Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
Fully-paid observer status for Malta's sixth MEP
Malta's sixth MEP will be granted observer status once the Lisbon Treaty is ratified by Ireland, according to a deal approved by the outgoing European Parliament.
This means that, as from January, Malta's sixth representative will be able to take part in all EP functions and receive the full package of salaries and perks, which are set to increase to over €400,000 a year for Maltese MEPs.
However, the sixth MEP will not have the right to vote like the other five MEPs and will only become a fully-fledged member once the legal protocol is carried by the 27 member states, a process that can take up to two years.
This arrangement will not only benefit Malta's sixth MEP but the 17 other MEPs from 12 different member states, which have been allotted more seats as a result of the Lisbon Treaty.
Initially, Malta was only entitled to elect five MEPs but, following intense lobbying by the government, the EU agreed to allow an extra seat to put the island on a par with other small member states, such as Luxembourg and Cyprus.
According to EU rules, the added seats, which will bring the total of MEPs to 754 from 736, can only become effective through the ratification of a new protocol, which will be approved individually by the 27 national parliaments once the treaty comes into force.
The EU plans to include this protocol as a clause in the entry treaty for Croatia in 2011. However, both Croatia's entry and Ireland's ratification of the Lisbon Treaty are still in the balance, which means Malta's sixth MEP can remain an observer for months, if not years.
Asked whether it would have made more sense if the new MEP took up the seat when the legal protocol was ratified by the 27 member states, an EP spokesman in Brussels said: "It will be a good thing if the sixth Maltese MEP adapts to the new job".
Many EP observers are critical of this deal. They are suggesting that the 18 new observers might not become MEPs at all if the Lisbon Treaty, the legal protocol or Croatia's eventual accession treaty does not materialise. At the same time, the observers would be costing EU taxpayers an extra €7.2 million annually in salaries and perks for just following what was going on.
Malta will elect five MEPs in June with the runner-up eventually taking up the sixth seat.
According to political party polls, the sixth seat will most probably go to the Labour Party, which is expected to win four out of the six MEP seats. The PN is expected to retain the two seats won in 2004.
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joe caruana
May 27th 2009, 08:25
the sixth seat was there, but EFA in his yes to everthing during negotiations let it go. If I remember correctly there was a dispute between Malta and Luxembourg because then Luxembourg had six seats but with EFA's actions they lost one. If I am correct and I stand to be corrected, it is only fair that the sixth seat should never go to the PN.
PS. I never had any memory problems.
Ben Dover
May 27th 2009, 08:19
@D.Ellul
First of all this election has nothing to do with the general election!! secondly you are not voting for the party but for the individual. Still 4 voting seats definately for labour and 1 voting seat to PN "u il-laqx tas-sitt sigu jiehduh il PN" but we better get used to it cause as members of PL have said "l-ewwel lil tal-labour, imbadd lil tal-labour u jekk jifdal lil tal labour". Payback time is getting closer even if you only voted for PN once!!!!
D Ellul
May 26th 2009, 15:15
Do not be misled. Labour face a very difficult election. Their starting point is a defeat in the general elections of last year. Getting 4 out of 6 MEPs is very difficult. It's still a long way to go before June 6, let's keep working in the best interests of Malta and the Maltese.
Gorg Theuma
May 26th 2009, 13:22
''full package of salaries and perks, which are set to increase to over €400,000 a year for Maltese MEPs. ''
NOT A JOKE ..a year!!!!!!!!!
This is POLITICS all about my dear friends.......it is not about service, patriotism, charity, solidariety to your country or fellow citizens.
Let them fight with each other than and enjoy the show.
Joe Cassar
May 26th 2009, 13:06
The gravy train gets longer and longer.
Bertie O'Cassey
May 26th 2009, 11:04
I consider myself of the nationalist belief but as it stands through people abstaining from voting PN will definately elect 1 MEP but more than that I doubt it.
The "small" parties will gather votes, but not enough to elect so these will put PN in disadvantage. It is only PN people that tend to vote for other parties.
Too many disgruntled voters in my opinion
Mari Scerri
May 26th 2009, 11:03
I hope all those who are thinking of not voting on the 6th June will all be satisified with the outcome of having the likes of the so many PL MEPs representing them. It is a sad scenario we face because their competence leaves much to be desired.
E Gatt
May 26th 2009, 10:58
If PN voters don't bother to vote for all 10 PN candidates, then PL can elect 4 MEPs with as little as 52%.
D Ellul
May 26th 2009, 10:58
Again, the nationalist party's propaganda machine claiming that the 4th seat will go to the Labour Party. This will be a very difficult election for the PL. Last year they lost the general election and are at a disadvantage. I will be surprised if the Labour Party actually wins this election.
Anthony Magri
May 26th 2009, 10:55
Is it not evident that what applies to Malta will apply to other countries. Is it necessary to emphasise this point?
victor caruana
May 26th 2009, 10:17
There is no evidence that PL will win the fourth seat. It needs a vote in excess of 60% of the voters to have a good chance to win 4th seat. So keep conclusions for political lackeys.
And what about Vince Farrugia's claim that PN will win the 5 seats. You see what I mean.