It will not do so by the power of force, wealth or strength of affiliation. Solidarity, interdependence and peace have for long found their mainstay in European politics.
A number of debates are currently going on within the EU institutions. These are all targeted towards the establishment of world-class economic, political and social force which can eradicate poverty and social exclusion while generating and distributing wealth in an equitable manner. Employment, pensions reform, working-time and the draft European Constitution play an important part in the life of Europe’s citizens.
Having acquired this status now, I am sure that we all appreciate that we, Maltese citizens, need to live up to our reputation – that of being valid and respected contributors to the development of regional and international policy with particular attention to the specificities of our own area.
Our current government representatives in the European Parliament, the European Convention as well as government’s appointees in other EU institutions are already doing us proud. We have brought into these fora our characteristic ability to bridge gaps and provide alternative solutions to situations which can appear to have reached stalemate.
It is now time to decide on who can build on our reputation and deliver a strong voice so that our interests are not just represented but favourably considered. The decision therefore needs to be based on our
conviction that those whom we elect are competent, consistent and credible.
This is what the Nationalist Party sought when we decided on our line-up candidates for this election. We are sure we have given you, our electorate, the best breed of candidates one could wish to have. Indeed, a good mix of candidates which attest to the constant renewal process undertaken by the Nationalist Party, a party which keeps generating ideas and politicians.
During this six-week campaign, we have had the opportunity to appreciate more the formidable work and commitment of the Nationalist Party candidates. We have also had the chance to test their credentials and I am sure that, like me, you were more than satisfied by each and every one of them.
This takes on an added significance when we place the PN candidates alongside the MLP candidates. Credibility, consistency and competence compared to pessimism, opportunism and contradiction as exemplified in the MLP line-up.
Can defeated soldiers, battered and wounded, properly defend our fortifications?
Can those who sow uncertainty and doubt be entrusted to decide our future?
The answer is simply NO. One cannot fathom how those who rallied so hard to deny us the benefits of membership are now marketing themselves as the “willing and able”. Nor can one understand how the MLP candidates are expecting to work with those same people they so vehemently vilified during the referendum campaign.
We can only guarantee respect and dignity for ourselves by choosing those candidates who have consistently shown their capabilities in a credible manner!
EU membership has opened up to us an ocean of opportunities. It is up to us to seize the moment, grab the chance and make the best of membership, firm in the resolve that we should not lose out. Financial and technical assistance are available for research and education, knowledge and environmental management. We can only tap these resources if we elect European parliamentarians who are not just familiar with but knowledgeable of the workings of the Commission and who can exert the necessary pressure through the powers of conviction and influence to derive only the best for our country.
Apart from these intrinsic factors, the Nationalist Party is supported by its membership in the European People’s Party, the largest political bloc within the European Parliament. A vote for the Nationalist Party candidates, therefore, not only provides the best representation possible for us Maltese, but strengthens the influence of the largest political bloc within the European Parliament.
This will definitively translate itself in policies which are consistent with the PN’s political outlook, that is, solidarity, subsidiarity and a commitment to improve the quality of life of citizens, be it the environment, employment, social welfare, education or health care.
Through a stronger representation in the European Parliament, we pledge to derive these benefits for all our citizens:
A continuous investment in our single most valuable resource: our people;
Increased value-added employment opportunities for economic growth and prosperity;
Sustainable development and a better environment for all;
Solidarity between and among generations so that no one is left behind;
Greater peace and stability within our Mediterranean region.
No one other than the Nationalist Party can claim that the right to stand up and be counted has been acquired by the its sheer hard work. No one can doubt the credentials, competence and consistency of the Nationalist Party candidates who have agreed to stand for this election.
There is a lot to be proud of as a Maltese nation! This election will once more make the Nationalist Party proud, and you should ensure that your vote goes to those who worked so hard to ensure that on 12 June you can have a say in tomorrow’s decisions affecting our country.
Dr Gonzi is Prime Minister and Nationalist Party leader