Maltese politics explained
Blue, red and a little bit of green
Every five years, as soon as the general elections approach, the Maltese Islands go crazy. You can smell the turmoil in the air – and hear it too. Not only on the 8pm news, but also at the kazin, at the grocery store, in the village square, on the bus, in church, wherever. And everyone has something to say, and everyone is sure they’re right. Actually no, they’re sure that their party is right, while the others, ah, they got it all wrong.
It’s probably time to tell you that for a long time Malta has been split almost exactly in half by Labourites and Nationalists; while a tiny group of greens and uninterested ones fill the gap. Each main party has numerous enthusiasts, who will go very far to ensure that their party, and their idols, win.
From months before, canvassers start organizing pompous events – concerts, parties, coffee mornings and what not, to tell the public that this particular doctor or lawyer deserves a seat in parliament; and the loyalists, after listening to the speech of the politician-to-be and drink the free wine offered, cheer and promise him their vote.
In the months before, mass rallies every Sunday afternoon gather thousands of people harmoniously chanting “Gonzi, Gonzi” or “the only way is up... Labour”. Both parties are sure that they’re going to win, and you can hear that in the speeches of the political leaders. You’d hear them say: In a few months, we’ll create prosperity and Malta’s going to be a heaven – but no, if the others win, it’s going to be a huge disaster.
And then the crowd goes wild, honking horns while dancing to the party’s election anthem, waving flags and downing beer bottles. In an atmosphere that resembles that of football fans whose team has just won the World Cup.
As the election date draws closer..
It goes on like this until the last few days before the election, where the bubble of excitement builds up, almost bursting.
On the eve of the big day, there is a pause in the propaganda so that people can reflect on their choices, while those directly involved can catch up a bit on their sleeping before the arduous task of counting the votes. After around fourteen long hours after the end of elections, the first indications of the results are out. Everyone is stuck in front of the TV screen watching the latest developments. And while one half of Malta goes wildly around the island in a celebratory mood, the other half, together with the greens, quietly go home and drink lemon tea. And pray god to protect them from whatever’s coming.