Malta’s Democratic Progress
Today, 13 December, marks the fiftieth anniversary of Malta becoming a Republic, 10 years after it gained independence from the United Kingdom, a historic event that allowed it to take this next step. Two moments of invaluable historical, political and social importance in Malta’s history, together with our country’s entry into the European Union 20 years ago.
What has Malta achieved since then? First of all, it has gained an international identity as a sovereign country that can sit at the table of any European and international organisation on the same level as countries much larger than itself. A country that has its own representation in various countries around the world, and can forge a dialogue with any country bringing forth its own identity, and not under colonial domination. The Maltese are represented by Presidents who are Maltese themselves, who speak their language, whose culture and wisdom have been molded in the same educational system as that of other Maltese citizens.
Malta has made great progress since each of these three fundamental historical dates. Much wealth has been generated through the hard work of Maltese and Gozitans who worked to develop their country’s industries and culture. And for this, we need to thank every worker who dedicated their effort to doing their job in the best way, because it is they, who may never be seen in public, who have increased Malta’s wealth and enhanced its reputation.
Despite this, Malta still has much to accomplish, especially in the sector of good governance and the rule of law. Corruption has grown at an ever faster pace and has spread to every political and social level. The fact remains that it is not normal for a developer to demolish a building, including one of certain historical value, injure and kill people because he does a shoddy job to earn a little more than the thousands and millions he is already earning. It is not normal to see our politicians swindling as much as they can instead of safeguarding the interests of all Maltese and Gozitans, and not just their own and that of their cronies. Politicians who justify those who are earning millions from public lands, and hoarding public property for their own purposes, but remain indifferent to the rights of the rest of the population because these do not put money into their personal pockets. It is not normal that the difference between the rich and the poor is such that there are those who sleep on the street or in cars. It is not normal that all this continues as if nothing is happening.
An important element that goes against any sense of democracy is the way in which the public broadcasting media are hijacked by the government of the day. It is not normal that both parties have radio and television stations where no control is exercised over what is broadcast. This leaves much room for abuse, with personal attacks such as those made against Daphne Caruana Galizia. Yet these media have not learned any lesson from her cruel death. The latest example of this is recent attack by One News against the Times and against a courageous leading journalist, Jacob Borg. Borg is one of those few journalists who are at the forefront of the battle for truthful journalism that delves deeply into the stories it is investigating. The attack against him is yet another blow to the democratic process of free journalism in this country. His journalistic competence is widely recognized; Jacob Borg is a journalist who has won award after award on both national and international levels for the quality of his investigative journalism. However, if One has not learnt anything, we Maltese and Gozitans have all learned the lesson of the importance of defending democracy, and we do not intend to let anyone try to tarnish the reputation of a man who is doing his job with such courage.
The Republic of Malta has made many great strides in its development. It needs to make equally great strides in the sector of free journalism, and in that of cultivating a civic sense that appreciates those holding different views.