Environmental activist and founder of Malta Clean Up Camilla Appelgren has announced that she will be running for the upcoming MEP elections as part of the Partit Demokratiku (PD).
"I am honoured to announce that I am the third MEP candidate of PD, the Democratic Party. It is a party I've always personally experienced up close as being the voice of the people. They stand strong in their beliefs, while still cheering the good things done by others. They see the long-term in the interests of everybody," she said.
The PD, in a statement, said: "Every year for many years, she has organised a national clean-up which mobilises hundreds of people across the whole country, aside from organising regular clean-ups across the country. She has been one of the environmentalists popularising clean-ups and informing the public of the dangers of single-use plastics and unsustainable living."
Appelgren said: "Over the last few years the degradation of the environment has alarmingly increased. Many people seem to have given up fixing a broken system. We deserve to look to the future with hope and optimism, not sadness and despair. We need to have a good future for ourselves and our children. It's time for us to realise that we should not settle for less,"
She explains her decision to enter politics after many years of voluntary work as follows: "My love for Malta is endless, and it became clear to me that as long as the policies and legislation being made aren't working in the long-term and best interests of the people, then the work of activists is only getting harder and our effort won't keep having the effect it could have."
She issued a call for all citizens and residents to step up and join her in a force for political renewal, believing that a few determined individuals can make all the difference in the world.
"An individual with the right motivation can move mountains, but they do so by inspiring others and giving them a voice. We need people to stop feeling like they are helpless, because a single person can move mountains if they believe it. Imagine what a lot of people like that can achieve together," she said.
Camilla Appelgren said: "If elected as an MEP, I plan to prioritise climate change, dealing with the global plastic problem, and ensuring a green economic revolution, and getting the best possible deal as a centre for innovation. Malta can prove to Europe that change is possible to save our planet, and Malta can lead the way as the very best."