It's time for hope

It would seem gratuitous to use electoral catch phrases that have characterised historic elections like the one in the US but Barak Obama's campaign, based on hope and change, might be viewed as symptomatic of what the world really needs at the moment. The energy and economic crises and the post-9/11 fear we have been living in, are the background for most of our society's preoccupations. Zoning in to little Malta, echoes of these concerns are also felt: From the effects of the economic downturn, and our albeit slow rethinking of our energy policy, to the political chaos caused by the immigration problem, the present and future scenarios can be quite gloomy.

I believe there is, however, room for hope. And the European Parliament vote is crucial for this matter as it elects the persons who will continue moving Europe forward. With the benefit of more than hindsight, EU membership and the adoption of the euro have proved to be Malta's safety net, the right structure where a small nation like ours can still thrive, despite its obvious inherent disadvantages. The scenario of non-membership would have been disastrous, especially in the light of this unprecedented economic crisis, and we, therefore, have to elect the best persons to drive Malta forward in a better EU.

Our primary concern, in this light, is the creation of jobs. The economic and energy crises give us an unprecedented opportunity to turn problems into opportunities. The Green New Deal proposed by the European Greens proposes the creation of five million new Green jobs in Europe in five years' time. A win-win proposal, good for employers and good for employees, since it envisages the creation of new and sustainable jobs to redirect European economies towards the reduction of CO2 emissions and the adoption of cleaner technologies. Government investment in these new industries, such as is being done by the Obama Administration, incentivises a move towards new business that requires new manpower.

This can also become a reality in Malta, especially in the sectors of wind and solar energy and other areas such as waste recycling and sustainable agriculture. In the light of our manageable small size, we may well be sitting on a goldmine.

The vision of AD and the European Greens is one supported by hard facts and by concrete proposals. We aim to promote job creation in Malta by phasing out unsustainable practices, especially in the energy sector, and reduce our dependence on the construction bubble. Our Green New Deal for Malta focuses on three main areas and aims at using to the full the country's precious but frequently underestimated natural resources, coupled with the ingeniousness of the Maltese worker.

One, with regard to the consumer, we should be increasing subsidies and incentives for the purchase and use of renewable energies (mostly solar panels and smart ecological construction), ecologically smart appliances and white goods, clean cars. This will promote "virtuous spending", which, in turn, affects positively our spending power, the national energy bill and a better air quality, while helping the retail sector to get moving out of the slump brought about by the economic downturn.

Two, we must invest in a national plan for new technologies: Sustainable wind farms and a massive move towards harnessing solar energy.

Three, we desperately need to improve our tourist product through eco innovation: Gozo as a real eco island, sustained by a strategy for the development of rural and alternative tourism niches that would also create innovative employment in this region and for which the EU allots considerable funds.

Where does hope fit into all this? It is our firm belief that we can find feasible alternative solutions to the quandary we may be in. Our vision of job creation is a long-term one that, however, can even produce concrete results in a matter of years. Our hope in the potential of Malta to grow within the structures of the EU is unlimited.

This project can be brought forward be electing consistent and credible candidates who have a vision for Malta and Gozo that goes beyond party lines and negative campaigning and that puts the country first. The election of a Green MEP is becoming a greater possibility, even due to Malta's possible six seats in the European Parliament. Yes we can: In order to ensure an alternative voice that works differently, you have a choice to elect a representative who walks the talk and has a holistic vision for employment and the environment.

The author is chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green party and candidate for the European Parliament elections.

www.alternattiva.org.mt, arnoldcassola@wordpress.com, arnoldcassola@gmail.com