The Green New Deal is not only about energy and the economy in these times of crisis, but also a proposal for a different way of doing politics. That is why, together with Arnold Cassola, I am subscribing to the European Green's political project and inviting the electorate to think big and Vote Green.
AD's manifesto for the European elections touches on the most important subjects concerning the electorate. We are presenting a manifesto that ranges widely from the hot topic of immigration to matters that concern our quality of life, such as consumer right and culture and innovation.
In this first blog post, I would like to concentrate on a few salient points from this manifesto. I have always said that with regards to immigration, AD is neither left nor right but out in front, and has always spoken about this problem in a frank, rational and realistic manner. The European Greens in the European Parliament are the political grouping that is working hardest to promote responsibility sharing between Member States, something that the parties of the extreme right do not want: for how can an extreme right party cooperate with another country when all it sees is narrow national interest?
At the time of writing , these matters are being discussed in the LIBE Parliament Committee and Arnold and myself will be able to get into more detail soon enough. A subject being discussed, in fact, is the Dublin Convention, which we are working to change. An AD MEP will also work to get the EU to pay more attention to small islands like ours, in relation to the burdens brought about by this unprecedented migratory phenomenon, and also to promote better dialogue between the EU, the Mediterranean and Africa in order to halt this yet uncontrolled flow.
Other issues merit attention to, despite not being in the limelight as they should be. Should an AD MEP be elected, the issues tackled from day one, apart from immigration, will be the environment, the economy and civil rights. Namely, and AD MEP will work to:
• utilise and improve all European directives available to halt senseless and unsustainable overdevelopment in Malta.
• speed up the adoption of a law recognising the rights of non-married couples and introducing the right to divorce in Malta for those who want it.
• adopt a ‘Green New Deal’, for Malta and Gozo to create jobs in manufacturing, services, agriculture.
Might seem like a tall order, but I am positive that the AD team has the necessary energy and experience for Malta to succeed in Europe and continue making the most of this historic union.