‘Serve Peace Not War’: Meet Labour MEP Candidate Daniel Attard
Labour’s promising MEP candidate Daniel Attard has detailed his motivation to run for the European Elections, citing the desire to promote peace and economic sustainability.
Speaking to Lovin Malta, Attard explained his priorities for this electoral season, showing clear devotion to his party while also inserting a couple of jabs to the Nationalist candidates.
This article is part of a Lovin Malta series with MEP candidates ahead of the upcoming election. The same questions are being asked to every single candidate and their answers are being published in their entirety.
1. What made you want to run for the MEP Elections?
When the Prime Minister extended the invitation to join the party ticket, I eagerly accepted. My decision was rooted in a profound observation of European affairs over the years. I strongly believe that it is essential to send competent individuals to represent our country, individuals who prioritise Malta’s interests above all else.
I am deeply dismayed by the likes of David Casa, who masquerade as champions of freedom while denigrating Maltese values solely to oppose the Labour Party. His blind animosity towards anything associated with Labour undermines the well-being of our nation. We need representatives who can shield Malta and its citizens, especially in the face of rising inflation and the looming threat of war.
2. Why should the public vote for you in the upcoming election?
This question addresses a crucial aspect of politics—trust. In a landscape where words are often used to deceive, I urge individuals to scrutinise my track record. I made the conscious decision to align myself with the Labour Party during a time when it wasn’t fashionable, driven solely by my unwavering commitment to socialist ideals.
My actions, not just my words, speak volumes about my convictions. Throughout my political career, I have consistently fought to amplify the voices of the marginalised and to champion causes that embody the principles of social justice. For me, values are not commodities to be bought or sold—they are the guiding force behind every decision and action I take.
3. What is the main issue/top priority you would be focusing on if you were to be elected?
We are undoubtedly living in troubled times, marked by a succession of crises spanning from financial meltdowns to pandemics. Now, as tensions escalate and the spectre of war looms ominously, it is imperative to recognise the dangers of perpetuating conflict. The current trajectory, with the US potentially expanding proxy wars in Ukraine and targeting China, is not only reckless but also profoundly destabilising. Instead of fueling the flames of war, we must prioritise peace building and international cooperation. Europe should assert its autonomy and refuse to be a mere puppet of American interests. Our commitment to human rights should guide us toward a clear mission: to serve peace, not war. Beyond this urgent imperative, I am deeply invested in promoting economic sustainability and education. These pillars are fundamental to fostering a more equitable and prosperous society, and I intend to prioritise them in my advocacy efforts.
4. Can you mention one weakness and one strength of the EU?
On paper, the EU has always represented a brilliant idea, serving as a promoter of peace in a Europe that had recently suffered two devastating wars. However, as time has progressed, it has regrettably degenerated into a bureaucratic monolith that is increasingly detached from its citizens. The chaos inflicted upon the farming sector is just one glaring example of the EU’s mismanagement. Additionally, polls consistently indicate that the majority of European citizens oppose the atrocities in Gaza, yet the European Union’s response remains disappointingly timid. Where are the sanctions? I advocate for applying the same stringent sanctions imposed on Russia to address the situation effectively.
5. Tell us who your favourite candidate is from another party?
I believe it would be insincere of me to answer this question given that our political values are fundamentally opposed. However, I can share whom I would never vote for: Metsola or Casa. Metsola’s actions, particularly in light of her missteps in Israel and subsequent evasion of accountability, raise serious concerns about her commitment to human rights and political integrity. Her delayed response to the atrocities in Israel further casts doubt on her sincerity. As for Casa, his relentless hostility towards the Labour Party seems to overshadow any genuine concern for Malta’s well-being. His track record suggests a fixation on undermining political opponents rather than advancing meaningful change. In my view, both candidates fall short of the qualities necessary for effective leadership.
6. And finally, if you weren’t running, who would vote for?
I would wholeheartedly support all candidates on the Labour Party ticket. The reason is straightforward: the Labour Party has consistently demonstrated a commitment to prioritising Malta’s interests above all else. As the great statesman Dom Mintoff emphasised, true leadership requires a deep love for Malta. In contrast, the PN appears to be excessively focused on power and self-interest, historically catering to elitist factions rather than the broader population.
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Would you like to see Daniel Attard represent Malta at the European Parliament?