News • 24 November 2002

The statesman in him

It wasn’t a run of the mill speech. It was impassioned and contained one simple message. Kurt Sansone takes a leaf out of the Prime Minister’s speech last Sunday and argues for a broad pro-EU coalition

The Prime Minister pulled a wise one when addressing the Nationalist Party general council last Sunday. He rose above the rest and made a heartfelt appeal to Labourites agreeing with EU membership to vote ‘Yes’ in the upcoming referendum.

He was a statesman asking for the Labour vote on EU membership and equally insisting with them to remain steadfast with the party of their heart.

Not once did the Prime Minister mention Alfred Sant. The dirty work of ridiculing the Opposition leader’s partnership policy was left to Lawrence Gonzi two days before.

Dr Fenech Adami’s speech is a milestone and signifies the start of a blistering campaign aimed at the hearts and minds of possible pro-EU voters. It will be a different campaign because the party has to convince people from the other side of the political divide to vote ‘Yes’.

It is for this reason that the referendum should be held distinctly from the general election. The tactics used to fight the general election are unsuitable for the referendum campaign.

Once the EU package is known after the Copenhagen summit on the 13 December, the Nationalist Party will have to swallow some of its pride and lead a wider coalition of social forces to convince the people of the benefits of membership.

Dr Fenech Adami showed the way last Sunday. But the Prime Minister knows all too well that he cannot do it alone. He can provide the leadership for this campaign but his statesmanship will only last if buttressed by others who cherish the same ideal.

For many Labourites Dr Fenech Adami still remains a Nationalist Prime Minister, who ‘stole’ power from a Labour government after only two years.

The Nationalist Party has to openly form a pro-EU coalition embracing union leaders, opinion makers, community leaders, non-governmental associations and Alternattiva Demokratika. In this way EU membership could be transformed into a national issue thus going beyond any party lines.

And this would only work if the referendum is not held on the same day as the general election.

Despite what opinion polls may say, winning the referendum is not as easy to accomplish as Harry Potter flying off on a broomstick Magic does not last forever especially when the Labour Party has not declared what it is going to do.

If the MLP boycotts the referendum a low turnout is almost assured, not because people want to obey the party but because they are scared of any repercussions. It would have to be a strong, concerted and united effort by all pro-EU forces to create the right climate for people to disobey their party’s directive and still go out and vote.

For all those supporting Malta’s EU membership bid the Prime Minister’s speech was a breath of fresh air. We all hope that Dr Fenech Adami continues to rise above partisan politics and reach out to friend and foe alike so as to unite them in a coalition for the future.

And if the ice rink was of inspiration to the Prime Minister then it would do us all well to have a drink of ice-cold winter.

Bed of roses

The fruits of the public private partnership set up to embellish the country are starting to be seen. New trees sprouting up in traffic islands, flowers blooming and thorough clean ups of roads.

Whether we will be transformed into a garden city, only time will tell but it certainly requires a dosage of discipline from us all. Unfortunately our country lacks civic pride. In typical colonial mentality all things out there are nobody’s and thus can be used and abused.

I dread the authoritarian approach adopted in Singapore. It stinks even though it works. Chewing gum has only now been allowed and only if prescribed by a doctor.

But if Singapore is at the extreme end of controlling citizens’ behaviour, Malta is at the opposite extreme end.

When will we learn that the playing field has been paid for from our taxes?

When will we learn not to throw used cigarette packets and beer bottles in centre strips? When will we learn not to put garbage next to a skip as opposed to throwing it inside the skip? When will all this change?

Unfortunately, it won’t change unless each and every one of us does his or her little bit. It all starts with the stupid little things, such as keeping a sweet wrapper in your pocket until a suitable way of disposal is available.

And for those wondering why I’ve gone into preacher mode this morning, it is just the effect of having come back from Strasbourg. The place isn’t perfect but it is so different from Malta.

Orderly traffic. Efficient cleaning of public spaces. Public dustbins made out of simple plastic bags rather than bins. Pedestrian zones with controlled access for taxis and horse cabs. Horses sporting bibs to avoid soiling the roads. Flowers adorning lampposts and balconies.

The list is endless but I suppose it explains my mood.