The electoral manifesto presented by Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) focuses on three main pillars – work, the environment and democracy.
“All three themes are linked because environmental protection creates work and a real democracy based on the free flow of information is essential for the country’s social and economic development,” AD’s chairperson Harry Vassallo said.
Dr Vassallo expressed his satisfaction that people from all sectors of society were realising that AD has the right solutions for the country’s problems.
AD’s candidate in the European elections, Prof. Arnold Cassola, spoke about the party’s proposals to promote work, environmental protection and democracy.
“We recognise that creating new places of work is a national priority. We need to invest in retraining and education in order to ensure that Malta attracts investment which offers better working conditions.
“Through cooperation with trade unions and entrepreneurs I will seek to attract socially responsible investment to Malta and Gozo. Investment in environmental protection in sectors like waste recycling and alternative energy will create new jobs.
“Tourism is also another pillar of the Maltese economy which is being threatened by rampant environmental degradation. This is a clear example where environmental protection not only improves the quality of life of all of us but also serves to attract tourists.
“Our firm commitment to abolish hunting in spring is an example of our firm commitment towards work, the environment and democracy. Hunting in spring threatens jobs in the tourist industry. Hunting results in the destruction of the environment and blackmail by the hunting lobby undermines democracy,” he said.
Prof. Cassola said that in order to make sure that all Maltese and Gozitans benefit from the opportunities offered by EU membership, Malta needs to make a firm commitment to provide transparency in the provision of information. “Otherwise many will be excluded from these benefits because of political patronage and favouritism,” he said.
“While representatives of the party in government will cover up for the government as happened in the case of Mnajdra, we are committed to use our seat in Brussels to make the Maltese government more accountable towards its own citizens,” Dr Cassola concluded.
Also present for the launch of AD’s electoral manifesto was the European Greens’ expert on foreign policy, Paolo Bergamaschi.
“The Greens throughout Europe are presenting a coherent political, social and economic vision based on solid values like environmental protection, peace, social inclusion, respect for minorities and democracy.
“The Greens today are protagonists in Europe’s political development. The Prime Minister of Latvia belongs to the Green Party and the Foreign Minister of Germany is also a Green.
“The Greens are also making positive inroads in the rest of the continent. In our common manifesto we are also proposing a European foreign policy based on peace which recognises the contribution of neutral countries like Malta.
“Unlike exponents in the European People’s Party such as Berlusconi and exponents in the European Socialist Party like Tony Blair, the Greens have consistently opposed the war in Iraq,” Mr Bergamaschi said.