Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/315336
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 21 MAY 2014 11 A fter just over 14 months in government, it is interesting to note that surveys keep confirming the trust ranking that Prime Minister Joseph Muscat enjoys among the Maltese people. This is no coincidence, especially when we keep in mind that the electorate has become more discerning, and, as a country, we have moved away from the tribal politics that we had rooted in for decades. Our pre-election movement gave the Maltese people the option of a fresh approach to politics and to governance, an approach based on honesty, objectivity and results. It is therefore no coincidence that 14 months later the Prime Minister, and hence the government, can still keep up the business of proper governance of this country, happy in the knowledge that we still enjoy the same level of trust with the Maltese public. The same cannot be said of the Opposition unfortunately, whose ratings remain abysmal, with an unbridgeable chasm separating the lack of trust suffered by its 'Kap', from the trust enjoyed by the Prime Minister. On the eve of the European Parliament elections, I have noticed the old line that the Nationalist Party and its new leader have taken in their campaign messages. Day after day, those of us who bothered have heard Busuttil saying the same thing, to the same people, in the same tone, at different places. Negativity is the order of the day, with criticism being levelled at the government on the basis of hearsay or simple supposition. His latest tirades have been shallowly aimed at any disgruntled Labour voters. This tack is beyond simply shallow. It is childish and smacks of an already failed politician who is desperately grasping at any straw presented to him by his inner circle. His main aim is the achievement of some sort of face- saving attempt, which his doctors of spin would try to convert into a victory in an attempt to ward off any challenge to his (lack of ) leadership. Beyond its puerility and ineffectiveness, such an approach is also indicative of a total absence of ideas, proposals or constructive criticism. It is redolent of a passé style of doing politics, relying on scathing attacks, personal not political. It is simply nauseating to hear the never-ending appeals for this, that and the other, especially his latest appeals to the Labour following, hoping to harvest something from his hope of a disappointment at the new, modern and fresh way of doing politics that we have introduced. Joseph Muscat has explained and proven why the Labour Party and government has truly become the f lag bearer of all that Europe stands for. Words, slogans and an adulation of symbols mean absolutely nothing, as actions speak so much louder than words. While our implementation of a policy of equality on all fronts speaks volumes in its own right, we have also shown our true European nature by actively participating in EU fora. Participation is not about just being there, with nodding heads, be they nodding in agreement or in inactivity. Participation is taking our issues and concerns actively to the table and making sure that our voices are not just heard, but listened to and acted upon. That is what makes us truly European and valid players at the table. A blanket acceptance of all that the EU dishes out does not make us European but more a European colony, something that the Maltese people have never signed up for nor accepted. The last general election sent a strong message to the Maltese and Gozitan political class that the people wanted our politics to catch up with the times. The resounding endorsement of our new approach encouraged us to embark on our task with enthusiasm and courage, and results have been immediately apparent. We are now on the eve of another democratic test, which we are confident of passing because we have worked hard and invested heavily in our people's well being. We chose our slogan of Positive Energy in order to describe our attitude to politics and government. We are happy that the Nationalist Party, in choosing their slogan, 'Malta Ahjar', have acknowledged that Malta is already better than they left it. Manuel Mallia is the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security T hat sixth seat is up for grabs and it's a real possibility for Alternattiva Demokratika this time around. It was within reach in 2004, with five seats availble and AD's polling of 23,000 first count votes and 29,000 votes on the final count. It is more within reach today with six seats and a reduced national quota. Simon Busuttil knows this well enough and is clamouring for a historical third seat for the PN. A three-three draw between the PL and the PN would suit them well to ensure the status quo, but voters this time can break the 52-year bipartisan mould and elect a new, credible and consistent voice to the European Parliament. The question to be asked is: "Now that for the first time we shall be voting for 6 MEPs instead of 5, would it be beneficial for our country to vote in either Carmel Cacopardo or Arnold Cassola into the Green Group in the European Parliament? Would Malta benefit from that"? The Maltese and Gozitan people have now had their representatives in the European Parliament for the last ten years. Nationalist and Labour MEPs have represented our population in the two largest groups in the European Parliament, the European Popular Party and the European Socialists. An MEP in the Green group would be able to influence another political formation, of over 50 MEPs and would also be able to participate in various committees and decison-making fora, with the alternative vision of a third political force. This is essential in a parliament, unlike the Maltese one, where wide consenus is the name of the game and where majority, winner-takes-all decisions are a no-go, because really the very final decisions are the result of a complex processes of multiparty negotiations. Of course, if one were to listen to Simon Busuttil, this is definitely a no-no. Knowing that it is impossible to regain the 36,000 lost votes in the short space of 14 months since the last general election, Busuttil seems to have made it his sacred mission to ensure that the Nationalists get the new sixth seat to increase their tally to 3 seats, on par with the Labour Party. Does it make sense from a political point of view? Would the country fare better if the Nationalists take the fourth seat, which PL looks bound to lose? Would it make such a difference to have a third PN MEP in the EPP group to convince the 200-odd members of the EPP Group on so many issues? What about the possibility of having a third party influencing another different political configuration? The sixth seat can mean a politically pluralistic Malta, having a new voice with which to influence European matters. That sixth seat can be possible if the Green wave we are currently witnessing keeps on growing until the last moments of the campaign. This means that we have to continue exhorting not only first- preference votes, but also other preferences which can keep us in the race. One cannot stress enough, once again, the tremendous importance of cross-voting and this election is the chance to practise this democratic right. Apart from the crucial critical mass of first preference votes needed, all other votes, from the 2nd till the 32nd, are all valid and useful to elect an AD representative to that sixth seat. You might agree with us on many issues and you would want to see a more plural Maltese participation in the EP. Even if your prefer other candidates and parties first, you can still vote for the Greens in any fashion you want on the ballot sheet. A vote for the Greens? A vote truly for a better Malta within a better Europe, with a vision towards sustainability and greater rights. A vote towards a greater representation of all Maltese. A vote for energy - a real alternative energy, contrary to positive energy slogans that pay lip-service to equal opportunities for all and to a real change from that political malaise of bickering and blame. That sixth seat can truly be within our reach, within your reach. Let's go for it. Arnold Cassola is European Parliament candidate for Alternattiva Demokratika Opinion Arnold Cassola A matter of trust That sixth seat A blanket acceptance of all that the EU dishes out does not make us European but more a European colony Even if your prefer other candidates and parties first, you can still vote for the Greens in any fashion you want on the ballot Emmanuel Mallia Emmanuel