A year has passed and I wish to share some thoughts with you regarding the political work that I have carried out in the European Parliament. One and a half years ago, at the beginning of my work at the European Parliament, I had decided that your voices should be heard and that has been my top priority since the beginning. In fact, the topics I worked on this year all reflected issues discussed during house visits, discussion events organised by myself, messages on Facebook, and telephone calls including the ones where I am on NET FM.

A prominent topic is Cancer, an ever growing disease. In all my house visits, it was clear that all of you showed concern for family members or other close friends who  went through this.  Together with my friends at the EPP group, I went to the European Parliament and assured a larger budget for cancer research.  We have also improved the European law to make sure that there are no cancer causing substances in the workplace.  I became a member of the ‘MEPS against Cancer Group’ and as a result was placed in touch with the European Cancer League. I then had a meeting with the President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca about this issue,  and I welcome the fact that she accepted my recommendation that all the Maltese cancer NGOs will now form part of this European platform.  This will give them an opportunity to share their work with other European NGOs and get access to any important information which will give strength to existing NGOs. 

Another high incidence disease in Malta is diabetes.  This has motivated me to serve as the President for the European Working Group for Diabetes.  Throughout this year, I have listed five proposals to the Government, all of them coming from persons suffering from diabetes. I will continue to push forward for these proposals to be implemented.

Moving on to a condition which affects many people especially children – Dyslexia, I have been approached by several parents whose children suffer from dyslexia. I have worked on a European Charter – a document which highlights challenges as well as proposals needed to help people with dyslexia.  These proposals include the need for more resources available for teachers and digital technology tools for student. I expect Government to implement these proposals.

The Maltese people have always been hard workers, which is why it is necessary to make sure that there are fair and transparent working conditions put in place.  I have worked to form a new Agency, where its principal aim will be to assure rights of EU workers are being respected.

Human rights are undoubtedly at the centre of all society.  Therefore, serving as a member of the committee responsible for human rights has also been important to me.

Our feasts make up an integral part of Maltese culture which I will continue to support. Together with my friend Joe Chetcuti, we launched a calendar by the name of ‘Marċi u Bandalori 2019’.  I am devoted to continue supporting all Maltese artistry and culture. 

In the forthcoming five months I will continue to be your voice at the European Parliament.  I ask you to continue making contact with me so that you can help me achieve my political works.  Then come May 25th, I will be offering to continue serving you in the European Parliament by contesting the European Parliament elections.

I will end this resume’ by sharing with you my New Year my resolutions.  I intend to continue defending  our rights and freedoms, continue to work with the Maltese people since I believe that is where my most important political  motivation lies.  I will continue raising awareness on the need for research and giving attention to topics I have written about here and others which have equal importance. I look forward to continue this journey with all of you and wish you a year filled with joy and happiness.

Francis Zammit Dimech is a Nationalist MEP