What is your reaction to the results of the European Parliament election held in Malta?

Although the turnout was lower than four years ago, it was still one of the highest in Europe. These elections are about choosing individ-uals, not parties. I am sure the six elected candidates will do a good job representing us in the European Parliament. Alistair Baldacchino, 21, BSc Business and Computing.

I think the results reflect competition between the two major parties rather than the ideologies and opinions each different candidate represented. Leon Xuereb, 19, BA English and Theatre Studies.

The results simply show that the Maltese electorate votes for the party, not for the candidate. Furthermore, I believe many voters do not actually know what they are voting for and I think this is reflected in the results. Julia Farrugia, 20, BA English (Hons).

Four out of the six candidates elected are women. What are your views on this?

I don’t think we need to make a fuss about this. Women are just as capable as men are so we shouldn’t be shocked that the majority are women. They have been elected because of their skills and competences, not just because they are women. Alistair Baldacchino

I think it shows an improvement in society’s mentality regarding women’s different roles in society. Leon Xuereb

I don’t think that whether a woman or man is elected should make a difference and should be something to comment on. Yes I’m glad that these women were elected, but not because of their gender but because of their character traits which make them good for the position. Julia Farrugia

Across Europe, candidates from extreme right-wing parties did well in the election. What do you think about this?

The fact that they are being elected means more people share their views and they will have a stronger voice in the parliament so their ideas might be adopted. National parliaments should also take note of this trend and investigate. Alistair Baldacchino

MEPs are elected on behalf of the people by the people, so it clearly reflects the opinion of certain majorities from the respective countries. Leon Xuereb

I find this very worrying. Being a liberal person I do not agree with the ideologies of extreme right-wing parties as I believe they are detrimental to the idea of inclusion, unity and solidarity which is what the EU is all about. Julia Farrugia

Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.

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