During a recent broadcast on the Nationalist Party’s radio station, 101, a listener proposed a dangerous idea to tackle Malta’s traffic problems: by creating deliberate obstructions to traffic flow.

If this isn’t bad enough, the presenter, Simon Cassar, a member of Bernard Grech’s communications team, not only failed to condemn the suggestion but appeared to welcome it, thanking the listener for their input.

This is highly alarming. The proposal, which involves hindering the free flow of traffic through methods such as unauthorised road closures or obstructing public transport routes, flies in the face of Malta’s traffic laws. Such actions carry a fine of €104.82, reflecting the severity of disrupting traffic flow and public safety.

Chapter 65 of the Laws of Malta, the Traffic Regulation Ordinance. While this is the most obvious legal citation applicable in such cases, it is by no means the only one. Broader principles and laws about decent behaviour and civic responsibility also prohibit such reckless and disruptive actions.

Yet, during the broadcast, there was no effort made to discourage this unlawful suggestion or to highlight its implications on road safety, public transport users, and daily commuters.

Adding to the troubling scenario, the silence of the Nationalist Party’s caretaker Secretary General, Michael Piccinino, who was present during the discussion, says a lot. His failure to intervene and denounce such an idea has been perceived by many as tacit approval, further cementing the party’s disconnection from responsible governance and adherence to the rule of law.

This incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the ethics of a political party allowing such irresponsible suggestions to go unchecked on their platform. Encouraging or even failing to condemn actions that obstruct traffic does not only threaten public safety but also undermines the efforts of law enforcement and transport authorities who work tirelessly to maintain order on the roads.

The proposed actions, which include obstructing buses and priority lanes, would wreak havoc on Malta’s already busy roads, affecting thousands of commuters and public transport users. Public safety, convenience, and the economy all depend on a reliable and efficient transport network. Deliberately creating chaos for political gain or public dissatisfaction would be a reckless and harmful strategy.

This is not the first time the Nationalist Party has been associated with controversial or disruptive rhetoric. Figures like Godfrey Leone Ganado, known for his extreme views, have previously called for actions that would harm the country in the hope of discrediting the government. This pattern of instigating divisive or destructive behaviour raises serious questions about the party’s priorities and leadership.

As Malta faces modern-day challenges in managing traffic and improving infrastructure, responsible political dialogue and action are paramount. Public figures and political parties have a duty to guide citizens toward lawful, constructive solutions rather than entertaining suggestions that would exacerbate existing realities.

The Nationalist Party must address this incident, denouncing the suggestion and taking a firm stance against any actions that would encourage lawbreaking.

Malta deserves better than political gamesmanship at the expense of public safety.