“I’m very proud of our candidates especially in view of the difficulties they face when affronting the prejudices created by the other two parties,” said Alternattiva Demokaratika chairman Harry Vassallo yesterday when he presented the list of 15 candidates contesting the 2008 General Election on their behalf.
“I am sure that people will recognise our contribution towards ‘healing the wound’ of division in our country and I am very sorry to hear certain elements among the other parties who seem afraid of the consequences should this division come to an end. Our duty is firstly not towards our party but towards Malta having a solid and stable government, and unlike what certain people are saying that there is no possibility whatsoever of a coalition government, there is nothing in the law or constitution which prevents this,” said Dr Vassallo.
“There is no reason for us to think that the Prime Minister or any other person can control this huge motor which is running our country until it remains financed by speculators. Despite what the PM has recently declared, one has to have a law which regulates the financing of parties before there can be any valid reform of the Malta Environmental Planning Authority (Mepa), and it will be very hard to compensate for all the losses and damages already suffered by our country,” added Dr Vassallo.
AD’s spokesperson for Sustainable Development Carmel Cacopardo added: “Prime Minister Gonzi has said that he will make a comprehensive reform of Mepa so as to make it more efficient and transparent. If the PM wants us to believe that Mepa’s actions will be transparent, he can prove this by publishing the report on the Sant’Antnin plant. Also it is important that research is immediately done to analyse the impact the recycling plant is having on the residents’ health.”
“I invite the PM to prove that he wants to ensure Mepa’s transparency by publishing the report within 48 hours. If he doesn’t, I am in possession of a copy of the report and I will publish it myself,” concluded Mr Cacopardo.