Today, the Nationalist Party held a protest attended only by its most dedicated activists and some loyal supporters, marking 12 years of uninterrupted opposition with an event that can only be described as an elaborate display of frustration. The gathering, which took place in Valletta, was not so much a protest as it was a theatrical reenactment of their electoral misfortunes, featuring speeches, placards, and their evident existential crisis.

The protest lacked a true narrative. Protestors chanted generic slogans, such as the need for change, which was also mentioned in their leader’s speech, conveniently forgetting that change is what got them here in the first place. It was more of a protest against the people’s will to chose the government they want.

The fact that the PN says that the country needs a change in direction, does not mean that they can lead the way. Some even held signs that read “The Government has failed us!”, though the government seems to be working just fine for everyone else.

The PN’s current leader (one of them) addressed the crowd, offering a rousing speech making, for the umpteenth time, vague promises of an imminent resurgence – whenever that may be. However, with multiple power players pulling the strings behind the scenes, it remains unclear who is actually steering the ship. As the saying goes, too many cooks spoil the broth, and in PN’s case, the broth has been simmering for 12 years, with no sign of anything ever being served.

As the PN faithful dispersed, their spirits remained high despite the odds. After all, hope is a wonderful thing, and with no real electoral prospects in sight, it seems to be the only thing keeping them going.