Updated: EP adopts Busuttil Immigration report - All Maltese MEPs vote against 'right to vote' clause

T Pace

May 11th 2009, 10:39

It seems that there is concensus that illegal immigrants should not have the right to vote.

With regard to the others, some commentators have linked the payment of taxes with such a right. Isn't this equivalent to buying votes? I am under the assumption that voters vote for the well being of their own country. How many believe that those allowed to stay would vote with this in mind?

Furthermore in a country like Malta where elections, whether general or local, are decided by a few percentage points (or less), does it make sense to give voting powers to any ethnical group?

A. Spiteri

May 7th 2009, 19:47

It seems that old habits die hard for PN apologists. It seems that nothing deters PN bloggers from mud slinging. It seems that the tactics used so well during the Alfred Sant era are being used again. It has been made official and on more than one occassion that Glenn Bedingfield's absence from the European Parliament was excused due to his daughter being admitted into Mater Dei Hospital (Go on......................I bet your informants at Mater Dei had told you that Mr. Bedingfield's daughter was there). PN bloggers choose to stick to the old tactics that the more mud thrown, the better. What is sad is that people are ready to stoop down so low as to attack the vulnerable. We have seen the attack on Alfred Sant when he was in hospital, so we are not amused that PN apologists are ready to make use of an event where a child was hospitalised to their gain. But hey...........................when the then PN leader, father of the Maltese and bringer of peace to the Nation was in hospital for some intervention, then it was a different story. That was a sacred cow. No one was allowed to ask questions. Shame on you!!!

Bernard Galea

Apr 29th 2009, 10:54

Many of those commenting seem to be missing the elephant in the room....the motion is to give LEGAL MIGRANTS the right to vote, NOT illegal ones!

This includes anyone from the nice American lady who lives up the road, to the German couple who have decided to retire in Gozo, to the Somali man who has been recognised by the Maltese government, the EU and the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) as a refugee, and therefore a Maltese citizen.

Asylum seekers whose refugee status is still pending (i.e those penned up in Hal Far) do not get to vote because they are not legally recognised as Maltese citizens.

Any migrant who is granted refugee status is allowed to work (and therefore pay taxes) and should therefore be allowed to vote. No taxation without representation. Those whose status is yet to be determined do not avail of this right.

As a Maltese living in Ireland, I am regularly embarrassed by the racism of some of my compatriots.

Marton Saliba

Apr 27th 2009, 10:15

What I can't understand is why anyone will agree that and immigrant coming here infringing all rules/laws of immigration etc etc etc. would deserve a vote, they're not citizens! They're held in their respective country in suspension, indeed conviction. Please someone explain to me how can ANYONE be so foolish. If Simon Busuttil didn't vote favour the well done for him. However if labour did...well that's not really helping them for the next general election. puny boggling narrow-minded bigotted "politically-correct" HYPOCRYTES (but then again aint that the norm? sadly enough)

J Martinelli

Apr 24th 2009, 20:38

@ Mike Magri et al

One cannot fool fools - they are already there.

M Callus

Apr 24th 2009, 20:36

How did Joe Muscat's mentor Martin Schulz (head of the European Socialists) direct the Socialist group to vote? Muscat should have phoned him up to give us a hand since he was happy enough to parade him for the leadership contest raising the ire of fellow contestants. Come on labour apologists go and tell your leader to make some pressure on his friends!!! Remember that song by Dionne and friends "That's What Friends Are For"
(Dionne & Friends: Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder)..

Or are you still stuck with the only way is up??!?!?!?!

M. Catania

Apr 24th 2009, 20:24

Why didn't Glenn Bedingfield vote?Come one MLP apologists, you know this one!!!

Joseph E Briffa

Apr 24th 2009, 20:13

@Anthony Mangion..why is our government lame? Because it has given Malta the highest quality of life. Because it does things in a prudent, diplomatic and democratic manner? Because it rescusitated Malta from the ashes of the 1970s and 1980s? Because people like you and me have freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of movement? Because we can express our opinion freely without the fear of being ushered to Police HQ and kept under arrest for 48 hours and come out black and blue if we are lucky enough to walk out on our own two feet? That is why our government is lame? If you think it is lame, I would rather have a lame government than being lamed for expressing myself in public.

Becky Galea

Apr 24th 2009, 19:49

EVERY Maltese citizen, being an NP or PL supporter , is against the migrants being given the right to vote!
EVERY Maltese citizen FEARS the consequences of further immigrants entering into Malta let alone being given the same rights as us!
THANK YOU TO SIMON BUSUTTIL FOR REPRESENTING EVERY MALTESE CITIZEN AND FOR VOTING AS EVERY MALTESE CITIZEN WOULD!

D. Cachia

Apr 24th 2009, 18:26

Look at them! Despite this enormous gaffe the PN apologists are still at it! Unbelievable!! They cannot even be honest with themselves, let alone the Maltese public.

Muscat pat

Apr 24th 2009, 17:56

What is Simon Busuttil playing at ? After being untrue yesterday to the hunters, to the pig breeders, to the farmers, and to the burden sharing and to the platitiudes against using the VETO in the EU to defend our interests, he was not saying the truth that PL wants to give votes to illegal immigrants!!!! Simon Busuttil is ot telling the truth on PL's stance against illegal immigrants to ice a wedding cake!

James Formosa

Apr 24th 2009, 16:50

@ E. Demicoli
Ur right - now its 'Malta l-ewwel ..............jekk jaqbel lili!!!

Andrew Mangion

Apr 24th 2009, 15:39

@Joseph.E.Briffa Dear Mr.Briffa, It useless trying to convince that the NP MEP's are hard working and they've been doing so in the EU parliament. There is a big difference between being convinced that Malta's place is in the EU and being convinced that with our membership we can make a difference for the good of our country. But of course to make the difference, people like Simon Busuttil have to work much harder than producing 1 report in 5 years!!!! And can you please indicate how many reports have been produced by Casa? And please playing the NP trumpets about PL not being convinced about the EU.Most of the Maltese people are not so convinced anymore not because of the EU but of our lame government that does not have the guts to stand up for our rights.

Edward Demicoli

Apr 24th 2009, 14:42

Glenn Beddingfield thought that it was more important to stay in Malta and canvass (he had an event in Mosta) than to go and vote for the Busuttil report. In the past the Labour MEPs including Joseph Muscat, abstained on issues such as the right to vote for migrants, the detention period and on the budget on the EU's return policy for migrants. All the above are undeniable facts. Gone are the days of "Malta l-ewwel u qabel kollox" for Labour

Joseph E Briffa

Apr 24th 2009, 14:27

Who says that Simon woke up now? Is it somebody living in cuckooland? Simon has been working consistently for the welfare of the Maltese since June 2004. David Casa comes a close second. The others I am afraid have been having a long slumber while enjoying the salaries and the perks that come with the job. Some of them do not even show up for all the sessions; while others try to denigrate the Maltese authorities on minor issues like the VAT on car registration fees, departure tax and some other irrelevant issues of a trivial nature. They have so far never addressed any issue of national importance like the immigration issue and burden-sharing, the spring hunting issue - here some are in favour others are not, but they all want to run with the hares and run with the hounds I am afraid that their thinking reflects that of the MLP, muddled, inconsistent and therefore unconvincing. One would be forgiven for having doubts about whether they believe that Malta did the right thing when it joined the EU and Eurozone.

D. Cachia

Apr 24th 2009, 13:24

What a laugh I just had reading these comments! The PN supporters just showed us their true colours, they're a bunch of scaremongering gullible fools! They are ready to believe anything their beloved party members tell them, even if it is nowhere near truth.

And to all those saying that the PL didn't manage to convince the PES, I ask, do you really think the PPE voted as it did because they were convinced to by Simon Busuttil?? If you really believe that then I'm sorry for you because you cannot be more gullible than that. Your Simon was just trying to make political mileage out of the situation, but facts quickly exposed his lies, and you were left looking like fools.

The PN has been in Government all this time yet it proved INCAPABLE of solving the immigration problem. Now they want to blame it on the PL? HAHAHA.

Go ahead now, urge everyone to vote PN. Maltese people, vote PN if you want a Malta full of immigrants!!!

Andrew Mangion

Apr 24th 2009, 12:28

Well done for what! It seems that the nationalist MP's or MEP's are of the same kettle. They wake up and pretend doing something a couple of months before an election be it a general election or for MEP?

Can Mr.Busuttil indicate how many reports he has submitted expect this one? Anyone guessing?

The answer is a big ZERO! No wonder all this noise about one report! The times and NP side want to show that Simon is working very hard - Miskin

Joe Galea

Apr 24th 2009, 12:22

I can't believe all the PN spinners in here trying to spin something which dod not happen. Yes PL MEP's VOTED AGAINST the motion of allowing illegals to vote. This is coherent what the local PL is stressing about this issue. So Simon Busuttil is another cheap PN spinner as he is reverting to LIES to try to garner some votesfor the PN. It clearly underpins his statement in the PN's general conference that the PN is in dire straits in the upcoming elections. So, they are trying to revert to spinnings and lies. What a pathetic party!!

Moreover, though the PL is part of Eusropean Socialists, the PL has the guts to go against the flow and vote for Malta first and not for the ideology of some other country. So people like G. mangion, James Formosa, et al should notice that by riding the PN's bandwagon of lies is just idiocracy.

Emma Farrugia

Apr 24th 2009, 12:08

Generally I support Simon Busuttil even if I don’t consider myself a Nationalist. But I do agree with Labour MEP when they say that “the Nationalist MEP was being politically dishonest” as it seems his intention was partly successful after all.

But I’m glad that most of the people immediately understood what is right from ridiculous even if others (I’m not even bothered to name since it’s just too obvious) are way too much pretentious and narrow-minded.

Joseph Camilleri

Apr 24th 2009, 11:08

@Joe Fenech: "You've been the Maltese frontman in Europe and NEVER did anything to defend Malta! All you've done is give us a lot of chit chat which, very frankly, we don't need!"

Seriously.. where have you been living Mr Fenech? During the last 4 years Dr Busuttil has been the ONLY MEP who has been incessantly working in Brussels to try and find a solution and to get the EU to help Malta. How do you think he came up with the Immigration report if he has done nothing? (incidentally just in case you have not realised he was appointed to write the report by his counterparts there)

Joe Fenech

Apr 24th 2009, 08:51

Right to vote, my foot!!

A Maltese national living abroad CAN'T vote in the Maltese elections which is different to the policies many European countries have!

James Formosa

Apr 24th 2009, 08:47

"...the Socialist and Green groups in parliament still managed to insert a reference calling for migrants to have the opportunity to vote." Don't the LP and the AD form part of these groups?? I really don't care how they voted!! Its the ideology and motives that are worrying.

Joe Fenech

Apr 24th 2009, 08:33

Simon, how is it that all of a sudden you've woken up? Is an election on it's way?

You've been the Maltese frontman in Europe and NEVER did anything to defend Malta! All you've done is give us a lot of chit chat which, very frankly, we don't need!

SHAME ON YOU!

G Mangion

Apr 23rd 2009, 18:03

Dusty,
Il - Verita Twegga !
Welldone again to MEP Simon Busuttil.

joanna farrugia

Apr 23rd 2009, 16:22

where are the facts that shows pl mep's voted for such thing? or this another lie or lets call is pn game as normally they do before any election.first mr.busuttil show us the facts and not only what you said and then ppl will decide.seems pn will do any dirty trick to win this round too

A.Gauci Cunningham

Apr 23rd 2009, 16:13

I challenge any of the PN elves working so hard in their grotto posting comments on the line of "....the PL's MEP's cannot convince their Socialist friends....." to tell us how many MEP's and political groupings the PN convinced to share our burden (burden sharing) as promised in the Asylum Pact!!

..............and I'd like numbers and names please!!!!

Mike Magri

Apr 23rd 2009, 14:04

To All PN ' Spinners'... The above report is devided between TWO Articles.. One saying what the PN MEP Dr. Busuttil is saying on the subject, and the other a STRONG reaction to this by the PL, explaining VERY CLEARLY its position on this same subject..

PL's reaction is very, VERY CLEAR... PL MEP's DID NOT..... Repeat.. DID NOT.. vote in favour of illegal immigrants having a right to vote....

SO WHYYYYY ALL THIS POLITICAL SPINNN, DR. BUSUTTIL & 'LA BELLA' KUMPANIJJA.....!!!???!!!???

WHOM ARE YOU TRYING TO FOOL THIS TIME....!!!???!!!???

WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO I-N-V-E-N-T A LIE BEFORE EACH COMMING ELECTION....!!!???!!!???

CAN'T YOU & YOUR PARTY BE POLITICALLY HONEST.. F-O-R..O-N-C-E....!!!???!!!???

Oh Yes Dr. Busuttil & Co. We ALL know 'A LIE' by now whenever we see one... Don't worry...

DUSTY WILLIAMS

Apr 23rd 2009, 10:02

G MANGION

ERGAJTU WAQAJTU GHAC-CAJT. TAFU TILGHABU FAIR INTOM JEW? IMISSKOM TISTHU.

GaleaL

Apr 23rd 2009, 09:32

R Zahra
Do you dare to say that what Dr Sant said about the EU were simply misleading statements, rhetoric, speeches? Is not what Dr Sant and the CNI said years ago being all fulfilled? Is not the EU imposing its diktat on Malta and the Maltese people? Are we not being invaded not only by illegal immigrants but also by EU settlers who are all taking the work and bread of Maltese workers and their families? What about the promises to the hunters and trappers, the factory workers, the Dockyards workers, the farmers, herdsmen, fishermen and everyone else? You have the gall to deny all this? No wonder your party has been called years ago the Partit saħta ta’ Malta.

p.grima

Apr 23rd 2009, 00:47

Whoever even suggests that illegal immigrants should be given the right to vote is either insane or an enemy of Malta and Europe. Didn't the PL make such a suggestion only some months ago?

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Apr 22nd 2009, 23:32

Seems like the elves are out in full force (no not the elves of hamrun but the ones in Pieta!!) to bash and gnash and tell us how important it is to vote PN next June as the PL MEPs voted for immigrants to be granted the vote!! Well the gullible might believe them and their spin, I on the other hand would rather believe what The Times itself is saying here in it's title, PBS news and the actual link (see John Attard) where it shows that Louis Grech and John Attard Montalto (Beddingfield was absent) voted AGAINST the clause!!! But alas that was not to someone's liking so they spun and lied and tried to fool the people into another one of their various traps!! Once bitten twice shy!! So dear elves go tell your lies to the marines maybe they'll believe you!!!

...and these are the same people who screamed "opportunist" and "Gharukaza qed tippoliticizza l-immigrazzjoni" and cried blue murder when Dr.Joseph Muscat gave his alternatives to this huge problem!! I guess it's all OK for the PN to politicise everything but Muscat has to stay put and open his mouth whenever it suits their agenda!!

Alex Cutajar

Apr 22nd 2009, 23:27

This a pre-election ploy to gain sympathy. Our MEP's have been powerless all throughout, living a comfortable life at the expense of our gullable voters. Now on the eve of the MEP election, we want to cover some ground and impress us with a stand.

The PN is also trying to reform the warden system afte a recent public consultation notwithstanding years of blatant abuse from the warden system and their respective contractors. We have been taken for a ride for so long and the utility bills saga is still fresh in our minds.

You have fleeced the nation for so long, exploited the taxpayer repeatedly, squandered millions in the drydocks settlement and now you come up with a cheap political manoevre to try and gain some sympathy.

Incedentally, this is something you should have done before installing speed cameras all over the Island in a final effort to collect more revenue. Voting the PN in Europe would be detrimental to the concept of democracy and will create a totalitarian regime, free from political balance.

Patrick Cilia

Apr 22nd 2009, 22:41

The long an short of itis, the truth is out......now we know who can stand up and be counted to debate and win benefits for Malta and Gozo....on the one side two MEPs who have built a strong reputation for steadfastness and commitment and on the other...a group who pussy foot their way in that wishy washy style so reminiscent of the 1996-1998 government in these islands!

John Camilleri

Apr 22nd 2009, 22:14

Prosit Simon. We're proud of you. You are a true representative of us. Shame on PL . The labourites commenting here can't take it that their representatives just do nothing about the matter but talk.

Joseph Camilleri

Apr 22nd 2009, 21:24

Fact: Socialist and Greens group were in favour of granting voting rights.
Fact: PPP was against the granting of voting rights.
Where were the PL MEPs when it came to getting the support of their fellow MEPs within their parliamentary group? Why have they been unable to influence their postion? Joseph Muscat was quick to get Martin Schultz to endorse him in Malta during the leadership race.. what has been done by the PL and by their MLPs with their 'friend' Martin Schultz to ensure that Malta's interests are protected?
For all their shouts of 'foul' the PL still has to explain how it is using the presence of its MEPs to influence votes in favour of our interests.
Are the interests of the Socialist group compatible with those of our country?

Michael Spiteri

Apr 22nd 2009, 21:13

Blinkers, blinkers, blinkers! For sure Simon Busuttil is a great artist when it comes to manipulating facts to his own supporters. Check out the true facts. The PL parliamentarians voted AGAINST the right to vote to MIGRANTS.

R Abela

Apr 22nd 2009, 21:09

The comments on this page seem intent on politicizing a national issue. Dr Busuttil merely made the point that whilst his party put forward proposals that favour the national interest the opposing PES tried to introduce a vote for refugees - something we are probably all united against. Even if two of the PL MEPs did not actually vote for the right to vote the fact remains that they did not influence the PES whilst the PPE has put forward a proposal that is consonant with the national interest.

It shows how intelligent negotiation behind the scenes can bear fruit and we need MEPs of the same calibre as Dr Busuttil to represent us. Part timers representation (only 2 of the 3 PL MEPs voted) and non influential representation do nothing to further our national interest.

Muscat.Pat

Apr 22nd 2009, 21:00

Simon Busuttil is a politician for all seasons; sometimes he is pro-immigrant basing his arguments on "burden sharing" by his friends of the EPP group, on other times, he is against the immigrant hailing as "saviour" his right wing friends at the EPP who vote against the immigrants. It is time he decides where he stands on this issue. PL stands for Malta's interests where the Mintoff slogan still holds "Malta l-ewwel u qabel kollox". Burden sharing, or rather "burden dumping" as signed by Dr Gonzi has failed us miserably. I think that the worse is still to come.

Joe Vella (mellieha.)

Apr 22nd 2009, 20:54

@ All PL Apologist

What Joseph Muscat and the PL should be doing is condemning the European Socialist for the way they voted. Then, Joseph Muscat wouldn't want to offend his good friend Martin Schultz. After all he excused the Maltese Socialist MEPs not to toe the Party line, so not to embarrass his good friend and their boss, Joseph Muscat.

J Smith

Apr 22nd 2009, 20:44

Fejn kien Glenn Bedingfield? Il vuci tal PL fil PES ma waslitx. Jista xi hadd jghidli ala le? Forsi ghax il hidma ma kienitx hemm?

Anthony Magri

Apr 22nd 2009, 20:40

Dr.Simon Busuttil Shame on for you malicious way of reporting. You give the impression that the Maltese Labor Party MEP voted for immigrants to be given the right to vote.
Quote “In Malta the Labour Party shuns immigration and plays the veto card, but in Brussels the Socialists play a different tune and want to give migrants voting rights,” he said. Dr. Simon Busuttil
The construction of your sentence when first you Mention Maltese L.P. MEP (Maltese Socialsts) then you immediately say that in Malta the L.P speaks against illegal immigrants then then the Socialist in Brussel vote in favour. All words in the same breath.
This is a malicious way of saying things. The Indians say forked tongue"
You don't deserve trust. Ask the hunters.
Dr. Busuttil, you should shoulder the full responsibilty because you should have reported that immigrnts should not be allowed to vote. You did not.
You allowed foreigners to intervene against Malta's interest.You did not have the courage to say no in your report.
In Malta the P.N. (conservatives) say they are against the illegal imigration but in Brussels Conservatives accuse Malta of not doing its part on the illegal immigrationm question. Tit for tat.

Edric Micallef Figallo

Apr 22nd 2009, 20:28

The dispute referred was resolved through a phonecall from Lawrence Gonzi of the EPP to Silvio Berlusconi of the EPP. It was sparked by Roberto Maroni of the Lega Nord, which gives problems to the Popolo della Libertà of the PPE. I am sure most Italians of the PPE (like many activists I do know) do not approve Maroni's line, but for obvious reasons major government exponents cannot openly confront him.

Now that the report drafted by Simon Busuttil was approved we need to make sure that the European debate goes towards a position which is tougher against immigration. We need a European mindset on this question FOR OUR OWN GOOD, we shall not manage alone unless we want other political questions to suffer. Barrot stated "massive immigration" must be stopped. The European Parliament will gain more clout in EU decision-making and it is time to vote those candidates whose European political party is more adverse to this "massive immigration into Europe". The Socialists and the Greens have a clear record and they never fail to impress. Now they seek to grant voting rights to migrants. For our own brand of Socialists, another Guantanamo was to be avoided.

Karl Mamo

Apr 22nd 2009, 19:44

Il-veru ddiżgustat bil-mod li bih il-Partit tan-Nazzjonalisti (u mhux tal-Maltin kollha, zgur li le) dawwar din l-issue f'waħda partiġġjana b'dan il-mod.Il-PN qed ibeżża lin-nies bħal ma dejjem għamel. Kemm fil-kaz ta' Guantanamo u kif ukoll fuq din ta' l-immigrazzjoni ħadd minnhom ma vvota kontra l-interess ta' pajjiżna...

Kulħadd jaf li l-ebda priġunier ma jista' jinġieb lejn Malta diment li m'ghandux passaport Malti. Dik il-hniena tal-PN? Li jzommu nies ittorturati f'dak l-istat, nies li huma Ewropej bhalhom u barra li ghandhom dritt li jirritornaw lejn pajjizhom dawn lanqas biss tressqu quddiem l-ebda qorti? Dan huwa r-religjon u l-valuri Kristjani li jiftahru bih il-PN?

U pruvaw ghamlu distinzjoni bejn immigranti LEGALI u LLEGALI. Misskom tisthu! Lanqas li ma tidhrux li kontu preparati biex tidhlu hawn tattakkaw lil kull min jerfa' rasu kontra l-PN...veru ddizappuntat b'dan li gara.

Kunu afu ukoll li Simon Busuttil qatt ma semma xejn meta Louis Grech hareg bl-idea ta' l-agenzija ta' l-imigrazzjoni... issa qed jipprova jintghogob lejliet l-elezzjoni.

Grazzi talli kkonfermajtuli lil min ghandi nivvota....

Joseph Vella

Apr 22nd 2009, 19:35

Shame on PN. Grow up guys!

s.calleja

Apr 22nd 2009, 19:20

Unbelievable....
If Italy is a Flagship within the PPE, then our PN candidates seems to look more as a lifeboat rather to be on the bridge although they are doing lot of effort so things looks different

laurence schembri

Apr 22nd 2009, 19:12

For a starters gentlemen, it is not `Quantanamo` it`s `Guantanamo`.
There are many ways to skin a cat. Please contain yourselves, Simon is campaigning.
Remember all the promises before the last General Election? `We will do everything in our power to keep prices down`-Lawrence Gonzi. He was campaigning also.
The moral of this little note is: Open you eyes and ask, who is taklng who for a ride?

G .Mangion

Apr 22nd 2009, 19:10

@ DUSTY WILLIAMS !
INTOM SMAJTU L'PROPOSTI TAL PL FUQ L'IMMIGRAZZJONI ILLEGALI? GIELI SMAJTU LIL MICHEAL FALZON JITKELLEM? ZGUR LI LE(Your quote)

U ZGUR LI LE, U BIR - RAGUN !
LIL MICHEAL FALZON , IL - PL WARRBU U ANQAS NIFS TA XEJN MA QED ITIH IL p.l, !!!
TAF X' JONQOS LI, TAJRUH TRADITUR WARA DAK LI GHAMEL F'LAHHAR TELFA TAL MLP.
DUSTY, IL POPLU KOLLU JAF , MIN GHANDU JISTHI , IL PL ' BISSSSSSSSS !
KISSIRTU, LIL MICHEAL FALZON, MELA LIL MALTA X' TAGHMLULA KIEKU ??? HEQ EMM.
WELLDONE SIMON WELLDONE.

R Zahra

Apr 22nd 2009, 19:07

@GaleaL
How can you accuse the one MEP who has been most consistent, direct and accurate about EU matters about 'spin'? Have you forgotten the many years of misleading statements, rhetoric, speeches etc by the MLP lead by Alfred Sant and his lead spin doctor, Joseph Muscat, in relation to EU matters? The PN, and in particular, Simon Busuttil, have been consistent in their views on the EU - and time has proven them right. this is a far cry from the MLP position, which to this very day fails to convince.

John Attard

Apr 22nd 2009, 19:04

dawk kollha li qed jghidu li l-membri parlamentari tal-partit laburista ivvutaw kontra ghandhom zball. Araw dan l-link u tkunu tafu li dan mhux minnu.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sce/data/votes_results/doc//AN.20090422.pdf Araw dan l-link u tkunu tafu li mhuwiex minnu li vvutaw kontra ( pages 121-122)

Ghal kuntrarju membri tal-ppe ivvutaw kontra mhux tas-socjalisti

P Grima

Apr 22nd 2009, 18:44

The PN, with just two MEP candidates, and against a show of force by the Italian Interior Minister have steadfastly put across for all to see a consistent clear message. The only alternative proposed by the PL is to use a veto (which will cause irrepairable political damage) to make a point. The PL are at one with the GWU in their use of force instead of the power of persuasion. Vote for intelligent representation not party lackeys!!

R Fenech

Apr 22nd 2009, 18:40

The PN MEPs had the guts to stand up for their own country and the PN Government took a stance regardless of affiliation or pressure in the best interests of the nation. On the contrary only two PL MEPs turned up for the vote - where was Glen Bedingfield?.

On the Guantanamo Bay issue the PL MEPs voted with their party against our national interest. Their inconsistency is scary and proves they do not have the strength of character within international fora. The calibre of their candidates and the poor direction given by their PL leadership account for this sorry state of affairs. With just 5 MEPs we simply cannot afford to have part timers who are not totally committed to the national interest representing us in the EP!

Joseph E Briffa

Apr 22nd 2009, 18:33

Well done Simon..you have shown once again that you and David are the ones who work hard for the good of the EU and for Malta in particular. You have indeed shown to the Maltese and to the EU parliamentarians that not only do you have ideas and expertise but you have powers of persuasiion and work hard to deliver the goods. I have nothing against the MLP MEPs but so far I am afraid they have never rose to your heights. They are not of the same level and mettle as you. They indulge in petty things like VAT refunds on car purchases, departure tax and other trivial things. . Indeed I would say that their interventions are only meant to put the PN government in bad light. They have so far failed to address any problems besetting Malta and originating from sources outside of the country.

R Zammit

Apr 22nd 2009, 18:33

Jidher car li l-MEPs Socjalisti ma rnexxilhomx idawwru il posizzjoni tas Socjalisti Ewropew. Jekk ma jkollniex MEPs ta stoffa dak li jigri. Il vuci ta pajjizna jissahhah jekk ikun hemm min jaf jikkonvinci il partit tieghu fl'interess ta pajjizna u ta l'Ewropa. Billi tmur Brussels u ssahhan is-siggu biex tidher sabih ghalxejn ghax minbarra flus mohlijja nitilfu l'oppotunitajiet biex niehdu hsieb l'interessi taghna. Vot ghal kandidati mhux kapaci ikun vot mitluf u opportunita li osfrot. Ivvutaw b'raskom mhux b'qalbkom f'Gunju!

Franco Xuereb

Apr 22nd 2009, 18:18

First and foremost;
To all follow citizens, that agree that all illegal immigrants should have the right to vote, you must be out of our mind.
If this will happen, we're just preparing to open further rights like voting in the general election and thus the day will come when they will be able to contest the elections.... just thing on the consequences..........
Secondly to the three PL MEP should be a shamed of them self and thus I do not know how they ve'got the guts to show their faces in Malta and to present them self as candidates for the coming EP election. (If they voted in favor)

If the right to vote will be given to the illegal immigrants we're sending the wrong massage to the Africans that are waiting to cross to Europe that we will welcome them with open arms thus we will give you all the rights as the citizens of the country you entered illegally.

Last but not lest, the only dissuasion that should take place in one that is to repatriate all illegal immigrants immediately, and not for the burden sharing to start working with in the EU member states.

Joseph Camilleri

Apr 22nd 2009, 18:14

The Socialist and Greens position about this issue is now clear... I would love to read a proper explanation by both the PL and AD and for them to confirm their official position about the positions taken by the Socialist and Greens in the EP

R. ELLUL

Apr 22nd 2009, 18:04

THE RAPE OF EUROPE BY DR. DAVID HATHAWAY TELLS THE TRUTH ABOUT THE EU YOU CAN GO TO www.eurovision.org.uk

HOW LONG BEFORE PEOPLE OPEN THEIR EYES TO THE TRUTH.

Anthony Lee

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:54

Veru iddizgustajtuni bil-kummenti taghkom. Hafna minnkom titkesshu b`hafna paroli zejjed u tibilaw kollox. Ghalfejn qed tkomplu tigdbu u tikkumentaw fuq gidba fahxija. L-PL ivvota kontra bhal kull MEP iehor Malti.

R. Caruana

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:44

So the PL MEPs have always voted like the PN ones?

So who voted for Quantanamo convicts to be brought to the EU when the PN MEPs voted against?

Pull the other one, Joseph.

J Farrugia

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:40

Well done Andrew Sciberras.

The report gives the vote to migrants with FIVE YEARS' LEGAL RESIDENCE for the LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS. EU residents and Third Country Nationals with long-term residence visa already VOTE IN LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS!!!

And shouldn't a refugee (not an asylum seeker) have the right to vote for the council in the town he has been living for the past five years? What about an American investor who has lived here for 20 years - cant he vote in the local councils?

John Debattista

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:37

Halliena Simon b'min tahseb li ser tidhaqq......................................

jbusuttil

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:34

To all those PL who are shouting victory. Just read exactly what is written in the above article. No mention of " Maltese PL MEP's". Simon Busuttil mentions European Socialists.

Karl Muscat

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:34

The point here is very simple.

if PL defence is that their MEPs voted against the clause giving the vote to illegal immigrations, I think they missed the whole point of being in the EP.

it is about CONVINCING THEIR PARTY TO DO THE WITHDRAW THEIR CLAUSE IN FAVOUR OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS VOTE, and not where our 5 National votes out of 785 go in the EP.

this is a clear cut example of how PL is still not aware on how their representatives could be effective in the European Parliament.

How effective are our MEPs in their respective Parties (EPP and PES) in influencing their positions.

There is a CLEAR-CUT difference in my view.

GaleaL

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:28

Although some pn apologists have become accustomed to jumping the gun, the Maltese people have also become accustomed to your spin Simon.

Steven Brockwell

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:22

we talk about right to vote? why don't we talk about right to stay here illegally ?

Patrick Cilia

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:21

This is another reason why we need strong voices in the EP. What would have happened had we foillowed the PL or MLP's strategy for a loose partnership with the EU? We would still be vulnerable as regards illegal immigration without that voice to even consider such a report. Well done Dr. Busuttil and with only a 38% representation of the Maltese electorate you have shown there is the potential for even more work with double that percentage if not 100% Do we really want people there who are either euro sceptics or not really committed or consistent in their belief about the EU?

Muscat.Pat

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:18

Whilst the PL has the national interest at heart, the PN as represented by Simon Busuttil could not help saying a half truth ( which is worse than a blantant lie) to try to score political points. As expected, the chorus from the Pieta fans fell for it as well! How can we trust our Nationalists MP's when the best they can create is simply spinning and weaving half truths? Is the PN becoming anti-immigrant and xenophobic party now? Or it is simply convenient to have a damescene political strategy appearing as "same" to different political interests? This is petty politics and lacks the necessary seriousness to tackle our immense national problems.

c.camilleri

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:16

What about the case of the Quantanamo inmates? Who voted in favour of accepting them in their country?

J.Borg

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:16

Stop treating us like idiots Mr.Simon Busuttil...........

you tried to blow a baloon and it burst right in your face..........you should be ashamed......that's how you promote yourself to be a clean "politician"

SHAME!!!!!

E Gatt

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:15

@ PL

Roberto Maroni is a member of Lega Nord.
Lega Nord is not a member of the PPE.
Lega Nord is with the 'Union for Europe of the Nations' group in the European Parliament

Franco Xuereb

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:12

First and foremost;
To all follow citizens, that agree that all illegal immigrants should have the right to vote, you must be out of our mind.
If this will happen, we're just preparing to open further rights like voting in the general election and thus the day will come when they will be able to contest the elections.... just thing on the consequences..........
Secondly to the three PL MEP should be a shamed of them self and thus I do not know how they ve'got the guts to show their faces in Malta and to present them self as candidates for the coming EP election. (If they voted in favor)

If the right to vote will be given to the illegal immigrants we're sending the wrong message to the Africans that are waiting to cross to Europe that we will welcome them with open arms thus we will give you all the rights as the citizens of the country you entered illegally.

Last but not lest, the only dissuasion that should take place in one that is to repatriate all illegal immigrants immediately, and not for the burden sharing to start working with in the EU member states

H Borg

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:11

Anyone know where Glen Bedingfield stood on this matter? He certainly did not vote? We can presume he was not Brussels. We cannot afford to have part time MEPs - we only have five seats!

c.camilleri

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:11

Past experience has thought us that Simon Busuttil never twisted the truth. So a clear statement from the PL on how its EU members voted and why is desired to clarify the matter. It is not the first time that PL members say one thing here and do the opposite in Brussels.

A.Gauci cunningham

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:09

Why do you try to deceive the people?? Why do you try to give an impression that is not true?? Why did a number of well known PN supporters come all out against the PL after hearing one side of the story only to be proved wrong a few minutes later???

ALL MEP's voted AGAINST giving immigrants any right to vote and trying to give a different impression is just a big, fat lie!!

@S.Busuttil--- You are the best candidate on the PN side so I'm sure you can go above such cheap stunts.......i'm not sure gonziPN can though!! Leave the dirty work to some johnny-come-lately!!!

@Cyrus Engerer---Can you tell me what you think about the fact that the Pn MEP's have consistantly voted against or abstained on issues dealing with homosexuality!!! Do you honestly feel comfortable with this Party?? Does it really hear our needs?? Or do gay people only exist (like the rest) before the election for the PN and then have to make way for the conservative gibberish afterwards??????

frank Mizzi

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:01

At Pauline Gatt,

I have never seen any of the MLP European Parlamentarians heading delegations on the matter let alone having a report adopted by the EP. So can you please answer a very simple question "who is playing the gallarijja now????" Very easy for Labour to critisize and say ther is nothing they can be critisized about. Of course, If they did'nt do anything, there is nothing to critisize.

Pity MEP elections are used as a protest vote, as everyone knows the MLP EP ticket, Eurosceptism at its BEST...

DUSTY WILLIAMS

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:00

IMISKOM TISTHU TAL PN!

INTOM SMAJTU L'PROPOSTI TAL PL FUQ L'IMMIGRAZZJONI ILLEGALI? GIELI SMAJTU LIL MICHEAL FALZON JITKELLEM? ZGUR LI LE.

KIF TIPPRUVAW DEJJEM QABEL XI ELEZZJONI LI THAWWDU L'IMHUH TAN NIES..

MALTA GHANDNA NIES INTELLIGENTI TA U KAPACI JINDUNAW WAHIDHOM LI QEGHDIN ITQARRQU BIN-NIES... JEKK IS-SOCJALISTI EWROPEJ IRIDU HEKK MA JFISSIRX L'MEP'S MALTIN RIEDU HEKK .. SA FEJ NAF JIEN L MEPS MALTIN JAQBLU MA SIMON GHALEKK IVVOTAW KONTRA.

X'QED TAHSBUNA BAHNANA JEW ... IMISSKOM TISTHU.

Stephen Stivala

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:00

WHAT'S NEXT? THE EU GIVING THEM THE RIGHT TO BECOME CANDIDATES? I DOUBT THAT THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN APPROVED.

Victor Calleja

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:57

Il PL ċaħad li MEPs tieġħu ivvutaw favur il klandestini intihom il vot.

R. Ellul

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:54

Isn't one suppose to be a citizen of a country before he/she has the right to vote????

Or the law changes suit today's politicians??

Do you believe that other than citizens care about what happen to a country? This is just a mask for another purpose.

Christian Mifsud

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:52

Well done but Dr Busuttil is trying to get political advantage from this by giving the wrong impressions to us maltese. The right to vote is to people who are legaly working in a country not to illegal immigrants

James Hamilton

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:50

Please people, use your brains....Do you honestly think that anyone in their right mind would allow illegal immigrants to vote.

While everyone is so alarmed at the thought that an inmate from Guantanamo Bay could actually be incarcerated in this country, please bear in mind that the only country which has given us a helping hand is the USA .......
They are the ones that have actually accepted to relocate some of our immigrants........
They are the ones that supplied the patrol boats ....
They are the ones that have given the AFM the training ......
And yet you complain

Lets face it the US has done more for us than the EU. As far as I am concerned the EU are just the bully boys, and I don't believe for one moment that any EU country is prepared to help us out with burden sharing. Lets face it every EU country has its own immigration problems

A. Bugeja

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:50

a single word to all those below who parted their wisdom (?) without knowing the full merits of the case: IMBASTA.
As the saying goes, a drowning man will clutch at a straw

V Marmara

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:49

It's a shame to have people to try to compare things in the wrong way against the Labour Party or else try to give a misleaded message by trying to show inconsistencies while on the other hand there will be no inconcsistencies.

The Labour Party was consistent on this one and all the PL MEPs voted against. I pretend that there will be no partisan politics on this one!!

We should be proud by our PL MEPs, they voted in the national interest of Malta, they put the National interest at first and not any other agenda.

Mari Farrugia

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:49

Simon Busuttil is outright dishonest!

Louis Grech and John Attard Montalto voted AGAINST but Busuttil is into Punch and Judy spin politics. Shameful indeed.

The right to vote for immigrants comes thanks to SIMON BUSUTTIL and is NOW enshrined - and will alsways be remembered - as the BUSUTTIL REPORT.

Sandro Pace

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:45

PN and PL people stop being partisan. This is laughable.

To begin with this is just a report, which needs many stages to pass to anything tangible. Secondly, why does it insist on Frontex when it is a failure? Thirdly, Barot said that it will be difficult to convince individual countries to any permanent burden sharing.

The last time there was such an enthusiasm is when Frontex began. And it was prior to the general election.

Do not discard the Veto so early. This report may need some Vetoing to be convinved through.

Pauline Gatt

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:41

The Maltese Socialist MEPs voted on the same line as Simon Busuttil. So if Simon Busuttil is criticising the Labour Party, it applies the same to the Nationalist Party.

For those who do not believe, can easily check the votes on this link:
(pg 121-122): http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sce/data/votes_results/doc//AN.20090422.pdf

Simon Busuttil is trying to give the impression that he is the ´top man´ within the EPP-ED. If it was the case, he should have had the power to exert pressure on the Italian Government to stop sending illegal immigrants to Malta!!!!

malcolm seychell

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:41

I am sorry to say it, but unless a statement is issued by the PL, and clarify the matter, those who are against illegal immigration should not even think to vote PL.

As for greens its nothing new. This has always been their policy.

It seems only few choices are left. Either vote for PN(some of them as other are just socialists who happen to be in the PN rather then in te PL) or AN candidates if you are really worried about this issue.

This is a suicide for our country.

PL cannot be taken seriously. In Malta they speak like a right wing party and in Europe they vote like the communists.

Domnic Zahra

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:36

As for the democracy in the Labour Party..

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2009/04/19/t1.html

they never change. unfortnately..

P. Schembri

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:30

@All PN apologists. Scaremongering and paranoia are your best weapons. You don't have major issues to criticise the PL, so you end up scaremongering. But this time it won't work. The Maltese have learnt who wants the best for the country.

And please before you criticise, better check your facts first. Shooting from the hip doesn't do much to your party and the country as a whole.

Andrew Sciberras

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:30

It is a shame that the majority of comments suggest that we should also treat LEGAL immigrants such as those with a REFUGEE status as lesser mortals. If you put 1 and 1 together you would also notice that FULL MOBILITY in the EU would lessen the 'burden' on Malta (especially given the fact that the great majority of migrants have absolutely no intention to stay in Malta. You would also notice that Spain which is run by a SOCIALIST government lessened its migration burden by 70% by developing good relationships with third party countries.

It is ironic that you criticise the Socialists who are in reality MORE inclined to share this human responsibility and praise the Conservatives and Far Right who want to keep them locked up in one country for ever or else to disproportionately place the burden only on small BORDER countries!!

PS I am a Socialist and proud of it. Well done to Socialists and Greens in Europe.

simon abela

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:29

Simon qed tilghab ghal gallarija.

As long as you stand under the pn ticket, your credibility is doubted. I am sorry, but you will not get my vote no matter how hard you try.

R. Caruana

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:29

Well Done Simon, you showed the way as to how MEPs should go about their duties. So far the MLP/PL has never done anything on this level, and not even tried, either.

We're proud of you Simon, and this goes also for David Casa. If only the Maltese could see the light and elect more PN MEPs in the coming elections, we'd be such a better lot.

Ruth MIZZI

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:28

Voting rights for refugees?!?! U le ... Very soon they will be telling us to swop living conditions - for us to take up residence in detention centres and for these refugees to settle down comfortably in our homes!!!! Whatever next .... :S !!!!

P Debono

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:26

The MLP and AD parties should be ashamed of themselves and their hypocrisy regarding this matter.

I expect a similar statement from the PL explaining their reasoning for such behaviour.

Jason Mizzi

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:25

Finally, the reward for working so hard for us Maltese. Thank you Simon. May we have more like you in the next European Parliament elections.

Luke Gatt

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:24

Well done Simon. He managed to pull it through. Thanks to the Greens and Socialists they have now shown their true colours on immigration. They want to give immigrants the vote! Unbelievable! So why do the socialists speak with such eloquence on what they would do to solve the immigration problem when they are speaking here in Malta and then they support the vote for immigrants in the EP? A case of one voice for Malta and a different one for Brussels? They do the same locally - they write and speak with one tone when on the Maltese media and switch to a different one when they are participating in the English language media. They do it so naturally! But can we trust them?

Albert Muscat

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:22

Many peoples and most probably with out reading or fail to understand the content of the article automatically add ‘illegal’ to immigrants. Is this obsession out of racism or out of hysteria?

Felix Scerri

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:22

Before some people cont to say stupid things, again I ask if someone can check if the vote is for legal or illegal immigrants.

A. Vassallo

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:20

History will keep repeating itself and keeps coming back to us. This is evident on how the Socialists and the Greens behave and vote in the European Parliament and do and say exactly the opposite in Malta. They think we do not know what is going on in the EU Parliament.

It is imperative that in the June 6th EU elections we ALL MUST VOTE PARTIT NAZZJONALISTA – the only way to safegaurd our rights in Europe.

Pauline Gatt

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:19

It seems that Simon Busuttil forgets quickly when Socialist MEP Louis Grech proposed in the plenary to quicken the repatriation of illegal immigrants from Malta and 1 Nationalist MEP was absent while the other did not vote for this proposal. I ´m also surprised how the Louis Grech did not find the support of the Nationalists when he proposed an EU Irregular Immigrants and Asylum Seekers to be set up in Malta!!!!!!

I remain stunned by Busuttil´s PR....!!!!!

c caruana

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:13

@R Agius
The right to vote goes to refugess not to illegal immigrants.

Alfred Attard

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:07

Unbelievable!!! The same EP group who voted to accept Guantanamo Bay terrorists in Europe, now wants to give irregurlar immigrants the right to vote. Added to the Socialists now we have the ever Greens. This is a very good food for taught before every European citizen casts his vote for EP on coming 6th June.
A.Attard (Rabat)

K. Serracino

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:03

Well done Simon.

Vote those who make the difference by not even mentioning the word VETO.

Mike Farrugia

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:53

This is unbelievable. I expect a statement by PL and AD to explain there reasoning.

Marco Spiteri

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:50

If this is not enough reason to vote PN in the upcoming elections, what is, may I ask??

Let us save our country once again by voting to all PN candidates this coming June.

Well done Simon !!

Albert Muscat

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:48

For the EU to remedy its democratic deficit and not to remain decades backwards in terms of immigrants, a common agreed immigrant’s policy must be signed and agreed upon by all block members.

Legal immigrants that work and legally stay a period of at least five years in EU' soil must enjoy equal rights as Inhabitant citizens including the right to vote.

Remember- such right gave AD chairman Arnold Cassola the right to contest on Italian election.

Francesco Tomasi

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:47

I fully agree that immigrants residing in Malta should be granted the right the right to vote, after all they are becoming residents of Malta and should therefore pay taxes and also have the rights which the Maltese enjoy. Its time for all Maltese to open up!

Felix Scerri

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:46

Can someone please explain (or check) if the right for migrants to vote is for legal or illegal immigrants?

Thanks for anyone who can explain this.

Andrew Sciberras

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:43

Dear all, please read the true facts before jumping on the closed-minded partisan bandwagon.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/018-54071-111-04-17-902-20090421IPR54070-21-04-2009-2009-false/default_sv.htm

Notice the following excerpt:

'The report also supports the view that immigrants from third countries should be granted the right to full mobility in the EU, after a period of five years' LEGAL residence in a Member State. A further recommendation from MEPs suggests that democratic participation is crucial to integration they are therefore calling for migrants to be allowed to vote in LOCAL elections. ' (emphasis added)

Andrew

jesmond zammit

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:43

@nenu

jahasra qed taqa f nasba . mintix tinduna li waslet elezjoni tal p.e .
ilhom isiru rapporti ta esperti u voti kontra voti. issa kulhadd irid jimpressjona fl ahhar mumenti.
u sadanittant lanca gejja u ohra gejja

Muscat.Pat

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:40

Spinning and weaving Incorporated. Playing again Sam, the elections are near!

Paul micallef

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:38

First of all i would like to point out that socialist and conservative principles in European countries are not the same principles that we have, i bet that half the Maltese peaople do not know what being SOCIALIST and CONSERVATIVE mean, we only vote because my father votes that, and my mother votes this, and maybe we can get this and that.
But i must come to some comments that i have read, all people must go and vote P.N??why??? have you not had the time to read and hear mr Muscats comments??? do you not know that he is one hundred percent behind the Primeminister on these issues?? what does this say about him in your eyes??. Socialisim in principle has always been for the people and the weak read the story of how nations how they developed,, not how politics are run in Malta. I will vote for P.L candidates not because i am P.L but only because i am in favour of there policys.

Mary Ann Borg

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:34

Seems like our good ol' smiley Joseph doesn't carry much clout in the EU -even if he spent years representing Malta in Brussels. Voting rights for refugees? Is this how PL plans to stop the series of general-election defeats? By giving voting rights to people who decide to come to our shores uninvited and without documents on a kinda-boat? Veru bravu l-boy!

Joe Vella (Mellieha.)

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:34

@ J Farrugia

Having long term Immigrants voting in local elections is not the same as voting in Elections to elect who is going to represent us at the EU. The issues and scope are not the same.

Whom are these long term immigrants going to vote for? A Candidate whose' party is affiliated with a block within the EU Parliament that is more likely to be sympathetic to his native land; or to a candidate who is affiliated with a block at the EU Parliament this is more likely to be sympathetic to Malta?

Who was it that said Socialist cannot see beyond the tip of their noses?

R Agius

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:28

It is quite unbelievable that the Socialists have inserted the 'right to vote' clause. Dr Busuttil and the the rest of the EPP stood up to be counted - espousing and attempting to enact legislation that is consistent with the national interest and certainly public sentiment here in Malta. How can the PL MEPs declare themselves in favour of this right to vote? How can any Maltese concerned about this illegal immigration problem (with emphasis on the word 'illegal') vote for a prospective MEP that supports the right of vote to an illegal immigrant?

Now is the time for PL MEPs to stand to be counted and to publicly declare their position and show us how they voted and what pressure - if any - they have brought to bear on their party to remove the right to vote. This is the stark difference between PN MEPs and PL MEPs. The national interest must always take precedence over party interests. Sadly the Socialists have been consistent only insofar as their loyalty to their party goes.

We need MEPs who act in the national interest more than ever before..... PN MEPs have always done so!

Karl Littlejohn

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:25

"The burden-sharing mechanism envisaged in the Immigration Pact must be rapidly implemented and transformed into a binding and permanent instrument."

This(above) clearly shows that the pact signed in October called for voluntary burden sharing, which we now indirectly admit it was a farce. But at least we're moving forward by admitting our defaulted past stances.

Also Socialists and Greens can't be trusted on these issues. Granting votes to immigrants would spell disaster for legal citizen rights. In Europe Greens and reds are different from the ones we see on our islands. But ironically they are the same!

Carmelo(Nenu(Aquilina

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:21

Veru tal-misthija, hawn Malta tal-PL jridu lill gvern juza l-veto, imbghad fi' Brusels jivvutaw favur biex l=-emigranti illegali f'Malta jkunu jistghu jivvutaw f'kull elezzjoni f'Malta.
X'inteligenza hi din? X'politika hi din? Minn jaf x'hemm waraja din il-buzillotta?
Tghid qed jemmnu li veru m'ghandhomx voti bizzejjed biex jirbhu l-gvern fl' elezzjoni li jmiss?
Tghid jien qed immur minn mohhi? Tghid dawn tal-PL ser igibuna nitkellmu wehidna!
Melu hsibkom hemm huti Maltin u Ghawdxin, ghax jien ma niftakar qatt li xi darba waqqaf ibberraq minn-nhar tal-Partit Laborista? Il-berraq ifisser dejjem maltemp kiefer, tafdawx!

Gerald Fenech

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:21

Although the report contains many interesting and much needed proposals everyone knows that it will not be enacted and is just paying lip service to the problem. I would like to ask how it is going to be enforced. As for the anti-Labour comments by some people on this post, the less said the better.

Jan Borg

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:21

@ Stephen Farrugia & James Dimech
The voting rights are for MIGRANTS, so it doesn't mean they are automatically ILLEGAL.

C. Sapiano

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:17

Ejjew Nazzjonalisti - we know that we win every general election, but we should win even this election (considered not important by many) for the sake of our country !

Sandro Pace

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:15

While this is good, lets see it work first, before for the 1000th time singing elusive victories.

This is probably a non-binding report. And what about the Dublin II amendments?

Cyrus Engerer

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:14

So first our Labour MEPs voted in favour of allowing Guantanamo Bay prisoners to come to the European Union, including Malta, and now they have voted to give Illegal Immigrants voting rights.

I am all in for respecting everyone's human rights, however, I am shocked at the way that Maltese Labour MEPs are voting on such important issues in the European Parliament. An MEP is elected in the only insitution of the EU that directly represents us citizens, however, it seems that Labour MEPs are not voting in the interest of Maltese citizens.

alex sciberras

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:14

DIK JONQOS IKOLLHOM IL VOT.....Well done SIMON BUSUTTIL...KEEP IT UP...

James Depasquale

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:02

Well done Simon Busuttil!

Now, as EU we have a legal basis to move on and share the burden together. The commission must now press Member States to present concrete proposals on how they are going to settle illegal migrants from southern Europe.

As to the Socialists and to the PL MEPs, shame on them. Why render something illegal, legal? How on earth can something like this happen.

I look forward for their first appearance on National television, with their serious faces, and bold statements on their O-tolerance on illegal immigration.

J Farrugia

Apr 22nd 2009, 14:58

The report should clarify who can vote - these are actually long-term migrants; which is similar to the situation where foreign EU citizens can vote in Maltese local council elections.

Also - their vote is restricted to LOCAL COUNCILS, not general elections.

jcmicallef

Apr 22nd 2009, 14:56

@ James Dimech

Seconded!

Noel Barry

Apr 22nd 2009, 14:56

Well done Simon and Malta. No one seems to know that the MLP MEPs want to give illegal immigrants voting rights. Let us splash this everywhere so that we uncover the hypocrisy of the MLP. We all know that in Malta they say one thing and in the EU they say another, but the PN has to use the media to remind the people what is hapening.

James Dimech

Apr 22nd 2009, 14:51

All PN people must go out and vote...we cannot risk having Socialist MEPs representing us in Parliament. This is what you get with an MLP majority there...terrorists coming to Malta and immigrants getting a vote. I bet next thing Joseph Muscat will be out doing constituency meetings in Marsa open centre.

Karen Grima

Apr 22nd 2009, 14:45

Obviously PL plays tough in Malta with proposals, vetoes and all. Then it comes up with something sort - even following their vote to allow terrorists in from Guantanamo !

I am not happy with our present government, but I am much less happier with our PL crew in Brussels!

For MEP elections the protest vote needs to be the other way round this time. We need 4 PN MEPs and 1 PL. This way they might learn to stop playing the hypocrites between Malta and Brussels and stop supporting ridiculous proposals such as these.

Stephen Farrugia

Apr 22nd 2009, 14:44

" Right to vote"? How can they have a right to vote , when they are illegal?

This double game on this issue will not work. Can the Socialists give us a detailed explanation. It is important to have an opposition but it has to be a good opposition and after losing so many elections, its about time that they sort out their politics or leave. Other people can do a better opposition job. Lets see, what the Maltese Socialists have to say.

On immigration, the line was drawn in the sand, so I suggest, nobody crosses this line.

Stephen Farrugia

C. Muscat

Apr 22nd 2009, 14:38

I propose that the EP elections are held every year, forsi niccaqalqu!!!!!!