Green Party Alternattiva Demokratika is distancing itself from the opinion voiced by one of its own, former party leader Michael Briguglio. The latter, has recently posted on Facebook suggesting the public not vote for his party, but to instead support the Nationalist Party coalition along with Partit Demokratiku.
Dr Briguglio, the former Chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika, has been quite visible during this election campaign and in the weeks running up to this politically hot season. He appeared at a number of PN-PD coalition events and on one occasion he even addressed the crowd during a protest in Valletta.
Speaking to The Malta Independent, Professor Arnold Cassola said that Michael Briguglio is entitled to his own opinion and explained that it’s all a question of strategy. “Obviously we don’t agree with him on this,” he said.
“We need to attract as many votes as possible and support those who don’t agree with the Prime Minister’s inaction on Minister Konrad Mizzi and the prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri.”
Prof Cassola said that to get those votes, AD needs to offer an alternative for those who do not feel comfortable voting for candidates on the PN list.
There is one slight detail which, however, needs to be addressed. Michael Briguglio still represents AD at the Sliema Local Council. Asked whether he would be asking Dr Briguglio to resign from the party and to no longer represent AD on the Council, Prof Cassola did not give a concise answer. Instead he said that for the time being, Dr Briguglio is still representing AD. “He is a talented man and has always supported our principles on the environment,” Prof Cassola added.
“What Michael Briguglio needs to understand is that he is an individual and likes to voice his opinion as such. In the party we have a democratic process, an executive and we discuss different opinions. But when one’s opinion is not in line with the wishes of the majority in the party, that individual still needs to reflect the views of the party.”
The party chairman said that Dr Briguglio can feel free and say what he wants personally, “but he cannot overrule the decisions taken by the executive.”
In his Facebook status, Michael Briguglio had said that the only reason some Labour supporters are sympathising with AD is as they want to split the vote to Labour's advantage. "These divide-and-rule TaghnaLkollers never showed sympathy for AD in the past. The only way to remove Labour's panamagang from power is through the coalition."
In reply to this story which appeared in the print edition of The Malta Independent this morning, Dr Briguglio said that he has offered his resignation from AD.
Writing on Facebook, Dr Briguglio said: The Malta Independent reports that Arnold Cassola said that AD members should follow the decisions of the executive. Fair enough, though I do not consider this to be an end in itself when essential principles are involved. And Greens tend to prize open dialogue. For example ex-French Green leader Danny Cohn Bendit publicly supported Macron and not the Socialists (who were supported by the Greens) in the recent French presidential election. When I appeal to AD to join the coalition I am also reflecting the opinion of a number of members, ex-members, ex-candidates and green sympathisers who are constantly communicating with me about their preoccupation with #Malta's current situation. In any case, I recently offered my resignation as AD member. This will be my final post on AD and the elections. I respect their decision not to join the coalition but I disagree with it. I reiterate that the only possible way to remove the Panamagang from power is through #ForzaNazzjonali. And the latter is also proposing some great progressive policies. My only interest in the whole matter is to live in a normal European country.