CNV

I am not a clairvoyant and I am not a party soldier. I do not have the habit of gambling but I would have won some euros had I tried my luck. People were talking about it in all places of work, streets, clubs, social events and gatherings.

It was becoming evident that the people wanted to vent their frustration and the writing on the wall was very clear for anyone to notice and take remedial action.

People were not talking about the effects of the recession, the high rate of inflation, the water and electricity tariffs, the public transport reform, the public health state of affairs, the global economic downturn and the many other reforms in the pipeline.

They were talking about the way the government was spearheading these issues. The government has become insensitive to the needs of the people.
Today, I will attempt to analyse the outcome of the June 6 European Parliament election. At this stage, pointing fingers at the Nationalist Party (PN), or any other party losing an election, for that matter, is understandable.

Notwithstanding this, some objective analysis is required, if not necessary. We now have the figures to play with and make assumptions. We now know who are the six democratically-elected members of the European Parliament who will represent Malta in the next five years. I wish the six elected members well and encourage them to strive in tandem for the benefit of Malta. Political parties should remain an important tool in the hands of the electorate but the national interest must continue to prevail. The national interest is not the monopoly of a political party. The national interest is by far greater than the claimed aspirations of any political party.

Point one: Simon Busuttil, to his credit and his alone, mustered the highest number of votes notwithstanding the fact that his party suffered a huge defeat. This in itself clearly demonstrates that the people do make a difference between the political party and the candidates. Over the years, Dr Busuttil has grown from strength to strength, maintaining an open line of communication with people, and his stature is what it is.

I am certain that Dr Busuttil assisted to their satisfaction a good number of citizens in addressing their daily concerns, but also had to turn down a sizeable number of requests from others for assistance and guidance during his first term of office at the European Parliament. Somehow, this gentleman has the capability of giving a sugared "no" as an answer.

It works. People do understand that, at times, they have to get a "no" for an answer but to do so, people first have to believe and understand that there is really no other avenue to pursue when seeking redress on their issues.

Point two: Members of the government should stop playing god and riding roughshod over everyone. People do feel unjustly treated when their grievances are not dealt with with respect and diligence.

Reforms in Malta should continue as and when required but the people have to embrace these changes. People have feelings and concerns about their livelihoods. Reforms cannot be imposed. Reforms have to be owned. Stage-managed and simulated processes of social dialogue are worse than not having them at all. We have witnessed the failure of this process over and over again. Things have to change.

Some of the well-seasoned politicians do not have time to listen to grievances and are only too happy to give instructions and address news conferences. This is highly irregular. People need to be listened to conscientiously.

Point three: Although they may have an opinion on a variety of policies, "bloggers" do not represent society. Many people are too busy to put across their views in writing but would welcome an opportunity to air their views and concerns. They would also expect some sort of feedback some days later, whether positive or negative.

Point four: While most ministers have the capability to master these situations, others have grown into "bullies" with their immediate subordinates who then play their masters' song. This has, over the years, grown to unacceptable levels and should be addressed without further delay.

The Labour Party has secured a big victory on an issue that, a couple of years ago, kept the same party from taking office. Time flies, people change and opportunities are there for the taking. May this Labour Party victory help all politicians and political parties understand once and for all that their work is with people for the people.

My conclusion would be that politicians should not attempt to walk alone.

Gejtu Vella is Secretary General of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin (UHM). This article was published on Monday 15th June 2009 on the daily newspaper The Times of Malta.