The PN faces a pivotal moment in these abnormal times - Petra Caruana Dingli

In this soaring heat, and with all the constraints, uncertainty and fear caused by the pandemic, daily life has a sense of unreality. These are not normal times.

In a crisis, people seek stability and a safe pair of hands to provide leadership. The situation is complex but Prime Minister Robert Abela has so far not managed to project a sense of being in control. In the first months of the pandemic, he was understandably overshadowed by Health Minister Chris Fearne. Now he gives the impression of being overly influenced by specific commercial pressures.

In the meantime, he has been photographed relaxing and enjoying his holidays in Sicily. Whether he was ‘teleworking’ on his boat or not, he will find it hard to shake off the self-indulgent image this created.

Abela can relax in the knowledge that the opposition is in shambles. Despite the many shortcomings of the government, voters do not have a plausible alternative to turn to.

August is always a quiet period. Many people are on vacation, with hordes of Maltese descending on Gozo in flipflops as usual. The season is not ideal for revving up any special interest in the political scene.

But actually this summer is a pivotal moment...