Robert Abela In Six Weeks: ‘I Shouldn’t Have Called The Magistrate A Terrorist’
You have to wonder whether in six weeks’ time Robert Abela will apologise for implying the magistrate who concluded an investigation into Joseph Muscat is a terrorist.
“I should have acted more like a Prime Minister,” Abela would probably say, in the low-octave voice he reserves for U-turns.
But by then, it might be too late.
By then, Muscat loyalists may decide to storm the courts as Muscat is being arraigned.
Or a hothead who recognises the magistrate from photos published on Labour channels could attempt to attack her.
Labour supporters who believe they are victims of “political terrorism” may leave a frenzied mass meeting to go heckle the police headquarters and try destroy the 78 boxes of evidence collected over four years.
And even if it doesn’t happen so dramatically, other consequences will be felt.
Normal citizens would probably have already started quoting Abela whenever they are in court, treating members of the judiciary like Maltese racists treat bus drivers.
The European Parliament would have already voted to censure the Prime Minister for his comments.
Abela’s comments would certainly have already been quoted in diplomatic cables around the world and New York Times articles about Muscat’s arraignment.
Investors who were about to choose Malta would probably second guess their move for fear of the political instability Abela is creating.
People at Moneyval may even start wondering whether Malta should be greylisted again.
Labour’s most Muscat-controlled candidates would have already been elected to the European Parliament and local councils.
Labour officials who believe in separation of powers, democratic norms and the rule of law would have already started planning their exit from the party.
The few remaining bright young people of Malta will probably finally make up their minds to leave the island for good.
And Robert Abela would have probably already taken another dangerous stand for short-term political gain that he’d need to roll back.
If only our Prime Minister actually learnt from his mistakes (and those of his predecessor).
All Abela needed to do here was let the court do its job, let Muscat defend himself, and focus his own energy on getting his best candidates elected on 8th June.
Instead, he’s given us another pathetic tantrum and has once again bound Labour (and Malta) to Joseph Muscat’s fate.
Eight years on from the Panama Papers scandal, and here we are back in an all-too-familiar abyss.