the present Nationalist one? Dr Muscat is on record as stating that a Labour government would build upon all the good work of past Maltese governments, both Labour and Nationalist. Labour would also treat the electorate with greater respect, that is, there would not be any pre-election promises that would be conveniently forgotten once the general election was over. Economic growth under Labour would not mean placing unbearable burdens on the shoulders of many Maltese citizens. The opposite would be the case and taxes would be reduced and expenditure curbed while efficiently bringing in more revenue. Furthermore, all tax collected would be used in a more proper manner so that all citizens would stand to benefit. An innovation worthy of the creativity of the Labour leader would be to shift taxation from those who produce to those who pollute.
Regarding Malta’s EU membership, a future Labour government would do its utmost to ensure the Europeans treat Malta with the dignity and respect it deserves. Everybody agrees the present Nationalist government leaves much to be desired where exploiting EU membership to Malta’s advantage is concerned.
Labour would also strive to substantially increase female employment participation. This is a crucial issue for Malta’s economic development and although, to be fair, the Nationalist government has done its best to tackle this problem, the results achieved have been rather poor.
Since it is the middle class that has suffered most under the Nationalists, Labour would build a new middle class. An economy of high skills would replace that of low wages. The concept of the “living wage” would ensure that no Maltese citizens would be forced to live on the periphery of poverty.
Dr Muscat has always emphasised that Labour needs to fight mediocrity through an ambitious vision. The aim of the PL is to make Malta the best in Europe. He has stressed, time after time, that being European inherently means never accepting mediocrity and always striving to be the best in everything. The Maltese are not inferior to anybody and what other European nations can do we can emulate and even improve upon. This concept would be the foundation stone of a future Labour government. Translated into concrete facts, it would mean the government would work towards giving the best possible service in everything to all Maltese citizens. This would also entail the elimination of clientelism and corruption in politics and all aspects of public life.
Some readers might retort by saying the ideas are good and praiseworthy but perhaps too ambitious given the state of the country. Dr Muscat’s track record is the best guarantee of success. Look at what he achieved for Malta as a member of the European Parliament. Imagine what he would achieve for you and me as Prime Minister!