Vox Populi: Herman Grech from Valletta, Malta

1. What are your expectations/hopes from these elections?

Considering the seismic shift towards right-wing, and often dangerous populist politics in the last five years, my only wish is that the European parliamentarian representation doesn’t become even more extreme. I hope the vast majority of those elected do their utmost to promote the values of the European project rather than use it as a tool to promote their own rhetoric. I want to see MEPs who have the courage to step out of line with populist beliefs and to stop scapegoating. Sadly I’m not optimistic.

2. Do you/people in your member state still have faith in the EU to deliver?

To a certain extent yes. We live in a polarised country with two political parties effectively assuming the role of churches – luckily both parties are strongly in favour of EU membership and what it stands for, and many citizens just follow the lead. Malta has benefitted hugely since EU membership, but I suspect that could all change and people will lose their faith in the project if the EU clamps down on preferential taxation regimes, which has given the tiny island a huge economic boost.

3. Will you be voting? If so, who for (if you are willing to say)?

Yes, I almost always vote. It’s impossible to not find a candidate who doesn’t stand for what I believe in, though the list appears to become shorter with every election. I will be voting for candidates who are willing to fight for European integration, I will be voting for candidates who stand for human rights, rule of law and the protection of the environment.

4. Tell us some very brief persona/biographical details about yourself?

I’m the online editor of Times of Malta and a part-time theatre director.