Be the first to comment!Discussion in Gozo with candidates for the European Parliament
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As part of the information campaign leading to the European Elections a debate with candidates was organised in Gozo, the theme being: European Elections: What impact will MEPs have in Gozo?
The debate was organised by the Gozo Business Chamber in collaboration with the European Parliament Information Office and it included MEPs Roberta Metsola and Marlene Mizzi as well as candidates Alfred Sant, Miriam Dalli, Helga Ellul and Jonathan Shaw and the Gozitan candidates Kevin Cutajar and Clint Camilleri.
Several points of interest were brought up in the discussion. MEP Roberta Metsola said it was necessary that European funds for Gozo are spent in a way that can be felt by Gozitans, MEP Marlene Mizzi said that she believed in continuous contact; therefore she plans to open an office in Gozo. Dr Sant said that solutions implemented so far in Gozo had no effect whilst Dalli stated that a coordinated effort between MEPs and the government was required so that Gozo is taken more in consideration in decisions on a European level. Helga Ellul said that solutions for Gozo principally need to come from Gozitans themselves. Shaw insisted on immediate solutions such as the fast-ferry and the airstrip. Cutajar and Camilleri agreed about the need for a Gozitan MEP so Gozitans are truly understood.
Furthermore, these two candidates feel that they agree on almost all Gozo related matters.
Various entities belonging to the Gozitan civil society also participated in the discussion. Some of the questions raised focused on the concrete difference MEPs could bring about for Gozo and their proposals to remain in contact with the Gozitans.
Some of the candidates committed themselves to include Gozo in their discussions in Brussels, others promised to open an office in Gozo and to be active in the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) in the European Parliament.
Further similar debates are expected in Gozo which will be organised by the Gozo Business Chamber as well as by other entities in collaboration with the European Parliament Information Office.
