The influence of MEPs on Maltese political parties

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation is to analyse the level of influence Maltese MEPs leave on their national political party. The main topics tackled will be the history of Maltese political parties and their first emergences, the concept of Europeanisation linked with the two main political parties in Malta, the MEPs section in the political party statutes and, finally, the influence of the Maltese MEPs on the political party they represent. The first research question, which focuses on defining Europeanisation and its impact on Maltese political parties, would be split on both the first chapter and also the third chapter. Chapter one will provide a definition on this term, with emphasis made on Ladrech (2010). Chapter three will provide an analysis of how this concept has changed and impacted certain aspects of Maltese political parties. The second research question focuses on the specific role of an MEP. The interviewee list consists of former and present MEPs and also party whips from both political parties. This question will be answered from an analysis of interviews to find out what MEPs think of their role. The final research question tackles directly the title of this dissertation as it focuses on the influence of Maltese MEPs on political parties. Here, interviews will be analysed to conclude and reach the main objective of this dissertation.