Unrealistic talk of coalition government

What happens if Azzjoni Nazzjonali (AN) and/or Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) elect at least one Member of Parliament? AN is suggesting that a national government be formed; that is, all parties in Parliament join forces together.

Are these people realistic? It implies the following: The two largest parties decide to form a government between them. They realise that a majority of 64-1 is not enough. They call Josie Muscat to join them for unanimity. Or else they call him because, the only point they disagree about is the choice of prime minister. Perhaps in this scenario, Lawrence Gonzi and Alfred Sant become parliamentary secretaries. Is this what AN is proposing? A vote for AN to form a national government does not even qualify as a protest vote.

AD's proposal is more realistic: a coalition government. However, it takes two to tango: AD with the Nationalist Party (PN) or AD with the Labour Party (MLP). All parties, including AD, should declare their position before the election. The voter wants to know which coalition is possible. The parties may form a coalition with the party which the voter (MLP/PN/AD) does not want. A clear, straightforward answer: blue/green or red/green.

If a person votes AD to protest against the PN, it is not fair for AD to form a coalition government with the same PN. If the MLP's policy is opposed to that of AD, then AD cannot form a coalition with the MLP. Result: fresh elections.

The MLP did not manage to govern for five years after it won the 1996 election because it only had a one-seat majority. I cannot imagine the stability of one-seat majority of a government formed by two parties. There is nothing more dangerous than a minority. The Italian experience is too close to ignore. Result: fresh elections.

The position is even worse if AD and/or AN does not manage to elect a single MP. It only helps the party which obtains the relative majority of votes. If the PN obtains more votes than the MLP, a non-vote is a vote for the PN. On the other hand, if the MLP obtains more votes than the PN, a non-vote is a vote for Labour. The decision is left in the hands of third parties.