A number of Church entities have expressed concern at the “considerable number of votes” that went the way of far-right candidates in the European Parliament elections.
The results, both locally and in the EU, were worrying because these candidates “embrace ideologies of hate towards those who are weaker,” they said.
The statement was issued by the Curia on behalf of the Environment Commission, Caritas, Emigrants Commission, Centre for Faith and Justice, Pastoral Commission for Work and the Commission for Justice and Peace.
This was not a question of freedom of expression, they said, but an ideology built on fear, misconceptions, huge lack of information and a negative attitude towards those who were different.
Freedom of expression brought a responsibility and no one had the right to “hide behind” this principle to hurt others.
They embrace ideologies of hate towards those who are weaker
Norman Lowell, of Imperium Europa, won 6,205 first-count votes, nearly four times his tally in the 2004 EP election. The party obtained 6,763 votes.
Malta was not the only country where far-right candidates gained ground. The European Network against Racism expressed its “deep concern” about the progress registered by far-right political forces in several EU member states.
In the statement, the Church commissions referred to what Pope John Paul II had said during a visit in 2001: “Malta is in the centre of the Mediterranean. You, therefore, have a unique vocation to be builders of bridges between the peoples of the Mediterranean basin, between Africa and Europe.
“The future of peace in the world depends on strengthening dialogue and understanding between culture and religions.
“Continue in your traditions of hospitality and continue in your national and international commitment on behalf of freedom, justice and peace,” Pope John Paul II had said.
The organisations said they hoped the Maltese would follow the message of Christ and show hospitality and love to all, whoever they were, and promote justice and solidarity in Europe.
Wishing the Maltese MEPs luck, they reminded them that, above all, the EU was a project of peace and they had the duty to always put the dignity of the person first.