Winning is not the only thing that matters

In summer, temperatures are most certainly high. Amid the village festas, attended to by droves of eager people, the marketing strategies of politicians are at full swing. Photos are taken, and politicians smile with members of a festive crowd,  together with their bottles or cans of beer. Politicians know that it is important to be seen, that they make people feel that they are one of them. And, maybe then, or possibly only then they will be voted for by some who are only interested in being part of an "us" against "them" dichotomy, a mentality that has been marring our political culture for decades. This is what brings politicians to act is this way, and I do not blame them for doing so, especially when considering the parochial culture that we are living in. Even well meaning politicians, who are many, need to entice this parochial mentality, if they are to make any headway in their political careers. Political parties are no different to football clubs for this tribal element in Maltese society. Politics is discussed over beers in kazini by rowdy and intoxicated macho men, whose idea of what is good for them and their country is somewhat limited to how certain political decisions have effected them in their daily lives, without them even considering the whole picture, such as, for example, the common good which is so important to sound politics. To add to this, their more generic political approach will be about how bad immigration is for our country, with all the racist bigotry that goes with drunken behaviour, but as they say "vino veritas", intoxication does tell some of the truths about things in this country. Maltese politic's future is being discussed in this scenario, a fertile ground for the worst kind of populist politics. And, this is because a distinction is not being made between a bit of summer entertainment like the local festa or good of football match, which I've got nothing against and even enjoy, and politics that should go beyond the kazin bickering and the drunken men. Winning at all costs is what really matters for a crowd that loves to celebrate their superiority to that of the kazin on the other side of the road. But, this should not apply to politics. Winning is not the only thing that matters in politics, as politics is what effects  people's lives beyond the pique coming out of populism. Moreover, the most incompatible aspect that one may find in the festa to that of politics is that for the former it is not enough only to win, but also to enjoy your adversary's disappointment. With this mentality, it is useless winning if there is no other side with their heads hanging downwards in exacerbation or shame. On the other hand, politics it is about bringing people together for the good of society and the country, not punishing your adversary. Yet it is the mentality of pique that people want, and it is this that politicians have to face and cater for when campaigning amid the stench of beer and whiskey in the "marc ta' filghodu". Politicians need to cater for a tribal mentality, without becoming the kind of populist who does more harm than good to national politics. However, there is a very thin line between being close to the people and being an outright populist.

As amid this festiveness, the fireworks, and the excesses that go with them, lurking in the crowds are those who deem power attractive, and who are willing to do what is needed to gain it when the opportunity arises. Many times, this is because that is what boosts their already inflated ego. These are many times outsiders to political parties, and the political game, but might be presidents of the local kazin. They come out of the woodwork of a tribal mentality, and say things that the tribesman or  tribeswoman want to here, or find attractive. Promises that victory is certain if they are made the tribal chief is rife, conveyed to the festive crowd in a rhetoric that is as colorful and as load as the fireworks and brass bands so typical of a festive climate. That is what these kind of people are good at and the crowds want it. The crowd promotes the president of their football club to become Leader of the Opposition, even without the necessary political experience to go with it. However, experience in politics is what really and truly matters, not running a football club, which is a different sort of enterprise altogether. Populism promotes these kinds of pseudo-politicians who go with the flow, project themselves as one of them or us, as accessible blokes with a can of beer and a load demeanor, with no substance to go with it.  This is empowering for some i.e. that is what makes the non-discerning crowd feel empowered. The crowd believes that having "one-of-us" will  mean that their voices are heard, that problems are solved, and that they will all live happily ever after, and also possibly have a bite at the cherry when the opportunity arises. Yet this is far from what really happens in this kind of situation. People will be disappointed. I am sure about it.

Unfortunately, this kind of populism does not work, and leaves people with far less than what they expect or hope for. A politician is no Father Christmas, who dishes out gifts for all those who have been good disciples. There is more to politics than a football or band club. Moreover, it is not only about winning in politics, as politics is also about guaranteeing that people live their lives freely, without the need of a demigod who looks as modest as one may get, albeit his grandeur is there for all of us to see. There is a big difference between local tradition which is fine, and a politics that has become more sophisticated and demanding than ever before, especially since we've joined the EU. We need a clear-headed leadership in the PN that goes beyond songs that sing the praises of the "l-avukat ta' klassi" who will rid the party of the "klikkek" in Dar Centrali, klikkek that by the way are anything but true. We need a leader who was there when we were fighting corruption during the past 4 years, against a government deemed as the most corrupt our country has ever had. The PN does not need a leader who has decided that he wants to become the Leader of the Opposition just two months ago, without the necessary experience. Here, we are considering the future of our party as well as the democracy of our county, not whether one kazin in better than the other. We need experience. We need Chris Said to be our leader.