Trust is the most fragile of commodities. It takes little to break it but much longer to restore it. Malta’s reputation is being dragged through the mud. On show for all to see are its weak public governance, sordid tales of corruption and state capture and the murder of an investigative journalist which, on the evidence so far, appears to have been set in motion by a rogue businessman protected by people occupying high public office. The Maltese public is becoming so accustomed to the long list of abuses of power that occurred on former prime minister Joseph Muscat’s watch that many are no longer shocked by new revelations coming out of various court cases, inquiries and investigative new reports, each more scandalous than the last. Some have long been resigned to holding their politicians to the lowest of ethical standards so long as they keep money flowing in the economy. Under the new prime minister, Robert Abela, some changes have been made. Flawed legislation has been updated to create an impression that sound governance principles are now being adhered to. The courts are suddenly flooded with cases of money laundering and other financial crimes. What will also be crucial,...