James Debono The number of people who consider illegal immigration as “the most pressing issue facing their country” has dropped by 15% between spring and autumn 2009, a Eurobarometer survey has shown.
This comes in the wake of a lull in boat arrivals during the autumn months in 2009.
Although Malta still registers the highest levels of concern about immigration in the European Union, immigration has been overtaken by the cost of living and energy as the top issues facing the Maltese.
However, it still remains higher than the European average of 9%.
On the other hand, according to the survey, the Maltese were least concerned with unemployment and crime. Only 5% of the Maltese regard crime as their top concern, compared to 19% of other Europeans. The highest concern on crime is registered in Denmark and the United Kingdom.
While 51% of Europeans consider unemployment as their top concern, only 21% of the Maltese think likewise. Inflation tops the list of concerns in Malta (41%) compared to just 19% in the rest of Europe. This could be a reflection of the fact that no massive lay-offs occurred in Malta despite the recession.
Concern about energy issues is also much higher in Malta than in other European countries – 24% in Malta compared to 3% in the rest of the continent. Malta’s concern on energy increased by 12% since spring.
Surprisingly, Malta also registers a higher level of concern about the environment than most other European nations except Sweden, Denmark and France. While 8% of the Maltese consider the environment as the most important issue facing their county, only 4% consider this issue as the most important one in the rest of Europe.
Any comments?
If you wish your comments to be published in our Letters pages please click button below. Please write a contact number and a postal address where you may be contacted.
Search:
MALTATODAY
BUSINESSTODAY
Download MaltaToday Sunday issue front page in pdf file format
