Stefano Mallia launched his MEP election campaign by defining the issues he would be focusing on if elected to represent Malta.

“Throughout my career job creation and economic growth have always been at the center of my work. If we are not capable of generating economic growth and creating jobs then as a country we would not be able to sustain our health systems, our educational system, our social services and our pensions. Unfortunately at the moment unemployment has continued to increase and other economic indicators such as industrial production and retail sales are showing a negative trend. To me it is clear that if I am elected as an MEP job creation and the economy will continue to be my number one priority”.

Stefano however also spoke about other areas he would be focusing on -

“I want to be the first MEP to directly represent the fisheries and agricultural sectors as these are two sectors that are facing particular difficulties and need more support.”

He also emphasized that If elected he would placing a lot of importance on the rights of disabled people with a special emphasis on their employment. “We should be looking at their abilities and not their disabilities. They are an important resource for the country but above all, people with disability should be offered the dignity of having a meaningful job just like any other person”.

Stefano voiced his concern at the behaviour of the current government towards the European Union. He expressed the view that through its actions Government was showing that it was not at all comfortable with the values of the European Union

“I want to live in a country where one can express a different point of view without fear and where opportunities are open to one and all and not only to those who have political alliances. Government is moving away from the values that have formed our identity. It is evident that this government is not at all comfortable with the European Union values of transparency, good governance and meritocracy and this does not bode well for our future”.

The event was concluded by the leader of the Opposition, Dr. Simon Busuttil who recalled how his personal friendship with Stefano started many years ago – “we became friends through our common conviction on the European Union when just at the moment that our European Union application was frozen both Stefano and myself stepped forward to reverse this obviously wrong decision”. Simon Busuttil also said that he valued the fact that ‘Stefano already has a professional career and therefore it is clear that he is not entering politics to build a career but to give a service. Stefano reminds me of when I was an MEP. I could do a good job because I had the knowledge of the topic. Stefano will do a good job because he too has the necessary knowledge and expertise’. 

Also addressing the people present for the event were Chris Delicata, Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation, Amy Zahra, a well-known activist in favour of rights of people with disabilities, economist John C Grech as well as Stefano’s father Michael Mallia who negotiated Malta’s first Association Agreement with the then European Economic Community (EEC).

Stefano Mallia first entered the political fray as Vice-President of the European Movement, campaigning in favour of Malta’s EU Membership. His career has since focused on European Affairs where he works on EU fund and projects. He presently represents Employers on the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). He also served as Vice President and President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise.