Editorial: The cost of comfortable politics

“The election campaign comes to a close today and, frankly, many will be relieved to see the back of one of the most apathetic campaigns in recent history.”

That was the introduction of the Times of Malta editorial in March 2022, on the eve of the election. Fast forward to 2026, and the sentiment is generally the same – except this campaign came with an unprecedented number of bonanzas.

Of course, it is better to be heading to an election with promises of grants and tax cuts rather than austerity packages – but we continue omitting the fact it is taking place against a background of global economic and political unrest, war, and volatile energy markets.

What was perhaps most striking throughout the campaign was how similar Labour and PN often sounded with promises designed to keep voters content in the short term. In many ways, it reflected the political culture we have gradually normalised over the years – one akin to a nanny state that prioritises dependence over empowerment.

It is positive that both major parties converged on the need to improve work-life balance conditions. These are signs of a society that is collectively aspiring to greater levels of personal fulfilment.

The PN deserves credit for having presented the electorate with novel proposals. In so doing it pushed Labour more than it has in recent years. Labour’s campaign was safe, steady and familiar: the party is a well-oiled machine at this point, and its central campaign theme – credibility – banks on voters knowing what they are getting, warts and all.

But there was little discussion about values, long-term direction, institutional reform or the kind of country Malta should aspire to become.

There was no attempt to challenge the culture of greed that has taken root. There was little willingness to confront the consequences of relentless construction, worsening noise pollution and the continued occupation of public spaces.

If you are strongly against overdevelopment, concerned about environmental destruction or indiscriminate hunting, it is understandable to feel that neither Labour nor the PN truly offers solutions. Mass transportation systems were proposed but nobody would dare mull the possibility of disincentivising the use of the car.

The chronic problem of corruption, clientelism and the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia barely featured in the 30-day campaign.

Which is why many voters today feel politically orphaned, believing that whichever party wins, the same powerful interests continue to get their way behind the scenes.

It is also fair to acknowledge the campaign’s positive aspects as it unfolded without incidents.

In an era when politics has become increasingly toxic and polarised, Malta’s campaign remained comparatively restrained, even if xenophobic undertones occasionally surfaced.

Credit is due to both Robert Abela and Alex Borg for largely steering away from aggressive rhetoric and hostility. Labour’s campaign was undoubtedly slicker, more disciplined and better resourced, benefitting from the advantages of incumbency and substantial financial backing. The PN campaign picked up towards the end.

The latest surveys look bleak for the Nationalist Party, with polls for months pointing to another comfortable – perhaps even landslide – Labour victory. Yet polls are not crystal balls, and the only verdict that matters will come on Saturday, when voters cast their ballots.

Labour believes its economic record will secure another big victory. The PN hopes Borg has energised younger voters and injected fresh momentum. ADPD and Momentum sometimes brought more realistic proposals to the campaign, though many rightly argue they might have stood a better chance of electing an MP had they joined forces.

While Labour has certainly derived economic growth, another huge majority for the party is not healthy for the country as it risks reinforcing the sense the current direction enjoys blanket approval: more political patronage, more abuse of planning rules, and more concentration of power.

When voters cast their ballot, they should look beyond the giveaways and ask themselves whether the country is truly moving in the right direction.