In Malta the more things change the more they stay the same. The paradox is evident in the convulsions now being felt, over the island's prospects of becoming an integral part of Europe. The interplay is nothing more nor less than a cyclical historic repetition of Malta's evolution into a nation suffering from deep political fissures, forced upon it by external pressures. In the absence of moderation, an incomprehensive bi-polar party loyalty transcends logic. As a dire consequence crucial stakes involved towards deciding a particular issue of national importance are often overshadowed by mundane side disputes.
Without delving into statistical ratios of past referenda on the questions of Malta's acrimonious bid to integrate with Britain, and its subsequent vote for full independence, it is a fact that neither major consideration was ever settled by a plurality of eligible voters. The Maltese seem to be more preoccupied with facing day-to-day decisions, concerning their families' welfare and the price of fresh bread, than they care to worry over propositions which impact Malta's standing within the world community. The parochial attitude of circling the wagons in defense formation against hostile Indians, has served well to isolate the island's inhabitants against perceived greater threats from a larger world. The margin of safety gained in holding on to the familiar, unfortunately extracts a heavy price by promoting insularity and negative attitudes towards broad social progress attained elsewhere within western civilization. In an increasingly fast changing world where competition and technical knowledge reign supreme the desire to go it alone amounts to tantamount suicide.
For all that is pronounced in favor or against unification with Europe, the underlying suspicion of hidden agendas to rob Malta of its identity and culture might ultimately jeopardize its future. That this has in fact not happened with other smaller EU nations in significant ways seems to have little or no impact on the paranoid Maltese. Paradoxically the same external forces, which helped shape Malta over the millennia, are once again churning with accelerated momentum. These influences, which buffeted our shores through direct foreign military occupation, or indirectly via cultural exposure since time immemorial, are once again at play. Each successive wave of intervention brought with it incremented changes, which helped, shape the profile of Malta and its inhabitants. This is true with the origins of our native language, the bloodline of its citizens, and the abiding faith of its people for the Catholic faith.
The same dynamics are evident with the evolution of Malta as a prospective member within the EU. Towards this accomplishment Malta will objectively have limited say in the formulation of its historic destiny, much as has been the case in years past. By virtue of size and geography, and an endless pattern of being carried away by the rise and fall of Europe's political fortunes and misfortunes, Malta has no viable alternative than to be devoured by a bigger predatory fish. It might well escape an initial attempt to be swallowed for breakfast, but in the end its fate as fillet mignon is pre-ordained. For those who argue that Malta is of little or no value to the EU in an age of nuclear confrontations, let it be said that future conflicts are more likely to be fought in limited local arrangements with conventional weapons. This being the case Malta offers Europe an important extension of territorial waters to the edge of Africa and Asia Minor, as well as full control over the entire Mediterranean littoral.
No equation on local Maltese politics is complete without taking into account the position of the Catholic Church, in its attitude towards European integration. For countless centuries a stronghold of Maltese morality, and deeply embedded in rock solid spiritual beliefs, the church for better or worst, remains a strong power to reckon with. Increasingly challenged from within by Maltese youth who wish to emulate more liberal secular attitudes adopted from abroad, particularly American, local ecclesial authorities are now confronted by a more formidable opponent which demands basic changes to the legal system allowing for divorce, co-habitation, abortion on demand, and other standards of behavior enforced collectively by EU member states. The ideological rift further widens with Western Europe's democratic concept, which demands clear separation between state and church. The probable consequences might result in a major shift of power and status away from the church, enough so to alter the composition and enforcement of religious schools and teaching of religion in public institutions. The declaration of Catholicism as Malta's state religion will have to be abrogated. In the process the role and influence of the Curia will greatly diminish.
Other prominent Catholic EU member states, particularly Southern European countries and Ireland have risen to the challenge and thrived under the new rules. They moved forward in large part because they were resolute in affecting an accommodation with stronger market forces they could not overcome. In the end they prospered as never before, in ways of adding to the national wealth and well being of their people. If larger nations saw fit to bite the bullet and subdue selfish interests, in return for greater affluence in partnership with the EU, then Malta can likewise shed off its heavy mantle of antiquated ideologies and become the better for it. What this proposition means in practical terms is for the church, trade unions, civil servants, farmers, businessmen, et al., to expect less protection from the government for goods and services they provide, in exchange for a more competitive open market, driven solely by the forces of supply and demand. Clearly a few will suffer when deprived of "benevolent" socialism with its imposition of unfair import tariffs, quotas and government subsidies, which encourage mediocrity. But the nation at large will gain through the elimination of the stifling status quo.
Malta would do well to think of the EU as a rose with thorns, rather than thorns with a rose. Better to see a glass full than half empty. Perception plays a crucial role in people's minds, as is clearly evident by the wise aphorisms. Malta's political establishments need to prepare its people for the proposed referendum, so that complex issues are presented to the public in plain simple text, an average citizen can grasp before voting on so critical a decision. The voters must be made aware of internal and external forces, which are factored within the offer, even at the risk of hurting Maltese pride and ego. The people deserve nothing less than an unbiased official representation of the opportunities and shortcomings, which come with being part of a greater Europe. Che sara, sara.
E-mail to Joseph Vella: vellajoseph@msn.net
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