Pledging to run Malta’s first ever environmentally sustainable national election campaign, Dr Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas drove to Valletta yesterday in her electric car to launch her candidature for next June’s European Parliament elections.

In a public discussion event, led by TV presenter Peppi Azzopardi, the 29-year-old mother of two, outlined her vision of what an MEP’s role should be, saying that her campaign slogan “Fl-Interess tieghek” (In Your Interest) is intended to convey the message that MEPs need to address any issue that is of concern to every Maltese and to push Malta’s views to the forefront of every European issue.

Roberta spoke about the need for politicians to lead by example, saying that it is only then that the public will accept the steps that need to be taken to safeguard our environment.

Roberta spoke of the need to increase Malta’s uptake of EU funds, pledging to work towards the simplification of the current system of rules and procedures relating to EU funds and grants and called for information campaigns on how these funds can be better tapped.

Roberta outlined how MEPs can help in attracting investment to Malta thereby creating more and better quality jobs. Drawing on her own experience as a mother, she acknowledged the vast potential benefit for the Maltese economy that is yet to be unleashed through increased participation of women in the workplace.

Speaking on the issue of illegal immigration, Roberta stressed that any answer to the current situation requires a holistic response. She said her main priorities would involve the implementation of burden sharing commitments, leading to a fairer distribution of duties between member States.