‘The EU’s Biggest Weakness Is Its Lack Of Pastizzi Awareness’: Meet MEP Candidate James Ryder
Maltese comedian James Ryder sent waves of confusion and intrigue when he announced his MEP candidature on 1st April, otherwise known as April Fool’s. A day later, when everybody expected the classic “just kidding” admission, Ryder surprised the nation with a “no, really, it’s actually happening” post instead.
Over two weeks later, Ryder has held exclusive interviews with several newsrooms, the first one being with Lovin Malta, and has even announced a mass meeting rave next month.
While this all may seem to be one big joke, Ryder’s point is clear: we live in a democracy, so if you’re tired of the way things are run, try and run them yourself.
“I get that people are disillusioned, I am too. That’s why I’m running. I want to make a change. A vote for me gives your disdain a voice.”
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?
Zelensky, Semsrott, Boaty McBoatface. Proof that democracy puts the power in the people’s hands and that people like a good joke. Also, I’m tired of the state of politics. If you want something done right do it yourself you know?
2. Why should the public vote for you in the upcoming election?
Young voters are distrusting of politicians in general and who can blame them? They have no one in their corner. I’m here to shake things up. Let the younger generation know that their vote does matter and that they can elect whoever they want. In this case I’m hoping it’s me.
3. What is the main issue/top priority you would be focusing on if you were to be elected?
Definitely youths and all that comes with it. Environment, cost of living, that sort of thing. Making sure future generations will be able to identify a tree, realistically purchase property and enjoy an equal, if not better, standard of living than previous generations.
4. Can you mention one weakness and one strength of the EU?
Strength – Travel and work made easier for everyone leaving Malta.
Weakness – A lack of pastizzi awareness across the mainland.
5. Tell us who your favourite candidate is from another party?
I’ve only recently turned the corner on myself, let’s not jump the gun and move onto anyone else.
6. And finally, if you weren’t running, who would you vote for?
Honestly? No one. I get that people are disillusioned, I am too. That’s why I’m running. I want to make a change. A vote for me gives your disdain a voice.
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 James Ryder represent Malta at the European Parliament?
READ NEXT: Watch: Rescue Team Uses Crane To Lift Woman With Fractured Hip To 4th-Floor Balluta Apartment
