In spite of the boastful talk by European politicians including our local ones, citizens of the world are realising the hypocrisy of European democracy. Instead of resorting to eloquent rhetoric, which is the forte of politicians, I would like to substantiate my accusations with the following main facts.

As we have experienced also in our own country, once the EU decides to allow other countries into its fold, a systematic tirade of propaganda, financed from the coffers of the EU, is initiated with promises of wealth, benefits, subsidies and boundless riches to those who yield to its dictate. Its propaganda is also spiced with threats of isolation, discriminatory treatment and defeatism for those who do not give in to the demands of the powerful Union. Who can withstand such an onslaught of browbeating persuasion to join the almighty EU, especially if certain applicant countries had long endured economic mismanagement by their own politicians, culminating in a feeling of utter hopelessness and utmost misery? If by some miracle, the No vote wins the referendum, various other attempts are made in subsequent referenda, several times over if necessary, till the Yes vote majority is finally obtained.

Once the applicant country is brought into the Union there is not much chance of pulling out of if there is a change of heart. The new member country must succumb to the endless rules and regulations of the Union, even though these turn out to be unsuitable or detrimental to the country’s citizens. The new citizens of an enlarged union quickly learn the consequences of their mistake when the promises of more jobs for the workers turn out to be just more jobs for the boys/cronies, and promises of decreased cost of living, turn into an increase in inflation as the Euro currency is adopted. Although the citizens of new member States grumble and popularity polls indicate general discontent, unfortunately, once in, there is no way out. In fact, since its inception, no European country has been known, or allowed, to leave the Union in spite of polls indicating that the majority wish to do so.

It may come as a shock to most readers to learn that the European parliamentary elections held to elect European Members of Parliament are elected by an average of less than 50 per cent of the electorate. As time goes on, most citizens of the so-called United Europe are becoming disillusioned with the real dream of a United Europe, that is, a compassionate and sympathetic Europe rather than a dictatorial one. How long will it take before European MPs are elected by a very low percentage of the electorate? Is this democracy? Or is this perhaps proving right Henrik Ibsen’s writings that it is not right for fools to rule over wise men?

In light of the above logical reasoning, it is obvious how undemocratic the European Union really is. It is thus no wonder that the citizens of European countries are sick and tired of the so-called “European Union” and their representatives. European politicians use democracy only when it suits them, otherwise, they do not even know the true meaning of the word because ultimately, it is the European people who should be governing themselves in their own way, not the bureaucrats of the European Union.

Raymond Sammut

MELLIEHA