Role of the Opposition in a time of national crisis

WE as a country are once again facing a moment of profound national trauma. The recent natural disaster-one of the worst since the 2004 tsunami-has left nearly a thousand confirmed dead or missing and caused an estimated $ 7 billion in economic damage.

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In GDP terms, this represents a staggering 3-5%, a blow that will weigh heavily on the country's recovery for years to come. As in the aftermath of both the tsunami and the 2022 economic crisis, the path ahead demands a collective national effort, rising above partisan interest. In this effort, the Opposition has a uniquely important and irreplaceable role.

A functioning democracy is tested not only by its Government, but equally by the quality, maturity, and responsibility of its Opposition. In a moment of crisis, when the State is stretched, institutions are under pressure, and immense financial flows are mobilised, this responsibility becomes even more crucial. The Opposition must act as guardian, watchdog, and moral compass, ensuring that the tragedy is not exploited, the victims are not forgotten, and the country's recovery is not undermined by political opportunism or institutional decay.