Just a couple of weeks ago I was on my own in either Brussels or Strasbourg, still trying to bring my delegation’s European Parliament business to a proper close while a small section of the media was already speculating about my future.

That spot of bother was overcome in a mere political wink: last Friday I had the pleasure of hosting Prime Minister Joseph Muscat at the official launch of my campaign for the 2014 EP elections, a splendid occasion that gave me the opportunity to meet so many old friends and supporters and to explain, in an atmosphere of frank exchange, my 10-point manifesto for these elections, entitled Ghalik u Ghal Malta (For You and Malta).

The 10 points can easily be encapsulated into one word: commitment. Each and every point is aimed at reaching out to all sectors of Maltese society. My track record at the European Parliament, in the two-and-a-half years of a five-year legislature that bureaucracy allowed me to spend working on behalf of my country, is the basis on which my proposals for the coming five years are based.

Employment

The economic crisis can only be beaten through investment and the creation of new jobs and opportunities. Every European citizen deserves to find a decent job. The bigger the attraction of foreign investment to Malta, the more important it is to see that European Parliament decisions are scrutinised and explained while at the same time making sure that they do not undermine our labour market.

The young

To make sure they are part of the present as much as they are the future. This can only be achieved through initiative and the grasping of opportunities in the EU and elsewhere for them to better their skills and to realise their ambitions and become major contributors to society.

Protecting Maltese values

These are part of our national DNA and, as such, must be protected inside the European Parliament, as I have done and will continue to do, as my steadfast opposition to abortion amply testifies.

The aged

Malta’s ageing population needs to be addressed seriously. Our senior citizens must be able to live in a society that is highly aware of their needs. As an MEP, it will be my job to ensure that there are the necessary resources for them to live their twilight years with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Poverty

Europe’s centre-right governments, amongst them the European Popular Party of which the Nationalist Party of Malta is a member, offered just one solution to the financial and economic crisis: austerity. This has since led to a horrendous increase in poverty all over the continent. All of Europe needs change to overcome the social problems that have been inflicted on it through austerity.

Protecting the national economy

The importance to the Maltese economy of the financial services sector and on-line gambling cannot be understated. Thousands of jobs depend on their on-going success. My commitment to fight any moves that could threaten them was there when black clouds appeared on the horizon, and my commitment will still be there in the five years to come.

The environment

This is part and parcel of our common heritage, so every single development plan must first take it into consideration. Conservation and the protection of the environment will remain at the top of my European Parliament agenda.

The fight against serious disease

This has to be sustained while our population continues to age, as the incidence of conditions such as dementia and Type-2 diabetes will also increase accordingly. My active contribution inside the European Parliament on the issue of dementia, and how it also affects the families of those who suffer from it, will be intensified as we seek more funding for support and research.

Malta’s presidency of the EU in 2017

This will be a unique opportunity for our nation. My work inside the European Parliament will offer all-out support and commitment to make sure it is the success every Maltese citizen will be looking forward to.

Loyalty

My entire political career has been based on loyalty: loyalty to my country, to my party and to you, the citizen. It is why I have defended Malta’s name wherever and whenever there has been an attempt, even from within, to undermine it.

This is not a packet-full of gimmicks. It is a sincere collection of 10 basic points that underline the hopes and aspirations of most Maltese citizens in these EP elections. It is meant to highlight the fact that I will, again, be all the way out there with you.

Joseph Cuschieri is the head of the Labour delegation in the European Parliament and a candidate in the forthcoming European Parliamentary elections

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