Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1345126
IN bullish mode, Opposition leader Bernard Grech on Sun- day hit an optimistic note when he signalled he was prepared to go to the polls once Malta exits the pandemic. "We want to exit pandemic so that we can go for an election... I want people to start meeting again, attend par- ties, go to the disco, sit side by side, embrace each other." He has hit two birds with one stone by auguring for an early election triggered by a quick exit from the pandemic. Not only does he dispel a rep- utation for being a doomsayer, but he sounds optimistic on his own electoral prospects. Then again... does he really want an early election, and why is he try- ing to convey this impression? 1. He is trying to appear he can call the shots (even though he cannot) The PN leader has no control over when an election can be held. It is the Prime Minister's prerogative to call the election. So Grech is trying to create the impression that he calls the shots, rather than appear to be a victim of circumstanc- es over which he lacks control. He has also understood that the Maltese electorate likes strong and decisive party lead- ers. So Grech is posturing as that kind of strong leader who wants the election done and over with, fully knowing that even with his urgent need o f time, he cannot appear plead- ing for it. Even though his political fu- ture is at stake if he does not narrow the political gap with Labour, Grech simply cannot afford to be seen as weak and afraid of the polls. So his mes- sage is to bring it on, hoping perhaps that the pandemic it- self will give him more time for him to prepare. 2. It is the virus that will derail any plan... and Grech knows it Abela can only call an elec- tion after the vac- c i - n a t i o n p r o - cess maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 FEBRUARY 2021 10 NEWS ANALYSIS 'Bring it on', why PN leader Bernard Grech has gone into election mode James Debono gives four reasons why PN leader Bernard Grech wants us to believe that he wants Abela to bring on the election as soon as possible