Always, not only at election time

Michael Briguglio is a PN candidate for the European elections

During this long European Parliament campaign, I continued my work in favour of the environment and social justice, as I have done over the past twenty-five years.

With regard to the environment, I wrote to the European Commission about the way in which the government is using our money to give land away cheaply to the powerful developers DB in Pembroke. Now that the Corinthia case has also come to light, and, as I have always done, and not only during election periods, I will keep being active so that our land is not lost. Malta is not for sale.

In the field of energy, I revealed how, despite all its pomp, the government denied Gozo access to European funds for clean energy, failing to apply for funds specifically meant for islands like Gozo.

With regard to social justice, I wrote to the European Commission about the unfairly high utility bills. It was a game of hide and seek with the Commission and the Maltese authorities, however a few days ago the Ombudsman told me he is ready to investigate the utility bills presented to him.

This is politics on the ground. Politics which is always near the people, and not only at election time.

As regards human rights, I wrote to the European Commission about the technology the government wants to use in order to have access to our private details. A case of ‘Big brother is watching you’.

The Commission confirmed I was right and said that the government cannot just decide to deploy such technology without any consultation. It is for this reason that I am constantly asking the government to be transparent about this.

In the European Parliament I will increase such activism on behalf of Maltese and Gozitans of goodwill. Because I believe in a Europe that is near you, near small islands, and not a Europe of elites aloof from the people.

Dear reader, maybe you are fed up of politicians who are bought. Maybe you are fed up of seeing Malta be sold for peanuts for the benefit of the few. Maybe you are fed up of seeing some who are drowning in money while others barely cope. Maybe you are fed up of seeing a kingdom of concrete which is destroying our environment and heritage.

I am fed up of this too.

As I have always done, and not only at election time, I will keep speaking in favour of workers, pensioners, youth, businessmen, the middle class, civil servants, educators and all persons of goodwill.

I will keep speaking out for the environment and social justice. We will go on working together for our country.

Therefore, if you feel forgotten, you deserve a voice. I promise you that your voice will be heard, always, and not only at election time.