Now is the time for the drafting of a consensual national immigration policy. This was stated by Carmel Cacopardo, Deputy Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party, when he was addressing AD’s last press conference in this electoral campaign.

Carmel Cacopardo stated that during the European Parliament Election Campaign AD had focused on issues which whilst being of direct relevance to Malta also form part of the EU agenda.

“Digital rights and the accountability/transparency of the European institutions will be essential features of the forthcoming European Parliament term. By focusing on these issues AD sought to engage politically on relevant issues with the other parties contesting these elections. Unfortunately both the PN as well as the PL were more interested in mudslinging each other than engaging in serious political discussion.”

“AD,” added Cacopardo, “has also had the opportunity to comment on the declarations made by Jean Claude Junker and Martin Schultz, EU Commission President candidates for the EPP and the European Socialist Party respectively. Whilst AD welcomes the public comments made by both Junker and Schultz it is to be noted that these comments do not result from their respective party Electoral Manifestos.”

“AD reiterates that EU border states should not continue shouldering the responsibility for migration practically on their own. Amending the Dublin rules together with the formulation and approval of an holistic EU migration policy which shifts the responsibility for migrants crossing the EU borders to all 28 member states is the way forward.”

Cacopardo emphasised that during this Electoral Campaign, pursuant to the declarations of Junker and Schultz, the political position of both the PL and the PN are now closer to that of AD then they have ever been. “AD considers that now is the time for the PL, PN and AD to enter into discussions to formulate a draft national immigration policy which could serve as the basis for national consensus on this sensitive matter.”

“An elected AD MEP would certainly contribute to facilitate such dialogue both locally and within the European institutions,” concluded Cacopardo.

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