The 2019 MEP elections may have given another strong message to the PN but also to the PL who needs to evaluate various matters as described in an article on this portal by Giselle Scicluna. However, it also rings a few alarm bells for Malta which are very concerning.

Given the state in which the PN is, Malta has currently no strong alternative Government. This as per previous article is the result of a visionless party since 2004 and Gonzi team who acted as has been described in previous articles.

While the PN is trying to find its soul, Joseph Muscat has on more occasions stated that he will not be seeking re-election as a Prime Minister next General Election. Recently he added that his contribution to the Party will not finish abruptly. His statement for no re-election has created a leadership race within the Party. One of the major risks for a Party is to do this while in Government. Malta went through it in 2004 with the PN electing the wrong leader and we have seen the consequences “and thank you very much”

I believe that Joseph Muscat will not resign as Prime Minister before the end of the legislature but he may probably resign as Party Leader to give the new entrant a chance to gear up momentum which is a more sensible approach than that done by Fenech Adami in 2003/4. However, the concern is that it does not seem that there is a leader that will carry the PL with the same momentum as under Joseph Muscat. The contenders so far have not demonstrated any particular edge. Whilst Joseph Muscat election as leader was very much obvious this time round this is not the case. It is clearly dividing the PL delegates and there seems to be a dirty campaign going on albeit no one admits it.

If the PL, at this delicate time in Malta enters into a mega internal battle that is not handled maturely than Malta heads for trouble. Non existent opposition and non convincing and divided  Government would be the result in a moment where unity , vision and clear direction are necessary more than ever before.

In this context, and no need for useless petitions, Joseph Muscat should consider whether in the best interest of Malta he should extend his stay or he should find a strategy how to control the internal war that seems to have started within the PL.  He did clean ups before so we may be up to a surprise shortly.