This morning MEP David Casa submitted his nomination for re-election to the European Parliament. Casa was nominated by former PN leaders Eddie Fenech Adami, Lawrence Gonzi and Simon Busuttil.

Speaking after submitting his nomination the PN Head of Delegation David Casa stated: “The interests of corrupt politicians are inevitably diametrically opposed to those of the people. Corruption is theft from honest hard working people. After they were caught red handed, they abused of their power and captured our institutions. Institutions meant to protect honest citizens are now protecting corrupt politicians instead. My job is to defend the people, to be on their side. That is exactly what I have done and what I will continue to do if I am re-elected”.

Casa argued that Malta’s institutions had been exposed as being vulnerable to political capture and were incapable dealing with cases of high level corruption and money laundering. Casa said that he will work toward more EU supervisory powers on money laundering and for the creation of structures that could effectively handle investigations into international corruption.

Casa stated that the European Parliament can be an amazing platform to concretely improve people’s lives for the better. He pointed to his work on the Work Life Balance Directive that will drastically increase the rights of parents and carers across Malta and Gozo. The new directive will also empower women to reach their full potential in the workplace and help to reduce the gender employment, pay and pension gaps.

“Economic growth must not not be an end in itself. The rights of employees must increase alongside economic progress. Growth must lead to a better quality of life for Maltese people, it must lead to more spending power. That is not what is happening right now”, Casa stated, making reference to recent reports that wages in Malta had stagnated and that Maltese people on average salaries are effectively locked out of the property market.

“Through technology we are capable of revolutionizing the way we approach work and production. We must use technology to our advantage and introduce more flexibility for workers and a shift to results driven work rather than rigid hours. But we must also address the pitfalls of constant connectivity and the adverse effect this can have on family life”, stated Casa.

Casa thanked former PN leaders Eddie Fenech Adami, Lawrence Gonzi and Simon Busuttil for their support, guidance and friendship. He vowed to honour their legacy in his work.