Alternattiva Demokratika today said it had accepted the resignation of its former chairman Michael Briguglio from the party.
Briguglio had offered his resignation at the start of the electoral campaign, when he had joined the Forza Nazzjonali and addressed political rallies alongside PN Leader Simon Busuttil and PD Leader Marlene Farrugia.
He was openly critical of Alternattiva for not joining the PN-PD coalition, and urged people to vote for Forza Nazzjonali, rather than AD, despite the fact that at the time he still represented the green party on the Sliema Local Council.
“The only way to remove Labour's Panamagang from power is through the coalition," he had written, adding that the only reason some Labour supporters were sympathising with AD was to split the vote to Labour's advantage
Speaking to The Malta Independent three weeks before the general election, AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola had confirmed receiving Briguglio’s resignation letter but said the party would only discuss the issue after the election.
Cassola had described Briguglio as a “talented man who has always supported our principles on the environment,” but added that members of AD needed to reflect the views of the party.
AD published an email sent by its secretary general, Ralph Cassar, informing Briguglio that the party executive had unanimously accepted his resignation as member of the party. “It would be correct for you to resign as AD Sliema councillor with immediate effect,” the letter concluded.
Replying, Briguglio announced that he will stay on as an independent councillor. In a letter sent to Cassar, he wrote: It has been my pleasure to represent AD at the Sliema Local Council. I am pleased to inform you that I will keep representing my Sliema local council constituents who have been electing me since 2003, and that I will responsibly work in the interest of all Sliema residents.”