Prime Minister Robert Abela continued his partisan campaign on defence and national security by reiterating that Malta would not op-in the ReArm Europe programme and said that Malta was “an economy of peace”.
By “economy of peace”, the Prime Minister implies an economy without a defence industry and a state without a national defence and security policy. Neutrality does not guarantee defence, and the Prime Minister’s argument is entirely rhetorical made in the context of partisan politics. There is nothing of the sort called “an economy of peace”. The Maltese state cannot continue in a situation where its military bases are being robbed by young criminals, and such incidents are deemed acceptable. This is not just an isolated case of state failure, but rather a symptom of the state’s total dysfunction brought by the constant and regular criminality and abuse of power by successive Labour governments and politicians. Everything is being torn down including the most sensitive aspects of the state such as security and defence.
An honest and intelligent discussion about defence and national security is needed, but this is not taking place under a Labour leadership. This should not be a partisan issue. Clearly the Prime Minister is not being honest about defence and this shows great lack of immaturity and incredible recklessness.
No one expects the government to be transparent on defence. This is not the culture or educational sector, and the government doesn’t need to outline its defence plans in public: this is why there should be bicameral consensus on these matters through the national security committee. What is a prerequisite, however, is honesty which would also be the key to build some trust: currently lacking to a serious degree.
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