These are not easy times for Maltese democracy and for Joseph Muscat in particular. The Panama Papers affair, involving Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri and episodes of undemocratic behaviour by certain individuals kept being reported, rocking the government and threatening to paralyse it.

But Muscat is strong, energetic and tough. He is aware that stiff battles are won by pretending that it is business as usual, pretending to be calm and composed, as if nothing is happening.

Authoritarian leaders in countries like Azerbaijan, China, Russia, Rodrigo and the Philippines seem to be well admired even in this country of ours. But Muscat seems to be aiming at the office of president of the European Council when Donald Tusk gives up his mantle.

Still, whatever his strengths and weaknesses, Muscat must change his way and show more support for democratic values, especially the rule law, even if, as head of government, hesees himself as uniquely tough and irreplaceable.

On the other hand, however, the Opposition under a new leadership is still in upside down mode. Unfortunately, it remains angry, bitter and divisive since losing the last general election.