At a press conference held in Valletta yesterday, Alternattiva Demokratika once again said that, in view of the latest political developments, there is a need for an immediate general election, and it guaranteed that Members of Parliament elected on its behalf “will act in a responsible manner”.
AD deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo said that events of the last few days have confirmed once more that a Parliament based on two political parties is indeed unstable. The resignation of Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando from the PN, coupled with the declarations from Franco Debono that he will not support the government while Austin Gatt remains a Minister, signifies that the last days of this government will remain characterised by pique and unnecessary conflict. This sends a message of instability which, in the middle of the economic crisis that Malta is facing, will certainly not be helpful in creating work or attracting investment.
AD Secretary-General Ralph Cassar, speaking about the current political situation said: “What is going on shows that the Prime Minister has lost control. The Nationalist Party’s strategies, based on misleading the public on issues such as the Mistra scandal, its attempt to portray itself as the party of hunters and the party of environmentalists, the party of religious zealots and that of a more liberal attitude, the party of big business and at the same time the party defending residents, has backfired and failed badly. Its attempt to be all things to all men is also being copied by the Labour Party. Like the Nationalists, they are the party of speculators, strong lobbies and dirty energy.
“The fact that the other two parties are wasting everybody’s time, bickering about petty issues and avoiding discussing real policy issues, shows that in fact they are one and the same – both are part of a system that wants to maintain the status quo. The only way to send them the loud and clear message that we don’t want to be part of their silly games is to vote Green.”
Prof. Arnold Cassola said: “With an election coming up in the near future, it is important that all Maltese citizens are helped in their right to vote. With regard to Maltese citizens living abroad, arrangements should be immediately made to set up facilities for them to vote at their nearest embassy or consulate. In this day and age, where mobility has become an important feature of the European and Maltese citizen’s lifestyle, it is scandalous that Maltese citizens are still being taken to court by political parties to be disenfranchised of their vote. The Partit Laburista and any other political party trying to disenfranchise these voters is going against the recommendation of the Constitutional Court. Indeed, this issue should have been settled years ago, in March 2003, in the Cassola constitutional case, where the Presiding Judge defined residence “not necessarily as physical presence in the country but as habitual presence”.
Carmel Cacopardo concluded by saying that, as a responsible political party, AD in parliament would act in a responsible manner, being loyal to the government’s programme that had been agreed. AD in Parliament would be guided by the national interest and will ensure that its eventual MPs do not act out of spite or pique. Members of Parliament elected on behalf of AD will put forward positive proposals, they will shun individualism and strive to continuously form part of a team. AD considers that the current political situation necessitates an immediate general election in the national interest.