Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) has attributed the resignation of one of its councillors to “continuous pressure from main exponents of the Nationalist Party”. Swieqi councillor Rene Rossignaud resigned on Wednesday, citing as a reason that he was no longer in agreement with the way AD was being run.

AD said Mr Rossignaud had given in to the pressure the PN was exerting.

“The Nationalist Party is panicking because of the increase of support AD is enjoying and is using every means to try and scare off people from AD,” AD said.

“Unfortunately Rene Rossignaud gave in to this pressure, and AD would like to thank him for the service he gave to the community of Swieqi.

“AD is committed to continue its work in the electoral campaign despite the continuous attacks from the Nationalist Party and its exponents.”

Mr Rossignaud denied AD’s claim, calling it a barefaced lie. No one from the PN had asked him to resign, he said. He added he had made his reasons clear in his letter of resignation, pointing out among others that AD had become a party interested only in getting some form of power at all costs.

He reserved the right to take legal steps on the issue.

In his letter to AD chairman Harry Vassallo, Mr Rossignaud said that AD had become a party that was interested in gaining some for of power at all costs. He was not prepared to continue working for AD and be responsible for electing another party in government which wanted to separate Malta from the Europe AD believes in.

“These are facts. And no personal attack on my integrity will change them,” Mr Rossignaud said.