[WATCH] IVA could push for ‘legal remedies’ if no vote wins

IVA could push for ‘legal remedies’ if no vote wins • Video by Ray Attard

Iva Bhala Maltin u Ewropej spokesperson Kathleen Grima said that the pro-spring hunting lobby could seek a legal remedy should the no vote win the referendum next Saturday. 

“It is too early to tell what will happen in the future, but any potential remedy would be legal, legitimate and not anti-democratic,” Grima said, when asked by MaltaToday at a press conference.  

Grima stressed that she would continue to believe in the principle that spring hunting is sustainable and that there is no alternative to it in autumn, as the European Court of Justice had confirmed.

“I will not contest the referendum result, and I will continue condemning hunting illegalities in spring if the No vote wins,” Grima said.

She used Parliament as an example to illustrate that "votes don't have to be eternal". 

“Nobody bats an eyelash at the fact that members of parliament are elected and changed every five years or so. People’s votes are not eternal,” she explained.

Grima added that if the no vote won the referendum, she would be condemning illegalities , but seeking legal ratifications to it.

Referring to a recent MaltaToday survey, Grima said that she was encouraged by the 16% of respondents who said they were undecided, and said that she hoped they would vote yes.

Grima reiterated that this abrogative referendum would set a precedent for other hobbies and that people could easily collect signatures and petition to stop other hobbies like fireworks.

Iva spokesperson Sylvana Zarb Darmanin questioned whether the anti-hunting lobby would respect a potential Yes victory, since they have already not respected a decision by the European Court of Justice.

“A Yes vote, is a vote in favour of tolerance, respect and acceptance of different opinions,” Zammit Darmanin said.

“I have faith in the maturity and intelligence of voters,” she added.