Ricominciamo (II)

 

Statistically, the PN is the biggest loser in these elections, yet I would say that the biggest loser is the PM who up to a year ago transfigured himself into the party. Gonzi and PN became GonziPN. It was a gamble which paid off and in hindsight I believe the close election result was no fluke but it was a very coldly calculated risk orchestrated by Joe Saliba.   

The current PN administration is a far cry from the Saliba led party which epitomised slickness, efficiency, professionalism, single-mindedness and political acumen. Their campaign was confused, incoherent, unfocused and for once the Pl managed to out-smart the PN. The new PN administration demonstrated that they are no match to the previous administration and this time around GonziPN lost the killer instinct. However the General Elections are a distant reality and Gonzi has ample time to readdress the party’s shortcomings, shore up his government and take full advantage of the privileges the party in power enjoys.

Alternattiva Demokratika’s result is very disappointing. It not only highlights the country’s political and cultural reality but it also demonstrates AD’s diminishing appeal. Arnold Cassola did the right thing and stated that he will stand down as party leader when his term comes to an end in October. Cassola has been an outstanding figure, and not only within the Green Party. He has served his country like very few have ever done. He played a fundamental role during Malta’s EU accession negotiations and he was on the brink of breaking the political duo-poly in 2004. In the last few months he has led AD with a remarkable dose of honesty, integrity and modesty. He was, is and will remain an inspiration not only for Greens and ecologists but for all politicians in Malta and abroad.

Some are maliciously asking whether it is time for the green party to hang up its gloves and walk out of the political arena. If AD is to bow out of the scene, it would be of great disrespect to the small but significant portion of our population that has consistently voted Green over the past 20 years. AD owes it to these few thousands who are still unrepresented.

There are many reasons why AD faired so badly (compared to 2004). This time around the party was sidelined by both big parties (unlike 2004), had little presence on TV, had limited resources (as always) and led a low-key campaign. AD did well in the 2004 round because it was still riding the referendum wave, people had a greater amount of respect and most importantly AD managed to sell a dream. People were convinced that AD can break the mould and make it to the EP. People shared AD’s dream and this time around this was certainly lacking. The only innovative thing was having a female candidate contesting alongside Cassola but this was not enough to freshen things up. The youngest party of the three (AD,PN,PL) is looking weary and is being bullied off its block by the pseudo-progressive PL.

AD was always different and more attractive than other parties (especially to the young generations) because it always welcomed newcomers and their ideas. AD is no longer the workshop of ideas it once was. AD needs to reorganise its structures in order to be able to grow and attract new blood. AD also needs to realise that without radical reforms in our electoral system, broadcasting system and party funding law, it will always be near to impossible to make a breakthrough. The party needs to put these battles at the very top of its priorities.  AD needs to recreate the buzz which attracts new persons, new ideas, hope and optimism. AD has the potential to bind a bright future and be the catalyst for innovative political and cultural change. AD can become the political force which is useful, essential and courageous enough to take the lead in sensitive, uncomfortable issues which will eventfully lead the country into a new era.

Easier said then done I hear you say but with an innate ‘optimism of the will and pessimism of the intellect’; I believe that ‘yes we can’.