It was with a fair amount of hesitation that I took my first steps into the world of politics. Politics seemed to me far removed from my everyday reality. The world of politics seemed too hostile, too alien. But a sense of duty took over; a feeling that I needed to be part of it. It was my calling, my duty as a citizen to team up with other like-minded individuals for the good of the country. Then I took the plunge.

I found my political home in Partit Demokratiku. Il-Partit tal-Orangjo stood for the values that I always held dear; good governance, social justice and environmental stewardship. Working with PD has been a fulfilling and enriching experience. Albeit small, the team consisted of some very hard working, talented and principled individuals. We worked well together and did so steadfastly to bring about positive change. We promoted our vision of a fairer society. We voiced our concern when our environment and our cultural heritage were assaulted. And above all, we became good friends, working together like a well-oiled engine.

It became clear to us that there was almost perfect congruence between the ethical and political agenda of Alternattiva Demokratika and ours. Alternattiva Demokratika was not seen as a political opponent. Alternattiva Demokratika was seen as Partit Demokratiku's natural ally.  There is strength in unity. We believed that the whole would be greater than the sum of the parts so in the later months of 2019, the two parties began to explore the prospects of coming together as one, seamless political force. Even in these early stages, AD and PD collaborated closely on joint press releases and press conferences and this reaffirmed our conviction of mutual compatibility.

The emergence of Covid19 presented special challenges and hurdles to overcome. Our resolve to see the merger through however was not dampened, and the two parties convened in one historic moment and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on August 1st, 2020. The proposed merger was overwhelmingly endorsed by the parties' respective members and history was made on Saturday 17 October 2020 when the marriage finally became official.

The sun has set on Alternattiva Demokratika and Partit Demokratiku. It is now the time for a new dawn. It is now time to write a new chapter in the history of our nation. This new reality strengthens and invigorates our determination to spare no effort in fighting corruption, in promoting human rights and in defending the environment.

It was a common goal that brought AD and PD together. We trust that this may serve as a cue to the people of this country, to set aside partisan differences and allow the common good to guide their political actions and decisions.

It is with pride yet with deep humility that we, as one party, endeavour to take up the challenges that the future may bring and to serve the people and the country. We look forward to working with you and for you.

 

Mark Zerafa, Deputy Leader of AD and PD, and former General Secretary of Partit Demokratiku.