Some critics of the Labour government try to give the impression that it is only interested in exploiting power and retaining it. The truth of the matter is, of course, rather different. I will be the first to admit that the Labour government is not without defects and that a number of avoidable mistakes have been done but, overall, its performance has been little less than exceptional.

One need only mention the economy, that is strong, growing and creating new employment, as one of this government’s outstanding achievements. Joseph Muscat’s administration is based on all the good aspects of a model government.

First and foremost, the Labour government is an enabling government. Its social policy is different from that of years past in that while it is still aimed at the individual citizen, it also ensures that one does not become a burden on the State.

The elimination of welfare benefit abuses and ensuring that there is not too much dependence upon welfare are cases in point. The government’s role is now narrowed down to providing the rightconditions, the best resources and the required opportunities for the welfare of its citizens. After that, it is up to each individual to be proactive and make the best use of them.

Secondly, the government is an adaptive one. We are living in a world that is constantly changing and providing new challenges. It must therefore be in a position to propose legislative measures appropriate to the changing circumstances in and outside the country. To do this, it must have a modern public service making optimal use of technological advances.

A prime example of government policy in this area is the commitment and the sustained effort to eliminate all unnecessary bureaucracy, which is a major hindrance to such things as foreign investment.

Thirdly, the Labour government is an open government. It is committed towards transparency in all its operations, and consultation with citizens is an ongoing process.

Access to information about all areas of government administration is available to all citizens and such access is only limited in cases of national security or where confidentiality is required.

An excellent manifestation of this openness to public scrutiny is provided by the extensive use of e-government in Malta to facilitate ease of access to official information for all citizens.

Finally, the Muscat administration practises responsive government. The citizen is the centre around which revolve all the major decisions taken by the government. For example, when the government is made aware that a certain course of action is being opposed by civil society, it takes cognisance of such opposition and modifies its formulation of policy accordingly.

Labour will be in power for a long time and on its own merits

A recent example of this approach is the decision to have the new university split between Marsascala and Cospicua as a compromise to partly accommodate the objections of environmentalists.

Naturally, no government is perfect and the Labour Government is no exception. It too has its defects and no analysis of the way it is governing would be complete or objective if these are omitted.

First and foremost, one must mention certain controversial cases which could have been better dealt with such as the Gaffarena case. Unfortunately, the mishandling of such cases has brought about allegations of corruption against a government which is totally committed towards eradicating corruption from all aspects of life in Malta. This is clearly illustrated by the enactment of the Protection of the Whistleblower Act 2013.

Also, it is a fact that there have been a few cases of persons appointed to important public posts whose individual performance has not been up to the required standards. Furthermore, we have also witnessed several instances of arrogant behaviour on the part of some individuals appointed to sensitive positions of power who have not been mature enough to remember that they are there to render a service to the general public.

Instead, power has gone to their heads and they have often behaved with a condemnable arrogance which has led to justified complaints from aggrieved citizens.

Still, all this should not detract from the excellent performance of the Labour government in all areas of administration: employment, education, health, tourism, justice, etc.

This is a government that delivers. This is a government that listens and consults. This is a government with a social soul, for whom the most vulnerable members of society will always be a priority.

One also has to consider all this in the light of the fact that the Nationalist Opposition provides no viable alternative to the present government. Totally negative in its approach and devoid of innovative ideas, it stands absolutely no chance at all of winning the confidence of the majority ofMaltese citizens.

Labour will be in power for a long time and on its own merits.

Desmond Zammit Marmarà is a Labour Party councillor in Balzan.