AD attacks political party stations

Alternattiva Demokratika is drawing up a dossier on the anomalous media situation for submission to the European Commission in the near future.

"Recently, the European Parliament criticised the Italian Prime Minister's conflict of interest as owner of a media group. In Malta, we have an even worse situation where both Government and Opposition are owners of Malta's two major private stations," AD chairman Harry Vassallo said.

"Malta is the only European country where political parties are direct owners of private television stations. The party in government has a clear conflict of interest by being the owner of both national and party stations," he continued.

To add insult to injury, the Broadcasting Authority's board was solely nominated by the Government and the Opposition, Dr Vassallo added.

The downsizing of the PBS newsroom, which could undermine the only independent and non-partisan source of information, also concerned AD.

At a press conference outside City Gate, Valletta, yesterday, Dr Vassallo launched a clear appeal to those who voted for the country, and not the party, in last year's EU referendum. He urged them to vote for Arnold Cassola in the upcoming European Parliament elections.

"All those citizens who voted Yes in the referendum to reduce the oppressive hold of the traditional political parties on everyday life should now vote for Arnold Cassola," Dr Vassallo said.

While Nationalist MEPs would represent the party in government and do everything in their power not to embarrass the administration, Professor Cassola had no strings attached and would be able to use his influence in Europe to make both political parties accountable.

Dr Vassallo said Professor Cassola was himself a victim of last year's draconian efforts by the MLP to deprive him of his vote.

"If elected as an MEP Arnold Cassola will be able to raise similar abuses against the democratic rights of Maltese in the European Parliament," he said.

Meanwhile, Professor Cassola spoke on the importance of circulating information on the EU to as many people as possible to ensure that every segment could tap the funds available.

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that he would make this information available to everybody.

Professor Cassola also referred to complaints that the Malta-EU Information Centre was no longer providing the requested information in a reasonable timeframe.

"MIC should be adequately staffed and equipped to provide EU related information within a short time. Otherwise people will lose confidence in such an important organisation," he said

If elected, Professor Cassola is also committed to remaining close to civil society.

"The Greens have always acted as a bridge between the legitimate aspirations of civil society and European institutions. As general secretary of the European Greens, I have given my full assistance to Maltese non-governmental organisations and professional bodies seeking information," he said.