During this long
European Parliament campaign, I continued my work in favour of the environment
and social justice, as I have done over the past twenty-five years.
With regard to the
environment, I wrote to the European Commission about the way in which the
government is using our money to give land away cheaply to the powerful
developers DB in Pembroke. Now that the Corinthia case has also come to light,
and, as I have always done, and not only during election periods, I will keep
being active so that our land is not lost. Malta is not for sale.
In the field of
energy, I revealed how, despite all its pomp, the government denied Gozo access
to European funds for clean energy, failing to apply for funds specifically
meant for islands like Gozo.
With regard to
social justice, I wrote to the European Commission about the unfairly high
utility bills. It was a game of hide and seek with the Commission and the
Maltese authorities, however a few days ago the Ombudsman told me he is ready
to investigate the utility bills presented to him.
This is politics
on the ground. Politics which is always near the people, and not only at
election time.
As regards human
rights, I wrote to the European Commission about the technology the government
wants to use in order to have access to our private details. A case of 'Big
brother is watching you'.
The Commission
confirmed I was right and said that the government cannot just decide to deploy
such technology without any consultation. It is for this reason that I am
constantly asking the government to be transparent about this.
In the European
Parliament I will increase such activism on behalf of Maltese and Gozitans of
goodwill. Because I believe in a Europe that is near you, near small islands,
and not a Europe of elites aloof from the people.
Dear reader, maybe
you are fed up of politicians who are bought. Maybe you are fed up of seeing
Malta be sold for peanuts for the benefit of the few. Maybe you are fed up of
seeing some who are drowning in money while others barely cope. Maybe you are
fed up of seeing a kingdom of concrete which is destroying our environment and
heritage.
I am fed up of
this too.
As I have always
done, and not only at election time, I will keep speaking in favour of workers,
pensioners, youth, businessmen, the middle class, civil servants, educators and
all persons of goodwill.
I will keep
speaking out for the environment and social justice. We will go on working
together for our country.
Therefore, if you
feel forgotten, you deserve a voice. I promise you that your voice will be
heard, always, and not only at election time.
This article appears in Malta Today
