Dr Vassallo was replying to a question put by The Malta Independent regarding the government’s attitude to AD. He went on to say that the PN and the MLP have both attacked his party, but added that “the PN have been the most creative”.

“We are experiencing a ferocious political campaign against us. This does not make us give up. On the contrary, it is the mark of our success,” he said.

Dr Vassallo said the PN government owed AD a lot because without them, Malta would not be a member state of the European Union nor would the PN be in government.

Speaking about Arnold Cassola, Dr Vassallo said he “stands head and shoulders above his competitors”. He continued: “He is consistent and experienced. Professor Cassola will not just mean representation for Malta but quality representation, which is what Malta needs and deserves.”

He said the Greens are after a different kind of politics: consensual politics rather than confrontational politics.

Former leader of the Greens in Italy Grazia Francescato is in Malta to give her support to Dr Cassola. She said Prof. Cassola at the EP would be the right man in the right place, due to his leadership skills and vision. He is competent and passionate about what he does, she said.

Moreover, Prof. Cassola would be ideal for giving the EP the Mediterranean dimension.

She said that among the priorities set for the Greens at the EP was the environment, as well as linking job creation with the environment. Another priority was the sea and water quality.

In conclusion, Ms Francescato said Professor Cassola has solid values and was “a highly-qualified voice for Malta.”

During question time, the abortion issue was raised. Prof. Cassola reiterated that he has always disassociated himself from any decision the European Greens took on abortion.

He said the Greens had lobbied intensively for Malta to have six seats rather than five and it was the Greens who had consistently supported the EU membership bid. He said the Greens stood up in parliament to condemn the MLP’s efforts to deprive people from using their right to vote. “This show’s the consistency of the Green group in defending Malta’s interests,” he concluded.