At a press conference held in Valletta Alternattiva Demokratika -The Green Party stated that in view of the latest political developments an immediate general election is called for. AD said that it guarantees that Members of Parliament elected on its behalf will act in a responsible manner.

Carmel Cacopardo AD’s Deputy Chairperson said that the happenings of the past few hours confirm “once more that a Parliament based on two political parties is indeed unstable.”

“The resignation of Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando from his PN membership coupled with the declarations from Franco Debono that he will not support Government until such time that Austin Gatt remains a Minister signifies that the last days of this Government will remain characterised with pique and unnecessary conflict. This send forth a message of instability which in the midst of an economic crisis which Malta is facing will certainly not be helpful in creating work or in attracting investment.”

Ralph Cassar, AD Secretary General, 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 of portraying 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. Their attempt at being everything to everyone 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 keep the status quo. The only way to send them a loud and clear message and that we don’t want to be part of their silly games is to vote Green.”

Prof. Arnold Cassola said, “With elections coming up in the near future, it is important that all Maltese citizens are facilitated in their right to vote. With regards to Maltese citizens living abroad, arrangements should be immediately undertaken to set up facilities for them to vote at 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 are 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 AD’s Deputy Chairperson concluded by stating that as a responsible political party AD in parliament will act in a responsible manner, being loyal to the government’s programme agreed to. “AD in Parliament will be guided by the national interests 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 which is required in the national interest.”

Permalink: Parliament based on two political parties is unstable – AD