Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/313770
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 18 MAY 2014 XV Europe 2014 pean Greens. The Greens persuaded all parties to endorse it. Yet Muscat made it his own initiative." Sticking to the immigration issue, there is also a widespread perception that the EU is powerless to actually make a difference. How would Cas- sola counter this criticism? "I disagree that the EU cannot do an- ything about it. But for Malta's voice to be heard we need the broadest sup- port possible in the European Parlia- ment. The other parties don't like to admit this, but on their own, neither their MEPs nor their entire political grouping can make a difference. "Labour, for instance, claim that by voting for its candidates you would be voting for Martin Schulz as president of the European Commission [note: Schulz has promised to work towards a common immigration policy]. But the reality is that whoever gets elected will have to work with all groups to make this happen. Relative majorities are not enough." In this context, the European Greens, though much a smaller del- egation than the EPP or S&D, can be- come crucial allies to Malta's interest. "The 60 Green MEPs become instru- mental in obtaining a compromise. Just imagine how much stronger Malta's position in Europe will be, if it had representation in that group as well…" Cassola's argument may resonate with moderates who view the mat- ter as a logistical problem that can be addressed through European in- tervention, but it is unlikely to sway a sizeable voter segment that seems un- interested in rational arguments. The complexity of this issue was forcefully brought home this week, when the Broadcasting Authority belated pulled a campaign spot by Imperium Europa which aired many of the same popular concerns – namely, that immigrants may carry infectious diseases, have contributed to an increase in crime and to a devaluation of property. This issue alone may pose a quan- dary to a party that also champions freedom of speech. How does Ar- nold Cassola respond to the view that sweeping such concerns under the carpet may be counter-productive in the long-term, and possibly give rise to even further racism in future? "Hate speech and incitement to ra- cial hatred are considered to be illegal in most democratic countries, apart from going against the basic tenets of human dignity and respect," he re- plies. "Any form of incitement towards racial hatred should, in my opinion, be banned. Migration issues cannot be solved through empty words and hate speech. Nor by using and imitat- ing Nazi symbols or threatening those who do not agree with you." Cassola insists that institutional reform should remain the priority, reiterating that his party remains the only one in this election that is focus- ing on the real problems instead of the imaginary ones. Ultimately, he adds, Imperium's controversial TV spot serves only to remind people of the dangers of a re- surgence of extreme right politics. "A vote for AD is also a vote to halt the far-right's message of hatred, vio- lence and division." Veteran Green soldier Arnold Cassola is aware that this will be perceived as a 'do-or-die' election for AD. But he is confident that he can 'do' without 'dying' PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD Third time lucky?