On Tuesday, JEF Malta organised an informative seminar on ITS Campus. The event started off with ITS´Student Council President Ephrom Tabone who explained what the aim of this debate was and was then followed by JEF Malta President Christopher Scicluna´s speech introducing JEF Malta to ITS Students and the main aim of this campaign.

Five MEP candidates were present for this debate, Dr. Miriam Dalli, Mr.Charlon Gouder for the Labour Party, Mrs.Helga Ellul and Mr. Kevin Plumpton for the Nationalist Party and lastly Prof. Arnold Cassola for the Green Party. Ms. Nicole Tabone was the moderator of this debate.

Questions were prepared beforehand whilst others were taken from students who were present at this debate. Students’ questions concerned on the importance of jobs, precarious work and the implementation of the youth guarantee scheme recently introduced by the government.

Firstly, the candidates were asked what will be their main agenda if elected. Arnold Cassola stated that his aim would be that of bringing civil society closer to the European Parliament and its institutions. He would like to see an active civil society that makes use of the mechanisms such institutions provide.

Miriam Dalli said that her aim is that of creating jobs and opportunities under the right conditions. She added that the academic aspect should be related with work.

Charlon Gouder insisted on the importance of providing workers as well as students with the right training.

Ms. Helga Ellul stated that her experience in business is an asset and by strengthening the business community, jobs could be created. She added that work should be hands on with the academic scenario, thus preparing students for jobs.

In relation to the precarious work issue, which naturally cropped up during yesterday’s debate, Dr. Miriam Dalli insisted that it is a worldwide issue and this should be tackled by having high standards and equality within the working environment. This should be achieved not just by Malta but by the European Union through cohesion amongst member-states willing to tackle this problem.

Arnold Cassola insisted on providing youths with the necessary incentives and protection in order to avoid ending up in the trap of precarious work. He also suggested the establishment of a European Ombudsman for Youths as a way to deal with this issue.

Charlon Gouder insisted on the importance of enforcing the law that already exists against precarious work. He added that the current government started to tackle this problem but there´s still a lot to be done. The European Parliament is the most effective mechanism that can enforce these laws. Kevin Plumpton added that it is a matter of enforcement of laws that are already there.

Ms Helga Ellul said that it is a very difficult issue but lately lots of enforcement has been done.

When asked what their thoughts are since Malta´s 10th year anniversary since its accession in the EU, Arnold Cassola insisted that we still yet have to adopt European values.

Charlon Gouder added that we were now given a tangible picture of what is the European Union and Malta has proved its flexibility to adopt new laws approved by the European Parliament.

Kevin Plumpton stated that the EU should be perceived as a family, and through this value a lot could be achieved.

Lastly, when asked what kind of approach they are going to keep in order to stay close with the Maltese electorate, Arnold Cassola stated that through a website “EU vote watch” the public could know how the MEPs voted and added that communication through Facebook and other social networks is important as well as keeping direct communication with the public.

Charlon Gouder emphasised on the importance of keeping personal contact with the public.

Miriam Dalli added that constant consultation is important when issues that affect Malta and Gozo are being discussed.

Helga Ellul insisted that it is of utmost importance to keep a vivid communication with the public through the permanent office an MEP should have in Malta, by means of the EU Parliament website and the citizens of Malta should be more involved.

Kevin Plumpton closed the debate by stating that an MEP should do his work from Malta in order to keep a closer communication with the Maltese public and be a good representative of the Maltese in Brussels.

Finally, a mock secret vote was held which resulted in 39% of the audience voting for Dr.Miriam Dalli, 26% voting for Mr.Kevin Plumpton and 17% voting for Prof. Arnold Cassola. JEF Malta wishes to extend its gratitude to the European Parliament Information Office in Malta and ITS´ for its support.

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