This can lead to corruption and tax evasion. Recalling the protests against the proposed Siggiewi cement plant two years ago, Prof. Boissevain says that residents came out against the project because it threatened their health. Look at the Hilton project, only a few people had opposed it. The Maltese need egoistic motivations to be moved on environmental issues. He insists that the country's shabbiness is a consequence of the family-first mentality, which values the house and the family territory above anything else.
People adorn their house and take care of it but show a complete disregard for the outdoors.
But he sees a change with young couples. Turning to politics, Prof. Boissevain insists that political factionalism is a major problem. His studies of Malta's social life show that we have a pronounced tendency towards dualism. This is evident in the political scene with two large parties alternating power between them. In many respects this has grown more intense due to more money entering the system.