Well, here we go. We've been given an extensive programme for change within the Labour Party to prepare it for Government. The first challenge has been overcome and now we must all work together on the second, and more important challenge - to create a modern progressive party that can develop a vision that can inspire and engage people, lead the party to Government and change Maltese society for the better and for good. Good luck Joseph!
I'll be keeping an eye on things and will continue updating this blog as we see how things develop
Saturday 7 June 2008
Saturday 31 May 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's Vision (Part Nine)
OBJETTIV 9: PARTIT LABURISTA ATTWALI
Issir revizjoni ta’ l-Istatut biex permezz tieghu l-istrutturi tal-Partit Laburista jaggornaw ghal din il-generazzjoni u ohrajn futuri.
I'm not reaally clued up on the structures of the Labour Party. As someone looking in from the outside it's all a bit of a mystery. Still, let's have a look.
35. Billi fost il-proposti li jigu miftuha ghad-diskussjoni jkun hemm li l-Assemblej jinhataw dimensjoni statutorja u jkunu miftuha ghal membri.
To be honest, not sure what this means but it seems to reinforce the ongoing theme of opening up discussion and engaging support more effectively into the decision making process.
36. Billi l-Konferenza Generali titwal permezz ta’ laqghat ghad-delegati fejn jigu diskussi u dibattuti policies, kif ukoll jigu mizghuda permezz ta’ kelliema minn sezzjonijiet differenti tas-socjeta’ kif ukoll minn barra l-pajjiz.
Absolutely a good idea. Less of the long speeches with the big heads telling us what's right and more open debate and discussion with groups reporting back to the conference. How to choose and integrate the different ideas is the question.
37. Billi jigi propost li fuq medda ta’ snin, il-Kunsilliera Lokali, li huma eletti direttament mill-poplu, jinghataw rwol akbar fid-decizjonijiet li jittiehdu.
Agree - absolutely!
38. Billi jigi propost li kariga fl-Amministrazzjoni tal-Partit Laburista tkun responsabbli direttament mill-kordinament tal-hidma rigward Kunsilli Lokali.
Ditto!
39. Billi l-Kumitati Lokali jissahhu halli ikomplu jsiru l-punt fokali ta' l-involviment tal-Partit Laburista f' kull komunita'.
This could be an interesting one. I can't be certain because I've never been involved in the frmal structure of a political party in Malta but they do give the impression of being a little too top-heavy in their structure. Getting local committees more involved will help morale and motivation and get people out on the street to canvass and campaign. Any party needs that.
40. Billi r-revizjoni ta’ l-Istatut tal-Partit tinghata prijorita fl-ewwel sena. Dan isir permezz ta’ Kummissjoni li titwaqqaf apposta ghal dan il-ghan u li tiltaqa ma’ l-istrutturi kollha tal-Partit sabiex tigbor ideat, suggerimenti u proposti. Wara, bis-sehem ta’ professjonisti minn bosta oqsma, fosthom mill-qasam legali, jitressqu ghad-diskussjoni proposti biex l-Istatut tal-Partit jittejjeb mil-lat prattiku, politiku u legali.
You judge an organisation on its results so there's only one judgement to make about the Labour Party over the last twenty years. Something hasn't been working very well and that needs to change. The structure of the party has not been able to deliver a winning formula and therefore the time is rype for reveiw and reform. I think it's fair enough that this is something to which attention is given as quickly as possible.
Issir revizjoni ta’ l-Istatut biex permezz tieghu l-istrutturi tal-Partit Laburista jaggornaw ghal din il-generazzjoni u ohrajn futuri.
I'm not reaally clued up on the structures of the Labour Party. As someone looking in from the outside it's all a bit of a mystery. Still, let's have a look.
35. Billi fost il-proposti li jigu miftuha ghad-diskussjoni jkun hemm li l-Assemblej jinhataw dimensjoni statutorja u jkunu miftuha ghal membri.
To be honest, not sure what this means but it seems to reinforce the ongoing theme of opening up discussion and engaging support more effectively into the decision making process.
36. Billi l-Konferenza Generali titwal permezz ta’ laqghat ghad-delegati fejn jigu diskussi u dibattuti policies, kif ukoll jigu mizghuda permezz ta’ kelliema minn sezzjonijiet differenti tas-socjeta’ kif ukoll minn barra l-pajjiz.
Absolutely a good idea. Less of the long speeches with the big heads telling us what's right and more open debate and discussion with groups reporting back to the conference. How to choose and integrate the different ideas is the question.
37. Billi jigi propost li fuq medda ta’ snin, il-Kunsilliera Lokali, li huma eletti direttament mill-poplu, jinghataw rwol akbar fid-decizjonijiet li jittiehdu.
Agree - absolutely!
38. Billi jigi propost li kariga fl-Amministrazzjoni tal-Partit Laburista tkun responsabbli direttament mill-kordinament tal-hidma rigward Kunsilli Lokali.
Ditto!
39. Billi l-Kumitati Lokali jissahhu halli ikomplu jsiru l-punt fokali ta' l-involviment tal-Partit Laburista f' kull komunita'.
This could be an interesting one. I can't be certain because I've never been involved in the frmal structure of a political party in Malta but they do give the impression of being a little too top-heavy in their structure. Getting local committees more involved will help morale and motivation and get people out on the street to canvass and campaign. Any party needs that.
40. Billi r-revizjoni ta’ l-Istatut tal-Partit tinghata prijorita fl-ewwel sena. Dan isir permezz ta’ Kummissjoni li titwaqqaf apposta ghal dan il-ghan u li tiltaqa ma’ l-istrutturi kollha tal-Partit sabiex tigbor ideat, suggerimenti u proposti. Wara, bis-sehem ta’ professjonisti minn bosta oqsma, fosthom mill-qasam legali, jitressqu ghad-diskussjoni proposti biex l-Istatut tal-Partit jittejjeb mil-lat prattiku, politiku u legali.
You judge an organisation on its results so there's only one judgement to make about the Labour Party over the last twenty years. Something hasn't been working very well and that needs to change. The structure of the party has not been able to deliver a winning formula and therefore the time is rype for reveiw and reform. I think it's fair enough that this is something to which attention is given as quickly as possible.
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's Vision (Part Eight)
OBJETTIV NRU. 8: PARTIT LABURISTA AMBJENTALI
Partit li jsahhah il-kredenzjali ambjentali tieghu u jfittex li juza prattici Ewropej fil-qasam ta’ l-energija u ambjent.
32. Billi ssir review ambjentali tal-prattici uzati fic-Centru Nazzjonali Laburista bil-ghan li jitnaqqas il-konsum u jizdied l-uzu ta' energija alternattiva u nadifa, u jigi generat inqas skart.
You've got to lead by example. The fact is that so far all the 'environmental' activities in Malta have been a bit hollow. It's all been nice fluffy stuff. Oooh, let's plant a few trees. How pretty! There's been little or no effort to actually get it in to people's heads that we have to change the way we live. We are actually going to have to make a personal effort - each and every one of us. We are going to have to take personal responsibility for this. So far, our Government simply hasn't had the balls to do this.
Of course, it's a tough one all the more so when elections in Malta are so tightly contested. But taking the lead and actually doing something pro-active to force the party to change its behaviour and to become more carbon friendly I think is absolutely necessary. If we have to get people to change the way they live, we have to set the example. I hope this happens whoever wins next week.
33. Billi dan iservi ta’ progett pilota li fuqu jkunu incentivati biex jimxu c-Centri Laburisti madwar Malta u Ghawdex.
Of course .... and then all Government buildings one hopes.
34. Billi l-Kunsilli Lokali b’maggoranza Laburista u dawk il-Kunsilliera li jinsabu f’minoranza jahdmu aktar biex il-Kunsilli Lokali juzaw prattici ambjentali fil-komunitajiet i jirraprezentaw.
Mhux ovvja siehbi!
Partit li jsahhah il-kredenzjali ambjentali tieghu u jfittex li juza prattici Ewropej fil-qasam ta’ l-energija u ambjent.
32. Billi ssir review ambjentali tal-prattici uzati fic-Centru Nazzjonali Laburista bil-ghan li jitnaqqas il-konsum u jizdied l-uzu ta' energija alternattiva u nadifa, u jigi generat inqas skart.
You've got to lead by example. The fact is that so far all the 'environmental' activities in Malta have been a bit hollow. It's all been nice fluffy stuff. Oooh, let's plant a few trees. How pretty! There's been little or no effort to actually get it in to people's heads that we have to change the way we live. We are actually going to have to make a personal effort - each and every one of us. We are going to have to take personal responsibility for this. So far, our Government simply hasn't had the balls to do this.
Of course, it's a tough one all the more so when elections in Malta are so tightly contested. But taking the lead and actually doing something pro-active to force the party to change its behaviour and to become more carbon friendly I think is absolutely necessary. If we have to get people to change the way they live, we have to set the example. I hope this happens whoever wins next week.
33. Billi dan iservi ta’ progett pilota li fuqu jkunu incentivati biex jimxu c-Centri Laburisti madwar Malta u Ghawdex.
Of course .... and then all Government buildings one hopes.
34. Billi l-Kunsilli Lokali b’maggoranza Laburista u dawk il-Kunsilliera li jinsabu f’minoranza jahdmu aktar biex il-Kunsilli Lokali juzaw prattici ambjentali fil-komunitajiet i jirraprezentaw.
Mhux ovvja siehbi!
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's Vision (Part Seven)
OBJETTIV 7: PARTIT LABURISTA TA’ IDEAT
Partit li, permezz ta’ l-istrutturi godda tieghu jaghti l-possibilta’ lil kull individwu biex tressaq/jressaq ideat u proposti personali.
30. Billi jitwaqqaf il-“Forum ta’ l-Ideat” fejn kull persuna tkun tista taghti l-ideat u suggerimenti taghha ghal proposti Laburisti.
It seems to me that the building of a big progressive tent is something on the forefront of Joseph's mind. I'm sure there will be lots of people wanting to contribute ideas but the big challenge will be to recruit people who are currently outside the tent.
The problem I see is that people in Malta are still mostly stuck blindly to one side or another and the big battle ground are the few thousand in the middle (like me) who are prepared to make decisions on a case by case basis based on which party we believe represents the best option for Malta.
Unfortunately the Labour Party has lost so much credibility with this core (and it has to be said) growing group that the first challenge will be to engage them and re-integrate them into the debate on Labour policy.
If this happens, then Joseph's ideas forum could be a fantastic tool for the centre ground to begin to feel some ownership over progressive policy development and that could make a hell of a difference come election time.
31. Billi jitwaqqfu Gruppi ta’ Hsieb dwar oqsma ewlenin tal-politika lokali, Nazzjonali u internazzjonali biex jghinu fit-tfassil kontinwu tal-politika gdida Laburista f’ dawn l-oqsma.
This is something that's always perplexed me - the lack of think tanks in Malta. I know resources are a bit of an issue. Well, they're a massive issue and there's always more pressing things to spend money on.
But, if we did have some groups that stood slightly apart from the political battlefield and looked more carefully and analytically in to the future we'd perhaps not have the awful looking building site that we call home.
For those of us who consider ourselves moderates and progressives there are lot sof areas in which Malta needs to develop some really tight policy strategy. Climate change resulting in rising temperatures, rising sea levels and increased migration are having an obvious impact.
Our present policy seems to be either ignore it or pass the buck or deal with it as a continuous emergency.
What we should be doing is getting people ready forthe fact that the days of a homogenous Malta, for example are over. How do we adjust to a multi-cultural society? Boq!! Well, let's have a think shall we?
Obviosuly there are loads of other things to worry about and politicians frankly need help with these big global questions which now, perhaps for the first time in our history, we alos have to take responsibility for. That's what being in the EU means!
Partit li, permezz ta’ l-istrutturi godda tieghu jaghti l-possibilta’ lil kull individwu biex tressaq/jressaq ideat u proposti personali.
30. Billi jitwaqqaf il-“Forum ta’ l-Ideat” fejn kull persuna tkun tista taghti l-ideat u suggerimenti taghha ghal proposti Laburisti.
It seems to me that the building of a big progressive tent is something on the forefront of Joseph's mind. I'm sure there will be lots of people wanting to contribute ideas but the big challenge will be to recruit people who are currently outside the tent.
The problem I see is that people in Malta are still mostly stuck blindly to one side or another and the big battle ground are the few thousand in the middle (like me) who are prepared to make decisions on a case by case basis based on which party we believe represents the best option for Malta.
Unfortunately the Labour Party has lost so much credibility with this core (and it has to be said) growing group that the first challenge will be to engage them and re-integrate them into the debate on Labour policy.
If this happens, then Joseph's ideas forum could be a fantastic tool for the centre ground to begin to feel some ownership over progressive policy development and that could make a hell of a difference come election time.
31. Billi jitwaqqfu Gruppi ta’ Hsieb dwar oqsma ewlenin tal-politika lokali, Nazzjonali u internazzjonali biex jghinu fit-tfassil kontinwu tal-politika gdida Laburista f’ dawn l-oqsma.
This is something that's always perplexed me - the lack of think tanks in Malta. I know resources are a bit of an issue. Well, they're a massive issue and there's always more pressing things to spend money on.
But, if we did have some groups that stood slightly apart from the political battlefield and looked more carefully and analytically in to the future we'd perhaps not have the awful looking building site that we call home.
For those of us who consider ourselves moderates and progressives there are lot sof areas in which Malta needs to develop some really tight policy strategy. Climate change resulting in rising temperatures, rising sea levels and increased migration are having an obvious impact.
Our present policy seems to be either ignore it or pass the buck or deal with it as a continuous emergency.
What we should be doing is getting people ready forthe fact that the days of a homogenous Malta, for example are over. How do we adjust to a multi-cultural society? Boq!! Well, let's have a think shall we?
Obviosuly there are loads of other things to worry about and politicians frankly need help with these big global questions which now, perhaps for the first time in our history, we alos have to take responsibility for. That's what being in the EU means!
MLP Leadership Contest - Endorsements
It seems there's been a bit of a ho-ha recently over endorsements, following Martin Schulz's statements about Jospeh when he was in Malta. I'm not sure whether what Martin Schulz says has much bearing on how delegates, or Maltese people in general think.
Obviously every candidate is trying hard to get as many high profile people to support him or her as possible and the other candidiates feel that Mr Schulz is perhaps the most high profile endorser yet. Maybe they still subscribe to the theory that becuase he's foreign he must have some special power to persuade people.
To be honest I think it was a load of hot air. Who the hell is Martin Schulz anyway? Sure, I think having his endorsement does help Joseph to further cement his international credentials but I don't think his input makes such a difference. I also diagree with the arguement that he shouldn't comment on Maltese affairs. He's head of the European Socialists. We're European and we're socialists (however you define that), so it seems to me it's fair enough that he comments.
Oh well, it all seems to have blown over now anyway.
Obviously every candidate is trying hard to get as many high profile people to support him or her as possible and the other candidiates feel that Mr Schulz is perhaps the most high profile endorser yet. Maybe they still subscribe to the theory that becuase he's foreign he must have some special power to persuade people.
To be honest I think it was a load of hot air. Who the hell is Martin Schulz anyway? Sure, I think having his endorsement does help Joseph to further cement his international credentials but I don't think his input makes such a difference. I also diagree with the arguement that he shouldn't comment on Maltese affairs. He's head of the European Socialists. We're European and we're socialists (however you define that), so it seems to me it's fair enough that he comments.
Oh well, it all seems to have blown over now anyway.
Tuesday 20 May 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Focus Groups
Focus groups are a dangerous thing. People hold contradictory views on things and adhering to the results of these groups can get politicians into real trouble. What makes it worse is that politics covers every aspect of life and so a technique developed to check the appeal of a specific product for a specific purpose that is aimed at a specific market segment is bound to create problems.
With that caveat in mind, it's still interesting to see the results of a focus group that's been published elsewhere online. I don't know who's run the groups so can't vouch for the results but it seems Joseph scores best on the economy and the environment. There are definitely areas where he's behind the others (according to these groups) but it seems to me that these two areas are the most important ones facing Malta in the next few years, so overall I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.
With that caveat in mind, it's still interesting to see the results of a focus group that's been published elsewhere online. I don't know who's run the groups so can't vouch for the results but it seems Joseph scores best on the economy and the environment. There are definitely areas where he's behind the others (according to these groups) but it seems to me that these two areas are the most important ones facing Malta in the next few years, so overall I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.
MLP Leadership Contest - Redressing The Balance (at least a little)
The time pressure I’ve been under recently has also meant that I haven’t been able to comment on what the other candidates are up to. I hope to improve on this in the coming days as from what I see on the internet, and the few things I managed to read during my weekend in Malta, they’ve all been saying (mostly) interesting and positive stuff.
To help redress the balance a little, here are some links to the candidates websites, with the exception of Marie Louise, for who I can't find an official site.
Michael Falzon
George Abela
Evarist Bartolo
To help redress the balance a little, here are some links to the candidates websites, with the exception of Marie Louise, for who I can't find an official site.
Michael Falzon
George Abela
Evarist Bartolo
Joseph Muscat's Vision - The 40 Points (Part 6)
I really have been letting the side down recently leaving this blog unattended for days on end. Since my last post, I've paid a very brief visit to Malta. That didn't help my chances of writing as I spent most of the three days trying to sort out - and pay for - my wedding!
Anyway, back in London and with an evening free so here come some more thoughts on the subject in hand.
OBJETTIV 6: PARTIT LABURISTA TA’ OPPORTUNITAJIET
Partit li jigi identifikat ma’ dik il-politika li toffri opportunitajiet ghal kull min ghandu r-rieda u hegga biex jilhaq orizzonti godda f’hajjitha/hajtu.
There was a slogan once upon a time to describe modern social democracy - "Equality of Opportunity" It's been a while since the phrase was coined but hopefully we can finally have a political vision in Malta that works towards this too.
27. Billi jinghata aktar tahrig permezz ta’ esperti, u anki barra minn pajjizna, ghal persuni involuti fil-Partit Laburista. Dan isir fost l-ohrajn permezz tal-kuntatti li jezistu ma’ partiti progressivi minn madwar id-dinja.
Opening minds and broadening horizons is what socialism has always been about. There is so much to learn out there - and so much for others to learn from us. Sharing ideas can only help to improve the party's ability to develop effective policies.
28. Billi jigu offruti bursaries mill-Partit Laburista, specjalment f' istituzzjonijiet Ewropej, lil zghazagh li jippromettu.
An excellent idea. If Joseph does win, however, I do hope that these bursaries would go to "zghazagh li jippromettu" and not the sons, daughters, cousins, friends etc of the great and the good. For too long we've lived in a culture where merit counts for little or nothing and where money and connections are the most important criteria for success. It's a difficult thing to break and the pressures to reward people for support or because of connections will be a tough test for a leader. Let's see how things pan out.
29. Billi zghazagh jinghataw opportunita’ ta’ zmien ta’ esperjenza fil-Partit Laburista.
Engaging young people, or not so young people, with politics and giving them an understanding of how politics can be a real force for good in society is something we should all work for. For those who have an interest in politics but don't have a family culture that encourages active participation or who aren't certain of the best way for them to contribute, the ability to take up intern positions. It also helps to cement people's feeling of belonging to the party and to widen even further the pool of input of ideas. It will certainly help to keep the offices fresh and people who get to comfortable behind their desks on their toes!
Anyway, back in London and with an evening free so here come some more thoughts on the subject in hand.
OBJETTIV 6: PARTIT LABURISTA TA’ OPPORTUNITAJIET
Partit li jigi identifikat ma’ dik il-politika li toffri opportunitajiet ghal kull min ghandu r-rieda u hegga biex jilhaq orizzonti godda f’hajjitha/hajtu.
There was a slogan once upon a time to describe modern social democracy - "Equality of Opportunity" It's been a while since the phrase was coined but hopefully we can finally have a political vision in Malta that works towards this too.
27. Billi jinghata aktar tahrig permezz ta’ esperti, u anki barra minn pajjizna, ghal persuni involuti fil-Partit Laburista. Dan isir fost l-ohrajn permezz tal-kuntatti li jezistu ma’ partiti progressivi minn madwar id-dinja.
Opening minds and broadening horizons is what socialism has always been about. There is so much to learn out there - and so much for others to learn from us. Sharing ideas can only help to improve the party's ability to develop effective policies.
28. Billi jigu offruti bursaries mill-Partit Laburista, specjalment f' istituzzjonijiet Ewropej, lil zghazagh li jippromettu.
An excellent idea. If Joseph does win, however, I do hope that these bursaries would go to "zghazagh li jippromettu" and not the sons, daughters, cousins, friends etc of the great and the good. For too long we've lived in a culture where merit counts for little or nothing and where money and connections are the most important criteria for success. It's a difficult thing to break and the pressures to reward people for support or because of connections will be a tough test for a leader. Let's see how things pan out.
29. Billi zghazagh jinghataw opportunita’ ta’ zmien ta’ esperjenza fil-Partit Laburista.
Engaging young people, or not so young people, with politics and giving them an understanding of how politics can be a real force for good in society is something we should all work for. For those who have an interest in politics but don't have a family culture that encourages active participation or who aren't certain of the best way for them to contribute, the ability to take up intern positions. It also helps to cement people's feeling of belonging to the party and to widen even further the pool of input of ideas. It will certainly help to keep the offices fresh and people who get to comfortable behind their desks on their toes!
Tuesday 13 May 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's 40 Points Part 5
The fifth objective set out by Joseph in his vision for the Labour Party going forward follows on quite logically from the previous objectives. What emerges is a desire for a party that is more organised. This in turn would make the party better placed to stay in touch with all the sectors of society and develop the right policies for Malta.
OBJETTIV 5: PARTIT LABURISTA F’KUNTATT KONTINWU
Partit li jibni il-politika tieghu permezz ta’ kuntatt kontinwu mas-socjeta’.
21. Billi jitwaqqaf Call Centre fejn jigu milqugha, mghoddija u segwiti l-kuntatti kollha li jsiru mall-Partit Laburista. Dan bhala zvilupp tas-servizz ta’ Assistenza Cittadin.
Customer Care is an important concern for any organisation. Like other objectives set out previously it's all about increasing professionalism. Dealing efficiently with suggestions and complaints helps to make the party more repsonsive. Importantly, it also imporves people's personal experience of the Labour Party and that can have an important long term beneficial effect.
22. Billi jinbeda programm li permezz tieghu kull sezzjoni tas-socjeta Maltija, fosthom dik l-organizazzjonijiet mhux governattivi u l-komunita’ kummercjali, ikollha kuntatt kontinwu mal-Partit Laburista.
The importance of NGOs and other organisations in forming opinion has been stressed elsehwere in this blog, as well as Labour's past failures to really build strong relationships across civil society. This is one of those ambitions that I'd like to see a little more detail on as logistically it's quite a challenge. It's an absolute priority to widen participation and to bring in as many organisations as possible into the progressive tent but it's going to need real discipline and dedication to get all this done with the resources available. I suppose a young team would have the energy and ambition to do this.
23. Billi jitwaqqfu aktar rapprezentanzi tal-Partit Laburista f’komunitajiet Maltin u Ghawdxin barra minn Malta sabiex dawn ikunu mgharrfa ahjar bil-policies u hidma tal-Partit Laburista.
Not sure about this. I don't think that Maltese communities abroad have a great deal of influence although perhaps getting more Labour supporters over to vote at election time might have an effect if things are as close as they were in the last election. But, things shouldn't be that close! I also think that with time, as the bulk of the emigrant community ages it becoming even less relevant. However, if there is time and the resources are available then why not. Every vote counts!
24. Billi, permezz ta’ konsultazzjoni fuq livell nazzjonali u lokali, il-Partit Laburista jara li jkollu rapprezentanza usa tas-socjeta’ fi hdanu.
The building of a bigger progressive tent is not just about listening to people and organisations. It's about real engagement. Whether it's art & culture, sport, charities or whatever the fact is that most people aren't spending their days worrying endlessly about politics in the narrow sense of the word. They're either worrying about things that are immediate to them or their living their lives doing the things they enjoy or feel are important to them. Politicians need to appreciate this to ensure they understand and represent their constituents properly. An outside voice helps you to see the things you're missing and very importantly, gives you objective and constructive cricticism that can be really valuable. People who aren't party die hards will also feel an increasing sense of belonging and feel they really can have an impact on the Party's, and eventually the Government's, policies.
25. Billi t-tmexxija tal-Partit Laburista timpenja ruhha li zzomm laqghat mall-kumitati u ferghat darba kull sitt xhur.
Good human resources, good communications, good customer care, good financial management and now, good internal communiactions. If this was a brochure for an IPO you'd seriously have to consider buying some shares. This is a bit of a no-brainer really. A politcial party depends on its grassroots to mobilise support and get things done. Without an engaged grassroots movement you can't get anywhere. The skill will come in managing the different expectations of different groups. At this point it's easy to stick to broad concepts and ideals but will keeping the grassroots happy make others unhappy. The solution here is to set out very clear principles at the outset. With a strong strategic framework, delivered through effective communications, you buy additional felxibility from people. They begin to understand that occassionaly they may have to compromise for a broader goal that will benefit them too in the end. But the leadership needs to be really commited to its strategic goals and needs to pursue them with total conviction. What that framework is seems to be emerging from these 40 points but I feel it needs to be crystalised into an easy to understand message.
26. Billi jitfassal progett specifiku ghal kuntatt mall-komunitajiet f' Ghawdex.
Gozo always has a slightly different agenda which needs specific attention. I'm not sure why this can't be accommodated within the broader contact project but I suppose political necessity in Malta requires that the Gozitans get a special mention. All power to them! But, I have to say this point is a little too vague to really make any real comment. Sorry Joseph!
OBJETTIV 5: PARTIT LABURISTA F’KUNTATT KONTINWU
Partit li jibni il-politika tieghu permezz ta’ kuntatt kontinwu mas-socjeta’.
21. Billi jitwaqqaf Call Centre fejn jigu milqugha, mghoddija u segwiti l-kuntatti kollha li jsiru mall-Partit Laburista. Dan bhala zvilupp tas-servizz ta’ Assistenza Cittadin.
Customer Care is an important concern for any organisation. Like other objectives set out previously it's all about increasing professionalism. Dealing efficiently with suggestions and complaints helps to make the party more repsonsive. Importantly, it also imporves people's personal experience of the Labour Party and that can have an important long term beneficial effect.
22. Billi jinbeda programm li permezz tieghu kull sezzjoni tas-socjeta Maltija, fosthom dik l-organizazzjonijiet mhux governattivi u l-komunita’ kummercjali, ikollha kuntatt kontinwu mal-Partit Laburista.
The importance of NGOs and other organisations in forming opinion has been stressed elsehwere in this blog, as well as Labour's past failures to really build strong relationships across civil society. This is one of those ambitions that I'd like to see a little more detail on as logistically it's quite a challenge. It's an absolute priority to widen participation and to bring in as many organisations as possible into the progressive tent but it's going to need real discipline and dedication to get all this done with the resources available. I suppose a young team would have the energy and ambition to do this.
23. Billi jitwaqqfu aktar rapprezentanzi tal-Partit Laburista f’komunitajiet Maltin u Ghawdxin barra minn Malta sabiex dawn ikunu mgharrfa ahjar bil-policies u hidma tal-Partit Laburista.
Not sure about this. I don't think that Maltese communities abroad have a great deal of influence although perhaps getting more Labour supporters over to vote at election time might have an effect if things are as close as they were in the last election. But, things shouldn't be that close! I also think that with time, as the bulk of the emigrant community ages it becoming even less relevant. However, if there is time and the resources are available then why not. Every vote counts!
24. Billi, permezz ta’ konsultazzjoni fuq livell nazzjonali u lokali, il-Partit Laburista jara li jkollu rapprezentanza usa tas-socjeta’ fi hdanu.
The building of a bigger progressive tent is not just about listening to people and organisations. It's about real engagement. Whether it's art & culture, sport, charities or whatever the fact is that most people aren't spending their days worrying endlessly about politics in the narrow sense of the word. They're either worrying about things that are immediate to them or their living their lives doing the things they enjoy or feel are important to them. Politicians need to appreciate this to ensure they understand and represent their constituents properly. An outside voice helps you to see the things you're missing and very importantly, gives you objective and constructive cricticism that can be really valuable. People who aren't party die hards will also feel an increasing sense of belonging and feel they really can have an impact on the Party's, and eventually the Government's, policies.
25. Billi t-tmexxija tal-Partit Laburista timpenja ruhha li zzomm laqghat mall-kumitati u ferghat darba kull sitt xhur.
Good human resources, good communications, good customer care, good financial management and now, good internal communiactions. If this was a brochure for an IPO you'd seriously have to consider buying some shares. This is a bit of a no-brainer really. A politcial party depends on its grassroots to mobilise support and get things done. Without an engaged grassroots movement you can't get anywhere. The skill will come in managing the different expectations of different groups. At this point it's easy to stick to broad concepts and ideals but will keeping the grassroots happy make others unhappy. The solution here is to set out very clear principles at the outset. With a strong strategic framework, delivered through effective communications, you buy additional felxibility from people. They begin to understand that occassionaly they may have to compromise for a broader goal that will benefit them too in the end. But the leadership needs to be really commited to its strategic goals and needs to pursue them with total conviction. What that framework is seems to be emerging from these 40 points but I feel it needs to be crystalised into an easy to understand message.
26. Billi jitfassal progett specifiku ghal kuntatt mall-komunitajiet f' Ghawdex.
Gozo always has a slightly different agenda which needs specific attention. I'm not sure why this can't be accommodated within the broader contact project but I suppose political necessity in Malta requires that the Gozitans get a special mention. All power to them! But, I have to say this point is a little too vague to really make any real comment. Sorry Joseph!
Saturday 10 May 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's 40 Points Part Four
My thoughts on the fourth objective ....
OBJETTIV 4: PARTIT LABURISTA ORGANIZZAT
Partit fejn l-istrutturi strategici, amministrattivi u operattivi isiru iktar sinifikanti u li ikunu jirriflettu u jiffunzjonaw skond il-htigijiet tas-socjeta kumplessa li ninsabu fiha llum.
Without understanding what's going on society, politics is a waste of time so I suppose making sure the party's structures are geared up to do this more effectively must be an objective. As with the communications abjective my immediate concern is how are these structures going to be paid for.
14. Billi titwaqqaf il-kariga ta’ Direttur tar-Rizorsi Umani li jara li l-Partit Laburista juza l-abiltaijiet ta' l-impjegati u l-voluntiera bl-ahjar mod possibbli u ssir sejha pubblika ghall-persuni li jridu jaghtu kontribut volontarju lill-Partit.
Using the resources you've already got in a better way is obviously one way to improve performance without adding too many costs. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would be happy to volunteer - and plenty of current employees who could trun their hand to new challenges given the right working environemnt and motivation. I do think that a greater focus on running the party like a professional business which sets out career paths for individuals and strives for better performance is something that would do nothing but good.
15. Billi jitwaqqaf Unit ta’ nies professjonisti fil-qasam finanzjarju biex jikkordinaw dan il-qasam.
I suppose this is looking at the party finances. Raising money is always a problem and managing that money is also a challenge. More reliable revenue streams removes an extra pressure and allows for better planning of actual political work. I'm sure it's impossible for any politcial party to be really finanically stable but having the right expertise in place to help out should make a difference.
16. Billi titwaqqaf, minghajr spejjez zejda, Rapprezentanza Ufficjali tal-Partit Laburista ghall-Unjoni Ewropea fi Brussel.
The EU is our most important international relationship and the party needs to be fully up-to-speed with what's happening in Brussels to make sure policy is in tune with the broader agenda. The party needs to be seen as a Government in waiting and a close understanding of, and participation in, EU activity will undoubtedly help. It will also hopefully give the party access to other European progressive parties and their ideas.
17. Billi jitwaqqaf Unit li jiffoka fuq programmi ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea.
I suppose the previous points apply here also.
18. Billi jitwaqqaf Unit ghad-Djalogu Socjali li jiehu hsieb ir-relazzjonijiet mas-socjeta’ civili u organizazzjoniiet mhux governattivi.
The Labour Party has frequently let itself down in this area and hasn't developed strong enough relationships with many civil society groups and NGOs. Working hard here would I feel really bring benefits as these membership organisations have a big influence on public opinion, not only through the press coverage they receive but because their members will take heed of what the organisation says. They are also full of dedicated people with lots of sector specific knowledge that could really help the party's policy formulation.
19. Billi jitwaqqaf Policy Unit li jikkordina u jivverifika t-tfassil tal-policies tal-Partit Laburista permezz ta’ involviment ta’ politici u esperti.
All the objectives in this section have been pointing to this. Making better use of current human an dfinancila resources and tapping in to the expertise of Maltese and EU groups should ensure the Party creates more relevant policy that is in tune with the aspirations of modern Malta.
20. Billi ikun hemm Forum tal-Kandidati li jiltaqa regolarment mat-tmexxija tal-Partit Laburista u mall-Kelliema tal-Partit Laburista dwar suggetti specifici.
Great idea. I've often felt that the Labour Party gives the impression that it is an organisation very much run from the centre without too much input from other interested parties. Bringing in candidiates and back benchers more is another building block in making sure the party has access to the broadest range of resources to help it understand the needs of sciety, react accordingly and build a vision that can lead the country forward.
OBJETTIV 4: PARTIT LABURISTA ORGANIZZAT
Partit fejn l-istrutturi strategici, amministrattivi u operattivi isiru iktar sinifikanti u li ikunu jirriflettu u jiffunzjonaw skond il-htigijiet tas-socjeta kumplessa li ninsabu fiha llum.
Without understanding what's going on society, politics is a waste of time so I suppose making sure the party's structures are geared up to do this more effectively must be an objective. As with the communications abjective my immediate concern is how are these structures going to be paid for.
14. Billi titwaqqaf il-kariga ta’ Direttur tar-Rizorsi Umani li jara li l-Partit Laburista juza l-abiltaijiet ta' l-impjegati u l-voluntiera bl-ahjar mod possibbli u ssir sejha pubblika ghall-persuni li jridu jaghtu kontribut volontarju lill-Partit.
Using the resources you've already got in a better way is obviously one way to improve performance without adding too many costs. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would be happy to volunteer - and plenty of current employees who could trun their hand to new challenges given the right working environemnt and motivation. I do think that a greater focus on running the party like a professional business which sets out career paths for individuals and strives for better performance is something that would do nothing but good.
15. Billi jitwaqqaf Unit ta’ nies professjonisti fil-qasam finanzjarju biex jikkordinaw dan il-qasam.
I suppose this is looking at the party finances. Raising money is always a problem and managing that money is also a challenge. More reliable revenue streams removes an extra pressure and allows for better planning of actual political work. I'm sure it's impossible for any politcial party to be really finanically stable but having the right expertise in place to help out should make a difference.
16. Billi titwaqqaf, minghajr spejjez zejda, Rapprezentanza Ufficjali tal-Partit Laburista ghall-Unjoni Ewropea fi Brussel.
The EU is our most important international relationship and the party needs to be fully up-to-speed with what's happening in Brussels to make sure policy is in tune with the broader agenda. The party needs to be seen as a Government in waiting and a close understanding of, and participation in, EU activity will undoubtedly help. It will also hopefully give the party access to other European progressive parties and their ideas.
17. Billi jitwaqqaf Unit li jiffoka fuq programmi ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea.
I suppose the previous points apply here also.
18. Billi jitwaqqaf Unit ghad-Djalogu Socjali li jiehu hsieb ir-relazzjonijiet mas-socjeta’ civili u organizazzjoniiet mhux governattivi.
The Labour Party has frequently let itself down in this area and hasn't developed strong enough relationships with many civil society groups and NGOs. Working hard here would I feel really bring benefits as these membership organisations have a big influence on public opinion, not only through the press coverage they receive but because their members will take heed of what the organisation says. They are also full of dedicated people with lots of sector specific knowledge that could really help the party's policy formulation.
19. Billi jitwaqqaf Policy Unit li jikkordina u jivverifika t-tfassil tal-policies tal-Partit Laburista permezz ta’ involviment ta’ politici u esperti.
All the objectives in this section have been pointing to this. Making better use of current human an dfinancila resources and tapping in to the expertise of Maltese and EU groups should ensure the Party creates more relevant policy that is in tune with the aspirations of modern Malta.
20. Billi ikun hemm Forum tal-Kandidati li jiltaqa regolarment mat-tmexxija tal-Partit Laburista u mall-Kelliema tal-Partit Laburista dwar suggetti specifici.
Great idea. I've often felt that the Labour Party gives the impression that it is an organisation very much run from the centre without too much input from other interested parties. Bringing in candidiates and back benchers more is another building block in making sure the party has access to the broadest range of resources to help it understand the needs of sciety, react accordingly and build a vision that can lead the country forward.
Monday 5 May 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's 40 Points - Part Three
The next set of points look at Joseph's third main objective, to give the Labour Party a clear message.
OBJETTIV 3: PARTIT LABURISTA B’MESSAGG CAR
Partit li jwessa il-firxa ta’ l-appell tieghu u tal-Moviment tal-Progressivi u Moderati.
7. Billi jkun l-aktar partit politiku Malti bi presenza qawwija online.
So many people now look to the internet for their information that not having an online strategy is a real own goal. It is, however, very important not to get too carried away with the power of the internet. My own research into the use of new media in political communications here in London clearly showed that politicians are very quick to see the internet as a way of engaging with new audiences without really examining the underlying reasons for the disengagement in the first place. The channels are important, but without understanding the people you're trying to reach you're not going to get very far. I'm sure Joseph won't fall into this trap.
8. Billi jitwaqqaf Grupp ta’ Hidma biex janalizza s-sitwazzjoni fil-mezzi tax-xandir tal-Partit Laburista u kif dawn jilhqu ahjar l-ghanijiet taghhom.
I think the party's media has been doing a lot better in recent years in terms of the quality and variety of its programming. As someone who very rarely used to watch or listen to Super One while in Malta, I've now found myself following certain programmes regularly through the streaming service.
Of course, what Joseph is really talking about here is the political programming and the news. I know people love to complain about our current Government, and there is always lots to complain about. But I've always felt that the message has been too dire. For those who are uncertain about who to support or who are thinking about supporting Labour what they don't want to hear is that the end of the world is nigh.
Our day to day experience tells us that's not the case. What we should be doing more of, rather than complaining and saying how awful thigs are, is to show people how we would do things better. Labour should be more clear and more positive about what it believes in, how people will have a better life, that they will have equality of opportunity. As an oposition we should be more proactive in setting the political agenda, not just reacting to it and complaining about it.
I'm totally convinced that this change would really have a dramatic impact on the party's appeal, especially among younger voters who are obviously in a stage in their life when they are looking to the future and want to see positive things on the horizon.
9. Billi jigi kunsidrat it-twaqqif tat-tieni frekwenza tar-radju mmirata biss ghaz-zghazagh.
Not sure about this. Whenever politicians try to "look cool" they tend to make complete tits of themselves. I wouldn't rule it out but I think a better option might be to find ways of using existing media that alrady have an appeal with younger audiences. Of course, you've got to be careful with the old BA rules on how you go about this (I can think of a few ways already) but it would make more sense to get more involved with media that already has credibility.
10. Billi jinbeda progett biex permezz ta’ involviment ta’ akkademici u veterani minn diversi oqsma, tigi migbura l-istorja tal-Partit Laburista bil-ghan li tigi ppublikata u mxandra.
This is not a bad idea at all. I love my political history and would happily read this. I presume that overall not too many people in the wider community would sit down and read it but I think for the party, having a clear seanse of history does help to develop strategies for the modern era. Of course, I can forsee all sorts of controversy about how certain facts are interpreted but it might be a great catalyst for some long overdue soul searching within the party and the country. If positioned corectly it could also be a ctalyst for new interest in what the party stands for, what it has achieved and what it's ambitions for Malta are.
11. Billi jitwaqqaf Grupp ta’ Hidma li jhejji Kodici ta’ Etika ghall-mezzi tax-xandir tal-Partit Laburista.
I'm not sure this is necessary. After all there are codes of ethics in existence already. For me, at the risk of repeating again, the biggest issue is the message not how it is delivered. If we are going to adopt a more open, positive, progressive approach which looks to the future with optimism then I think the way the party media operates would change naturally, without the need for any new codes.
12. Billi titwaqqaf il-kariga ta’ Direttur tal-Kommunikazzjoni li jikkordina l-messagg b’ mod koerenti fuq dawn il-mezzi tax-xandir.
Absolutely necessary. You've got to be careful to make sure the person who takes on this role does not become the story. But luckily people have been there before us so we know how it can go wrong i.e. Alastair Campbell and Tony Blair. But we also know that what attracts new supporters to a party is clear sense of direction, a unified voice and a great feeling of purpose and momentum. The party needs to decide what the core strategy is but you absolutely need someone who is totally focussed and commited to ensuring that what the party decides is its core staretgy becomes the agenda for national debate. This requires discipline and coordination and should not be left to chance.
13. Billi Jitwaqqaf unit ghall-Marketing li jikkordina d-dehra tal-Partit Laburista.
Visual impact is obviously important and in a fast moving society can work better than other forms of communication. But a proper marketing campaign costs a lot of money so I think it's more worthwhile to focus on the PR side of things - and ensure that whoever becomes the 'Director of Communications' has a clear appreciation for the right imagery to accompany any story. For me, espcially in politics, marketing should complement PR, not the other way round. It's cheaper, and it allows you to develop coherent policy messaging more effectively.
Anyway, objective number 4 to follow. If you'd like to read the whole list of objectives you can find it on Joseph's website.
OBJETTIV 3: PARTIT LABURISTA B’MESSAGG CAR
Partit li jwessa il-firxa ta’ l-appell tieghu u tal-Moviment tal-Progressivi u Moderati.
7. Billi jkun l-aktar partit politiku Malti bi presenza qawwija online.
So many people now look to the internet for their information that not having an online strategy is a real own goal. It is, however, very important not to get too carried away with the power of the internet. My own research into the use of new media in political communications here in London clearly showed that politicians are very quick to see the internet as a way of engaging with new audiences without really examining the underlying reasons for the disengagement in the first place. The channels are important, but without understanding the people you're trying to reach you're not going to get very far. I'm sure Joseph won't fall into this trap.
8. Billi jitwaqqaf Grupp ta’ Hidma biex janalizza s-sitwazzjoni fil-mezzi tax-xandir tal-Partit Laburista u kif dawn jilhqu ahjar l-ghanijiet taghhom.
I think the party's media has been doing a lot better in recent years in terms of the quality and variety of its programming. As someone who very rarely used to watch or listen to Super One while in Malta, I've now found myself following certain programmes regularly through the streaming service.
Of course, what Joseph is really talking about here is the political programming and the news. I know people love to complain about our current Government, and there is always lots to complain about. But I've always felt that the message has been too dire. For those who are uncertain about who to support or who are thinking about supporting Labour what they don't want to hear is that the end of the world is nigh.
Our day to day experience tells us that's not the case. What we should be doing more of, rather than complaining and saying how awful thigs are, is to show people how we would do things better. Labour should be more clear and more positive about what it believes in, how people will have a better life, that they will have equality of opportunity. As an oposition we should be more proactive in setting the political agenda, not just reacting to it and complaining about it.
I'm totally convinced that this change would really have a dramatic impact on the party's appeal, especially among younger voters who are obviously in a stage in their life when they are looking to the future and want to see positive things on the horizon.
9. Billi jigi kunsidrat it-twaqqif tat-tieni frekwenza tar-radju mmirata biss ghaz-zghazagh.
Not sure about this. Whenever politicians try to "look cool" they tend to make complete tits of themselves. I wouldn't rule it out but I think a better option might be to find ways of using existing media that alrady have an appeal with younger audiences. Of course, you've got to be careful with the old BA rules on how you go about this (I can think of a few ways already) but it would make more sense to get more involved with media that already has credibility.
10. Billi jinbeda progett biex permezz ta’ involviment ta’ akkademici u veterani minn diversi oqsma, tigi migbura l-istorja tal-Partit Laburista bil-ghan li tigi ppublikata u mxandra.
This is not a bad idea at all. I love my political history and would happily read this. I presume that overall not too many people in the wider community would sit down and read it but I think for the party, having a clear seanse of history does help to develop strategies for the modern era. Of course, I can forsee all sorts of controversy about how certain facts are interpreted but it might be a great catalyst for some long overdue soul searching within the party and the country. If positioned corectly it could also be a ctalyst for new interest in what the party stands for, what it has achieved and what it's ambitions for Malta are.
11. Billi jitwaqqaf Grupp ta’ Hidma li jhejji Kodici ta’ Etika ghall-mezzi tax-xandir tal-Partit Laburista.
I'm not sure this is necessary. After all there are codes of ethics in existence already. For me, at the risk of repeating again, the biggest issue is the message not how it is delivered. If we are going to adopt a more open, positive, progressive approach which looks to the future with optimism then I think the way the party media operates would change naturally, without the need for any new codes.
12. Billi titwaqqaf il-kariga ta’ Direttur tal-Kommunikazzjoni li jikkordina l-messagg b’ mod koerenti fuq dawn il-mezzi tax-xandir.
Absolutely necessary. You've got to be careful to make sure the person who takes on this role does not become the story. But luckily people have been there before us so we know how it can go wrong i.e. Alastair Campbell and Tony Blair. But we also know that what attracts new supporters to a party is clear sense of direction, a unified voice and a great feeling of purpose and momentum. The party needs to decide what the core strategy is but you absolutely need someone who is totally focussed and commited to ensuring that what the party decides is its core staretgy becomes the agenda for national debate. This requires discipline and coordination and should not be left to chance.
13. Billi Jitwaqqaf unit ghall-Marketing li jikkordina d-dehra tal-Partit Laburista.
Visual impact is obviously important and in a fast moving society can work better than other forms of communication. But a proper marketing campaign costs a lot of money so I think it's more worthwhile to focus on the PR side of things - and ensure that whoever becomes the 'Director of Communications' has a clear appreciation for the right imagery to accompany any story. For me, espcially in politics, marketing should complement PR, not the other way round. It's cheaper, and it allows you to develop coherent policy messaging more effectively.
Anyway, objective number 4 to follow. If you'd like to read the whole list of objectives you can find it on Joseph's website.
Sunday 4 May 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's 40 Points - Part Two
Moving in from yesterday, here are my thoughts on the second group of proposals Joseph has put forward. These look at expanding the appeal of the Labour Party
OBJETTIV 2: PARTIT LABURISTA GHAL KULHADD
Partit li ikun Partit Ewropew konvint fi hdan il-familja tas-Socjalisti Ewropej. Partit li jkun kapaci jilqa s-sehem ta’ kulhadd u johloq Moviment li jigbor flimkien lil Progressivi u Moderati fis-socjeta’ taghna.
Sounds good to me!
4. Billi issir stedina pubblika lil dawk kollha li ma baqghux jidentifikaw ruhhom mall-Partit Laburista biex jergghu jissiehbu f’ dan il-moviment. Il-Mexxej jimpenja ruhu personalment f’dan l-ezercizzju.
This is a very personal statement. The invitation needs to be made but the Party also needs to make sure the reasons people have not felt able to support it are addressed. However, the fact that we have an open willingness to engage with a broader group of people who consider themsleves progressive and moderate, is a step in the right direction.
5. Billi isir ri-avvicinament mall-mezzi tax-xandir kollha fil-pajjiz.
This is a priority. Obviously people have their bias but this should not be a problem because these biases are well known. There's nothing you can do about that but how you engage is still very important. I've mentioned elsewhere the need for Labour to dictate the agenda of national debate, something it hasn't done for years. But in addition to this it's also important to get your message out as often as possible through as many channels as possible consistently and with a positive attitude.
6. Billi isir sforz ta’ rikonciljazzjoni Nazzjonali mall-partiti politici l-ohra u partijiet ohra tas-socjeta’ dwar avvenimenti politici li sehhew fil-passat.
This is a really brave move and something I very much doubt will happen. But it's still worth a try. The fact is that both sides have made terrible mistakes in the past - and some in the present - that have done real harm to Maltese society. Of course many of the worst actions go backto the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s and a lot of time has past since then. It seems to me that the only organsiation that has really examined its own conscience, and apologised for its actions is the Church. Before everyone involved dies maybe we should try and set up a commssion along the lines of what happened in South Africa. At least the victims on both sides might find out what really happened. But, I fear too much time has past now to start digging up the skeletons. Personally, though a laudable objective I feel it's just too late now and that we'll just have to bear the scars and work hard to ensure things continue to gradually improve in the way they have been over recent years. Maybe the Labour Party should be brave, take a look at the things it did wrong and unilaterally apologise for them. That might trigger others to do the same but i'd be surprised.
OBJETTIV 2: PARTIT LABURISTA GHAL KULHADD
Partit li ikun Partit Ewropew konvint fi hdan il-familja tas-Socjalisti Ewropej. Partit li jkun kapaci jilqa s-sehem ta’ kulhadd u johloq Moviment li jigbor flimkien lil Progressivi u Moderati fis-socjeta’ taghna.
Sounds good to me!
4. Billi issir stedina pubblika lil dawk kollha li ma baqghux jidentifikaw ruhhom mall-Partit Laburista biex jergghu jissiehbu f’ dan il-moviment. Il-Mexxej jimpenja ruhu personalment f’dan l-ezercizzju.
This is a very personal statement. The invitation needs to be made but the Party also needs to make sure the reasons people have not felt able to support it are addressed. However, the fact that we have an open willingness to engage with a broader group of people who consider themsleves progressive and moderate, is a step in the right direction.
5. Billi isir ri-avvicinament mall-mezzi tax-xandir kollha fil-pajjiz.
This is a priority. Obviously people have their bias but this should not be a problem because these biases are well known. There's nothing you can do about that but how you engage is still very important. I've mentioned elsewhere the need for Labour to dictate the agenda of national debate, something it hasn't done for years. But in addition to this it's also important to get your message out as often as possible through as many channels as possible consistently and with a positive attitude.
6. Billi isir sforz ta’ rikonciljazzjoni Nazzjonali mall-partiti politici l-ohra u partijiet ohra tas-socjeta’ dwar avvenimenti politici li sehhew fil-passat.
This is a really brave move and something I very much doubt will happen. But it's still worth a try. The fact is that both sides have made terrible mistakes in the past - and some in the present - that have done real harm to Maltese society. Of course many of the worst actions go backto the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s and a lot of time has past since then. It seems to me that the only organsiation that has really examined its own conscience, and apologised for its actions is the Church. Before everyone involved dies maybe we should try and set up a commssion along the lines of what happened in South Africa. At least the victims on both sides might find out what really happened. But, I fear too much time has past now to start digging up the skeletons. Personally, though a laudable objective I feel it's just too late now and that we'll just have to bear the scars and work hard to ensure things continue to gradually improve in the way they have been over recent years. Maybe the Labour Party should be brave, take a look at the things it did wrong and unilaterally apologise for them. That might trigger others to do the same but i'd be surprised.
Saturday 3 May 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's 40 Points - Part One
As always it's taken me an age to get round to following up previous posts but now the weekend's here I've found a little time. So, here comes my first thoughts on Joseph's 40 points. To keep things simple I'm going to divide things up in the same way he has.
Here are the first group of points ...
OBJETTIV 1: PARTIT LABURISTA POZITTIV
Partit li jkun pozittiv u proattiv. Iffittex l-Interess Nazzjonali, izzomm kontroll fuq il-Gvern u jhejji Programm ta’ Gvern ghall-elezzjoni li jmiss.
1. Billi jitwaqqaf Grupp ta’ Hsieb permanenti maghmul minn hassieba u mexxejja ta' l-opinjoni li jezamina r-rwol tal-Partit Laburista fis-socjeta’.
I think this is long overdue. As I've mentioned before on this blog I've always considered myself a social democrat but unfortunately for too long the Malta Labour Party has been far too inward looking and has got most of the major strategic decisions wrong. I'm part of a London based think tank and although it sometimes seems like a lot of hot air, having a forum where a wide range of opinions can be discussed definitely helps to create a clear sense of policy direction. I've every confidence that Jospeh would ensure the group is not made up of yes men and women - and that will be nothing but a good thing.
2. Billi l-Grupp Parlamentari u l-Ezekuttiv Nazzjonali ikunu mghejjuna fil-hidma taghhom minn teknici esperti f’ setturi differenti.
Of course this would be ideal. But, people's time is short and valuable so I think I would need to see a bit more about how this would actually happen. Perhaps a good idea would be to have MPs and the National Executive doing work placements in the sectors they represent in order to be able to watch and learn from the 'experts' without taking up too much of their time and to learn first hand the current scenarios these people are facing. It would also be a great way to show and maintain contact with the wider community.
3. Billi d-djalogu mall-Gvern ikun miftuh u jpoggi l-Interess Nazzjonali qabel kollox. Il-principju li jiggwidana ikun li l-Partit Laburista ghandu r-responsabilita' li jirraprezenta nofs il-poplu u ghandu jkun rispettat u konsultat.
Good luck with this! The PfP decision didn't set a very good start, nor did the Speaker 'offer'. Of course in this case the party also has to deal with the general bias of the media in Malta which is always too happy to paint any offer from the PN as perfectly reasonable and any refusal from the MLP as the party being difficult.
Of course, the party hasn't done much to help itself overcome this over the years mainly by adopting a too confrontational approach. Rather than reacting to what the PN does, the MLP in representing 'half' the population should sieze the agenda and be proactive in generating new policy ideas which benefit the whole country.
For me the most critical task facing the new leadership is to be a credible Government in waiting. For too many years the MLP has been debating an agenda which more or less has been set by the PN. This has got to change. We shouldn't be waiting - or asking - for the PN to respect or consult us. We should earn it.
Here are the first group of points ...
OBJETTIV 1: PARTIT LABURISTA POZITTIV
Partit li jkun pozittiv u proattiv. Iffittex l-Interess Nazzjonali, izzomm kontroll fuq il-Gvern u jhejji Programm ta’ Gvern ghall-elezzjoni li jmiss.
1. Billi jitwaqqaf Grupp ta’ Hsieb permanenti maghmul minn hassieba u mexxejja ta' l-opinjoni li jezamina r-rwol tal-Partit Laburista fis-socjeta’.
I think this is long overdue. As I've mentioned before on this blog I've always considered myself a social democrat but unfortunately for too long the Malta Labour Party has been far too inward looking and has got most of the major strategic decisions wrong. I'm part of a London based think tank and although it sometimes seems like a lot of hot air, having a forum where a wide range of opinions can be discussed definitely helps to create a clear sense of policy direction. I've every confidence that Jospeh would ensure the group is not made up of yes men and women - and that will be nothing but a good thing.
2. Billi l-Grupp Parlamentari u l-Ezekuttiv Nazzjonali ikunu mghejjuna fil-hidma taghhom minn teknici esperti f’ setturi differenti.
Of course this would be ideal. But, people's time is short and valuable so I think I would need to see a bit more about how this would actually happen. Perhaps a good idea would be to have MPs and the National Executive doing work placements in the sectors they represent in order to be able to watch and learn from the 'experts' without taking up too much of their time and to learn first hand the current scenarios these people are facing. It would also be a great way to show and maintain contact with the wider community.
3. Billi d-djalogu mall-Gvern ikun miftuh u jpoggi l-Interess Nazzjonali qabel kollox. Il-principju li jiggwidana ikun li l-Partit Laburista ghandu r-responsabilita' li jirraprezenta nofs il-poplu u ghandu jkun rispettat u konsultat.
Good luck with this! The PfP decision didn't set a very good start, nor did the Speaker 'offer'. Of course in this case the party also has to deal with the general bias of the media in Malta which is always too happy to paint any offer from the PN as perfectly reasonable and any refusal from the MLP as the party being difficult.
Of course, the party hasn't done much to help itself overcome this over the years mainly by adopting a too confrontational approach. Rather than reacting to what the PN does, the MLP in representing 'half' the population should sieze the agenda and be proactive in generating new policy ideas which benefit the whole country.
For me the most critical task facing the new leadership is to be a credible Government in waiting. For too many years the MLP has been debating an agenda which more or less has been set by the PN. This has got to change. We shouldn't be waiting - or asking - for the PN to respect or consult us. We should earn it.
Sunday 27 April 2008
The need for reform in Maltese Society
Is anyone really surprised by the findings on date rape in Malta that came out today? If they are then they've had their head in the sand ... or they're the Nationalist Government.
While we've been busy building up our economy and joining the EU, which I belive were good things, one of the things that has increasingly bugged me about the PN is the complete failureto tackle social issues like racism, gay rights, and the fact that women are still secodn class citizens - just look at the way the debate on abortion is conducted.
It's the price we pay for having a Government which is too busy boasting about how Catholic it is but only that type of Catholicism that makes some people believe they are the only ones who have access to the truth.
We need to refocus on looking after people who are disadvantaged in our society and to help those who are treated badly, and have been for so long, to come out from the shadows. To help the weak in society, you really need a party that has social democracy at its heart.
While we've been busy building up our economy and joining the EU, which I belive were good things, one of the things that has increasingly bugged me about the PN is the complete failureto tackle social issues like racism, gay rights, and the fact that women are still secodn class citizens - just look at the way the debate on abortion is conducted.
It's the price we pay for having a Government which is too busy boasting about how Catholic it is but only that type of Catholicism that makes some people believe they are the only ones who have access to the truth.
We need to refocus on looking after people who are disadvantaged in our society and to help those who are treated badly, and have been for so long, to come out from the shadows. To help the weak in society, you really need a party that has social democracy at its heart.
MLP Leadership Contest - Is Dom Mintoff worth it?
So, George Abela wheeled out Dom Mintoff to support him at his latest public meeting.
So, here's a guy who was Prime Minister nearly 25 years ago and who's 91 years old, and who far a large chunk of the electorate brings back nothing but bad memories still sticking his oar in.
Talk about looking to the future!
I've no doubt there's still a constituency that looks to Mintoff but I can't believe that a party who's main problem is attracting younger voters and broadening its support could possibly look to such a divisive figure. George Abela's just made a big mistake!
So, here's a guy who was Prime Minister nearly 25 years ago and who's 91 years old, and who far a large chunk of the electorate brings back nothing but bad memories still sticking his oar in.
Talk about looking to the future!
I've no doubt there's still a constituency that looks to Mintoff but I can't believe that a party who's main problem is attracting younger voters and broadening its support could possibly look to such a divisive figure. George Abela's just made a big mistake!
MLP Leadership Contest - Michael Falzon's Open Democracy
Here's a note Michael Falzon left on Facebook today. He's introduced a concept of consultative referendums within the Labour Party in deciding party policy - and eventually Government policy.
It sounds like a good idea, and as Michael says in his comments it's something that's been used in other EU countries. I'm personally not sure how effective it is in creating coherent policy though.
In reality, people hold contradictory views at the same time. Put at it's simplest, people will vote to cut taxes and to increase services (i.e. raise spending). So, we definitely need to hear a few more detials to see exactly when and how this 'open democracy' will apply
Anyway, here's Michael's article ....
"Punt fejn jista’ jkun li waqajna lura meta mqabbla ma’ sħabna s-Soċjalisti Ewropej, huwa fejn jidħol it-tiġdid ta’ l-identità xellugija tagħna. Dan it-tiġdid huwa meħtieġ, biex il-prinċipji li jsawruna jibqgħu rilevanti għall-ħajja politika tal-lum. Bosta partiti xellugin fl-Ewropa, għandhom strutturi miftuħa li kontinwament għaddejjin jistudjaw xejriet ġodda li jridu jagħtu lill-politika tagħhom fit-tħaddim prattiku tagħha. Hija xewqa tiegħi, kemm-il darba nkun maħtur Mexxej tal-Partit Laburista, li anke aħna nibdew proċess simili.
Kemm minn dak li għaddej fl-Ewropa, u kemm minn dak li ħassejt tul il-kampanja elettorali, waqt it-tħabbit bieb bieb għand iċ-ċittadini, pajjiżna jinħtieġ politika li l-mira ewlenija tagħha tkun li tqiegħed liċ-ċittadin fiċ-ċentru ta’ l-agenda politika. Dan jimplika twessiegħ, kemm fl-istanzi tal-konsultazzjoni, imma ukoll, u forsi aktar importanti, fil-proċessi tad-deċizjoni (”empowerment“).
Dan it-twessiegħ irid isir kemm fuq il-livell governattiv u anke fuq dak tal-Partit. Huwa kruċjali li l-poplu jħoss li l-partit qed imexxi ‘l quddiem l-aġenda taċ-ċittadin; li l-partit huwa l-vuċi tal-poplu. Inutli li l-partit ikollu aġenda mżewqa bi proposti tajbin, jekk il-poplu ma jkunx jidentifika ruħu biżżejjed ma’ dawn il-proposti.
Għal dan il-għan inħoss li l-Partit għandu jagħmel riforma importanti fejn f’sensiela ta’ laqgħat miftuha għall-kulhadd, li jsiru perjodikament, jisma’ mingħand il-poplu x’għandu xi jgħid l-istess poplu, kemm dwar il-politika attwali laburista u kemm dwar proposti ġodda. Barra minn hekk, inħoss li wasal iż-żmien, u dan jista’ jseħħ faċilment minħabba d-daqs ta’ pajjiżna, li meta l-Partit jiġi għal deċiżjonijiet ewlenin tal-politika tiegħu, bħal ma kien il-każ tal-politika ewropea laburista, jkun jista’ anke jikkonsidra li jorganizza referendum konsultattiv fost il-membri kollha tiegħu. B’hekk inkunu ċerti, li d-deċiżjoni li nieħdu fl-istrutturi nterni, tkun tirrifletti s-sentimenti ta’ firxa akbar ta’ nies. B’dan il-mod ukoll, il-membri laburisti jkollhom konvinzjoni akbar għax ikollhom “ownership” tal-politika Laburista, meta jiġu biex iwasslu l-messaġġ tal-Partit.
Dan il-ftuh għal sehem akbar mill-poplu fl-agenda politika tal-Partit (u eventwalment tal-pajjiż) nixtieq insejjaħlu bħala “People’s Labour”; kunċett li jirrifletti dak li għaddej fost il-partiti sħabna fl-Ewropa biex iwieġbu għal realtà komuni għalina lkoll, fl-istess waqt li jkun adattat għaċ-ċirkostanzi tagħna bħala pajjiż. Fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin se nkompli nispjega aħjar kif nixtieq li flimkien, inħaddmu dan il-kunċett.
Illum - 27 ta' April 2008"
It sounds like a good idea, and as Michael says in his comments it's something that's been used in other EU countries. I'm personally not sure how effective it is in creating coherent policy though.
In reality, people hold contradictory views at the same time. Put at it's simplest, people will vote to cut taxes and to increase services (i.e. raise spending). So, we definitely need to hear a few more detials to see exactly when and how this 'open democracy' will apply
Anyway, here's Michael's article ....
"Punt fejn jista’ jkun li waqajna lura meta mqabbla ma’ sħabna s-Soċjalisti Ewropej, huwa fejn jidħol it-tiġdid ta’ l-identità xellugija tagħna. Dan it-tiġdid huwa meħtieġ, biex il-prinċipji li jsawruna jibqgħu rilevanti għall-ħajja politika tal-lum. Bosta partiti xellugin fl-Ewropa, għandhom strutturi miftuħa li kontinwament għaddejjin jistudjaw xejriet ġodda li jridu jagħtu lill-politika tagħhom fit-tħaddim prattiku tagħha. Hija xewqa tiegħi, kemm-il darba nkun maħtur Mexxej tal-Partit Laburista, li anke aħna nibdew proċess simili.
Kemm minn dak li għaddej fl-Ewropa, u kemm minn dak li ħassejt tul il-kampanja elettorali, waqt it-tħabbit bieb bieb għand iċ-ċittadini, pajjiżna jinħtieġ politika li l-mira ewlenija tagħha tkun li tqiegħed liċ-ċittadin fiċ-ċentru ta’ l-agenda politika. Dan jimplika twessiegħ, kemm fl-istanzi tal-konsultazzjoni, imma ukoll, u forsi aktar importanti, fil-proċessi tad-deċizjoni (”empowerment“).
Dan it-twessiegħ irid isir kemm fuq il-livell governattiv u anke fuq dak tal-Partit. Huwa kruċjali li l-poplu jħoss li l-partit qed imexxi ‘l quddiem l-aġenda taċ-ċittadin; li l-partit huwa l-vuċi tal-poplu. Inutli li l-partit ikollu aġenda mżewqa bi proposti tajbin, jekk il-poplu ma jkunx jidentifika ruħu biżżejjed ma’ dawn il-proposti.
Għal dan il-għan inħoss li l-Partit għandu jagħmel riforma importanti fejn f’sensiela ta’ laqgħat miftuha għall-kulhadd, li jsiru perjodikament, jisma’ mingħand il-poplu x’għandu xi jgħid l-istess poplu, kemm dwar il-politika attwali laburista u kemm dwar proposti ġodda. Barra minn hekk, inħoss li wasal iż-żmien, u dan jista’ jseħħ faċilment minħabba d-daqs ta’ pajjiżna, li meta l-Partit jiġi għal deċiżjonijiet ewlenin tal-politika tiegħu, bħal ma kien il-każ tal-politika ewropea laburista, jkun jista’ anke jikkonsidra li jorganizza referendum konsultattiv fost il-membri kollha tiegħu. B’hekk inkunu ċerti, li d-deċiżjoni li nieħdu fl-istrutturi nterni, tkun tirrifletti s-sentimenti ta’ firxa akbar ta’ nies. B’dan il-mod ukoll, il-membri laburisti jkollhom konvinzjoni akbar għax ikollhom “ownership” tal-politika Laburista, meta jiġu biex iwasslu l-messaġġ tal-Partit.
Dan il-ftuh għal sehem akbar mill-poplu fl-agenda politika tal-Partit (u eventwalment tal-pajjiż) nixtieq insejjaħlu bħala “People’s Labour”; kunċett li jirrifletti dak li għaddej fost il-partiti sħabna fl-Ewropa biex iwieġbu għal realtà komuni għalina lkoll, fl-istess waqt li jkun adattat għaċ-ċirkostanzi tagħna bħala pajjiż. Fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin se nkompli nispjega aħjar kif nixtieq li flimkien, inħaddmu dan il-kunċett.
Illum - 27 ta' April 2008"
Tuesday 22 April 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Support Joseph Muscat
You can show your support for Joseph Muscat by leaving a comment here.
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat presents proposals
I also see that Joseph Muscat has launched a new section to his website, focussing specifically on his leadership bid. Among other things it features his own vision for the Labour Party including forty points. As I’m only just back in circulation I haven’t had time to study the proposals. Once I do, I’ll make some comments.
MLP Leadership Contest - Michael Falzon on Facebook
One thing to mention from before I went away was a quick Facebook exchange with Michael Falzon on the very sensitive issue of abortion. Obviously the political consensus in Malta is pro-life and I’ve got nothing against that.
I do worry that the tone with which abortion is discussed could use a little more compassion for women who choose to abort. It seems to me that male dominated Maltese politics doesn’t do enough to help women who for the most part are put into extremely difficult situations by men! Anyway, I’m still waiting for a response on the last point.
That said, I’m sure none of the other candidates would be brave enough to really get stuck in to this type of discussion at the moment.
I do worry that the tone with which abortion is discussed could use a little more compassion for women who choose to abort. It seems to me that male dominated Maltese politics doesn’t do enough to help women who for the most part are put into extremely difficult situations by men! Anyway, I’m still waiting for a response on the last point.
That said, I’m sure none of the other candidates would be brave enough to really get stuck in to this type of discussion at the moment.
MLP Leadership Contest - George Abela launches manifesto
I’ve been away for a few days, taking my first holiday in ages and I confess to not having followed recent developments too quickly. A quick glance around the internet tells me that George Abela has launched his manifesto today. There doesn’t seem to be anything really specific in what I’ve read so far, just a repetition of the broad themes that have already been aired.
Monday 14 April 2008
MLP Leadership Contest – Using new technology
I got a Facebook friend request from Michael Falzon this evening, which of course I accepted. It’s good to see politicians embracing new technology to stay in touch with people. One of the things that really struck me during the election campaign was the amount of online activity the PN were putting out. Hopefully, whoever wins this contest will continue to make the most of the internet to connect with people.
Sunday 13 April 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's Vision for a coaltion of Progressives and Moderates
I know what I like and I like what I hear. Joseph Muscat’s latest article on his website sets out two fundamental truths in politics. It’s essential to have a clear vision and strategy and then you have to work like hell to build a big enough coalition around that vision to get you into power.
It’s good to see that he’s making it very clear that there is a central role for George Abela in an MLP led by him. A coalition of progressives and moderates with a clear agenda for Malta’s role in EU sits very well with my own personal thoughts which I outlined yesterday. Let’s hope on 5 June we can start making this vision a reality.
It’s good to see that he’s making it very clear that there is a central role for George Abela in an MLP led by him. A coalition of progressives and moderates with a clear agenda for Malta’s role in EU sits very well with my own personal thoughts which I outlined yesterday. Let’s hope on 5 June we can start making this vision a reality.
Saturday 12 April 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat on The US Presidential Campaigm
To read Joseph's latest article click here. Guess what? He'd rather Barack Obama became the next US President. Live in hope mate, you know it's going to be John McCain. While the Democracts fight each other to the death, he's going to get stronger and stronger. Obviously, I'm not a great lover of Republicans but I still think I could live with McCain. We'll see.
MLP Leadership Contest - Social Democracy in the 21st Century
It’s been a very hectic week with evenings taken up running around London trying to fit in a million things. Most pressing has been trying to surmount the Curia’s paperwork in order to get things in place for our wedding in Malta in June. You’d never believe how difficult they’d make things for you.
Anyway, moving on. I was up at 6.15 this morning – yes on a Saturday – and headed off to Southend-on-Sea to spend a bit of time canvassing for Labour there with my old mate Kevin Bonavia. How far we’ve come from a small town on a little Mediterranean island. Kev’s going to be Labour’s parliamentary candidate down in Southend at the next general election here. Have the Maltese ever had an MP in the House of Commons? Don’t get too excited though. Southend’s a bit like Sliema. Full of old conservative types most of who would rather sell their daughters than vote Labour. Still, the election after that we might get somewhere!
The train out of Liverpool Street takes about an hour to get to Southend and I took the time to put down a few thoughts on Social Democracy in the 21st Century and how Labour in Malta has failed to redefine it to fit a modern context. This, I feel should be the basis for how we construct a vision for the future.
So, are you ready for a little sermon? There are two interlinked issues which are the greatest challenge for humanity in the next fifty years. These are globalisation and climate change. There is no hiding away from them and Malta is feeling the effects of these forces directly. From more extreme weather to migration and the creation of new jobs needing new skills all of these are directly affecting us in our daily lives.
Now, how are we dealing with these issues? Well, Malta’s entry in to the European Union has for the first time given us a real – albeit small – voice in the decision making process that will actually decide what the world will look like when I’m old and my marbles have long been lost. Having opposed EU entry, the MLP lost the opportunity to put forward a progressive vision of how we use our voice in Europe.
The PN has made a complete hash of the opportunity and has been bogged down with lost of strategically unimportant stuff. But, looking to the future, we need to grasp the fact that solving our local problems in Malta is now, more than ever, a question of solving global issues. Without understanding of the situations facing other countries, the problems that affect us directly are never going to go away.
The only way we can solve these problems is by reenergising the real message of social democracy which has always been about fairness, equal access to opportunity and a commitment to help the weakest in society. In a globalised society, we need to push this message in a global context. It is only by applying our principles in a global context that we can tackle the challenges of climate change as well as economic disparity which is driving so many people to move from their homelands.
Making this link between the global and the local, and presenting the EU as the forum where we can actually contribute to taking the right decisions must be the platform we need to adopt to take the MLP forward and to raise the level of politics in Malta from its current pitiful state. With this overarching view, we can develop a raft of practical policy ideas which effectively help people in Malta to move forward in their lives while at the same time understanding the broader underlying issues.
Anyway, moving on. I was up at 6.15 this morning – yes on a Saturday – and headed off to Southend-on-Sea to spend a bit of time canvassing for Labour there with my old mate Kevin Bonavia. How far we’ve come from a small town on a little Mediterranean island. Kev’s going to be Labour’s parliamentary candidate down in Southend at the next general election here. Have the Maltese ever had an MP in the House of Commons? Don’t get too excited though. Southend’s a bit like Sliema. Full of old conservative types most of who would rather sell their daughters than vote Labour. Still, the election after that we might get somewhere!
The train out of Liverpool Street takes about an hour to get to Southend and I took the time to put down a few thoughts on Social Democracy in the 21st Century and how Labour in Malta has failed to redefine it to fit a modern context. This, I feel should be the basis for how we construct a vision for the future.
So, are you ready for a little sermon? There are two interlinked issues which are the greatest challenge for humanity in the next fifty years. These are globalisation and climate change. There is no hiding away from them and Malta is feeling the effects of these forces directly. From more extreme weather to migration and the creation of new jobs needing new skills all of these are directly affecting us in our daily lives.
Now, how are we dealing with these issues? Well, Malta’s entry in to the European Union has for the first time given us a real – albeit small – voice in the decision making process that will actually decide what the world will look like when I’m old and my marbles have long been lost. Having opposed EU entry, the MLP lost the opportunity to put forward a progressive vision of how we use our voice in Europe.
The PN has made a complete hash of the opportunity and has been bogged down with lost of strategically unimportant stuff. But, looking to the future, we need to grasp the fact that solving our local problems in Malta is now, more than ever, a question of solving global issues. Without understanding of the situations facing other countries, the problems that affect us directly are never going to go away.
The only way we can solve these problems is by reenergising the real message of social democracy which has always been about fairness, equal access to opportunity and a commitment to help the weakest in society. In a globalised society, we need to push this message in a global context. It is only by applying our principles in a global context that we can tackle the challenges of climate change as well as economic disparity which is driving so many people to move from their homelands.
Making this link between the global and the local, and presenting the EU as the forum where we can actually contribute to taking the right decisions must be the platform we need to adopt to take the MLP forward and to raise the level of politics in Malta from its current pitiful state. With this overarching view, we can develop a raft of practical policy ideas which effectively help people in Malta to move forward in their lives while at the same time understanding the broader underlying issues.
Sunday 6 April 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's latest statement on car taxation
Just a quick follow up on my earlier post on the news that the Government is finally acting on amending the car registration tax thanks to a campaign Joseph Muscat has been leading in his role as an MEP. He's put a statement on his website to follow up his article from 31 March which you should read. Now, I would say that wouldn't I?
MLP Leadership Contest - The ban that never was
It seems that the on off media ban that was in place for candidates is now definitely off, if what Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said during her press conference stands up. If the party has now decided to let candidates campaign openly then that’s nothing but a step in the right direction.
The concept of a ban worried me, for the same reasons that Union Print’s decision not to cover George Abela’s candidature worries me. My opinion is that Labour’s problem has not been about policies but about presentation and image. Most of the media is structurally against the MLP. There’s no point moaning about it. You just have to be clever.
The standard Labour needs to achieve in terms of its accountability and transparency is higher than it is for PN. Those are the facts, and maybe in the past there was a good reason for it. We should see this fact not as a problem but an opportunity to really raise our game and to take politics in Malta to a totally different level.
I’m banging the same old drum here. Let’s have a good open debate about where Labour wants to go in the next five, ten years and not only make sure we choose the right man or woman to do the job but also transform the party’s image and make it one that demonstrates beyond any doubt that it is inclusive, open and tolerant.
These are great principles of social democracy and living them will not make us weaker. It will help us lift Maltese politics to another level and help to really become European citizens.
The concept of a ban worried me, for the same reasons that Union Print’s decision not to cover George Abela’s candidature worries me. My opinion is that Labour’s problem has not been about policies but about presentation and image. Most of the media is structurally against the MLP. There’s no point moaning about it. You just have to be clever.
The standard Labour needs to achieve in terms of its accountability and transparency is higher than it is for PN. Those are the facts, and maybe in the past there was a good reason for it. We should see this fact not as a problem but an opportunity to really raise our game and to take politics in Malta to a totally different level.
I’m banging the same old drum here. Let’s have a good open debate about where Labour wants to go in the next five, ten years and not only make sure we choose the right man or woman to do the job but also transform the party’s image and make it one that demonstrates beyond any doubt that it is inclusive, open and tolerant.
These are great principles of social democracy and living them will not make us weaker. It will help us lift Maltese politics to another level and help to really become European citizens.
MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's campaign to reform car tax
Interesting story in today’s Sunday Times about how the new car tax system is going to operate. We all know that the Maltese Government has been breaking EU rules by keeping the exorbitant registration tax and it’s thanks to Joseph Muscat that the current system is finally being reformed.
Of course, those who thought that this would mean cheaper cars are going to be disappointed. The reduction in the upfront cost of cars is going to be offset by a new tax on emissions. Of course, environmental concerns need to be taken into account and the level of traffic congestion needs to be addressed.
If only Tonio Fenech was being honest in his comments about the reasons for the emissions tax. The current pricing structure has not prevented congestion and pollution. The reason for this is clearly the abject failure to invest in public transport.
How much easier it is for the Government to claim its green credentials by taxing us rather than investing in ways to encourage us to use public transport or to car share. It’s just a pathetic excuse and once people realise they are not going to save money on their new car, I’m sure purchase levels will return to pretty much their old levels.
Having made a stand and successfully got the Government to reform taxation on cars, I’m sure Joseph will push on and not only keep the issue in the public eye but also ensure that the dishonest was in which the new tax system is being portrayed is clear to everyone.
Of course, those who thought that this would mean cheaper cars are going to be disappointed. The reduction in the upfront cost of cars is going to be offset by a new tax on emissions. Of course, environmental concerns need to be taken into account and the level of traffic congestion needs to be addressed.
If only Tonio Fenech was being honest in his comments about the reasons for the emissions tax. The current pricing structure has not prevented congestion and pollution. The reason for this is clearly the abject failure to invest in public transport.
How much easier it is for the Government to claim its green credentials by taxing us rather than investing in ways to encourage us to use public transport or to car share. It’s just a pathetic excuse and once people realise they are not going to save money on their new car, I’m sure purchase levels will return to pretty much their old levels.
Having made a stand and successfully got the Government to reform taxation on cars, I’m sure Joseph will push on and not only keep the issue in the public eye but also ensure that the dishonest was in which the new tax system is being portrayed is clear to everyone.
MLP Leadership Contest - Open Debate
I’ve been away for a few days. There’ve been far too many things going on and I simply haven’t had time to post much. Firstly, a quick response to the anonymous post. I’ve got nothing against being critical of George Abela and I think the points made about his behaviour over the past few years are totally fair comment.
But I do feel it’s a case of cutting your nose off to spite your face. If the whole country knows what’s going on, to ignore it just makes you look silly. It reinforces the stereotype that the media in Malta love to give the left – that it is not able to conduct itself maturely.
As far as I’m concerned a newspaper has an obligation to report facts and to show respect to the intelligence of its readers and not treat them like children. If George Abela is not the man to lead Labour – which is obviously what I think – then all his failings will come out in any discussion on the position.
The ample editorial space gives every media the opportunity to discuss the merits, or lack of them, of any candidate. So let’s grow up. Let’s have all the facts reported and let’s give everyone the opportunity to defend their record. In that way, at the end of the race no one can have any complaints and the rest of the media in Malta won’t have so many excuses to portray Labour as a party that is not open to debate.
Anyway, I'll be back later.
But I do feel it’s a case of cutting your nose off to spite your face. If the whole country knows what’s going on, to ignore it just makes you look silly. It reinforces the stereotype that the media in Malta love to give the left – that it is not able to conduct itself maturely.
As far as I’m concerned a newspaper has an obligation to report facts and to show respect to the intelligence of its readers and not treat them like children. If George Abela is not the man to lead Labour – which is obviously what I think – then all his failings will come out in any discussion on the position.
The ample editorial space gives every media the opportunity to discuss the merits, or lack of them, of any candidate. So let’s grow up. Let’s have all the facts reported and let’s give everyone the opportunity to defend their record. In that way, at the end of the race no one can have any complaints and the rest of the media in Malta won’t have so many excuses to portray Labour as a party that is not open to debate.
Anyway, I'll be back later.
Tuesday 1 April 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - The George Abela Interview
Is it a declaration? Or isn't it? Is it a promise of a declaration? Or a holding position to see whether the rules to elect the party leader will be changed to give all members a vote?
George Abela's interview on di-ve actually doesn't leave any doubt. So why are l-orizzont playing silly buggers and not covering him?
I think it's a real shame that at a time when everyone should be looking at the bigger picture of how to create a united party that can really take on the PN, people are already restoring to this type of playground squabbling.
If we can't even do this, how the hell are we going to get people to trust the MLP with the country. And another thing while I'm at it. Why did Jason Micallef have to comment? Whatever his feelings about George Abela - and I'm sure there are many who agree with Jason's point of view - as the CEO overseeing this election he should stay out of it.
We've got two months to discuss how the MLP goes forward and under which leader. There's plenty of time for heated debate and arguments but let's hope the focus stays on how to make the party more relevant to a wider audience rather than turning into an internal squabble.
Lets have huge rows by all means but lets make those rows productive!
In terms of policy, to be honest there wasn't much content in the interview I feel is worth writing about. Sorry!
George Abela's interview on di-ve actually doesn't leave any doubt. So why are l-orizzont playing silly buggers and not covering him?
I think it's a real shame that at a time when everyone should be looking at the bigger picture of how to create a united party that can really take on the PN, people are already restoring to this type of playground squabbling.
If we can't even do this, how the hell are we going to get people to trust the MLP with the country. And another thing while I'm at it. Why did Jason Micallef have to comment? Whatever his feelings about George Abela - and I'm sure there are many who agree with Jason's point of view - as the CEO overseeing this election he should stay out of it.
We've got two months to discuss how the MLP goes forward and under which leader. There's plenty of time for heated debate and arguments but let's hope the focus stays on how to make the party more relevant to a wider audience rather than turning into an internal squabble.
Lets have huge rows by all means but lets make those rows productive!
In terms of policy, to be honest there wasn't much content in the interview I feel is worth writing about. Sorry!
Monday 31 March 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - And then there were three
So now its a three horse race with Evarist Bartolo joining the fray in another shock to the system. All we're waiting for is George Abela and then the list will be complete.
It's still very early days and everyone is being very polite and pretty vague although young Mr Bartolo has been the first to take an open swipe at Alfred Sant, saying that he should have resigned in 2003. No shit Sherlock! There's a revelation for you.
How people position themselves in relation to Dr Sant during all this is going to be fascinating. Some distance will be needed - cue Mr Bartolo's comments and Michael Falzon resurecting the fact that he disagreed with the 1998 election call. But candidates will also need to be careful. Alfred Sant clearly is hugely popular with a lot of Labour supporters and among the party delegates.
As candidates jostle to win over the middle class, the young and the floating voters, they would also do well to remember that their first electoral test lies much closer to home.
It's a difficult balancing act but it's a good first test for anyone wishing to submit themsleves to all the contradictory and yet powerful demands that being Prime Minister brings with it.
It seems to me that the real business is yet to begin with everyone waiting for others to declare their hand. Hopefully as things hot up we'll have a few more things to debate.
It's still very early days and everyone is being very polite and pretty vague although young Mr Bartolo has been the first to take an open swipe at Alfred Sant, saying that he should have resigned in 2003. No shit Sherlock! There's a revelation for you.
How people position themselves in relation to Dr Sant during all this is going to be fascinating. Some distance will be needed - cue Mr Bartolo's comments and Michael Falzon resurecting the fact that he disagreed with the 1998 election call. But candidates will also need to be careful. Alfred Sant clearly is hugely popular with a lot of Labour supporters and among the party delegates.
As candidates jostle to win over the middle class, the young and the floating voters, they would also do well to remember that their first electoral test lies much closer to home.
It's a difficult balancing act but it's a good first test for anyone wishing to submit themsleves to all the contradictory and yet powerful demands that being Prime Minister brings with it.
It seems to me that the real business is yet to begin with everyone waiting for others to declare their hand. Hopefully as things hot up we'll have a few more things to debate.
Sunday 30 March 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - More Online Debate
For more online debate on the Labour Party's quest for a new leader you can also check out this blog
MLP Leadership Contest - Michael Falzon Joins Race
Michael Falzon's decision to join the contest for MLP leadership is no surprise and to be honest I'm pleased he's taken this step. I've got a lot of time for him and think he's going to make a fine MP.
I'm not sure though about how politicians who are already associated with failure are perceived by the public. I'm clear in my mind that you can't blame him for past MLP electoral defeats but he was very obviously close to the centre and I do think that will be a disadvantage.
I also feel that as yet he hasn't been very clear in what his political vision is. We have had more words on the subject of inclusion but I don't think he has articulated very clearly where he wants Malta to head.
Obviously there's a long road ahead and over the next two months as we get a clearer idea of how things are going to evolve we'll be hearing a lot more on what all the candidates think. What is really positive is that the contest is going to be between high quality candidates. This should mean a good debate about how the Labour Party should move forward and the emergence of a leader with the ability to effectively challenge the Nationalists. Lets hope so anyway.
I'm not sure though about how politicians who are already associated with failure are perceived by the public. I'm clear in my mind that you can't blame him for past MLP electoral defeats but he was very obviously close to the centre and I do think that will be a disadvantage.
I also feel that as yet he hasn't been very clear in what his political vision is. We have had more words on the subject of inclusion but I don't think he has articulated very clearly where he wants Malta to head.
Obviously there's a long road ahead and over the next two months as we get a clearer idea of how things are going to evolve we'll be hearing a lot more on what all the candidates think. What is really positive is that the contest is going to be between high quality candidates. This should mean a good debate about how the Labour Party should move forward and the emergence of a leader with the ability to effectively challenge the Nationalists. Lets hope so anyway.
Saturday 29 March 2008
MLP Leadership Contest - Spring follows Winter
Talk is cheap of course. When I read Joseph's vision for the MLP with its's focus on bringing people with innovative and progressive ideas but who haven't felt comfortable with the party, the need to attract younger people to Labour, and the focus on the environemnt I do find myself nodding with approval. Spring following winter?
The positioning of the message is set very much within the narrative of European social democracy over the past 10 to 15 years following the lead of Tony Blair and Gerhard Schroder. The Blairite vision of social democracy is a damaged brand these days - criticised for realying on too much PR and perhaps fatally undone by the decsion to go to war in Iraq.
But was the vision so bad? I lived in the UK for most of the 1990s and though it's difficult to remember things clearly the country has for the most part been transformed for the better by Labour. At it's heart the new Labour message was a strong and powerful one. We must reward people who work hard, who innovate, who generate wealth. But we must also have a heart. The Government's role must be to protect the vulnerable - and that doesn't just mean people, it means the environemnt as well, and yes - to use a good old socilaist phrase - redistribute wealth to create a fairer society. Not through increasing taxation but through increasing wealth and targeting Government spending where it is most needed.
In Malta I have always felt that Labour has failed to fully take this message on board and to articulate it in a way people, particularly the young can embrace it. Joseph will need to be careful going forward in the way he puts his message across. It's easy to be attacked for being all nice words but no substance. I've always felt the opposite to be true - that if you can deliver a clear and compelling vision it's because you've really thought about it and believe it.
When those attacks come from those who don't believe you can be idealistic about the future of our society, at least Joseph will have some substantive work back up his talk. After all, he's the only MEP whose bothered to do any work for us Maltese over the past few years.
The positioning of the message is set very much within the narrative of European social democracy over the past 10 to 15 years following the lead of Tony Blair and Gerhard Schroder. The Blairite vision of social democracy is a damaged brand these days - criticised for realying on too much PR and perhaps fatally undone by the decsion to go to war in Iraq.
But was the vision so bad? I lived in the UK for most of the 1990s and though it's difficult to remember things clearly the country has for the most part been transformed for the better by Labour. At it's heart the new Labour message was a strong and powerful one. We must reward people who work hard, who innovate, who generate wealth. But we must also have a heart. The Government's role must be to protect the vulnerable - and that doesn't just mean people, it means the environemnt as well, and yes - to use a good old socilaist phrase - redistribute wealth to create a fairer society. Not through increasing taxation but through increasing wealth and targeting Government spending where it is most needed.
In Malta I have always felt that Labour has failed to fully take this message on board and to articulate it in a way people, particularly the young can embrace it. Joseph will need to be careful going forward in the way he puts his message across. It's easy to be attacked for being all nice words but no substance. I've always felt the opposite to be true - that if you can deliver a clear and compelling vision it's because you've really thought about it and believe it.
When those attacks come from those who don't believe you can be idealistic about the future of our society, at least Joseph will have some substantive work back up his talk. After all, he's the only MEP whose bothered to do any work for us Maltese over the past few years.
Wednesday 26 March 2008
Why do it?
Why start a blog to support Joseph Muscat's bid to lead the Labour Party? Well, there are a few reasons. First and foremost, I am - and always have been - a social democrat. But, I have also rarely - if ever - been happy with the way the Labour Party has thought and acted over the years.
In Joseph I finally see someone who can lead the Labour Party out of the shadow of its past and commit it to a truly modern social democratic vision. That, to me means that people have all the opportunity to succeed and fulfil their potential and are rewarded on merit while at the same time ensuring dignity for all human beings - and when I say all I mean all, regardles of age, race, religion, gender, sexuality etc!
I stand to be proved wrong but I think this is a great opportunity for Maltese politics in general to move forward - to be more mature, inclusive and tolerant. More importantly it gives those of us who have always believed in modern progressive politics the opportunity to finally fing a home in the Malta Labour Party.
In Joseph I finally see someone who can lead the Labour Party out of the shadow of its past and commit it to a truly modern social democratic vision. That, to me means that people have all the opportunity to succeed and fulfil their potential and are rewarded on merit while at the same time ensuring dignity for all human beings - and when I say all I mean all, regardles of age, race, religion, gender, sexuality etc!
I stand to be proved wrong but I think this is a great opportunity for Maltese politics in general to move forward - to be more mature, inclusive and tolerant. More importantly it gives those of us who have always believed in modern progressive politics the opportunity to finally fing a home in the Malta Labour Party.
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