Joseph Muscat and his cronies have astutely taken ‘bread and circus politics’ to a higher level of sophistication and slyness.

It was the Roman poet Juvenal (AD 100) who coined the famous Latin dictum: panem et circenses – bread and circus. This figure of speech goes beyond poetic significance. It underlines a very astute political strategy.

Free grain was dished out to keep commoners gratified. On the other hand, free entertainment, provided by gladiators, kept the masses distracted and alienated from various atrocities committed by the emperor and his cronies.  In a nutshell, providing a constant supply of grain and offering free entertainment not only appeased the commoners but ensured that the emperor and his cronies could get away with murder, even literally.

In today’s parlance, this dictum can be translated into ‘bread and circus politics’ which comes in various forms and modes, all in exchange for votes.

Does this sound like a familiar political strategy?

Because it was milked well by many, does it insinuate that this is the truthful and right version of politics? Does this strategy further give a bad reputation to the art of politics?Many of our citizens, in particular youths, are feeling disappointed, detached and disinterested in the way we are promoting and carrying out politics.

‘Bread and circus politics’ ought not to be confused with bread and butter issues. It is the core responsibility of every government to address the micro level queries, although one would be walking on thin ice, fully aware that this could lead the government to be held hostage, massaging some big egos.

Sadly but truly, over these last four years, Joseph Muscat and his cronies have astutely taken ‘bread and circus politics’ to a higher level of sophistication and slyness.

Taking full advantage of economic prosperity achieved along the years (some to his credit, others to past administrations’ painful decisions and others due to a revived international economic scenario) and other profitable but questionable schemes, Muscat and Co, fused in a feel-good factor among the people.  “It’s the economy stupid”; some trolls may be quick to point out.

As during the times of the Roman emperors, not all citizens received their hand-out grain equally, but according to their affinity to the throne, and so it is now. While some received/are receiving crumbs of bread, others had/have loaves in abundance.

To party minions and those who expediently sought new political alliances, ‘bread’ came abundantly in the forms of positions of trust, astronomical salaries, fast-tracked promotions, engineered vacancies, shady contracts, unsustainable mega development proposals, changes in policies to accommodate, and hefty bailouts.

As regards to entertainment, well, the government spin doctors went out of their way and  spared no expense to hype up big private investment announcements or other minor projects, organise verbose press conferences and lavish national events.

Malta’s presidency and Valletta 2018 received a glossy and costly makeover so as to reinforce the feeling that we have never had it as good as now. Truly, l-aqwa żmien – the best of times.

Truth is not subjective to the whims of some; neither is it relative to opinion polls. Truth is nothing but stark truth

But while Muscat, now earning the nickname of the “artful dodger of Europe”, kept many busy and gay, his government rode roughshod over all, cut corners and branded critics as negative or as outright traitors.

The Labour government is still tainted with grave allegations of systematic corruption, bad governance, shady relationships/ dealings with undemocratic regimes and obscured investors, bullying critics and a high number of unresolved murders, among which, the brutal assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Within this scenario, some ought to remain consistent and recall that what was wrong then is still wrong, even if the Labour Party registered a larger majority along with an Opposition still finding its feet and clearing its voice.

Truth is not subjective to the whims of some; neither is it relative to opinion polls. Truth is nothing but stark truth. When one starts fooling around the stark truth, then one risks being a clown, in a political sense.

Although ‘bread and circus politics’ can buy the silence of many (even of former critics), some are comfortably numb as long as their securities are safeguarded, while on the other hand many other active citizens choose not to be impressed, by ‘bread’ or by any ‘circus’ impressions.

This is a conscious decision. Being a sheep is not an option. Not all citizens are ready to fiddle along and join Joseph’s circus. I and others will not be silenced, intimated, side-lined or alienated.

We want to be protagonists of the future not puppets in the grand circus. We will continue to stand up for what we believe in, even if it means standing alone. We are not deterred at being ‘lonely’. We will continue to give our contribution in building a just and fairer society, whatever new and/or old paths we may seek, to achieve this goal.

We still want to challenge and question what was wrong then, expecting convincing replies. We are not for turning. We still want to promote politics that safeguard the interests of the many rather than that of the few.

Some may call this rather political naïvety. I and others call it consistency and integrity.

Bread and the circus may impress the gullible but one ought to remember that all ‘emperors’ came/come with an expiry date. As it is said, Sic transit gloria mundi – thus passing the glory of this world.

Albert Buttigieg is deputy mayor of St Julian’s.