Now that Lawrence Gonzi’s time at the helm of the Nationalist Party has come to an end, it is worth reflecting on his leadership. For me, Gonzi represents three important factors.
He had great self-discipline, and he preferred to be personally humiliated rather than have our country humiliated
Firstly, our country’s adoption of the Euro. I vividly remember the Cabinet meeting when this proposal was first put forward. He clearly outlined the steps that the country needed to take to reach the necessary requirements. In doing so, he foresaw the importance of being tied to a strong currency in the event of a financial crisis.
Secondly is his ability to lead the ship of state through the worst economic crisis faced by the international community in almost a century. The crisis devastated many countries, both economically and socially. He kept Malta on course through a series of difficult decisions that sought to reduce the funding of national agencies through tax payers’ millions.
He remained sensitive to the needs of various social sectors, particularly with regard to the need for generating employment. His background as Minister for Social Welfare was particularly pertinent in this regard. He also epitomised reform, in that he ushered the country through a process of transformation into a modern EU Member State, particularly in the health, education, and environmental sectors.
Thirdly is his determination to lead Malta through one of the most difficult economic periods while facing internal political dissent from those who hehad previously defended from attacks by the Opposition.
Through all this, I never recall Dr Gonzi speaking disparagingly about his opponents.
He had great self-discipline and he preferred to be personally humiliated rather than have our country humiliated.
His concentration on governing meant that his focus on leading the party slackened, failing to strengthen it sufficiently to fight the general election. No matter how well the government performed, it was natural that the public would want change after 15 years.
No government had previously won three successive elections, yet Gonzi succeeded in doing so in 2008. Yet it would have been difficult for the PN to win a fourth election, despite the positive economic results achieved.
The government had taken a number of strategic decisions that had antagonised the electorate. Even in the face of a great electoral loss, he accepted defeat graciously.
In the coming days, we will be losing his leadership, but his exemplary ways will remain with us – May 3.
Quo Vadis Europa?
Today our country celebrates nine years of EU membership. Where is the EU going? It was a concept born out of the ashes of World War II, yet is now facing its worst crisis. Public confidence in the EU has never been so low.
A Eurobarometer survey shows that confidence declined drastically between 2009 and 2012. In Spain in 2009, the EU enjoyed a 56 per cent confidence rate, which has now dropped to 20 per cent.
In Italy, it enjoyed a 52 per cent confidence rate in 2009, but 31 per cent in 2012. Public confidence also dropped in countries that are not facing financial crisis. In Germany, public confidence in 2009 was 44 per cent, today it is down to 30 per cent.
There is clearly a correlation between the economic crisis and public confidence.
People are concerned about current developments, and about the future. Many are scared of losing their jobs and economic status, and blame the EU for problems that originate from failed national policies.
At least, few believe that the solution is exiting the EU, even though there is no shortage of anti-EU movements and parties or superficial analysis in the international media.
Much of this dissent is certainly due to the austerity measures that many countries had to implement, which left few positive results. Unemployment has increased rather than decreased.
The EU has made progress, yet there is more that needs to be done. The European project has stagnated, perhaps because we have lost the impetus of visionary leaders. Many feel that Europe has come to resemble a financial institution, and less a political motor driven by a social conscience.
We are all partly to blame, as we rarely talk about its accomplishments. Even in Malta, more often than not we take EU funded projects for granted, which would have otherwise remained on the drawing board.
What we need is a more democratic and transparent process within the EU. For many, the fact that decisions are taken behind closed doors is unacceptable, such as the famous late night sessions regarding the Eurozone, or decisions taken by technocrats, where the European Parliament is simply asked to rubberstamp decisions.
The EU needs to reach out. Public discussion regarding the EU is severely lacking, and should be continuously encouraged, and not only on the eve of European Parliament elections – May 1.
Strada Stretta
It’s been a while since I passed through Strait Street. Yet recently since I am in Valletta more often I decided to pass through there and was impressed by the leap in quality that I noticed. For a long time, this street was abandoned.
When I was younger and used to have to make my way to the SDM office which was on the corner of Theatre Street and Strait Street, I used to be scared to walk through it. It was dirty and rundown, and lined with abandoned buildings.
What a difference now. It is filled with offices, shops, restaurants and commercial establishments. There is new economic life in the street. I visited a legal firm in a beautiful building that was recently renovated. There are many works and renovations taking place in the street, also taking advantage of the restoration incentives that we offered over the past few years.
I had long argued that the upgrading of St George’s Square, which took place some four years ago, would also bring about an evolution in Strait Street. With a square that has been brought to life, there has been a natural demand for activity close by. The new paving also helped bring this about.
Before, you had to keep an eye out lest every other step might result in falling flat on your face. This street is once again becoming a hub of activity, and I have no doubt that if carried on at this pace, it will become one of the most sought after streets in our capital city – April 29.
The new generation
I was impressed by the seminar organized by MŻPN yesterday for youths who would like to become more involved in the Nationalist Party. The theme was Moving Forward Together, and the 120 participants had the opportunity to air their opinions regarding the reasons behind the electoral defeat, and how they may contribute towards the PN’s renewal. You could feel the enthusiasm in the room, where all were eager to contribute.
In my short intervention, I spoke about the importance of formation. One needs to first recognise why they turned to the PN, and not the Labour Party.
We need to recognise what makes us different. This is all the more important at a time when the PL has tried to depict itself as a new version of the Nationalist Party.
There were those who asked whether the party should adopt a more liberal path. I personally believe that the PN has its roots in the Christian culture, yet we are also conscious of the fact that Maltese society has evolved and will continue to evolve.
Thus, while we must remain sensitive to the changes that are taking place within society, we must continue to shape our politics according to the three pillars of the Christian tradition: solidarity, tolerance and respect for nature.
There remains the fundamental question as to how best engage youths within the party. Should they be involved through youth committees at a local level, distinct from local committees for adults? I believe that various types of involvement are possible, both formal and informal. But I certainly am not the person with the answer.
Although I have been actively involved in politics since I was 16, today’s realities are markedly different from those in my time.
It is today’s youths that should choose how best to contribute – April 28.
http://georgepullicino.blogspot.com
George Pullicino is a Nationalist MP.