Another year over and a new one has just begun.
For those who believe in astrology, 2019 promises to be unchallenging, at least compared to the one we have just bid farewell to.
The great Nostradamus, however, seems to have other. According to him, some European countries will have to deal with huge floods this year and Hungary, neighbouring Italy, the Czech Republic and also Great Britain will be among those suffering the most. The French physician could have mistaken Brexit for a huge flood, though, admittedly, it could be just as devastating if no deal is struck.
He saw rising religious extremism lead to disorder and wars, forcing many people to leave their country and seeking refuge in Europe. This, of course, has been happening for quite some time now but, for us on this tiny island, migration seems to be on the rise again and problems could increase, especially as the warmer months approach.
On the positive side, Nostradamus predicted that humans will be able to speak to animals and medical breathroughs would extend people’s lives.
But beyond what many would discount as fiction and mere conjecture, what is one likely to really expect this year?
Globally, a lot will depend on Donald Trump’s whims and moods, though Vladimir Putin, in Russia, and Xi Jinping, in China, are determining factors too. One of Nostradamus’s predictions for 2019 refer to World War III involving “two powers”. Let’s hope he got it all wrong for the sake of humanity.
Closer to home, the outcome of the European Parliament elections in May could bring more problems to the European Union, perhaps boosting the threat of more members following the UK’s example. Trust in the EU is rising, statistically, at least. But the latest Eurobarometer study does show that a majority tend “not to trust” the EU in 10 countries, which is not insignificant.
Malta is among those countries where the majority of people (56 per cent) “tend to trust” the EU. Still, the proportion of respondents harbouring a positive image of the EU dropped by seven percentage points to 43 per cent.
A poor economy, high unemployment, especially among youth, and migration issues have led to popular protests and even unrest within Europe. Not in Malta, thankfully, where the people enjoy a high standard of living supported by a strong economy, which is reflected in the fact that trust in the government grew by 12 points to reach 63 per cent, the highest among EU states together with the Netherlands. So, although some Maltese electors might be reluctant to vote in the European elections many are likely to come forward to express another vote of confidence in the Labour government.
A strong vote for Labour candidates would pile more pressure on the Nationalist Party to put its house in order, make all necessary changes and project itself as a meaningful Opposition and a deserving government-in-waiting. How far should such changes be will very much depend on the gap in the votes won by the two large parties.
Though there is nothing to suggest, the Maltese economy should not continue going strong, though hiccups there will, of course, be, Nostradamus may prove to be more correct than what the stars predict for 2019 on the political front, at least.
This is a Times of Malta print editorial