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8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 18 MARCH 2020 NEWS ANALYSIS Leadership in the time of People expect strong and effective leadership during a time of crisis. How are our leaders faring? JAMES DEBONO asks IN a time of collective anxiety triggered by a fear of the unknown, people expect strong effective leadership and an end to partisan bickering. While some people are prone to spec- ulation and panic on the social media, overall the latest crisis has also reinforced the trust in medical authorities and sci- ence. In this scenario politicians are expected to present evidence-based solutions and strategies. The looming economic crisis also weighs in on political choices, raising fears that these may condition the re- sponse to a health emergency and actu- ally reinforcing the role of the state in the economy, with the private sector keen on 'assistance' as the risks are increasingly 'socialised'. How are our leaders faring in the wake of this unprecedented crisis? Robert Abela Facing an unprecedented test Robert Abela's leadership skills have been immediately tested by a crisis in which he is expected to offer both reas- surance and an ability to take decisions under stress, while facing calls for 'assis- tance' to soften the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. After initial signs of indecision over stopping flights from Italy and closing schools, Abela adopted a gradual step- by-step and incremental approach, which led to a partial lockdown, which has so far proved effective in containing the spread of the virus through local transmissions even if the situation moved to a new lev- el on Monday when the first three local transmissions were reported. This step-by-step approach also helps in preparing society for the possibility of more draconian response to local trans- missions. In many cases society finds itself preced- ing government action, with more bars and restaurants closing down before an official ban. Reassuringly, these decisions have been informed by advice of health authorities. Still, some decisions may have been better implemented, as was the case of tourists who were quarantined up- on entry, in the absence of any warning before they left. The decision not to go for a total lock- down now could backfire if local trans- missions spiral out of control. Still, this decision is informed by expert opinion, which suggests that an early lockdown may well be premature and even lead to a secondary spike in infections increasing the stress on public hospitals. But Abela's comparison of a lockdown with a house arrest may not have been the best choice of words to warm up people to what may well become a public health necessity. Abela also has to fight the perception that he is too conditioned by economic considerations, and that he fears what the coronavirus could do to the Labour government's positive economic track record. His socialist credentials will be tested by the choices necessary to both address legitimate demands from busi- ness for assistance to safeguard jobs, but also to address the plight of categories of workers, especially those in precarious working conditions – particularly mi- grants, part-timers and single parents – who are likely to be the first to face the axe, being dumped as disposable tools. This is especially the case of laid-off workers who still have to pay exorbitant rents. On Monday Abela did show a sense of leadership by telling business leaders who have benefitted from economic growth in the past years, that workers in the lowest economic brackets should not take brunt of crisis. But Abela has to match these words with concrete measures. One major advantage for Abela is that he starts the crisis with a surplus, but conflicting pressures on how to distribute it in the hour of need, will test his states- manship. The idea of presenting a mini-budget to address the situation would be a positive step. And while Abela may sound reas- suring to business in auguring a return to business-as-usual after the crisis, he may well be downplaying the long-term reper- cussions on an economic model, which is increasingly vulnerable to global risks ranging from financial crisis to biological threats. Despite some initial dilly-dallying and several hiccups, Abela seems to be per- forming well under stress. Chris Fearne The safe pair of hands in a crisis Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne has offered a taste of the no-nonsense style of leader- ship he promised in the Labour leader- ship contest. The crisis has cemented his crucial Abela also has to fight the perception that he is too conditioned by economic considerations, and that he fears what the coronavirus could do to the Labour government's positive economic track record