Zaren Bonnici’s first attempt at politics goes back to 2003, when he contested the general elections and managed to get 20 votes. But he managed to get the public’s attention last year, when he contested again, this time holding pre-election meetings, and now forming the Partit tal-Ajkla, having hundreds of people attending.
Videos of the meetings went viral, showing Zaren being lifted shoulder-high, even presented with gifts. However when the election results came out, Zaren ended with 67 votes only. He says he does not feel betrayed, and that those attendees could not vote for him, because the election was district-based. This time round he’s certain he’ll get their votes; he’s hoping for at least 50 votes from each of the 13 districts, adding up to 650 votes.
The 55-year old from Zejtun used to work in the sewers, and was present during the 1984 tragedy in Luqa, which left three dead. Politics was never his dream, but he decided it was the best way to serve his country. “Whatever you want to do for your country, you should go ahead and do it. I did not think twice about contesting the general elections, and I have no doubts on this upcoming election either.”
Zaren argues that people wanted a change from the Nationalist administration, but it proved unfruitful. He criticises the government for not keeping its pledge with regard to youth employment. “People were not satisfied under a Nationalist administration, they hoped for change. But they did not get it. I assure you, the 36,000 voting gap has been reduced greatly. Winning with such a large number, does not give you the right to become big headed, and a licence to do whatever you want.
“I do admit, I was a Labourite. I never voted for the Nationalist Party. But last election, I took the best decision. I voted number one for myself, number two for Joseph Muscat, and number three for Lawrence Gonzi.”
Regarding the zero-tolerance pre-election pledge, Zaren says that the 25-year corruption that existed under the Nationalist government has not yet been halted; making reference to the amnesty the Prime Minister granted with regard to the tampering of smart metres. “It is not right for individuals to be thrown into jail, when members of parliament are engaging in corrupt activities frequently and are not being charged with it.”
With regard to civil unions, Zaren says he is in favour of gay couples getting married, however he does not think they should have the right to apply to adopt, or bring up children. “Members of parliament should have discussed this thoroughly and decided on a compromise – especially on such an issue.” He says that the timing of the civil union bill was merely a manoeuvre to gain more votes at the upcoming election.
Referring to another politically controversial issue, Zaren says that despite calls by the Labour Party not to build the Delimara power station a few years ago, the PN still had gone ahead with it. Now, history will repeat itself, and the government will ignore all calls by the opposing party.
“The Labour party made time-frame promises before the election, and now time is running out. The LNG tanker in Marsaxlokk was not included in the pre-election manifesto. The Prime Minister is risking danger to try and keep within the timeframe.” He has doubts of Minister Konrad Mizzi’s ability in the health sector, arguing that government officials are now trying to be ‘all-round experts.’
Zaren makes it a point not to side with any political party, so for every criticism for the Labour Party he has one for the Nationalists. He doesn’t think the PN leader is being constructive, nor even consistent in his criticism. “Simon Busuttil should have never run for PN leader. He was after all the deputy leader throughout the electoral campaign, which ended up the way it did. As long as he leads the party, the PN can never recover.”
The 55-year old claims that he has every right to contest the EP elections, even more so than former Prime Minister Alfred Sant. “It is not right, that after all his campaigning against membership of the EU, he is accepted to contest the election. He used to say that MEPs merely do it for the money, I ask, isn’t this his intention now?”
Pointing out that he has no personal issues against Joseph Muscat, Zaren feels that it is not acceptable that individuals who have ‘hurt’ the PN are now working closely with the government, making direct reference to Franco Debono, Jesmond Mugliett, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and John Dalli.
He says he disagrees with Lawrence Gonzi’s position not to hold an election earlier last year, claiming it could have possibly reduced the voting gap. He also criticised the Prime Minister’s decision to nominate Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca as President. “There could have been multiple reasons for it, possibly because she was popular with voters, or because she had conservative views; but whatever the reason, the fact remains she only retained her ministerial position for one year, and that’s not fair, given her popularity.”
Back in 2003, Zaren said that he voted for Malta’s membership of the EU; however he admits there were repercussions. He claims neither Eddie Fenech Adami nor Alfred Sant presented the whole truth before the referendum. Answering whether he believes the country has benefit through EU membership, he says he is unsure; out of fear of our country losing some of its sovereignty. “We did benefit in certain issues, but I do feel we give more to the EU than we actually get back.”
Answering how he thinks European Union funds should be distributed, Zaren argues that funds are being misused. Arguing that there is too much ‘ dirty politics’ going on, he said he found it unreliable that ex-finance minister Tonio Fenech was not aware of smart metre tampering, also making reference to Mr Fenech’s infamous clock, and saying that anyone found dealing in corruption should not be allowed to run for elections. “There is too much going on behind the scenes that we are not aware of. What about this Joseph Cuschieri fiasco? What is going on within the Labour party itself?” he asks.
Asking him what political grouping within the EU he wants to be part of, Zaren looks unsure. He is sure however, that he does not want to be part of the Green’s party, making reference to AD, a party he seems to particularly dislike, possibly because of their position on spring hunting.
The MEP candidate argues that spring hunters and trappers should be given ultimate freedom; and the government should not make promises to such individuals before elections. “Trappers are operating within their own property. It is not right for the EU to take measures against it; and for both political parties to have mocked trappers in that way.” He says hunters on the other hand, should not take advantage and shoot protected species.
After pointing out his arguments regarding both major political parties Zaren urges the public to vote for ‘someone different.’ “The public should not be narrow minded and vote for the party they’ve always voted for. Do not let the major political parties turn you around,” he urges.
The MEP candidate does not give up on the fact that he finds it difficult to communicate in English, saying that if elected, he will employ assistance. “If not, I will communicate in sign language,” he adds, quickly pointing out he’s only joking.