Watch: ‘Stop Demonising Trappers’ – Alex Agius Saliba Clashes With ADPD Candidates
Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba clashed with ADPD candidates Sandra Gauci and Ralph Cassar over the future of finch trapping in Malta.
During an Ewropej fil-Pjazza debate in Valletta, organised by Lovin Malta and MaltaToday, Agius Saliba stuck his neck out for Maltese trappers amidst an ongoing court case at the European Court of Justice.
He dismissed a warning by ECJ Advocate-General Tamara Ćapeta that Malta’s derogation, on the grounds that trappers are carrying out “scientific research”, breaches the EU’s Birds Directive.
“The Advocate-General is attacking the same Birds Directive from which the derogation emerges If she wants, she should file a case against the European Commission and the Birds Directive.”
Ralph Cassar, standing in the audience, mockingly said that trappers are carrying out “very profound research” and accused Agius Saliba of taking Malta for a ride.
“You are clown socialists,” he said.
Agius Saliba hit back and accused ADPD of treating hunters and trappers as “invisible” people who don’t have a right to practice their hobbies, even with serious restrictions.
“They’re not invisible, but they’re not the only people who exist either,” Gauci retorted from the panel.
Agius Saliba then brought up the fact that BirdLife also uses mist nets to trap birds for research purposes.
“Do you need to be a BirdLife member to carry out research and take care of certain zones? Let’s stop demonising – and the media plays a role here too – thousands of Maltese hobbyists.”
“Unlike other candidates, I don’t talk about them just because an election is approaching but because I believe that this country must give a voice for all minorities within the parameters of the law.”
“Austrians wear uniforms and feathers in their hats when they go out trapping; Maltese trappers are no less just because they wear waistcoats and shorts.”
Fellow PL candidate Clint Azzopardi Flores and PN candidates David Agius and Lee Bugeja Bartolo all agreed with Agius Saliba’s position.
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.
Should Malta fight to keep its finch trapping season?
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