Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1297549
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2020 OPINION Let the common good guide our political agendas I never quite understood what the Nationalist Party has tried to achieve with their political approach in recent elections. Some have called it a nega- tive, 'toxic approach': a flawed view of Maltese society which moderates cannot identify with. Others have called it a tirade against our country and the electorate. I will never for- get the PN reaction to Joseph Muscat being elected Labour leader: it was one attack after the other, aimed at discred- iting a newly democratical- ly-elected leader. It was baf- fling at best, disrespectful to voters at worst. Whatever the case, the contrast was a sharp one. Coupled with a strong mandate and one success af- ter the other on many fronts, this approach by the PN made Muscat's rise to victory a nat- ural one. And yet a similar response came to the election of a new leader, Robert Abela, in Jan- uary – even after it became abundantly clear that this rec- ipe by the PN was a poor one and one which the people did not resonate with. Back in Muscat's early days, what surprised me more than the PN's tactics was their seeming obliviousness to the revolution brewing in polit- ical thought in Malta. There was a different way of looking at things, specifically at par- tisanship and the political di- vide we always believed to be an inherent, almost genetic, divide. But the movement that was born during this time went on to put an end to a form of elitism that left people behind. This movement did not believe in division, belittlement or in- sults: it welcomed people with open arms. And we owe this shift in mentality to Joseph Muscat, ourselves as members of this new Labour party, and those who embraced this new way of thinking. This week, a new leader of the PN sworn in. I believe it was a convincing victory and I hope, a well-deserved one which will strengthen the Opposition for the benefit of the country. I sincerely congratulate Bernard Grech for this victory. In a sense, I feel like this is a new start not only for the PN, but also for Labour: our victo- ries are a feather in our cap, but they are behind us. What truly defines us now – in this new arena, a new generation and a new ball-game against a new opponent – is what we achieve from this moment on. Because this is what people base their judgements and choices on. Labour has the opportunity to push forward reforms which require support from the Op- position. Soon enough, both parties will be judged based on what they will propose. So far so good; but the key to victory is how far we are prepared to change, as a progressive move- ment. We do not have any divine right to govern. Nor do we have some advantage at this juncture. It is a fresh start – and we need to continue work- ing tirelessly to be close to the people and enact change for the better. The Prime Minis- ter's initial actions were very positive, coupled with his five pillars for a new economic vi- sion, especially in the light of a public health crisis and its eco- nomic repercussions. Let's continue to write his- tory with the same energy and conviction to deliver what is best for our country, and what the people expect. In the meantime, I would like to address a few words specif- ically to the new Opposition leader. Humbly and without preju- dice, I do hope he recognises and appreciates the opportu- nity before him: an opportuni- ty to change the Opposition's approach and work on chang- ing our country for the better. I hope his approach is a differ- ent one, that he transforms the Opposition into a positive one which puts Malta first. Government cannot do everything alone. To a de- gree, we need the Opposition's support in order to introduce the necessary constitution- al reforms, the much-needed changes in our democratic processes, including parlia- mentary ones. I've said these words before: no good can come from harm- ing our country or tarnishing its name. The temptation to score political points could win the new PN leader a few today, but make him lose out a lot more tomorrow. We're all in this together and hopefully for the long haul, and negative repercussions on our country is something that would affect us all. I hope Bernard does not let the surveys guide him. Our political agendas should be guided by the will of the peo- ple and the common good, not the interests of certain groups or our own ambitions. We are in politics to enact change. We shouldn't let numbers fool us, let alone carve out our path. But what should guide us, at least to a significant extent, is the will of the people. I re- iterate my advice to Bernard: apologise to those who felt hurt by comments he made in recent weeks. It's one thing to say that he does not approve of our government in some way or another, perhaps even em- barrassed of government min- isters like myself. But to say he would lie about his country of origin because he is uncomfortable to say he's Maltese, is an attack on the honest, hard-working people of our nation who we should all be proud of. I followed Bernard's cam- paign closely, and I must ad- mit I was not impressed by his ideas and vision (or lack thereof). I understand that this can change. There were also instances where we've seen him backtrack: perhaps un- derstandably in such a delicate junction for a politician, but it would be good to remember, as tough as it gets politically, our principles cannot be sold. And our principles will be- come what defines us, and they will be expressed in many more ways than one. Even when we are made to compromise, and even when we make mistakes: when push comes to shove, the people will recognise conscientiousness in a crowd, and make their deci- sion. Aaron Farrugia Aaron Farrugia is minister for the environment and climate change "I hope Bernard does not let the surveys guide him. Our political agendas should be guided by the will of the people and the common good, not the interests of certain groups or our own ambitions"