Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1055420
25 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 NOVEMBER 2018 OPINION Justice, chaired by none other than Manuel Delia himself, and sharing several of the same members. But in any case: let's just say the buzzer would not be quite as 'accidental' in Manuel Delia's case, and move on. By now you will surely have noticed that we are still no closer to figuring out how, exactly, this group can qualify as a 'civil society organisation'. If we accept the traditional definition – i.e., "social action carried out by individuals or groups who are neither connected to, nor managed by, the State" – what is all this 'social action' in which 'Repubblika' is sup- posed to be involved? Occupy Justice, at least, could answer that question. It was formed specifically to demand justice for a particu- lar crime, and to encourage widespread institutional reform. Both are perfectly legitimate 'social actions' in their own right; both are the stuff of which 'civil society' is supposed to be made. 'Repubblika', on the other hand, seems to be focused exclusively on forcing an incumbent government out of office. That, too, is a per- fectly legitimate goal… but it is a political, not a 'social', objective. And it can only be achieved by political means: like contesting elections, for instance… or presenting a motion of no-confidence, as the PD just did in parliament. Certainly, it cannot be achieved just by organising a little picnic outside Cas- tille, in which five, solitary individuals – one less, and it would have been a classic case of 'erba' qtates' – 'have a wonderful time' calling for the Prime Minister to resign. Especially not when the Prime Minister in question happens to enjoy the sup- port of anywhere between 52 and 54% of the population… while your own 'civil society NGO' doesn't actually repre- sent anybody at all. All the same: call me an op- timist, but I can still see ways in which this car-crash-in- the-making can be salvaged. The original objectives which gave rise to Occupy Justice – especially the 'institutional reform' part – are still in place. It is still important for civil society to organise itself into something that looks less like a contorted, many- headed and utterly toothless deformity. And above all, there is still plenty of room for a serious new political movement to fill the Opposi- tion void… But you need to be more than just five people (I mean, did I really have to point that out? Just look at the picture, for crying out loud…); and you need to project a clearer idea of who you are, what you represent, and how you intend to achieve your goals. There, I've given you all you need to turn this act around. Now get on that stage, and knock 'em judges out once and for all. (We'll all do our bit by singing the theme song in the background. Ready? "We (C) are the Faaaa-(Em)- mous Five (Am)…!") Opera onal Programme I – European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 "Fostering a compe ve and sustainable economy to meet our challenges" Project part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund Co-financing rate: 80% European Union; 20% Na onal Funds The Energy and Water Agency within the Ministry of Energy and Water Management in collaboration with Enemalta and Transport Malta is undertaking a project for the retrofitting of over 3,000 existing SON type street lights covering 79.6 km of arterial and distributor roads with more energy efficient LED type street lights together with the installation of a light management system. ERDF.PA4.0066 RETROFITTING ROAD AND STREET LIGHTING BY SMART LIGHTING The project's energy efficiency measures are aimed at reducing the carbon footprint produced by the generation of electricity for street lighting, as well as contributing towards the reduction of primary and end energy consumption. Greenhouse Gas Emissions shall also see an annual reduction in excess of 600 tonnes through the implementation of the project and a decrease of approximately 1,500 MWh annual primary energy consumption. This project is part-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund – European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020.