Vote to MLP: An irreversible mistake

It's been repeatedly alleged that the Nationalist Party won the last general election for the sole reason of the European Union issue. This is undeniably fallacious! Undoubtedly, Europe played an important role in achieving a deserved victory but there were other crucial factors that granted another term to the PN. As the party in government, the PN had been masterminding a positive change in the country since 1998, when a new PN government was chosen to succeed a shattering Administration led by Alfred Sant.

One must think before taking action as the consequences of acting without thorough thinking may be precarious. The thought of using the EU as a safeguard against circumstances similar to those that Malta experienced during the 22 months of governance by Dr Sant between 1996 and 1998 is significantly erroneous. In order to maximise the success of EU membership one needs to have an excellent government in office. The Maltese can be proud to have the PN at the helm of the county. It's a well-known fact that under this Administration, together with the EU, Malta is truly achieving encouraging results.

One must become aware of the fact that the EU can only help us to continue on our road of success but surely can't save us from our own mistakes or, much worse, from gaffes by Dr Sant and the Labour Party.

What would be Malta's position in the EU if a Labour government were to be elected in the forthcoming general election? Honestly, I fear to think about such a scenario because, clearly, it would be a big blow for Malta, not only because of the socialist party here but, more specifically, because of the fact of Dr Sant being Prime Minister.

Dr Sant has been a Labour leader for the past 15 years and, yet, he has never changed. He is the same politician that brought Malta's downfall in 1998. Furthermore, he is the same politician that opted to freeze Malta's entry into the EU and declared a Labour win in the EU referendum when, as we all know, the results showed otherwise. I ask: How can he be trusted again?

Shall we allow to have our future, whether on the home front and also within the wider context of EU membership, determined by him? Is it worth taking this kind of risk?

Almost 10 years after his last term as Prime Minister, Dr Sant is still trying to convince the Maltese electorate that he is the ideal leader for us! He can't be trusted in power. Both Malta and the EU deserve better.

Lawrence Gonzi has been in office since 2004 and his results speak for themselves! I am not saying this myself, being a Nationalist MEP, but statistics confirm that Dr Gonzi's leadership skills enhanced Malta's positive change.

When talking with MEPs from different countries, I feel proud that my political leader is classified as one of the best in Europe. Dr Gonzi's sense of vision, direction, management skills and, most of all, his charisma are much appreciated and recognised by many of my colleagues coming from different political groups in the European Parliament.

Unquestionably, he is the man our country deserves and, thus, is worthy of a second term as Malta's Prime Minister!

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.