Paper Warns Of 'Tragic' Consequences Of Sant Victory

by Robert Lee, Tax-News.com, London

18 March 2003

A report in the Brussels based European Voice said it would be a "tragedy" if Labour leader Alfred Sant were able to overturn this month's referendum result.

Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami has called a general election for next month, and many see this as a final act of confirmation of the referendum result by the Maltese electorate. However, should the euro-sceptic Sant win the election, this will throw into doubt Malta's decision to become a full member of the EU, and put Sant's so-called 'partnership' option back on the agenda. "He's promising that Malta will merely work as a partner of the EU, rather than actually join it, if he wins next month," warned the EV article.

"As this was the first of nine referenda scheduled in the 10 countries set to enter the EU next year, it was vitally important that the referendum was carried. A 'No' vote could have had an unwanted domino effect," the editorial piece in the influential European publication continued.

Criticising the Prime Minister's decision to hold a general election so soon after the referendum result, the piece complained: "Rather than accepting last weekend's outcome (53.5% Yes, 44.5% No) as a vote of confidence, he may have handed Malta's Opposition Labour Party a chance of overturning the decision."

Sant has continued to deny the legitimacy of the referendum result, arguing that the combined total of no votes, spoiled ballot papers and abstentions actually outnumber those who voted 'yes'. However, should the Labour Party manage to win the election, it is unclear whether Sant will have the will or the means to throw Malta off the road towards full membership as endorsed by the voters in the referendum.

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