“There is a problem in the way Lawrence Gonzi leads. Many Nationalists feel excluded and this includes backbenchers.” This is what former PN minister Michael Falzon had told an interviewer. The result of backbenchers – those who wouldn’t be bought by costly parliamentary appointments – being sidelined can be seen in the drama as it unfolds in the House of Representatives and on the media. That ordinary Nationalists feel abandoned is evidenced by the scores who open their doors – to those who bother to knock – recounting how it is only now, that their time is nearly up, do the prime minster and his squad want to visit for a friendly chat in the kitchen.
The only thing that seems to matter to Dr (Lawrence) Gonzi is that he has a united PN family- Helena Dalli
Dr Gonzi further demonstrates his insolence by implying that the people’s respect for Parliament can be achieved merely by the building of a new multi-million steel and stone structure on stilts at the entrance to Valletta. Having said that, the Prime Minister didn’t even deem it necessary that the discussion on the funding of the project ought to take place before the work started instead of when it is nearly finished.
But again, this wouldn’t be much when compared to the fact that – for reasons that are closely linked to his own political destiny – Dr Gonzi seems to be unaware that the dignity of the House is easily undermined by lengthy and unnecessary parliamentary recesses; a stubborn refusal to discuss motions presented by the Opposition; a backlog of bills that grows longer every week; and scheming and manoeuvring to ensure that no votes are taken to save his political bacon.
The funny thing is that now that we have a date for a vote, it is being marketed as though we ought to congratulate the PM for doing his job after long months of strategic foot-dragging.
The Prime Minister also seems to believe that by showing a high dose of arrogance in his “replies” to parliamentary questions by Opposition MPs, he will project a macho image at a time when his political future is hanging perilously by a slender thread. And, to my mind, it is these instances which give away most about the attitude of a person toward others.
Take for example my parliamentary question no. 33725 where I asked the Prime Minister to give me the reason or reasons why Act No XVII of 2010 that makes provision for the appointment of Commissioners for Administrative Investigations – that was approved by the House way back in November 2010 – has not yet come into force. Dr Gonzi’s “reply” is the epitome of arrogance and disrespect towards a parliamentary colleague that continues to distinguish his recent political conduct as that of a walking ghost dressed as prime minister. His “reply” went along these lines: “Final preparations are in hand so that this Act will come into force”.
By refusing to provide a straightforward answer to a simple question the Prime Minister might possibly have thought that he scored some cheap political points over the Opposition. It is also likely that he believes that his actions are above scrutiny. Add to this the fact that in some cases it takes months and sometimes even years for parliamentary questions to be answered.
This attitude can only serve to further erode the dignity of the Maltese parliamentary institution. Nothing new here as the prime minister and his acolytes have more than done their best on this score particularly in the last months.
On the Nationalist Party front, while the impasse with MP Franco Debono contributed to a surge of popularity for Dr Gonzi – remember the landslide when he ran, as the only contestant, for party leader last February – his re-affirmation as leader did not solve the Prime Minister’s parliamentary problems. This can be seen from public statements being made by Dr Debono and other government MPs after the election charade. Even so, when Dr Gonzi was overwhelmingly confirmed PN leader with a 96.5 per cent vote, he had declared that this means that the PN is a united family.
Back in February, when asked for his views, former PN president Frank Portelli – who did not collect his voting document for the leadership contest – said “Dr Gonzi now needs to convince Maltese citizens he means business”. He went on to say that the failure to tackle corruption was one of this government’s pitfalls, and that it was unacceptable that 80 per cent of the Maltese believed corruption was widespread and yet the Whistleblower Act promised so many years ago remains on the Parliament’s waiting list.
Words, which slide like water off a duck’s back it seems. As even in the case of the appointment of commissioners for administrative investigations, not only has the Prime Minister procrastinated, but he doesn’t give the reasons why, when asked a legitimate question which he is duty-bound to answer if only for the sake of transparency.
The only thing that seems to matter to Dr Gonzi is that he has a united PN family.
helenadalli@gmail.com
Dr Dalli is shadow minister for the public sector, government investments and gender equality.