Philosophy professor lays stress on 'force of ideals'

Job creation and education are the two main issues Joe Friggieri will give priority to if elected to the European parliament on the Nationalist Party ticket in next month's elections.

Prof. Friggieri, a professor in philosophy and a lecturer at the University of Malta, yesterday presented a series of solid proposals at the start of his MEP campaign, at the university campus.

Married with a son, who is working in Brussels, Prof. Friggieri said he was contesting the elections because he felt he could make a difference.

"As a person with a lifelong commitment to education and a passionate dedication to the cause of EU membership, I accepted to stand as a candidate," he said.

"I have done this in the hope that I will be given the chance to work to ensure the benefits are shared, justly and fairly, by all."

Focusing on education, Prof. Friggieri said that although a high number of young adults attended university, the percentage of those aged between 20 - 24 who completed the least upper secondary education was still the lowest in Europe.

Malta also had the lowest rate of women who were gainfully employed.

"Education is crucial if we want our country to avail itself of the opportunities of enlargement," he said.

Prof. Friggieri said it was the MEP's job to be fully informed on the funding opportunities available and ensure that this information was passed on those concerned.

"Research has shown small and medium-sized enterprises can profit from opportunities offered by an enlarged EU market, provided they are prepared to be innovative and to adapt their strategies to the new environment," he said.

In the framework for action he presented, Prof. Friggieri also listed the importance of working towards an inclusive society; maintaining links with civil society; preserving the environment; boosting cultural tourism by exporting the work of local artists; animal welfare and the environment.

He said he believed in a Europe of the citizen where what mattered was not the size of the country but the force of ideals.

"We need to conduct politics in a new way and eradicate partisanship once and for all," he said.