Why the environment will not be an electoral issue

Abstract

Malta is currently bracing itself for the periodic state of suspended animation known as an electoral campaign when even the most level-headed citizens of the country lose their marbles in their quest for a seat in Parliament. A few weeks ago, Reno Bugeja, who hosts Dissett on the national TV station, quizzed his guests about whether the environment would feature as one of the main electoral issues. Frankly, I would have replied with an outright “no”, especially considering several events that have unfolded over the past few days. Firstly, there was the faux pas by Nationalist MP Tony Bezzina, which has done untold damage to the PN’s fledgling green credentials coming in the immediate aftermath of the launch of the party’s new environmental policy.