Alternattiva Demokratica held its Annual General Meeting this afternoon, and AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola came out heavily against Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi and his Panama company as well as the PN, mentioning the need for more good governance.

He said that there are those who want to stop talking about the Panama Papers, yet he believes that there will be an escalation in debate over the topic.

Professor Cassola said that in the first week of May, it is expected that the names of the companies and individuals of all those who had companies in Panama will be released. He indicated that these are most likely not political individuals, but rather persons in business and questioned whether some might have political ties.

He questioned what results the Allied Newspaper inquiry will bring, whether it will be released and whether other names would be found. He questioned whether Mr Schembri and Dr Mizzi will be hauled before the European Parliament inquiry on the Panama Papers issue.

The AD Chairperson asked whether when Malta is President of the EU, other European Countries would feel at ease having these two people in critical positions.

He said that currently in Malta, politicians are sending the message that it is ok to accept a gift to watch a football match, no problem for a bathroom to be built for free, that its normal to rent a Portomaso apartment and pay only a year later and that its normal to pay for works on a house five years later.

“We are going through a political crisis where every sense of ethics and morals are being shoved aside from mainstream politics”.

Instead of speculating on how to use every piece of land, and opening secret accounts, people want politics aimed at improving the quality of life for pensioners, people with disability etc.

“Your presence shows there are still people with moral values at heart, who want meritocracy and honest governance that does not look at providing special advantages for individuals”.

He spoke about the new public debate for new blood in parliament.  “People are realising the need for a third party in Parliament, especially when both the PL and PN have both been given chances and fail to keep promises made prior to elections”.

He also said that new faces in politics is not necessarily the way to go, commenting that Minister Mizzi was a new face, “and look at the result, we had a new face that resulted in the old style of politics at its worst”.

“I’m an old face, so are Carmel Cacopardo and Ralph Cassar, but we look forward with our heads held high and never promise what we cannot deliver”.

“We never feared telling the truth and never compromised our values for votes”.

On May 7, he said that AD will back all those from civil society who attend the rally in Valletta.

Professor Cassola said that the AD is ready to work with those who have the same fundamental principles at heart, including anti-racism values, European values, environmental values, values on good governance and civil rights.

The AD Executive for 2016 is as follows:

Chairperson Prof. Arnold Cassola

Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo

Secretary General Ralph Cassar

Deputy Secretary General Anna Maria Azzopardi

Public Relations Official Luke Caruana

Treasures Simon Galea

International Secretary Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane

Members: Marc Andrea Cassar, Mario Mallia

(Note: AD Youth will nominate two members to represent them)