Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1519725
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 APRIL 2024 6 INTERVIEW James Ryder: 'Unlike other politicians I have the decency to realise I am a clown' KNOWN for his witty TikToks and so- cial media quips, comedian James Ryder has embarked on a new and unexpected challenge – the European Parliament elections. Announcing his decision to run for the EP elections on April Fool's Day, many did not believe he would be following through, but Ryder is set on shining a light on what he believes is a "screwed up system". In an interview with MaltaToday, the comedian said the idea to run for the elections was born out of a skit on a pol- itician who would promise everything to everyone. "That night my friend and I sat down and said to ourselves: Could we, do it? Then we looked at my social media numbers, the number of votes candi- dates need to get elected, and we said maybe there is a chance after all," he says. But while Ryder is known for his co- medic productions, he says he will take the campaign seriously. "I will take it seriously. I will not ridi- cule my candidature, or the candidates, I am ridiculing the system. People who are ready to vote for me, are fed up with the system. We are living within a screwed-up system, and the numbers show this," he says. "I have always de- livered my message using comedy, and that is what I will be doing: playing to my strengths." But he will not shy away from running with the big boys and girls of Maltese politics. "I will not get into these partisan fights; I can only say these kinds of useless de- bates are why people are becoming dis- illusioned. If you put me in a ridiculous situation, I will ridicule you. If you speak to me at a serious level, I will take you seriously," he says. Ryder says his campaign will focus on four main themes: Culture and the Maltese language; animal rights and backyard breeding; mental health; and a human rights approach to issues sur- rounding foreign workers. "My campaign is for everyone. Obvi- ously, there is a bigger appeal for youths, as the biggest cohort of non-voters comes from that demographic, but my message also appeals to an older de- mographic, and they tell me they want something different," he says. The list of independent candidates on the ballot paper for the European elections will include that of a certain James Michael Muscat, better known by his stage name, James Ryder. The comedian sits down with KARL AZZOPARDI to discuss his MEP election bid. This is a campaign I will take seriously, but I have always delivered my message using comedy, and that is what I will be doing; playing to my strengths