People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. These words, of Nelson Mandela. are not simply a reminder of the grave mistakes of the past, but have contemporary relevance.

The ex and freshly failed Opposition Leader contender Adrian Delia used the word tkexkix to refer to the number of foreigners in Malta.

The Maltese language is a very expressive one, and this phonetic word in particular signifies extreme fear. The closest synonym in the English Language would be ‘it gives you chills’.

Nelson Mandela’s quote attributes the spread of negative emotions on the basis of race, culture or creed to a lack of, or improper education. In simpler words, Mandela’s view is that racism is taught, and that society in general or politicians have the option to either teach hatred, or spread politics based on love. With the latter being much easier as it comes naturally to the human being.

Politicians have a great responsibility to measure their words, as these may influence thousands, and those politicians that for whichever populistic intent use their words irresponsibly, are very dangerous men.

And society will hold them to judgment.

Moreover, in addition to the above very serious considerations that should put any politician that engages in such discourse to shame, Adrian Delia is the Opposition’s Spokesperson for Finance.

What is his behaviour signalling to Malta’s diverse business community? To the thousands of Maltese workers that are gainfully employed in foreign managed companies? To all those Maltese people, that either through familial relationships or work, share their daily lives with foreigners. What is this signaling to all those who’s most basic needs are provided by foreigners? How do his ideas tally with his leader’s proposal to significantly increase imported labour to implement the 4 day week concept?

Brace yourselves, because a political party of the sort will give you chills.