ADPD calls for serious debate on our country’s security and defence

Speakers for ADPD-The Green Party called for a serious debate on our country’s security and defence whilst addressing a press conference near the End of Cold War Memorial in Birżebbuġa, in remembrance of Freedom Day and the conflicts that we are currently witnessing. 

ADPD-The Green Party  Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said that next Tuesday Malta will commemorate Freedom Day.  This is a historical event that saw the closure of the British military base.  This event should unite us as a country because it is a national day.  Unfortunately, this day has a partisan slant, just as Independence Day – glorified by some and despised by others. 

Every achievement attained by our country should make us proud.  The closure of the British military base is one of these achievements.  Its relevance is reflected in Article 1 of the Constitution whereby neutrality is linked to the prohibition of hosting a military base in the country.  The closure of the military base goes hand in hand with Malta’s neutrality.  It is a political act through which an independent country celebrates its dignity.  This is of significant importance when one considers the current geopolitical situation. 

However, the commemoration of Freedom Day should shed light on what decisions our country makes in terms of national security and foreign policy.  One example of this is the fact that Malta is an associate member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.  Does this make sense at all?  This is a decision that the Maltese Parliament made in 69 seconds of Parliamentary time  around 30 months ago.  It is a decision which in our opinion goes against Article 1 of the Maltese Constitution, and which we spoke about, although the Labour Party as well as the Nationalist Party tried to hide this decision.  An important decision such as this demands more than 69 seconds of consideration if this is to be taken seriously.

ADPD-The Green Party Chairperson Sandra Gauci said that the European Union started as a peace project.  Unfortunately, this has slowly changed over the years.  The focus on defence spending has increased substantially.  This is particularly relevant due to the fact that out of 27 member states, only four are not members of NATO: Malta, Austria, Ireland and Cyprus.  During the campaign of the European Parliament two years ago, there was much emphasis on the defence of the European Union.  In fact, after the election, this was translated into the appointment of a European Commissioner with a defence portfolio.   

On Freedom Day, it is opportune to reflect on what this means to us as a neutral country.  Sometimes when one analyses the language used, one realises that it is not always easy to distinguish between the European Union and NATO. This is partly due to the fact that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is, without a doubt, leaving a strong impact on Eastern Europe, which is being burdened with  considerable responsibilities as a result. 

 In light of all this, it is important to have a serious discussion on our national defence and national security.  Up to now, this has been practically inexistant and this was reflected in the manner in which parliament approved Malta as an associate member in the NATO Parliamentary Association without any discussion. 

This membership is sending the wrong message, which goes against both the spirit and the letter of what neutrality means in the Constitution, maintained Gauci. 

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