Anti-immigrant firebrand rides humanitarian crisis wave

The far-right candidate in the 2009 European elections has called into questions Malta's humanitarian response to the Libyan crisis by pointing out Lawrence Gonzi's support of Italian prime minister's Silvio Berlusconi's ‘pushback’ policy.

Lowell was recently found guilty of racial incitement and sentenced to a two-year, suspended sentence.

Lowell said that Nationalist MEP Simon Busutttil had come out saying that Malta should do more to welcome immigrants in the face of the crisis, and that the countries evacuating their nationals also help evacuate refugees if the need arose.

He also accused Italian minister for the interior Roberto Maroni, a vociferous hardliner on immigration, of inconsistency.

“Could the tenant of that building (gesturing towards Castille) provide some clarification on the issue,” Lowell asked, standing outside by the Manwel Dimech statue.

He maintained that in the face of such inconsistency, it is no surprise that the people feel “directionless and rudderless”. He urged the government to be clear in its stance towards immigration, especially at a time when the flood-gates to Libyan immigration seem set to open. “Today, the weather is fine, and we could very well have guests on their way. What will the policy be once they reach Maltese shores? Maroni’s or Busuttil’s?” he asked.