“Arnold Cassola is the most consistent and capable candidate for the EP elections, head and shoulders above all the rest,” said Dr Vassallo. “The Nationalist Party’s smear campaign, saying that AD is in favour of abortion, is a blatant lie and nothing short of moral violence. This shows that the Nationalist Party is in a state of panic and is resorting to tactics from Malta’s dark age of politics because it knows that it is unable to compete against the Green Party candidate in any credible way.”

Dr Vassallo added: “Alternattiva Demokratika’s reply to the calumnies broadcast by NET TV on its coverage of the PN general council will be the filing of judicial proceedings against the NET TV representative and against Mr Tonio Fenech and Mr Simon Busuttil for their deliberate attempt to harm AD by deceiving the listening public.

“This is the best chance in Maltese history to bring about this much needed change. Together we can overcome the stagnant bipolar system and ensure that Malta becomes a fully-fledged European democracy. There has never been a better time than this to effect this change. In this election voters will not be electing a government. They are not obliged to vote for the lesser evil. All they have to do is to vote for the best person to represent the country.

“The momentum for Arnold Cassola’s campaign is incredible and many are joining the successful green wave for change. People from all walks of life are joining our campaign. It would be a great pity if we lose this chance for a few votes.

“Every number one counts. AD activists have a great responsibility bestowed upon them. They have to use the power of persuasion to convince more and more people.

“We cannot but feel proud that in this historical moment AD is being represented by a man called Arnold Cassola, the first Maltese to lead a European political family. Arnold Cassola has honoured our country through his work in European institutions. He has inside knowledge on how the European Parliament works. The whole country stands to gain from his experience and ability”.

AD’s deputy chairman Mario Mallia spoke about Arnold Cassola’s strong commitment to the democratic rights of Maltese and Gozitan people.

“Last year, the MLP did everything possible to deprive him of the right to vote in the referendum and general election. Arnold Cassola’s victory in the constitutional court signalled the beginning of the end of the draconian powers of the PN and MLP in denying Maltese and Gozitan citizens the right to vote”.

Mario Mallia also spoke about Arnold Cassola’s work in favour of the quality of life of all European citizens.

“One of the issues raised by Arnold Cassola and the European Greens is food safety. AD is calling on the government to declare Malta and Gozo as a GMO-free zone on the model of European regions like Tuscany. Food safety is a basic human right. We cannot take risks with the food our children eat. We cannot allow a few multinational corporations to monopolise the food chain. By declaring Malta a GMO-free zone, Malta could become a centre for organic agriculture”.

The former Green MEP Gianni Tamino, who also addressed the meeting, expressed his full support for Arnold Cassola and AD’s position on GMOs.

“Arnold Cassola is the best known Maltese in EU institutions. His election to the post of secretary-general of the European Green Party is a measure of the respect he enjoys in all 31 member parties. His outspoken position against abortion has never been an obstacle for him to represent us all because we all recognise his competence and respect the fact that he follows his conscience regardless of any pressure. It is a great honour for me to be present here and to be part of the campaign to elect Arnold Cassola to the European Parliament. Arnold has shown great ability in leading the Greens in Europe. His vision of a united European Green political party has become a reality. He is a leading member of the Green dream team which is leading the European campaign. The Maltese deserve to be represented by Arnold because of his experience, knowledge and ability”.