Eurobarometer report

The European Commission this afternoon published the latest Eurobarometer report about Malta which represents a comprehensive survey of Maltese public opinion on numerous subjects. The Eurobarometer report for which I am national editor is conducted by the Gallup organisation on behalf of the European Commission. Eurobarometer reports are published by the office of Margot Wallstrom, the European Commissioner responsible for institutional relations and communication strategy. From the latest Malta report:

The state of the economy was identified as the most important challenge for Malta at present. This was followed closely by the level of unemployment and the inflation rate, which are both closely tied to the prevailing economic situation. The survey results mirror Malta’s current phase of below-potential economic growth.

The immigration issue, which had been ranked in ninth place, in the autumn 2004 survey was considered the fourth most important issue facing Malta. Increasing concern on this issue is likely to reflect the influx of a relatively large number of illegal immigrants during the past summer months. When compared to the 25 EU member countries, Malta’s respondents placed more emphasis on the economic situation, but expressed less concern on the issue of criminal activity.

Survey participants said they mostly tend to trust charitable or voluntary organizations. Many of these organizations are administered by the Catholic Church, which retains a strong influence over Maltese society. The army and the police also enjoy a high level of trust. A majority of respondents affirmed they do not trust the political parties and the media, which itself is partly owned by the political parties.

L-Orizzont newspaper reports on the Malta survey

Read the latest Eurobarometer Malta report here (pdf)

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