The people will decide on spring hunting on the 11th of April. My position is public and clear, whatever the decision, we will respect people’s will.”

This was stated by the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat as he announced this afternoon that the date for the hunting referendum would be the 11th of April.

He said that he would be voting to retain spring hunting, although he did not feel that political parties should intervene in the referendum on spring hunting.

Dr Muscat said that everyone has the right to decide what is his position, including members of the Government, but also said that his position has always been known, and is taking this position even if it is a minority.

He added that his position is further enhanced by the fact that even during the closed the hunting season, there were abuses.

The Prime Minister promised that he will respect this democratic process that will take place in our country for the first time and will respect the will of the people. He also said that in his opinion, civil society should be at the forefront in the debate that will take place in Malta.

The Prime Minister explained that currently there is an ongoing legal process to determine the question that will be used for this referendum, the question will be based in accordance with the petition presented and how to determine the law.

The Nationalist Party reacted to the announcement of the date by saying that the Prime Minister had decided on the referendum date “for his own political purposes.”

The PN said that the Party would discuss the issue of spring hunting internally, but that the people should be allowed to make their decision freely without the issue by politicised.

Permalink: Referendum on spring hunting to be held on the 11th of April – PM