Progress and Time: directly proportional?

Many take it for granted that progress and time are directly related. Put in simpler terms: as years go by the world progresses to the better. But an accurate and critical look at the world history proves otherwise.

If we look at the Dark Ages, for instance, we quickly come to the conclusion that progress does not always follow a linear trajectory. In fact Wikipedia defines this period as "the concept of a period of intellectual darkness and economic regression that occurred in Europe following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire." The same conclusion is reached after studying the history of primary schooling in Malta. The late 19th century, was characterised by the language question (il-kwistjoni tal-lingwa). Many argue that during this period, instead of moving in a steady linear trajectory, progress in primary schooling was moving in circles, mainly due to the continuous changing of the type of Maltese alphabet taught at school. Similarly a study of the history of Mediterranean countries, especially the MENA (Middle-East and North Africa) region, reveals the negative effect on their progress the colonisation process and the Cold War have had.

Looking into the economic history, we also encounter periods of progressing in circles if not even regression. Every recession, in fact, leads to regression. The present recession, for instance, has not only stopped the extraordinary economic boom of Ireland, but has also led to "a dramatic reversal from 2008, with GDP contracting by 14% and unemployment levels rising to 14% by 2010" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_Tiger). And what was once considered as the Celtic Tiger, is now being dubbed as the Celtic Cat.

Looking closer to home, at the South EU region, we are all fully aware of the dire state the inhabitants of Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus are in. The case of Italy is exceptionally insightful in this regard, as the short spell of Monti as PM had started to put the country in the road of recovery, but last weekend's election result has reversed all the progress that had been made with so much sacrifice.

Even a study of our recent history proves the main argument driving this article - that progress does not always follow a linear trajectory. Alfred Sant's premiership is definetly a case in point. He may have done a handful of positive reforms, mainly in his party, but economically few dispute the fact that his was a complete disaster.

The conclusion is obvious and pretty straightforward. We must not take it for granted that Malta will continue in its positive economic progress irrespective of who is at the helm. Gonzi, and his government, especially Minister Fenech, can be rightly criticised for many misdoings, but their economic insight and control is definitely one of their main attributes.

Of course, Muscat and his team could prove to be as good or even better. However, apart from many buzz words and the worrying pledge for a smaller government, till today we have little hard evidence on which to base a clear opinion on how he plans to steer our economy in this turbulent time.