Editorial | Momentum of change must not slow down

This leader argued earlier this month that whoever won the Labour leadership race would need to take concrete action to address rule of law and good governance failings.

We insisted that whoever became prime minister had to do so with vigour and commitment to send the right messages domestically and overseas.

The appointment of a new prime minister was only the start of a process required to start healing this nation’s wounds.

Robert Abela did not lose time. He took the bull by the horns and his first decisions have reflected a determination to address the wrongs that hounded his predecessor’s administration.

We join the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Enterprise in expressing cautious optimism in the wake of decisions taken over the past week that have sent positive signals.

Abela’s decision to include good governance as part of the justice minister’s portfolio may appear cosmetic but it also shows resolve at addressing the recommendations made by international bodies to improve the situation in Malta.

Abela’s administration appears to have hit the ground running and this is important to ensure that normality returns to the country. It must not be a false normality but one where the wrongs are righted and the changes that need to be done are actioned.

The first promising signs are there. This is a welcome breath of fresh air for society and the business community. Acting quickly to restore trust was important.

Investment requires certainty and part of this is the assurance that the justice system works and good governance prevails. This is important to ensure a level playing field.

Certainty and normality also breed consumer confidence that is at the heart of business success. Consumer confidence waned in December as a result of the shocking developments in the country.

Hopefully, consumer and business confidence will pick up quick enough to make up for the December shortfall. Within an uncertain international environment, the economy can hardly afford self-inflicted shocks.

A Eurobarometer survey on corruption released at the turn of the year painted a worrying picture of Malta. The results showed that 60% of CEOs and business leaders interviewed for the exercise believed that corruption was a problem on the island.

Maltese businesses were the second most likely in Europe to see corruption as a problem in their country.

Changing this perception is crucial, which is why the momentum of change started by Abela must not slow down.

The Prime Minister must also take on board the pledge made by Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia to have a register of meetings with lobbyists and make it a government-wide commitment. This will enhance transparency.

Clear standards must also be in place to ensure elected officials and people in top positions in the public service avoid potential conflicts of interest, not least if they have personal business interests.

Having a healthy line of communication between the business community and people in power is necessary but that line must be governed by a clear understanding of what is acceptable and not.

This leader agrees with what Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo said on the day he was sworn in: that going abroad to push for Malta’s good name in international fora depended on the actions taken domestically to address the problems.

The glimmer of hope that has returned must be nurtured and every effort must be made not to snuff it out.