Malta’s Entitled Voters: A Blessing or a Curse?

Voting in the Rain: A Tale of Two Elections

On a drizzly 3rd June, 2017, Malta’s voters braved the rain to cast their ballots. The queues were long, but spirits were high. Among them was Joseph Muscat, then Opposition Leader, now former Prime Minister. His face, wet and determined, was a snapshot of that day’s resolve. Little did he know, this election would mark the beginning of a political journey that would both empower and entrap him.

From Opposition to Power

Muscat’s Labour Party won by a landslide, securing a historic majority. The new Prime Minister promised a ‘new way of doing politics’. He delivered, in more ways than one. He opened up government, engaging directly with citizens via social media. He pushed through reforms, from marriage equality to the controversial IIIP (Individual Investor Programme). But with power came expectation. Voters, feeling heard and empowered, began to demand more, to hold him more accountable.

Entitled Voters, Shackled Leaders

Malta’s voters, once passive, are now active participants. They’re vocal, they’re critical, and they’re entitled. They expect results, and they expect them now. Muscat, once the darling of the people, found himself shackled by their expectations. He couldn’t please everyone, and the backlash was swift and fierce. From protests against IIIP to criticism over Caruana Galizia’s murder, the pressure mounted.

But it’s not just Muscat. Other leaders, too, feel the weight of entitled voters. Take Adrian Delia, PN Leader. He’s faced constant criticism, even from within his own party. His response? A ‘no tolerance’ policy towards dissent. It’s a sign of the times – leaders, once revered, are now held accountable, sometimes to a fault.

A Breaking Point

Last year, Muscat announced his resignation. The pressure had become too much. His successor, Robert Abela, promised a fresh start. But the voters aren’t satisfied. They want change, real change. They want leaders who listen, who act, who deliver. They want leaders who understand that power is a privilege, not a right.

So, where do we go from here? Can our leaders meet the expectations of their entitled voters? Can our voters understand the complexities of leadership? . But one thing’s for sure – Maltese politics will never be the same again.

“Politics is about the art of the possible,” said Muscat in his resignation speech. It’s a sentiment echoed by many leaders, past and present. But in Malta today, the art of the possible is being redefined. It’s no longer about what’s possible, but what’s necessary. And that’s a challenge for every leader, every voter, every one of us.