There is a certain amount of growing discontent in various quarters of Malta when it comes to the present traffic situation and immigration.

The traffic problem in Malta is absolutely chaotic and one can see it getting even worse every working day. The authorities know about it. Malta Transport Authority acknowledges that there is a problem and therefore the sooner it is tackled the better for every citizen on this island.

Then there is the issue of immigration. Any political party that does not recognise this reality should not be seeking a mandate to govern in the next general election. Traffic and immigration are being discussed on a regular basis in the workplace, cafés, the gym and even on buses. This is of real concern to us citizens as we see it impacting on housing and health services in the country. Unfortunately, Malta is currently impotent when it comes to doing anything about immigration.

What the Maltese citizen does not like is the uncontrolled aspect of immigration. We find it hard to accept that the government seems unable to control how many people come to live and work here. Every country should have the right to decide who crosses its borders, who is granted permission to stay and who is allowed to work here.

The whole immigration debate should be resumed with the European Union as Malta is currently unable to exercise its right to decide how many people come to live and work here. For many years, such a debate was quashed for fear of causing offence or being labelled racist. Many people think that our Prime Minister lacks credibility when it comes to being tough with the EU. Ignoring public opinion for so long might lose him a lot of votes come the next general election.

 

Jos Edmond Zarb

Birkirkara