Migration dominates University EP candidates debate
Illegal immigration dominated a debate at the university between a number of European Parliament candidates this afternoon.
Nationalist candidate Frank Portelli said the situation needed to be tackled by Libya, since migrants left from there. It appeared that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi felt that since European countries had exploited Africa in the past, Africans had a right to simply invade Europe. Dr Portelli warned that if this problem continued in Europe, one would end up with a Catholic Europe and a Moslem Europe. He said he was describing the influx as an invasion because the number of immigrant arrivals in Malta was higher than the birth rate.
Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas (PN) said immigration was a European problem which required a European solution. The recent visits to Malta by EU Commissioners Verheugen and Barrot showed that the talking had started to turn into action by the EU. She said burden-sharing was important. The fact that it was voluntary was not ideal, but it was a good step in the right direction, and a difficult one to achieve. Now Malta had to keep on knocking on doors so that EU countries would help more.
Edward Scicluna (PL) said Italy had bullied Malta. This was a problem which Malta may face in the EU where the other member states were bigger. Migration, he said, was a very complex problem with no single or simple solution. It was a permanent problem, like climate change, but Europe had the clout to address burden sharing and improve development in Africa as a means to discourage immigration. Prof Scicluna said the PN had exaggerated Joseph Muscat's call for Malta to use the veto in the EU, and said this would only be used in extreme situations.
Arnold Cassola (AD) said Malta needed to separate the air traffic control area from its Search and Rescue Area and reduce the latter because it lacked the resources to adequately patrol it. He supported the government in its recent spat with Italy and stressed that the situation could not be solved by sending people back to Libya, because Libya was not part of the Geneva Convention on human rights. The need was to pressure the EU for responsibility sharing.
Marlene Mizzi (PL) also supported the government position. She said the migrants were poor people who should not be left to drown. However Malta could not afford to take in more immigrants. She said the Labour Party had made a number of good proactive proposals to solve this problem. The use of the veto in EU institutions was a right which could be exercised in the national interest.
Malcolm Seychell (AN) said immigration had been swept under the rug for too long by the government. Libya was the big problems and Malta and Italy should join together to put pressure on Libya, rather than fighting between themselves. He said the UN should should send all the immigrants to a designated part of Africa because Europe could not take them all. He said burden sharing was a farce and was not working.
John Zammit (Alleanza Liberali) said migrants should be kept in detention for as long as possible and he agreed that Col Gaddafi was coordinating this invasion.
Alan Deidun (PN) said there should be more development aid to Africa to reduce the need for migration to Europe. The issue, he said had to be tackled at source, with an emphasis on education and health. Intervening, Dr Portelli said Africa was not poor, he said, but instead of investment in education, money was being spent on weapons.
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lgalea
Apr 21st 2009, 23:16
V. Zammit
Gonzi did not use the word "invasion" jokingly and he rightfully call it an invasion. So stop attacking those who quote Gonzi on saying so because he said the right word for it. It is an INVASION. And stop denying the truth and burying your head in the sand. What would you call millions of illegal immigrants going to Europe? What would you say If I and all my families came to your house and demanded that we be housed and kept in your house and at your expense?
Luke Gatt
When your country is under a mass invasion of a totally alien culture you have to forget everything and defend it with all the means at your disposal and not worry about your humanitarian aspect.
Jason Spiteri
Apr 21st 2009, 22:20
I wasn't at the debate but from what's reported here the most sensible, practical view in the reality of the way the EU and international poltiics works, was Roberta Metsola Tedesco's Triccas' point - proof of this was an identical speech made by EU Commissioner Jacques Barrot tonight.
I wholeheartedly share the fears expressed here about a Muslim Europe - it's happening already in the big cities - but unfortunately this is coming mostly from the alarming rate by which muslims who've already settled in Europe multiply, and the threat is from within and irreversible under the current poltiical realities.
andrew mcpherson
Apr 21st 2009, 21:41
The problem is not giving aid to African countries, but giving it to the African people. Many African leaders are corrupt and the money or other kinds of aid end up in their pockets and the people who need it are given nothing.
Gorg Farrugia
Apr 21st 2009, 21:16
The comments below indicate that the prospective MEPs that espoused right wing views were more popular than the level headed ones that take an intelligent, down to earth stance. I find it rather disturbing that these prospective MEPs seem more intent on pandering to the masses than proposing real alternatives to the problem. It would be really refreshing if those that are taking a stance against the current Govt's actions actually propose a course of action that can be enacted without ill consequence to human lives.
joe amenzuli
Apr 21st 2009, 20:54
The person who qualifies for my MEP vote is the one who will stand up for Malta when in need.
Present problem 'Illegal imigration'.
And please don't come knocking on my door or send any canditate promotion papers as that is a waste of time and waste of taxpayers money.
Sandro Pace
Apr 21st 2009, 20:06
"Jokingly", hallina tridx. The matter is so serious that the tone could not have been otherwise.
Besides, are Verheuagen and Barrot hysterical too?
No solution is in sight, and Maltese people have every reason to call for tough solutions, should the situation escalate this summer.
Time will come for the immigrants to bear the responsabilities for their actions.
V. Zammit
Apr 21st 2009, 19:02
@ Luke GATT.
In defense of Dr. Gonzi.
As a matter of fact Dr. Gonzi jokingly used the word ‘invasion’. However this word is used now by those who adopt let-us-demonize-immigrants attitude to express views that not belong to Dr. Gonzi or the PN government in generally.
The striking fact is that: We never heard of any African country invading any where in Europe. Actually it was the opposite.
We never heard of any immigrants in EU occupying a piece of land in Europe and taking its resources. Again it was the opposite.
So, the use of the word invasion, sounds good as scaremongering tool but actually it does not hold water
Luke Gatt
Apr 21st 2009, 18:51
Igalea seems to be better informed than myself. Sincere apologies for my maths. Yes my head is in the sand and he knows because it is exactly next to his. I also would like Malta to resolve the immigration problem but without doing damage to ourselves in the process. Extremist solutions, pipe dreams, exaggerations, hysteria and the like will not bring us an inche closer to a workable solution. I like to keep my feet on solid ground. And let us not overlook the humanitarian aspect. I happen to come from a family whose grand parents and parents emigrated from Malta and faced for many years a mild form of disrimination themselves and it hurts. So lets be strong and defend these isles but letts not be inhuman. We have just remined Italy of its responsibilities and we are right. We do not need cowboys but consistent, continuous pushing until we resolve the issue.
Ryan Dalli
Apr 21st 2009, 18:46
Is this attitude Mr.Frank Portelli is going to take with other fellow European??
He can forget my vote.
Maltese politicians especially those aspiring to be elected for MEPs must promote a more just trade in the European Union Mr.Frank Portelli.
Make Fair Trade
End Poverty
End Illegal Immigration
This is the attitude we must all take.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2sY5X_EGC4
lgalea
Apr 21st 2009, 17:54
Luke Gatt
Keeping the illegal immigrants here costs more than repatriating them. You sure are one of those who wants to continue burying your head in the sand.
B. Grech
As they say Grech, truth hurts, but it still the truth. Maybe you didn't want to hear the truth?
Luke Gatt
Apr 21st 2009, 17:51
I will not argue with Sandro Pace. The PM has always chosen his words more carefully. Invasion is not part of his hysteria , Many of those who write wild things on blogs probably watch too many cartoons. They have a disproportionate sense of Malta's size and strengthen and think we can do it alone! That if we break international law and commitments and act like cowboys otheres will not pay us back. Now who do you think we are? We need constant and intelligent action which is painful and brings us results. Dr Simon Busuttil and Dr Gonzi have worked consistently. What Malta needs least at the moment is armchair opinion mongers with very wild proposals.
Sandro Pace
Apr 21st 2009, 17:01
Luke Gatt, you'd better inform yourself. It is the prime minister himself who termed this as an invasion.
It is Gaddafi himself who stated that this invasion will lead to the islamisation of Europe.
pjgauci
Apr 21st 2009, 16:53
What a difference from a mere 3 years ago. Making such statements in public was considered as 'fanning the flames of racism'.
I wonder what were these people saying when the problem started years ago.
The sole exception is Malcolm Seychell who spoke against immigration from DAY ONE. The others are just opportunists who realised that they can earn an extra vote by taking a tough stand against immigration.
Luke Gatt
Apr 21st 2009, 16:51
Igalea is absolutely right - "repatriation at all costs" and we will send the bill to him. He/she is surely ready to put his/her money where its mouth is
B. Grech
Apr 21st 2009, 16:40
I was present for this debate. I was shocked by the comments by Dr. Frank Portelli. I did not expect this from a medical doctor.
V. Zammit
Apr 21st 2009, 16:26
I guess Libya is merely testing EU.
For decades, the European Union has been criticizing and lecturing all African countries in general and Libya in particular for its Human Rights records.
Now, with every boat-load Libyan Col. Gadafi is simply testing and uncovering EU values by sending humans that would like to find their lost rights in Africa to see if the European Union really walk the way they talk.
European Union’ failure to observe ‘illegal immigrants human rights’ would prove to Gaddafi and the whole world that EU values are mere slogans and worthless words. This is of course unless the EU has a different definition for humans.
Its not Islam or the immigrants to blame. The problem lies within. We have no reference for God in our EU constitution. While studies show that immigrants to Europe tend to be more religious than the European resident population.
With many hopeful MEP politicians thinking that attacking immigrants is a magic electoral bullet that should secure a lucrative job in Brussels coupled with an audience of university students main concerns lack of parking‘ spaces and condoms machines I don’t really know what the future holds for Malta.
lgalea
Apr 21st 2009, 16:22
Well done Malcolm.and Frank. That's what the people want to hear and no petty excuses from anyone as to why they should not be repatriated and kept in unlimited detention.
This is different from the idiotic suggestion by Arnold who is not thinking about other repercussions on natural resources that may be in the area.
Those who still believe in burden sharing are daydreaming.
Repatriation at all costs and not allowing a single illegal immigrant to remain here is the only way to send the message that the illegal immigrant invasion will not be tolerated.
Caroline Borg
Apr 21st 2009, 16:15
I was also present for this discussion and the participant who made most sense was undoubtably Marlene Mizzi. She was down to earth and unlike the others was not trying to impress with statistics and history. She had her finger on the problem and did not mince wrods.Her objectivity is a breath of fresh air as is her easy fluent delivery.
Roberta MTT was as usual portraying herself as the know it all,;Frank Portelli sounded like a Jerry Springer wannabe; Arnold Cassola was as bad as Triccas; Edward Sciluna was his dull self and the others were insignificant.
The prize for entertainment goes to John Zammit who wants us to vote for him and his nude beaches.
Marlene Mizzi well done. You were the speaker most worth listening to.
Joey Borg
Apr 21st 2009, 16:15
so what exactly does Frank Portelli intends to do to tackle this problem with Libya. Why he thinks he will succeed where others (Italy) have failed?
Why do you people believe him if he hasn't been concrete of what he intends to do? Are you speaking from political affiliation, or do you know what he will do?
How can you be so sure that he is not simply trying to buy your vote?
R Dimech
Apr 21st 2009, 16:13
@ Dr S Tortell Pisani - Agree wholeheartedly. Excellent advice!
R Dimech
Apr 21st 2009, 16:10
@ John Axisa - So? By being most knowledgeable, where does that leave us? Being up to date is fine, but we need people who will push forward THE NATIONAL INTEREST first and foremost and who will stand no nonsense or delaying tactics from larger members.
@ Arnold Cassola - So, by not signing up to the Geneva Convention, that exempts one from responsibilities and justifies our (us that have signed) carrying the burden?! Qieghdin sew! Hekk iridu! The international community should come down hard on such countries with sanctions and what not and not let them get away with it! Oh, but I forgot that this is Libya hux?!
@ R Camilleri - Unfortunately, your suggestion is not practical nor acceptable to the international community and our neighbours. As i said, both areas mirror each other. If you can't afford a proper coast guard, then don't expect a too large FIR! Having said that, SAR responsibilities are limited to coordination, not actual pick up. The Italians want to discuss it but the Maltese government has already stated that that is not an option.
@ C Sammut - I beg to differ. Balance sheet is definitely in our favour!
Luke Gatt
Apr 21st 2009, 15:44
Illegal immigration is one of the strongest challenges we face. Malta does well to face the problem strongly, but intelligently. Frank Portelli’s outbursts do not help us. His view of Europe divided between “Muslims” and “Catholics” is a bit…what about the Protestant North and the Orthodox East? Many European Muslims are hard working, law-abiding citizens. In Europe, in practice, Muslims and Christians, Buddhists, believers and non-believers can live together only a minority do not. Libya: Dr Portelli ought to be able to distinguish between acts and rhetoric. Libya needs to be convinced that it has a role to play in solving the immigration problem. And, Europe’s immigrant “invasion”? Can’t he be a little more realistic and less hysterical? We need leaders who see things in their true colours and not everything as being either bright white or dark black. Gonzi has shown the way on immigration - think first, act decisevly
M.Farrugia
Apr 21st 2009, 15:44
In such a situation is it not possible for Italy and Malta to take a joint stand declaring a state of emergency and saying that their army will no longer rescue immigrant boats since their countries are not able to take up more immigrants? Maybe someone with the right knowledge and competence could answer.
I'm sure we'll get Maroni's support in this one, if it is possible.
Maybe then the word would spread around that Italy and Malta are not taking in more immigrants and the criminal rings organising these trips will be disheartened.
louise vella
Apr 21st 2009, 15:37
The first thing that is remarkable is that illegal immigration has now forced itself into the frontline of politics, despite Dr Gonzi's attempts over the last 5 years to wish it away by talk about Christian values.
The second remarkable thing is the absence of the do-gooders from the debate. Maybe even do-gooders have now realised that the problem has ballooned into a crisis.
simon james schembri
Apr 21st 2009, 15:34
Well done to Malcolm Seychell of Azzjoni Nazzjonali and Frank Portelli. The only two candidates to shed light on the source and aims behind this invasion.
This invasion needs to be STOPPED AND REVERSED.
Burden sharing will make it worse, because more will want to come.
it is rather disappointing that the group Libertas was not in the debate. It would have been interesting to have their views on the matter.
D .Borg
Apr 21st 2009, 15:23
I never imagined dr.Portelli as being so extreme in his political views...
P Debono
Apr 21st 2009, 15:22
I believe Frank Portelli and Malcolm Seychell won the political battle there. They seemed to have the soundest arguments in my opinion, without beating around the bush like most of the other candidates.
More of the same please....
John Axisa
Apr 21st 2009, 15:19
Being present this morning for this debate, it was difficult not to note that Roberta Tedesco Triccas was the most knowledgeable about how Malta and the EU stand on illegal immigration!
Raymond Camilleri
Apr 21st 2009, 15:14
R Dimech - The thing is Malta has the resources for air traffic control but not for search and rescue operations in such a large area - as you say one cannot have the cake and eat it but a solution can be found through negotiation - after all WE have to start the discussion since nobody else will... the fees paid for air traffic control make it possible for Mata to continue providing the service, but SAR is another thing - you need a proper navy/coast guard or whatever...something which we don't have and which is VERY expensive to run
Edwin Mifsud
Apr 21st 2009, 15:13
The ONLY thing that would solve the problem is reptriation.
Burden sharing would encourage more and more to come over to Europe.
For every immigrant that gets sent to America or Europe you will see 100 coming the next day.
This invasion will sonner or later cost lives, African and European.
AN was the first party to call a spade a spade.
Lewis Balzan
Apr 21st 2009, 15:09
May I suggest to the prospective EP candidates and all local Parliamentarians to get a copy of Oriana Fellaci's book "La Forza della Ragione" (or its English translation "The Force of Reason"). It's an eye-opener.
Dr Savior Tortell Pisani
Apr 21st 2009, 15:07
My fellow citizens... I suggest you forget about PN, PL, AD, AN or AL this time round... I suggest you don't vote according to political lines in this election. It is stupid.
Remember that political affiliation means nothing in the European Parliament.
Vote instead for the candidates who are most likely to fullfill their job properly and protect Maltese interests!!! NOT Party Interests!!!
Also remember that it costs us HALF A MILLION euros, per MEP, per year to keep these people in Brussels... So they had better jolly do their job well!!
A Falzon
Apr 21st 2009, 15:03
I think that Frank Portelli's stance is too simplistic and convenient to dish out to the general public. Might pull votes easily but offers few concrete solutions.
Joseph Vella
Apr 21st 2009, 15:02
i was present at the debate...pity it was dominated by illegal immigration. It is a very important subject (may be the most important) but there are many other issues which could have been discussed.
Charles Sammut
Apr 21st 2009, 14:57
@ R Dimech
Malta does not "rake in fees" for providing an air traffic service in its FIR. Malta simply covers its cost.
Frank Portelli, we will not end up with a Catholic (I think you meant Christian) Europe and a Muslim Europe. We will end up with a Muslim Europe. First of all Christians are abandoning the faith in droves and they cannot afford to have children because in this liberated age, most women only feel fulfilled if they work. Muslims on the other hand have many children because it entitles them to more welfare money and a bigger house.
Malcolm Seychell, the problem was not only swept under the carpet but anbody who tried to raise awareness about it was branded a racist and even hauled to court.
Arnold Cassola as usual missed a golden opportunity not to make a fool of himself.
Sandro Pace
Apr 21st 2009, 14:57
Both Malcolm Seychell and Frank Portelli hit the nail in the head. The problem must be addressed at source. With the 'good or the bad'. On the other hand, those who still argue for burden sharing are not 'getting it', are living a dream, and does not deserve voting consideration, for the reality out there is otherwise.
They fail to notcie that they are being taken for a ride.
Frank Portelli, unfortunately, is under the cap of the party who says 'Burden sharing or Malta will regret it'. That party will not get my vote.
For how long should we knock European doors, licking here and there to solve an abused problem which is not ours??
The 'Burden sharing' reply is a good but useless fallback for such politicians.
Michael Neville Cassar
Apr 21st 2009, 14:53
Well said by Dr Frank Portelli. It is a known fact that Africa is rich in resources and not properly governed, also draining human resource is not the answer .The UN can do much more in this situation Malta can no longer accept pressure by NGOs to host the quantity of migrants.
Patrick Cilia
Apr 21st 2009, 14:51
The solution lies in Europe building on a stronger Africa that will be able to enhance its socio-economic situation..perhaps today we are living the effects of a wrong policy that was exercised by the colonialists - we tried to impose a different culture on the continent..now is the time for amends but , above all, we need to protect Europe from a culture change that will most definitly have negative impact on the Union and member states!
Censu Pace
Apr 21st 2009, 14:44
Presumably we all agree that this issue should not influence our EP voting as it appears everyone is in agreement that WE as a small nation cannot sort this mess out by ourselves but depend on the good will of europe and Libya. NO POLITICAL PARTY has a solution per se, so kindly stop politicising the issue. Just vote for the candidate who can represent our interests in the best possible manner, and let's base our choice on quality and past performance, where applicable as well.
George Caruana
Apr 21st 2009, 14:42
What an emberassment!! Most probably will join Saviour Balzan and lunch in Sicily on the 6th of June.
D Ellul
Apr 21st 2009, 14:41
PL candidates - The real deal. On June 6, choose Labour.
Steven Brockwell
Apr 21st 2009, 14:31
hello mt Alan 1 third of the EU funds went to Africa, and like you said bought weapons with them? we should take an example from Australia. they send them back. we should do the same. if you promise these people everything is it not obvious they will keep coming? its time the EU started to reject. before like you said a l eagle invasion, which the EU brought on its self?
David Cassar
Apr 21st 2009, 14:30
I totally agree with Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas that having a voluntary burden sharing mechanism is not the ideal solution. Hopefully, the recent incidents concerning the 154 stranded migrants will draw the necessary attention from the EU institutions.
victor vella
Apr 21st 2009, 14:23
I have one thing to say about all the candidates.Only one of you has said anything serious and with clout,Dr Frank Portelli has a good understanding of the situation and if the good gentleman would allow me to add, to his piece about a Cristhian and moslem europe , Ghadafi's plan is for Islam to invade Europe.It is not an economical thing.Why don't the imigrants cross over from Tunisia? Yes send aid to Africa and see the money go into the pockets of the warlords and presidents Dr Portelli we do not know each other but if I do vote you allready have my vote.
R Dimech
Apr 21st 2009, 14:18
@ Arnold Cassola - The FIR (air traffic control area) and SAR area go hand in hand. They mirror each other. One can't have the cake and eat it! ie rake in fees from aircraft utilising ATC services in a large FIR but be responsible for a reduced SAR area.
@ Frank Portelli - I believe you have the better grasp of the situation.