It’s Been 20 Years Since Malta’s EU Referendum – And These Propaganda Bangers
Do you remember what you were doing on March 8th 2003, twenty years ago?
Malta went to the ballot box to make one of the most influential political decisions in its history: voting in the EU referendum.
The bipartisan split, with the Nationalist Party in favour and Labour Party against, saw the yes vote win by 54%.
Malta officially became a member on May 1st 2004.
PN MP David Agius shared his fond memories of the campaigning time, with a throwback photo with fellow colleague and ex-PN MP Simon Bussitil.
Speaking about the pro-EU campaign, Agius said: “I’m so proud to have played a part with brilliant people in persuading, convincing, and winning”.
Whether the memory is fond or not, the songs that were blasted in the yes and no campaigns deserve to be dusted off and listened to again.
1. Nationalist Party’s “Ngħidu IVA”
Malta’s version of “We Are The World” is complete with chill acoustic guitars, and a cacophony of smiling, singing figures, including famous figures like Fabrizio Faniello, Ludvic Galea, Mike Spiteri, Lawrence Gray, Chiara and now-PN MP Julie Zahra.
Bonus: front and centre are Lynn Chircop, who is now a Labour candidate.
2. Labour Party’s “Partnership”
Aptly published by a Youtube channel called Alfred Sant, who led Malta’s first campaign against the EU in 1998, this song reflects what the No campaigners wanted: a special partnership between the EU and us, because you know, we’re special.
The song is super Y2K, complete with techno drum beats, cheesy synth horns and yet again, a choir of singers singing for their cause.
While they’re both corny as hell, the two propaganda songs are a sonic part of Maltese history.
Which song do you prefer?
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