FKNK: Hunters ‘abandoned’ by opposition

The hunters’ federation (FKNK) reiterated that opposition MPs cannot ignore the 104,293-signature petition it presented to Parliament earlier this week. 

Pointing out that the petition was signed by almost one in every three voters and a fourth of the whole population, FKNK chief Lino Farrugia said unlike previous petitions “it should be given its due importance and Parliament should hold a serious debate.”

Farrugia expressed his regret that despite its appeals, the opposition refused to receive and present the petition in Parliament together with government.

“FKNK was hoping for this because it wanted to ensure that the issue was not tainted by partisan politics, especially since the petition has noting top do with partisan politics,” Farrugia said, adding that the federation was seeking cross-party agreement.

He added that many FKNK members who signed the petition in support of minority rights, felt “abandoned” by opposition MPs.

The hunters’ federation chief claimed that the PN and its deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami does not agree with the hunters’ petition because they back the proposed abrogative referendum which could pit an end to spring hunting.

Insisting that this would deny the hunters’ “minority” of its traditional and socio-cultural practice, Farrugia said the PN “is not prepared to safeguard the rights and legal; privileges of minorities, including hunters.”

While noting opposition MP Charlo Bonnici’s statement that the 40,000 signatures collected by the anti-spring hunting campaign cannot be ignored, Farrugia asked “is it therefore right to ignore 104,293 signatures?”

The hunters' petition was presented to parliamentiary secretary for planning Michael Falzon, himself an avid hunter, who in turn tabled it in Parliament.