Muscat’s own socialists, leftists and progressives demand action in Valletta protest and letter

Hundreds of socialists, leftists and progressives yesterday morning gathered in Valletta to demand action from their own socialist government over the political turmoil, corruption and sale of state assets.

A scathing letter being signed by academics, students and leftist organisations calls for prompt action:

“We, the signatories of this letter, individuals and organisations coming from diverse backgrounds and social realities, and who all embrace and identify with socialist, leftist or progressive values, are presenting this letter in light of the current situation in our country.

“We feel certain that there are a considerable number of people who identify with the Left and who are outraged by the current situation; we believe our outrage should be conveyed openly and bluntly. We find ourselves at a point where talk of economic growth is no longer enough; the people want justice, clean politics, and standards of governance that we all deserve.

“While welcoming the resignations, we are aware that these are not the ultimate solution to the problems the country and the government are facing. Acknowledging the reforms done with regard to civil rights and the several social measures carried out by the Labour government, we also note that the business class has gained unprecedented power over politics, with resulting effects that are felt directly by the people. Examples include the absolute free-for-all in the planning sector, the privatisation of parts of the essential health services, the privatisation of the energy sector, and the loss of public land to speculative projects such as the ITS-dB, the AUM in Bormla and Żonqor, and other similar projects planned around Malta. We also believe that these privatisations should be investigated and possibly revoked.

“In this context, we are seeing growing social inequalities, the exploitation of workers in several sectors and the worrying strengthening of far-right rhetoric which identifies the cause of all this not with politicians, corruption, and inequalities, but with foreign workers.

“It is essential for our country that the Labour Party cleans up the mess left behind by members of the business class as a result of their improper relationship with members of this government. As we all know, there are many cases of some businessperson or other deciding they have the right to break the law without fear of consequences.

“It is also clear that our institutional framework is not functioning properly, and that the people are nurturing serious and legitimate doubts about the seriousness and independence of the institutions in our country. Thus, we demand a constitutional reform that aims to create institutions free from the shackles of partisan politics and from the influence of those wielding political or economic power.

“While we, too, call for justice with regard to the Caruana Galizia assassination and the endless saga of corruption which has plagued our country, we also request, keeping in mind the seriousness of this case, that the government consider its leftist roots, and brings an end to the law of the jungle where some of those who are privileged to be wealthy seem to consider themselves above the law.”