To privatize or not to privatize?

It can be agreed that the turn of the 21st century has confirmed Malta to be one the newest socialist states in Europe. After the era of Mintoff in the 1970s which swayed away from the colonial times under the British Empire, his party focused on bettering diplomatic ties with the other socialist and communist countries of the world, with special focus being put on the Soviet Union and North Korea. Mintoff sought to reduce the influence of the British and NATO and expanded on the public sector and the welfare state, something which was required after the decreasing importance of the dockyard would greatly affect the Maltese population. Despite his conservative ideologies, the socialist Labour Party also managed to introduce civil marriage, decriminalized homosexuality and adultery. The rising political crisis led to Mintoff's resignation in 1984 and although, many look on this era as a period of uncertainty and frequent emigrations, the base of a socialist state started during this era and has now flourished into a secure state which can identify itself as 'socialist'.

However, one of the main issues that has come with this tag is the issue of privatization. The recent threats from the staff of the Air Malta to strike has re-kindled the issue and the constant threats are worrying potential investors and steering them away. After all, nobody wants to invest in an insecure company. Although Joseph Muscat has denied reports of the possible privatization  of the airline, his defiant attitude may end up harming his reputation if the airline reports another huge loss and is forced to reduce its workforce again. 

Another possible target for privatization is the national hospital which is currently free for all Maltese citizens and European Union citizens. Although it can be agreed that having free healthcare is a big relief for families whose lives have been troubled by constant medical related issues while countries such as the USA charge families exorbitant fees for medical procedures which often leaves families in financial disarray. However, one must look at the other side of the coin and sympathize with the doctors and nurses at the hospital. Low wages, long working hours and poor conditions have made the lives of medical practitioners a living hell and the only solution is to either work with a private hospital or move abroad. The price of medical technologies keeps on rising due to their improving abilities and thus, the taxes of the Maltese population will have to rise to keep up. 

The public needs to be made transparently aware that privatization of health could come at a cost and that it will erode the key principle upon which state health services in Malta were founded

In conclusion, it may go against the Maltese principles to privatize a national institution and a rapid change would possibly be a death blow for many families who suffer from medical issues or business people whose job relies on them travelling all the time and many wonder whether the decisions of the past will end up harming the nation unintentionally.