Political corruption matters

When someone loses credibility, how can he rectify the consequences of his policies? Dr Joseph Muscat, who was elected to power with an overwhelming majority in 2013 on the strength of promises to eradicate corruption in fact did the opposite. His government’s decisions, choices and actions over the last four years have contributed significantly to the perception of thousands of voters that during his rather short pe- riod as Prime Minister of Malta, corruption has increased considerably.

Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri and the Panamagate scandal have dealt a serious blow to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his government. By retaining his two favourite colleagues in their posts without taking any action whatsoever, Joseph Muscat is now facing the biggest crisis ever since taking office… after solemnly promis- ing an inclusive government, meritocracy and transparency and an end to corruption!

Joseph Muscat’s dramatic mistake in standing by Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi has dealt a serious blow to his credibility. He let the people down and for his Labour Party as a whole, it was a huge disappointment.

A victory for Simon Busuttil would mean a fresh new mandate and a new beginning for Maltese citizens. While we won’t know what a Busuttil premiership will be like until or unless it happens, I find much to admire in the real Simon, who is nothing like the caricatures published in various newspapers. But never mind: Even if one really dislikes the PN candidate, how can one justify choosing Joseph Muscat?

Put it this way: Is there any reason to believe that a Busuttil victory at the polls would lead to irretrievable disaster? Because that’s the question we have to ask ourselves before casting our votes.

There are times when we are supposed to put such considerations aside. The willingness of some people to continue supporting Joseph Muscat is understandable... but it is also despicable. Jos Edmond Zarb Birkirkara