In my article Los Verdes Continue to Mislead I referred to the claim by Los Verdes de Orihuela that "We commit to monitor the work at the European level of our Spanish (based in Valencia) MEP Pura Peris during the legislative period 2009 - 2014." and my rejection of their claim.
I pointed out that - 'Los Verdes de Orihuela is a member of the Los Verdes de Pais Valencia region which in turn is a member of the Confederation of Los Verdes in Spain. In the European elections campaign the Confederation joined the Europa de Pueblos – Verdes coalition.' - and that - 'The coalition received sufficient votes on the 7th June 2009 to elect ONE and only one MEP and that automatically in a “closed list” is the first candidate Sr. Oriol Junqueras. He is the MEP not Pura Peris as stated by Los Verdes.'
On the European Parliament website is published the current list of the 50 MEPs for Spain for the 2009 to 2014 parliament period.
The list clearly shows that there is only one MEP elected for the Europa de los Pueblos - Verdes coalition and that is Oriol Junqueras Vies .
No where on the list of Spanish MEPs is Pura Peris as claimed by Los Verdes de Orihuela.
Sra. Peris is not an MEP.
This I believe clearly justifies my point that Los Verdes have a tendency to be economical with the truth when it serves their purpose; thereby misleading the public. They are very quick to criticise other political parties for doing the same.
Showing posts with label European Elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Elections. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Monday, 29 June 2009
Los Verdes Continue to Mislead
Los Verdes de Orihuela issued the following press release, dated the 24th June 2009, following my resignation statement.
"The Los Verdes (The Green Party) of Orihuela and Orihuela Costa are very surprised by the recent resignation of Elliot Sampford as English spokesperson of Los Verdes and as a member of the Los Verdes of Orihuela Costa. We regret his decision but we respect it as a democratic decision freely taken on his behalf. We are very grateful for the time he dedicated to the Party.
As most people living in Orihuela Costa realise, there are many issues and problems that require solutions. Most, if not all, of these will not be solved overnight and Los Verdes will continue to press both the ruling party and other interested organisations to ensure a satisfactory outcome.
Los Verdes will continue fighting and proposing those improvements that the citizens transmit to us, in order that Orihuela Costa gets the services and quality of life that it, and they, deserve. In this sense, one of our present concerns is the negotiations taking place regarding the proposed recycling depot adjacent to the Entre Golf urbanization, since no decision has been taken by the Ayuntamiento until now. We are involved in an ongoing discussion process with the neighbours/owners and the authorities about this issue, in order to advance and emphasize the Los Verdes environmental principles.
In addition, we would like to highlight that at the European Parliament, the Group European Greens advanced from 43 MEPs in 2004 to 47 MEPs in 2009; this is also as a direct result of our commitment at local level according to our policy " think globally, act locally ". We commit to monitor the work at the European level of our Spanish (based in Valencia) MEP Pura Peris during the legislative period 2009 - 2014.
Los Verdes are presently the third political force in the Ayuntamiento of Orihuela, and we will continue to serve those who live in the district; this is our main goal. Our 3 Councillors and the Orihuela Costa Working Group are at your disposal for any requirement.”
There are three main points in the document that need clarification.
"are very surprised by the recent resignation of Elliot Sampford”
If they were surprised they obviously didn't read the emails I sent them properly and in addition chose to ignore the views I expressed to the other members of the Orihuela Costa Working Group and Councillor Monserrate Guillén (in relation to the recycling collection depot).
On the 3rd June I sent them the following letter in relation to the European elections and the meaning of the penultimate paragraph is quite clear.
"In answer to the email from Valencia about the article on the blog. At least it shows they read it.
I wrote and posted, as the editor, the article onto the Los Verdes in Orihuela Costa blog.
Nowhere in the article do I suggest people vote for another party. The 'Europa de los Pueblos - Verdes' is an electoral coalition list of candidates, from different parties, who want to become MEPs, it is not a single party list. It is not a Los Verdes list. I am not suggesting people vote against the Green Party in Spain or the European Green Party. I am pointing out that if people want to vote for a list of only Green Party members then 'Europa de los Pueblos - Verdes' is not the answer.
What is Valencia afraid of, if they are right.
At the request of Ulla y Gérard I have removed it. I do not want them to suffer any consequences as a result of my action in expressing my views, as a member of Los Verdes, on the Los Verdes in Orihuela Costa blog. There is no other reason.
The article will continue to appear on my personal blog as my right of free speech in a democracy.
On a personal basis I will not be supporting or recommending the coalition of Europa de los Pueblos-Verdes in the European elections for the reason stated in my article. I am not aware that I stated any facts that were untrue.
It is all very well Valencia being absolutely outraged, but so am I. As a member of Los Verdes my opinion was not sort by any representatives of the party either locally or regionally in the making of the decision to form this coalition.
I note that you say that Los Verdes de Orihuela is not campaigning for 'Europa de los Pueblos - Verdes'. Why not?
It is not logical to maintain a prudent silence. If you believe in the coalition then you should be speaking out to promote and support the coalition list, as I understand Torrevieja is..
I do not believe in the coalition and have said so, and will continue to say so if asked. I support the European Green Party principles and policies. I do not and will not support policies of the other parties in the coalition list. I will not ask voters to cast their votes to help to elect members of the other parties as MEPs.
I have been asked personally and by email several times how Orihuela Costa voters can vote to get Los Verdes (The Green Party) candidates elected as MEPs. In my opinion I have answered them truly. I will not mislead them into thinking they are voting purely for the Green Party if they vote 'Europa de los Pueblos – Verdes'.
I believe in the Green Party policies and principles, I believe in telling supporters of Los Verdes the truth, I do not believe in misleading them by omission of facts. I will not compromise my principles to support the aims of the coalition.
I will be reviewing any future involvement and membership I may have with Los Verdes de Pais Valencia. This may naturally have an effect upon my future work with Los Verdes de Orihuela here in Orihuela Costa. Before the suggestion is made that there is any "chantaje" intended on my part, there is not, it is fact.
I trust you will pass on my comments, including your statement that "Una cosa es que no hagamos campaña a favor de "Europa de los Pueblos-Los Verdes", to Valencia”
In a further email on the 5th June I wrote:
"We are not in agreement on this matter. If Los Verdes Orihuela are not in agreement with the coalition then we should make this known to the public of Orihuela municipality and not just keep quiet. We should not let them think our silence is a sign of approval.
I believe the best action is to close this debate and move on to whatever the future holds, I hope you agree.”
"proposed recycling depot adjacent to the Entre Golf urbanization",
At least Los Verdes now state that "no decision has been taken by the Ayuntamiento until now” whereas during the meeting with residents of Entre Golf R6B on the 4th May 2009 they stated through Gérard Perret that "The proposal to exchange the two areas of land has been put to the PP party and it has now been accepted,” which misled the neighbours/owners.
Los Verdes state that “We are involved in an ongoing discussion process with the neighbours/owners”. This is not true. I have spoken to Mr Wally Stewartson, Chairman of the Community of Owners R6B, today (29th June 2009) and he confirmed that there has not been any communication from Los Verdes since the meeting on the 4th May 2009.
How is this an ongoing discussion?
Los Verdes have not bothered to communicate with the residents even just to say 'we are sorry to tell you that the information we gave you during our one and only meeting with you was unconfirmed and almost certainly wrong'
"our Spanish (based in Valencia) MEP Pura Peris during the legislative period 2009 – 2014."
Los Verdes de Orihuela is a member of the Los Verdes de Pais Valencia region which in turn is a member of the Confederation of Los Verdes in Spain. In the European elections campaign the Confederation joined the Europa de Pueblos – Verdes coalition.
The following shows the first ten names of the 50 prospective candidates of the EdP-V coalition election list.
EUROPA DE LOS PUEBLOS-VERDES
1. Don Oriol Junqueras Vies (ERC).
2. Doña Ana Miranda Paz (BNG).
3. Don Inaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (ARALAR).
4. Doña Pura Peris García (LOS VERDES).
5. Don Sabin Intxaurraga Mendibil (EA).
6. Don Miguel Martínez Tomey (CHA).
7. Don Ramon Àngel Quetgles Ramis (ENTESA PER MALLORCA).
8. Doña Marta Rovira Vergés (ERC).
9. Don Alberte Souto Souto (BNG).
10. Doña Leticia Crespo Mir (CHA).
The coalition received sufficient votes on the 7th June 2009 to elect ONE and only one MEP and that automatically in a “closed list” is the first candidate Sr. Oriol Junqueras. He is the MEP not Pura Peris as stated by Los Verdes. A point to note is that the candidates in position 2 & 3 would be elected before Sra. Peris.
These three examples clearly show that Los Verdes have a tendancy to be economical with the truth when it serves their purpose; thereby misleading the public. They are very quick to criticise other political parties for doing the same.
Edit update 3rd July 2009: As at 13.30hrs 3rd July 2009 Mr Wally Stewartson, Chairman of the Community of Owners R6B, confirmed that he still has not received any communication from Los Verdes about the recycling collection depot since the meeting on the 4th May 2009.
"The Los Verdes (The Green Party) of Orihuela and Orihuela Costa are very surprised by the recent resignation of Elliot Sampford as English spokesperson of Los Verdes and as a member of the Los Verdes of Orihuela Costa. We regret his decision but we respect it as a democratic decision freely taken on his behalf. We are very grateful for the time he dedicated to the Party.
As most people living in Orihuela Costa realise, there are many issues and problems that require solutions. Most, if not all, of these will not be solved overnight and Los Verdes will continue to press both the ruling party and other interested organisations to ensure a satisfactory outcome.
Los Verdes will continue fighting and proposing those improvements that the citizens transmit to us, in order that Orihuela Costa gets the services and quality of life that it, and they, deserve. In this sense, one of our present concerns is the negotiations taking place regarding the proposed recycling depot adjacent to the Entre Golf urbanization, since no decision has been taken by the Ayuntamiento until now. We are involved in an ongoing discussion process with the neighbours/owners and the authorities about this issue, in order to advance and emphasize the Los Verdes environmental principles.
In addition, we would like to highlight that at the European Parliament, the Group European Greens advanced from 43 MEPs in 2004 to 47 MEPs in 2009; this is also as a direct result of our commitment at local level according to our policy " think globally, act locally ". We commit to monitor the work at the European level of our Spanish (based in Valencia) MEP Pura Peris during the legislative period 2009 - 2014.
Los Verdes are presently the third political force in the Ayuntamiento of Orihuela, and we will continue to serve those who live in the district; this is our main goal. Our 3 Councillors and the Orihuela Costa Working Group are at your disposal for any requirement.”
There are three main points in the document that need clarification.
"are very surprised by the recent resignation of Elliot Sampford”
If they were surprised they obviously didn't read the emails I sent them properly and in addition chose to ignore the views I expressed to the other members of the Orihuela Costa Working Group and Councillor Monserrate Guillén (in relation to the recycling collection depot).
On the 3rd June I sent them the following letter in relation to the European elections and the meaning of the penultimate paragraph is quite clear.
"In answer to the email from Valencia about the article on the blog. At least it shows they read it.
I wrote and posted, as the editor, the article onto the Los Verdes in Orihuela Costa blog.
Nowhere in the article do I suggest people vote for another party. The 'Europa de los Pueblos - Verdes' is an electoral coalition list of candidates, from different parties, who want to become MEPs, it is not a single party list. It is not a Los Verdes list. I am not suggesting people vote against the Green Party in Spain or the European Green Party. I am pointing out that if people want to vote for a list of only Green Party members then 'Europa de los Pueblos - Verdes' is not the answer.
What is Valencia afraid of, if they are right.
At the request of Ulla y Gérard I have removed it. I do not want them to suffer any consequences as a result of my action in expressing my views, as a member of Los Verdes, on the Los Verdes in Orihuela Costa blog. There is no other reason.
The article will continue to appear on my personal blog as my right of free speech in a democracy.
On a personal basis I will not be supporting or recommending the coalition of Europa de los Pueblos-Verdes in the European elections for the reason stated in my article. I am not aware that I stated any facts that were untrue.
It is all very well Valencia being absolutely outraged, but so am I. As a member of Los Verdes my opinion was not sort by any representatives of the party either locally or regionally in the making of the decision to form this coalition.
I note that you say that Los Verdes de Orihuela is not campaigning for 'Europa de los Pueblos - Verdes'. Why not?
It is not logical to maintain a prudent silence. If you believe in the coalition then you should be speaking out to promote and support the coalition list, as I understand Torrevieja is..
I do not believe in the coalition and have said so, and will continue to say so if asked. I support the European Green Party principles and policies. I do not and will not support policies of the other parties in the coalition list. I will not ask voters to cast their votes to help to elect members of the other parties as MEPs.
I have been asked personally and by email several times how Orihuela Costa voters can vote to get Los Verdes (The Green Party) candidates elected as MEPs. In my opinion I have answered them truly. I will not mislead them into thinking they are voting purely for the Green Party if they vote 'Europa de los Pueblos – Verdes'.
I believe in the Green Party policies and principles, I believe in telling supporters of Los Verdes the truth, I do not believe in misleading them by omission of facts. I will not compromise my principles to support the aims of the coalition.
I will be reviewing any future involvement and membership I may have with Los Verdes de Pais Valencia. This may naturally have an effect upon my future work with Los Verdes de Orihuela here in Orihuela Costa. Before the suggestion is made that there is any "chantaje" intended on my part, there is not, it is fact.
I trust you will pass on my comments, including your statement that "Una cosa es que no hagamos campaña a favor de "Europa de los Pueblos-Los Verdes", to Valencia”
In a further email on the 5th June I wrote:
"We are not in agreement on this matter. If Los Verdes Orihuela are not in agreement with the coalition then we should make this known to the public of Orihuela municipality and not just keep quiet. We should not let them think our silence is a sign of approval.
I believe the best action is to close this debate and move on to whatever the future holds, I hope you agree.”
"proposed recycling depot adjacent to the Entre Golf urbanization",
At least Los Verdes now state that "no decision has been taken by the Ayuntamiento until now” whereas during the meeting with residents of Entre Golf R6B on the 4th May 2009 they stated through Gérard Perret that "The proposal to exchange the two areas of land has been put to the PP party and it has now been accepted,” which misled the neighbours/owners.
Los Verdes state that “We are involved in an ongoing discussion process with the neighbours/owners”. This is not true. I have spoken to Mr Wally Stewartson, Chairman of the Community of Owners R6B, today (29th June 2009) and he confirmed that there has not been any communication from Los Verdes since the meeting on the 4th May 2009.
How is this an ongoing discussion?
Los Verdes have not bothered to communicate with the residents even just to say 'we are sorry to tell you that the information we gave you during our one and only meeting with you was unconfirmed and almost certainly wrong'
"our Spanish (based in Valencia) MEP Pura Peris during the legislative period 2009 – 2014."
Los Verdes de Orihuela is a member of the Los Verdes de Pais Valencia region which in turn is a member of the Confederation of Los Verdes in Spain. In the European elections campaign the Confederation joined the Europa de Pueblos – Verdes coalition.
The following shows the first ten names of the 50 prospective candidates of the EdP-V coalition election list.
EUROPA DE LOS PUEBLOS-VERDES
1. Don Oriol Junqueras Vies (ERC).
2. Doña Ana Miranda Paz (BNG).
3. Don Inaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (ARALAR).
4. Doña Pura Peris García (LOS VERDES).
5. Don Sabin Intxaurraga Mendibil (EA).
6. Don Miguel Martínez Tomey (CHA).
7. Don Ramon Àngel Quetgles Ramis (ENTESA PER MALLORCA).
8. Doña Marta Rovira Vergés (ERC).
9. Don Alberte Souto Souto (BNG).
10. Doña Leticia Crespo Mir (CHA).
The coalition received sufficient votes on the 7th June 2009 to elect ONE and only one MEP and that automatically in a “closed list” is the first candidate Sr. Oriol Junqueras. He is the MEP not Pura Peris as stated by Los Verdes. A point to note is that the candidates in position 2 & 3 would be elected before Sra. Peris.
These three examples clearly show that Los Verdes have a tendancy to be economical with the truth when it serves their purpose; thereby misleading the public. They are very quick to criticise other political parties for doing the same.
Edit update 3rd July 2009: As at 13.30hrs 3rd July 2009 Mr Wally Stewartson, Chairman of the Community of Owners R6B, confirmed that he still has not received any communication from Los Verdes about the recycling collection depot since the meeting on the 4th May 2009.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Resignation from Los Verdes de Pais Valencia
Yesterday was important in my life in Orihuela Costa. I have worked on a voluntary basis for the Los Verdes de Orihuela (local Green Party) since early 2007 and a member of the party, and for approximately the last year and a half I have acted as the English contact and spokesman for the Orihuela Costa Working Group of the party. I now find that I am unable to continue to offer my time and work for the party because of recent policy decisions made by the local and regional executive management committees. I have therefore resigned as a member of the Los Verdes party.
The following is the wording of my resignation email.
Further to my recent correspondence in relation to the appalling actions of the Executive Committee of Los Verdes de Pais Valencia, and the ineffective campaigning decision of the Executive Committee of Los Verdes de Orihuela, in respect of the European elections, I have had to re-appraise my future involvement with Los Verdes.
The following is the wording of my resignation email.
Further to my recent correspondence in relation to the appalling actions of the Executive Committee of Los Verdes de Pais Valencia, and the ineffective campaigning decision of the Executive Committee of Los Verdes de Orihuela, in respect of the European elections, I have had to re-appraise my future involvement with Los Verdes.
In the light of the recent policy decision of the Orihuela Executive concerning the proposed location by the Ayuntamiento of a recycling collection depot within the plot of land registered as I-EQ-1 within the PAU-26 Sector 2 of Orihuela Costa, and the continued functioning of the illegal rubbish transfer point within PAU 26, I have had to re-appraise my future involvement with Los Verdes.
I find it extremely difficult to be a member of a regional Los Verdes party whose Executive Committee was prepared to damage the Green Party policies, principles and name throughout Valencia and Spain for I believe various dubious, unsustainable reasons by joining the Europa de los Pueblos – Verdes, (leftist, separatist and nationalist) election coalition. If they wanted to promote the Green Party as a credible political united force in Spain then they should have been part of the Los Verdes – Grupo Verde Europeo campaign. A truly Green Party movement campaign.
I find it extremely difficult to be a member of a local Los Verdes party whose Executive Committee whilst not being in agreement with the Edp-V coalition, was not prepared to speak out to the electorate, but was prepared to make a decision to sit on the fence, do nothing and say nothing, so as not to upset the regional leaders. The policy of 'prudente silencio' was unacceptable. It was a non-policy. Los Verdes de Orihuela failed, through fear of contradicting the Mesa de Valencia, to promote the European Green Party policies during the election campaign. It was the action of an ineffective Executive Committee.
I do not agree with the alternative location proposal for the recycling depot put forward to the Ayuntamiento by Los Verdes, without I would point out any prior consultation with the residents that will be directly affected, for the recycling depot. The proposal fails to protect either the quality of life of the residents or the environment of the area. It is an unacceptable compromise of principles. During a later meeting with some of the concerned residents, unconfirmed assurances were given by LV that the Ayuntamiento had accepted the suggestion. This lead the residents to believe that the sighting of the recycling collection depot would not have the high level of detrimental effect on their lives they feared and that the illegal rubbish transfer point within PAU 26 was to cease. This I believe gave them a false sense of hope. Time has now indicated that the Ayuntamiento has not accepted the LV proposal. I believe, as I stated at the time of learning of the proposal to fellow members of the Orihuela Costa Working Group and to Monserrate Guillén, that Los Verdes should have rejected outright the placing of the recycling depot within a residential area, and should be insisting that the rubbish transfer point is closed and the environment restored to its natural state, in accordance with the letter received in September 2007 from the Ayuntamiento.
I believe that the work I have carried out with Los Verdes of Orihuela since early 2007 in Orihuela Costa has in the first instant, which was the main objective, improved the quality of life for the residents and in the second, as a consequence, built a reputation in Orihuela Costa of Los Verdes as a party whose work and word can be respected. I believe all the policy decisions mentioned above contradict this view of the party.
I have come to the conclusion therefore that as I am in strong disagreement with the decisions of the current Executive committees at both the regional and municipal levels in recent times there is no alternative but to inform you of my decision to terminate my membership of Los Verdes de Pais Valencia and therefore Los Verdes de Orihuela. I am no longer prepared to offer my time and voluntary work to the current Los Verdes party.
Monday, 8 June 2009
European Election Results - Orihuela
I would like to thank all those residents in the municipalities of Orihuela, Torrevieja and surrounding towns who voted for the Green Party by voting for Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo in the elections on the 7th June 2009.
Unfortunately Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo (LV-GVE) were not succesful in getting a MEP elected. A excellent total of 87,088 votes were received on Sunday. This would have been considerably higher, if it were not for the presence of some regional Green parties joining the coalition of the Europa de los Pueblos-Verdes (EdP-V {ERPV-EV}) and wasting Los Verdes votes by campaigning for it.
I hope the Green Party throughout Spain learns from this damaging lack of unity in these elections and gets its act together for future national elections.
Unfortunately the history of politics in Spain, and in particular the Green Party, results in the 'Old Guard' of the regional groups clinging to the protectionism of their positions, to the detriment of the Green Party as a strong and effective political force throughout the country.
The effective actions and reputations of local municipal Los Verdes parties, such as in Orihuela and Torrevieja, can so easily be diminished or negated in the minds of the electorate, by the regional separatism of the 'old world thinking' , supposedly, leaders of a modern forward looking Green Party. It is time to give way to the up and coming younger party members who are seeking for this national united Green Party.
Below are the results for the Orihuela and Torrevieja Municipalities for your information. You can see that the LV-GVE received more votes than the Edp-V coalition in both towns
Orihuela Results
Torrevieja Results
Unfortunately Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo (LV-GVE) were not succesful in getting a MEP elected. A excellent total of 87,088 votes were received on Sunday. This would have been considerably higher, if it were not for the presence of some regional Green parties joining the coalition of the Europa de los Pueblos-Verdes (EdP-V {ERPV-EV}) and wasting Los Verdes votes by campaigning for it.
I hope the Green Party throughout Spain learns from this damaging lack of unity in these elections and gets its act together for future national elections.
Unfortunately the history of politics in Spain, and in particular the Green Party, results in the 'Old Guard' of the regional groups clinging to the protectionism of their positions, to the detriment of the Green Party as a strong and effective political force throughout the country.
The effective actions and reputations of local municipal Los Verdes parties, such as in Orihuela and Torrevieja, can so easily be diminished or negated in the minds of the electorate, by the regional separatism of the 'old world thinking' , supposedly, leaders of a modern forward looking Green Party. It is time to give way to the up and coming younger party members who are seeking for this national united Green Party.
Below are the results for the Orihuela and Torrevieja Municipalities for your information. You can see that the LV-GVE received more votes than the Edp-V coalition in both towns
Orihuela Results
| Partidos | Votos | Porcentaje | ||
| PP | 15789 | 65,64% | ||
| PSOE | 6668 | 27,72% | ||
| UPyD | 431 | 1,79% | ||
| EUPV-IR | 234 | 0,97% | ||
| LV-GVE | 233 | 0,97% | ||
| CDL | 71 | 0,30% | ||
| AES | 51 | 0,21% | ||
| ERPV-EV-(Edp-V) | 45 | 0,19% |
Torrevieja Results
| Partidos | Votos | Porcentaje | ||
| PP | 9267 | 53,72% | ||
| PSOE | 6421 | 37,23% | ||
| EUPV-IR | 365 | 2,12% | ||
| UPyD | 313 | 1,81% | ||
| IZAN-RG | 204 | 1,18% | ||
| LV-GVE | 199 | 1,15% | ||
| ERPV-EV-(Edp-V) | 47 | 0,27% |
Monday, 1 June 2009
How to Vote for 'Los Verdes' on the 7th June
I have been asked by many people over the last few days how they can vote for Los Verdes (Green Party) in the European elections here in Spain as the two main parties the PP and the PSOE have been sending out voting lists and they are concerned that nothing has been received from Los Verdes.
As you may be aware in Spain each party puts forward a 'Closed Party List', for the whole of the country, of candidates for the election, made up of candidates selected from different areas of the country. The PP & the PSOE being the two biggest and riches parties in the country have the funds to spend an enormous amount of money on campaign literature. This includes sending out copies of the party lists.
The LOS VERDES - GRUPO VERDE EUROPEO campaign unfortunately does not have the same level of funds.
On the 7th June, when you vote, in the polling stations there will be election lists for every one of the parties throughout Spain that are included in the election. When you vote you select the party list of your chose, put it in a voting envelope, and this is then put in the ballot box. It is the same procedure as the local elections. (Remember to take your passport as identification with you)
If you wish to vote to elect true Los Verdes (Green Party) MEPs then select the 'LOS VERDES - GRUPO VERDE EUROPEO' list. The first name on it will be Kristien Lesage, followed by Esteban Cabal Riera and then Josep Lluís Freijo Lizan. You can see the full list at the bottom of this webpage.
Unfortunately in this election there are coalition party lists that may purport to be Los Verdes (Green Party) but are not pure green. They are nothing but a coalition between what some may consider as leftist, separatist, or nationalist parties plus some regional Los Verdes parties who have come together to try to get elected using the green banner.
One such coalition under the name of 'Europa de los Pueblos-Verdes' (Castellano) or 'Europa dels pobles - Verds (Valenciano), comprises of the parties, ERC, BNG, Aralar, Los Verdes (some of the regional groups), Eusko Alkartasuna, Chunta Aragonesista and Entesa per Mallorca.
Do not be fooled this is not a pure Los Verdes (Green Party) list. There are some Los Verdes candidates on the list, from different parts of the country, but only 6 out of a total of 50 are Los Verdes. The first Los Verdes member, Pura Peris, is only in the 4th position of candidates, after the candidates for the ERC, BNG, and Aralar parties. The remaining 5 are allocated much lower in the list.
Under the propotional representation voting system, if this coalition list was to receive sufficient votes to be included in the Spanish national allocation of MEPs, which is very doubtful, in my opinion, then the other party's candidates in positions 1 to 3, with leftist, seperatist or nationlist ambitions would be elected before Sra. Pura Peris.
Don't be fooled by their use of the word 'Verdes' or 'Verds'. They may also use the sunflower logo to tempt you.
In my opinion if you want to vote for the European Green Party policies, and you want your vote to count, and not be wasted, then choose the pure Los Verdes (Green Party) list headed 'LOS VERDES - GRUPO VERDE EUROPEO'. on the 7th June 2009.
As you may be aware in Spain each party puts forward a 'Closed Party List', for the whole of the country, of candidates for the election, made up of candidates selected from different areas of the country. The PP & the PSOE being the two biggest and riches parties in the country have the funds to spend an enormous amount of money on campaign literature. This includes sending out copies of the party lists.
The LOS VERDES - GRUPO VERDE EUROPEO campaign unfortunately does not have the same level of funds.
On the 7th June, when you vote, in the polling stations there will be election lists for every one of the parties throughout Spain that are included in the election. When you vote you select the party list of your chose, put it in a voting envelope, and this is then put in the ballot box. It is the same procedure as the local elections. (Remember to take your passport as identification with you)
If you wish to vote to elect true Los Verdes (Green Party) MEPs then select the 'LOS VERDES - GRUPO VERDE EUROPEO' list. The first name on it will be Kristien Lesage, followed by Esteban Cabal Riera and then Josep Lluís Freijo Lizan. You can see the full list at the bottom of this webpage.
Unfortunately in this election there are coalition party lists that may purport to be Los Verdes (Green Party) but are not pure green. They are nothing but a coalition between what some may consider as leftist, separatist, or nationalist parties plus some regional Los Verdes parties who have come together to try to get elected using the green banner.
One such coalition under the name of 'Europa de los Pueblos-Verdes' (Castellano) or 'Europa dels pobles - Verds (Valenciano), comprises of the parties, ERC, BNG, Aralar, Los Verdes (some of the regional groups), Eusko Alkartasuna, Chunta Aragonesista and Entesa per Mallorca.
Do not be fooled this is not a pure Los Verdes (Green Party) list. There are some Los Verdes candidates on the list, from different parts of the country, but only 6 out of a total of 50 are Los Verdes. The first Los Verdes member, Pura Peris, is only in the 4th position of candidates, after the candidates for the ERC, BNG, and Aralar parties. The remaining 5 are allocated much lower in the list.
Under the propotional representation voting system, if this coalition list was to receive sufficient votes to be included in the Spanish national allocation of MEPs, which is very doubtful, in my opinion, then the other party's candidates in positions 1 to 3, with leftist, seperatist or nationlist ambitions would be elected before Sra. Pura Peris.
Don't be fooled by their use of the word 'Verdes' or 'Verds'. They may also use the sunflower logo to tempt you.
In my opinion if you want to vote for the European Green Party policies, and you want your vote to count, and not be wasted, then choose the pure Los Verdes (Green Party) list headed 'LOS VERDES - GRUPO VERDE EUROPEO'. on the 7th June 2009.
Buoyant Greens launch last big push
Green Party campaigners will be be pulling out all the stops this week, encouraged by the, 31st May 2009, Sunday Telegraph/ICM poll which puts the Greens on 11% - ahead of UKIP nationally for the first time this campaign.
With 11%, the Greens would expect to return two or three new MEPs, as well as holding their existing seats in London and the South East.
In the county elections, the Greens remain confident of gains in Norfolk and Lancashire, capitalising on the strength of city council Green groups in Norwich and Lancaster. But in the South West, Devon Greens may be about to bring off a surprise result, a party spokesperson said today.
A poll published in the Daily Express two weeks ago, commissioned by UKIP and conducted by ComRes, put the Greens on 16% in the South East (including Eastern region) - in third place ahead of both UKIP and the LibDems - but the Sunday Telegraph/ICM poll is the first of this campaign to put the Greens ahead of UKIP nationally.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Green Party News - 1 Million New Jobs
The Green Party wants to create 1 million new jobs renewable energy, home insulation, local agriculture and public transport.
If you're voting in the European Elections in the UK vote Green on the 4th of June.
If you're voting in the European Elections in the UK vote Green on the 4th of June.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Who do CLARO voters vote for in the European Elections?
The following is a copy of a letter, received by email on the 10th May, written by a James Longman. He said that this "is a copy of a letter I have sent to the Editors of the local English written papers. It will be interesting to see if it gets printed and if so what response there is to it".
The email shows that in addition to sending it to me as English spokesman of the Orihuela Costa Working Group of Los Verdes, he also sent it to the PSOE party in Orihuela Costa and Stefan Pokroppa of the PP at the Ayuntamiento.
I wasn't going to put it on this blog as I was expecting to read it in the papers, but as at today it hasn't been published by any of them, for what ever reason, so here it is.
There is only one answer of course to his question, 'Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo'.
"Dear Editor,
In its latest newsletter (8th Edition Spring 2009) the CLARO party makes reference to the European Parliament elections and the voting rights of residents of Orihuela Costa for the forthcoming election on the 7th June 2009.
We are aware of the conceited claims by CLARO that they are the only party that has been working to resolve the problems of “Non-Spanish European Union residents” in the Orihuela Municipality registering to vote, although they do say “with the help of the European Parliament”.
In its publication CLARO says “we would urge all those who are eligible ... to vote. The European Parliament can be very helpful in ensuring respect of citizens’ rights.” I agree with this sentiment entirely.
However it goes on further to say “since C.L.A.R.O is a local independent party we will remain neutral in regard to the European elections”.
That really is not good enough! Especially as the party chose to base its logo on the European Union emblem!
What advice does CLARO have for the 916 voters (just 2.9% of the total votes cast) in the Orihuela Municipality who supported them (CLARO) with their votes in the local elections in May 2007 (when it failed to obtain a Council seat)? What advice does the party give to the new supporters they continually claim to have and seek to obtain by the next local election in 2011?
Having said that the European Elections are important, the leaders of the party cannot in all conscience now say that they remain neutral! What party do they advise their supporters to vote for?
Through the media, and its own newsletters, CLARO has continuously criticised the PP (Right Wing), PSOE (Socialist) and Los Verdes (Green) parties for failing to look after the rights of the residents so they cannot in all conscience suggest voting for any of them - Can They?
So what are the options for the CLARO voters? Perhaps Bob Houliston, as President, or one of the Executive Committee members, such as Jimmy Badal, would care to claro-fy the situation. Who do CLARO voters vote for in the European Elections?
Surely the party is not suggesting that its supporters waste their votes by not voting at all? No surely it wouldn't! Come on CLARO show some leadership. Where should the votes go.
It would be hypocritical for the voters to vote for a party in the European Elections that they oppose in the Local Elections – wouldn't it?
Surely if a voter is told by CLARO, and believes it, that a party is not suitable to run local government then it cannot suitable be for higher government – Can It?
This is symptomatic of the problem of voting for a local, blinkered, one goal, independent party such as CLARO in Municipal elections! When it comes to the bigger National and European picture CLARO, as locally, are of no value at all! No presence in the government means no effective voice for the voters."
It gives food for thought doesn't it!
The email shows that in addition to sending it to me as English spokesman of the Orihuela Costa Working Group of Los Verdes, he also sent it to the PSOE party in Orihuela Costa and Stefan Pokroppa of the PP at the Ayuntamiento.
I wasn't going to put it on this blog as I was expecting to read it in the papers, but as at today it hasn't been published by any of them, for what ever reason, so here it is.
There is only one answer of course to his question, 'Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo'.
"Dear Editor,
In its latest newsletter (8th Edition Spring 2009) the CLARO party makes reference to the European Parliament elections and the voting rights of residents of Orihuela Costa for the forthcoming election on the 7th June 2009.
We are aware of the conceited claims by CLARO that they are the only party that has been working to resolve the problems of “Non-Spanish European Union residents” in the Orihuela Municipality registering to vote, although they do say “with the help of the European Parliament”.
In its publication CLARO says “we would urge all those who are eligible ... to vote. The European Parliament can be very helpful in ensuring respect of citizens’ rights.” I agree with this sentiment entirely.
However it goes on further to say “since C.L.A.R.O is a local independent party we will remain neutral in regard to the European elections”.
That really is not good enough! Especially as the party chose to base its logo on the European Union emblem!
What advice does CLARO have for the 916 voters (just 2.9% of the total votes cast) in the Orihuela Municipality who supported them (CLARO) with their votes in the local elections in May 2007 (when it failed to obtain a Council seat)? What advice does the party give to the new supporters they continually claim to have and seek to obtain by the next local election in 2011?
Having said that the European Elections are important, the leaders of the party cannot in all conscience now say that they remain neutral! What party do they advise their supporters to vote for?
Through the media, and its own newsletters, CLARO has continuously criticised the PP (Right Wing), PSOE (Socialist) and Los Verdes (Green) parties for failing to look after the rights of the residents so they cannot in all conscience suggest voting for any of them - Can They?
So what are the options for the CLARO voters? Perhaps Bob Houliston, as President, or one of the Executive Committee members, such as Jimmy Badal, would care to claro-fy the situation. Who do CLARO voters vote for in the European Elections?
Surely the party is not suggesting that its supporters waste their votes by not voting at all? No surely it wouldn't! Come on CLARO show some leadership. Where should the votes go.
It would be hypocritical for the voters to vote for a party in the European Elections that they oppose in the Local Elections – wouldn't it?
Surely if a voter is told by CLARO, and believes it, that a party is not suitable to run local government then it cannot suitable be for higher government – Can It?
This is symptomatic of the problem of voting for a local, blinkered, one goal, independent party such as CLARO in Municipal elections! When it comes to the bigger National and European picture CLARO, as locally, are of no value at all! No presence in the government means no effective voice for the voters."
It gives food for thought doesn't it!
Thursday, 14 May 2009
'Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo' - European Election Campaign Launch
The 'Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo' chose to launch their campaign for the European elections at the Biocultura 2009 exhibition of environmentally friendly products held this week in Barcelona.
The 'Grupo Verde Europeo' is the coming together of various regional Green Parties within Spain to form a coalition to present a united list of candidates for the European Parliament elections on the 7th June.
The list is headed up Kristien Lesage, who is spokesman for Los Verdes del Mediterráneo. Originally from Belgium, Kristien is now resident in Mislata in Valencia. She is a member of the Heerlen Group, a network of members of different Green Parties of Europe that work to promote the direct participation in taking European decisions.
Position two on the list is held by Esteban Cabal, a writer. In 1991 he was the first Los Verdes Councillor to be elected in the Madrid Comunidad. In 1999 he headed the list of European candidates and obtained the support of 150,000 votes. Professionally his links are in the field of natural and alternative therapies.
Josep Lluis Freijo, founder of 'Els Verdes de Cataluña' holds the third position and in addition is the coordinator of the electoral campaign. As a green entrepreneur, his work is related to the field of bio-and ecological projects.
The three candidates, accompanied by a group of members and supporters, toured Bioculture 2009, the natural products trade show being held in Barcelona, where they unveiled Green Party proposals to emerge from the ecological crisis.
All of them wore a green work helmet as a symbol of the 20 million jobs which could be created in Europe if the European Union implements the proposal from the European Green Party entitled "Green New Deal", an ambitious public investment in energy alternative and sustainable business sectors. "
The candidates of the 'Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo' pledged to boost , from the EuroChamber, organic farming and the market for natural products, as well as bio-construction and the recognition of natural medicines.
The 'Los Verdes - Grupo Verde Europeo' expects to achieve half a million votes in the European elections of June 7, which will surely result in becoming the third political force in Spanish politics and give them representation in the European Parliament.
Think Again Vote Green
For those Ex-Pats in Spain who are going to vote for the European elections in the UK - Think Again Vote Green.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Most Europeans set to shun EU elections - European Elections : europa, europe | euronews
Two out of three European voters will not cast a ballot in this June’s elections, says French newspaper Liberation.
That is according to a Eurobarometer survey about to be released by the European Commission.
It predicts record abstention of 66 percent. The the survey says participation will be even weaker in some countries, the poorest in Poland, Austria and the UK.
Eight out of ten British voters could not even name the date — Thursday 4 June for them, coinciding with local elections, and up to June 8 in other countries.
The lack of awareness is general. The strongest showing is expected to be in Belgium and Luxembourg, where voting is compulsory by law.
Media disinterest in the campaigning and the core subjects is said to be crushing, to the point of hostile in France, Britain and Belgium.
Economic concerns combined with ignorance is therefore seen as undermining trust in the EU’s institutions.
More than half the people who took part in the January-February Eurobarometer poll wanted the EU election campaign to focus on employment and growth. Pensions, crime, immigration and terrorism trailed far behind.
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