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MALTATODAY 19 May 2019

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OPINION 31 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 MAY 2019 A Union to be proud of Josianne Cutajar Josianne Cutajar is a PL candidate for the European Elections My vision Joseph M. Sammut Joseph M. Sammut is a PL candidate for the European elections IF elected as a member of the European Parliament I strongly believe it is vitally important in this particular period to help determine the future of Europe, this time is an extremely crucial time for people and the environment. As an MEP who wants to rep- resent the 'people' it will be my job to stand up for EU Laws that protect our rights and in- terests. I would like to outline my vision or rather part of my vision in this short article. Apart from tackling climate change, cutting carbon and improving the quality of the air we breathe, we need to ensure EU funds are spent responsibly and in all the sec- tors required. We need to safeguard biodiversity from abuse in member states. We need to protect our citizens with effective chemicals regula- tions. We need to push the EU to step in to protect antibiotics by limiting their use on farms. To protect our precious bees, not only by safeguarding them and by banning harmful insecticides, but by teaching and assisting beekeepers to protect and promote bee health on their land and in the surrounding community. I also am a firm believer of Blue Growth Marine, the long-term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors as a whole. Seas and oceans are drivers for the European economy and have great potential for innovation and growth. It is the maritime contribution to achieving the goals of the Eu- rope 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. We need to push for laws that protect our health and reduce pharmaceutical pol- lution. At the same time we have to look at new industries, especially green technology to examine possibilities of increasing the production of green technology and as a result we keep on creat- ing wealth and increasing employment opportunities of good quality. As a candidate I want to protect what I care about, mainly the environment, the well-being of all citizens, our community and its environ- ment, these are my priorities. With perseverance and determination, we can make positive changes because I believe in the change that we want to bring for our citi- zens... for our children. On another note, defend- ing the national interest has become a core theme of this electoral campaign, the reason being very simply, our country deserves MEPs who put the people's and coun- try's interest before any other partisan interest. While cer- tain candidates speak about this priority, it is action that matters. 25th May is 'judgement day' for us candidates. It is the day where the electorate will be asked to elect those candidates they deem best to represent them. Malta is indeed one of the smallest delegations in the European Parliament, but we can still make a difference. My appeal is for you to choose the six seats wisely. WHEN it comes to the state of the European Union, there's no beat- ing around the bush: our club has seen better days. Between the United Kingdom's messy divorce, the rise of the far right, and a general sense of disappointment with the workings of the EU, it's no wonder so many of us are concerned about its future. Thankfully, this is in stark contrast to our local context. Over the past six years, Malta and Gozo have seen unprecedented economic and social growth, and our families – all our families – are reaping the rewards. This government's policies have cre- ated a new middle-class, by boosting our local enterprises, implementing family-friendly measures, eliminating unemployment, and most impor- tantly, supporting the vulnerable in our society. The prosperity generated is being shared by everyone. We've also completely changed the fabric of our society. Where before there was fear and bigotry, today our country tops the international charts of inclusivity and diversity. All fami- lies are given the respect and support they deserve, because who you love does not matter to anyone else but you. We – the voters – brought about this change. The pride we feel towards our country is deserved because we were the catalysts who shaped today's Malta and Gozo. Now is the time to do the same for the EU. Choosing six representatives for the European Parliament may feel like a minor, or insignificant, decision to make, but as our current MEPs have shown, a determined voice can be a game changer in Parliament that can equally promote, or vilify, our country in the EU. Now is the time to decide which way we want our representation to go. An MEP should, primarily, promote her country, not disparage it. Our new MEPs have their work cut out for them in this regard, because their first priority will have to be repairing the reputation tarnished by Nationalist MEPs. As I have done throughout my campaign, I pledge to keep defending our national interests above all else. Our right to have the final say on taxation matters remains crucial and needs to be protected. We need MEPs who will defend this through and through, not just when it is con- venient. This can only happen if our representatives leave blue or red at home, where they belong. Just like our government, our MEPs have the power to shape the future of the EU. As a socialist, as a European citizen, and as an MEP candidate, I want to see the Union giving prior- ity to fighting poverty and inequal- ity, while enhancing education, civil rights and liberties, workers' rights and environmental protection. Now more than ever, we need European politicians who know the day-to-day needs of their citizens, and who are in constant contact with those they represent. Tackling issues of social justice will not only make our lives better, but will also reinstate trust in the distant European institu- tions. It is our MEPs' duty to make sure that no one feels excluded or downright forgotten by those who regulate in the ivory towers in Brus- sels. Next Saturday's vote is a unique op- portunity to radically shift European policy back towards us, the citizens, by choosing representatives who have shown their will to work for us all. We're already proud of our country. Let's make sure we're proud of the European Union too. As a candidate I want to protect what I care about, mainly the environment, the well-being of all citizens, our community and its environment, these are my priorities Next Saturday's vote is a unique opportunity to radically shift European policy back towards us, the citizens

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