In reaction to news on certain local councillors who are being accused of misusing EU funds, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party called for “a stronger sense of civic pride in local councils, and for less short-sighted personal interests.”

Prof. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on EU and International Affairs, stated, “It is shameful that Maltese local councillors, who are acting at local level, are being accused of embezzling European funds. Our country’s good name must not and cannot be smeared at European level because of the behaviour of these irresponsible politicians who have absolutely no idea of what the common good is all about. The PN and the PL have teamed up together for over two years to keep this affair all hushed up. The Maltese people are now waiting for Prime Minister Gonzi and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat to take strong and decisive action against those who have abused of the people’s trust, which include a high official of the PN’s ELCOM team and the former personal secretary of Joseph Muscat.”

Carmel Cacopardo AD spokesman on Sustainable Development and Home Affairs, said, “Whilst affirming that the accused are innocent until proven otherwise it is to be pointed out that the whole leadership of the Local Councils Assoiation is being accused of fraud. This is additional to the case of the former Sliema Mayor being criminally charged with corruption. AD considers that it is essential that the untainted officials of the Local Council Association take over the running of the Association until the Courts decide on the criminal charges which the Local Councillors are accused of.”

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson said,” “In the forthcoming local council elections, voters have the opportunity to vote for candidates who do not use local councils for short-sighted personal interests. AD’s candidates are committed to avoid such petty politics, and, as local councillors, will work with other councillors with a sense of civic pride. If one wants change, one should vote for it.”

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