Two re-elected Labour Party MEPs, Alfred Sant and Miriam Dalli, who will be joined by two new faces, Josianne Cutajar and Alex Agius Saliba.  They will certainly have their work cut out for them over the next five years.  Here’s what they had to say about their election and the road that lies ahead

 

Alfred Sant

The election result confirmed that there is widespread popular support for the Malta government’s action programme and policies. As was to be expected and as happens elsewhere, but somewhat unfortunately in my view, the EU overhang to what happens in Malta was pushed offstage by local issues. The only exception was the PN’s behaviour at the European Parliament that has consistently rubbished Malta’s name. The electorate gave strong thumbs down to this approach which is seriously compromising the reputation of our country.

The campaign was, as usual in Malta, run in a fair and free manner. I came late to it, since initially I had intended not to run and only started serious work on it in January. But actually this is a national campaign and it needs the very best part of a year. Still, I'm very satisfied with how Labour ran its campaign and with my own outcome. I cannot say the same for the PN effort, which especially with its focus on an irrelevance -- abortion -- showed again that this party has deep internal problems.

For the new mandate, I plan to continue focussing on Eurozone issues and how they relate to Malta, as well as on issues that affect small European islands. 

 

Miriam Dalli

The historic majority for the Labour Party is a clear reflection of how this country is experiencing unprecedented success through the implementation of sound economic and social policies as a result of our resolve to be constantly close to families and their aspirations.

I am indeed proud of the work carried out by all the 14 Labour candidates coming from different backgrounds. We all had the common determination to listen to people during the electoral campaign, and beyond. On a personal level, I am satisfied at the positive result which I welcome with humility and responsibility. Each and every vote represents people who believed they should entrust me with their voice in the European Parliament. 

I am committed to build on my previous work in the areas I have worked on in the past 5 years aimed at improving the lives of Maltese and Gozitans. I will deliver what I have promised throughout the campaign to take Malta to the next level. This country is registering economic growth and attracting private investment like never before, but we must now address new challenges which our families are facing. I firmly believe we need to continue protecting our environment, air quality and deliver open spaces, while ensuring a better balance between work and family time. We must focus further on innovation, and research and development to increase opportunities for our youths.    

After quite an energetic and time-consuming campaign, I have managed to enjoy some time of celebration with my family and now look forward to commencing this new legislature through a unifying approach whereby Malta can continue achieving the best results within the European Union for the benefit of all our people.

 

Josianne Cutajar

The feeling is overwhelming. So many people subscribed to a modern brand of positive politics. I think it shows that people want politicians who do not shy away from sensitive topics and who want to impact the life of all including normal working families.

Being the first Gozitan in the European Parliament makes me very proud. I always felt that it wasn’t only Gozo which needed a Gozitan representative, but also Malta needed a Gozitan representative to ensure our interests as one whole country are looked after. As the youngest ever elected representative from Malta to the European Parliament, I am also very grateful for the electorate’s trust in youths.

I believe in a social Europe and want to see certain issues rise to the top of the European agenda just as my campaign helped provide a national platform to certain issues relating to parents, workers, elderly and persons with disability. I would also like to combat the idea of ‘one size fits all’ and would like to work for more equality. As regards committees, I have my own preferences but I’ll be able to divulge once they’re confirmed.  

The final result came in at around 3.30am so the celebrations began on Monday. It was a day I will never forget. I visited some villages around Malta to start thanking the electorate for their trust, accompanied also by team mates who were close to me throughout the campaign and who put their trust in me from the very beginning. We then made our way to Gozo, stopping by for an emotional welcome at home in Nadur. We then had a beautiful celebration in Pjazza t-Tokk. There were so many people I met during the campaign, old friends and all the family – it was the perfect night.

 

Feedback from the MEP Alex Agius Saliba had not been sent by the time of going to print