As the MEP election draws nearer, bad news continues to pour in. The Police clash with environmental protestors, while businessmen and politicians continue to trample over our peace of mind and our way of life. One historic landmark is destroyed after another, causing a domino effect. Step by step, application by application, we find ourselves boxed in.

Our institutions, which have always depended upon the good will of our politicians to remain independent, continue to play with double standards. The system of clientelism also continues, whereby political parties buy votes with promises and favours, and accept legal bribes from corporate lobbies. As Malta's overpopulation problem increases, people bicker without seeking genuine solutions, and instead rely on rhetoric. Why is there still no interest in a National masterplan, for which Partit Demokratiku has been calling in Parliament?

Things look bleak, it would seem, and even most popular idols of resistance against the establishment inevitably wind up next to crooks in photographs, trying to have their cake and eat it. Does everyone have a price? In such circumstances, people once again settle for the lesser evil and the devils they know.

It is time, therefore, to give people a real choice. At the MEP election, Partit Demokratiku presents another opportunity for Malta to make history yet again. Last year, we got the Third Party to Parliament for the first time since before Independence. It is time to strike another blow against tribalism, partisanship and corruption. If the electorate chooses hope over fear, the road will be even clearer for Partit Demokratiku in the next general election.

A vote for Partit Demokratiku is a vote for Malta to survive its Third Great Siege. It is a vote against the blitz by Maltese against our own country. A vote for the two major parties is a wasted vote, because it will change nothing and just lead us further down the road to nowhere. We have stood up for the general public at every possible turn, with the St Vincent de Paul 'direct order' being the latest example. We punch far above our weight, so imagine what we can achieve with your first preference votes next year.

A vote for Partit Demokratiku is a vote for good governance, the environment and social justice. It is a vote for a new hope.