Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1316125
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 9 DECEMBER 2020 NEWS Life after Muscat: Why the ex-PM will dominate JOSEPH Muscat's combative perfor- mance in the Caruana Galizia public inquiry was a clear indication that he won't disappear from the political scene any time soon. He even hinted that he would be setting the record straight in a book based on his own narrative of events leading to last year's meltdown which he intends writing. Sure enough, his performance last week galvanised his loyalist fan base and left detractors frustrated at the questions still left unanswered, either because of Muscat's own economy with the truth or because of the inquiry's lack of focus. Even the only significant revelation – that Muscat knew that his chief of staff was in business with Yorgen Fenech, then a major player in the energy sector through 17 Black – came without a clear timeline indi- cating when the former Prime Minister learned about this. Disarmingly Muscat simply suggests that back then he opted to keep his 'hardworking' chief of staff despite knowing about this business re- lationship. Muscat conveyed the impression that he was unaware of any nefarious activi- ties, including leaks about the Caruana Galizia murder probe, which happened on his watch in the close proximity of his office, and which in itself raises the question: how could such an astute pol- itician be so blinded by trust and loyal- ty in his friends and allies? But Muscat's eloquence does not dis- pel the discomfort many on the left feel at his close and intimate ties with busi- ness elites, with Muscat going as far as saying that this is an inevitable feature of governance in an "economy run by no more than 10 people." The battle for Labour's soul It is clear that Muscat's performance was not aimed solely at his detractors but was addressed at the Labour grass- roots. The reaction on the social media indicates that Muscat once again suc- ceeded in polarising public opinion, between those who dream of his head being presented on a plate, thus re- maining prone to the wildest conspir- acy theories; and those who not just absolve him from any wrongdoing but simply don't any wrongdoing even in facts which have already been estab- lished. This suggests that Muscat, bruised by last year's disgraceful exit but still seeking vindication from within his own party, will remain a factor in the political scene. In short, Muscat's goal remains that of not being disowned by his own party. This was after all his pri- ority when he conditioned the PL lead- ership race by seeking the adulation of supporters in a farewell tour, which culminated in a party tribute on the eve of the election that saw Abela, per- ceived as Muscat's favoured candidate, becoming leader. Abela's Muscat dilemma While Muscat is likely to continue grabbing the news headlines, there is no great appetite in both major par- ties to battle each other on the basis of Muscat's legacy. In fact, while Muscat dominated the commentary sections of the Sunday newspapers, he hardly featured in any of the party leaders' Sunday sermons. Sure enough, Abela won't throw his re- vered predecessor under the bus (may- be not just yet…); neither does he show any inclination of denouncing Muscat for the culture of impunity he cultivat- ed since Panamagate. But Abela did give the police force a free hand in conducting investigations Joseph Muscat is likely to remain a polarising figure for months and years to come but the next general election will not be about him. JAMES DEBONO analyses the political aftermath of Muscat's public inquiry show of force and asks where does this leave Robert Abela, Bernard Grech and civil society?