In his speech, AD chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo expressed his satisfaction that the party is celebrating its 15th anniversary after breaking the mould of the two party system in last June’s European Parliament (EP) elections. In the European Parliament elections almost every one in 10 persons voted AD, leading to the superlative result.

“29,000 voters have broken with the past by voting for a candidate of a third party after so many years voting for the lesser evil of the two other parties. This has endowed these voters with a new sense of freedom. They have relieved themselves of a burden which used to suffocate them”.

He congratulated and thanked all those who participated and helped AD reach its position today. Dr Vassallo said that AD's active members are the envy of other political parties as they really believe in the commitment they have with AD without any personal opportunism spoiling it.

AD plays an essential role in Maltese politics as it breaks the political two party system. Malta's political system is unjust and in the long run, everyone is a loser. Dr Vassallo said it is important that AD does not become a “clone” of other political parties – “we have our own particular role to play and contribution to give”.

One of AD's roles is to change Maltese political culture from its roots – for example “through creating alliances with different groups” just like when it came to fighting the proposed Verdala golf course. This scares other political parties, but not AD. Dr Vassallo said that it is important that Maltese politics mature and change. “We want to be represented in Parliament as we want to change things, not because we want to be there”.

Dr Vassallo also announced that AD is determined to bring about a change for the better by collecting signatures for Malta's first national referendum called by the Maltese and Gozitans themselves.

Called “A Change for the Better”, it will focus on changing Malta's antiquated rent laws.

Dr Vassallo emphasised that the change in rent laws is to remove social injustice, not to increase it. He said that one of the main reasons why he has participated in politics for so long was to help those who are at a disadvantage.