Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517369
11 EDITORIAL maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 MARCH 2024 THE Labour Party has often mocked its polit- ical rival for having too many leaders calling the shots. The description may not have been too far-fetched given the factionalism that has characterised the Nationalist Party over the past decade. Former prime minister Joseph Muscat tried to play on this factionalism by mock- ingly conflating Roberta Metsola's name with that of former PN leader Simon Busut- til when addressing a mass rally marking the start of Alex Agius Saliba's MEP cam- paign. It is an age-old tactic used to belittle politi- cal rivals and diminish their status – former Labour leader Alfred Sant was a master at this, asking supporters and people around him during mass meetings to 'remind him' what the name of the target 'enemy' was. The only problem with Muscat's trope is that the very same argument can today be applied to the Labour Party. After the former leader forcefully stepped into Robert Abela's limelight at the start of a protracted electoral campaign, no one can be faulted for asking who is really calling the shots in Labour. Joseph Muscat did not only speak about his achievements, while defending himself from accusations of corruption, but also at- tempted to outline what the PL's 'project' for the next 10 years should be. It was a speech worthy of a leader that had support- ers applauding and shouting his name. There was also a very subtle dig at Abe- la's administration for failing to celebrate the graduation of medical students from the Gozo Barts Medical School – the only successful component of the hospitals deal. Within this context, all the talk of unity was nothing more than rhetoric intended to put supporters' minds at rest that all is well in the PL. But no amount of euphoria can hide the simple fact that Muscat's foray into the po- litical realm, even if he does not contest the European election, has overshadowed Abe- la's status. The PL now has a leader and his predecessor fighting for limelight. What is unclear as yet is whether Muscat made an unsolicited entry back into the fray thus challenging Abela's supremacy; or whether he was subtly reeled in by Abe- la himself only to see the fishing rod being gobbled up along with the bait. At this stage, the PL has two leaders com- peting for attention - Robert Abela and Jo- seph Muscat, or should it be Robert Muscat and Joseph Abela? Political history teaches us this is a recipe for disaster – the PN's very recent history is testament to this. The friction may not be apparent in the immediate future because both leaders have a common goal, albeit for different reasons. They both want the PL to win big in the coming European election. The situ- ation at present is pretty much like a mar- riage of convenience. Abela wants another crowning moment in the middle of a legislature that has shown signs of growing political disenchantment. Muscat could provide the hand that turns victory into a super victory. Muscat also wants the PL to win big, even if he is not a candidate, because it will give him an electoral bubble wrap if things go south in the Steward hospitals magisterial inquiry. It will be very hard for Abela to publicly denounce or distance himself from Muscat in this eventuality. But friction like this is bound to create discontent over the medium to long term and like a festering wound it could cause problems to Abela. The statement 'my friend Joseph', uttered at the start of January, could come back to haunt the Prime Minister if circumstances change and the marriage of convenience has to end. Robert Muscat and Joseph Abela maltatoday MaltaToday, MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016 MANAGING EDITOR: SAVIOUR BALZAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR: KURT SANSONE EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt its policies, ensuring that its fun- damental principles are translated into impactful initiatives that di- rectly support those in need. What we experienced should serve as a catalyst for change with- in the broader European context. As we navigate the complexities of post-pandemic recovery, it be- comes increasingly evident that mental health must be prioritised as a fundamental component of our collective well-being. Moving forward, transforming awareness into action requires sustained commitment, effective policies, and coordinated efforts. While recent initiatives mark significant progress, the journey ahead demands unwavering ded- ication to mental health as a cor- nerstone of the European health agenda. In unity lies our strength. Let us seize this moment to forge a path towards a future where mental well-being flourishes, and every individual receives the support and compassion they deserve. According to recent data, more than 120,000 people in Malta, are struggling with mental health conditions. The prevalence of depression stands at 6.6%, anxiety affects 7.8%, and schizophrenia is reported at 0.026%.