Alternattiva Demokratika candidates for European Elections Arnold Cassola and Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros submitted their nomination to the electoral commission today.

Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika, was born in Sliema, Malta. He is an Associate Professor in Comparative Literature at the University of Malta. He has taught at the Universities of Catania (1981-83) and Roma “La Sapienza” (1983-88). In 1999 he was elected Secretary General of the European Green Party, the only non EU citizen ever elected as Secretary General of any European Political Party. He was also a Local Councillor in Swieqi. In 2004, Cassola ran for MEP elections and obtained 9.4% of first count votes (23,000 that rose to 29,000 after subsequnet preferences). Arnold Cassola is the author/editor of over thirty books on the history, literature, language and culture of Malta as well as of books on Green politics in Malta and Europe. He is the author of scores of academic papers in various countries. Apart from Malta, he has studied and worked in Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. Arnold is fluent in Maltese, English, Italian, French and Spanish, and has a good working knowledge of German and Arabic.

Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros, 43 years, was born in Sliema and currently resides in Paola with her three children Andreas, Anastacia and Nicolas. She is employed by the Education Department as a PSD teacher for the primary sector, and has studied pedagogy and drama in Malta and the Ukraine. Ms Ebejer Arqueros has long been active in the social sphere, and has also particpated in civil society campaigns for Malta’s membership in the European Union. She was the co-founder of the ‘Women for Peace and Equality’ and campaigned on various themes including the Palestinian question and women’s rights in Malta and the Meditterranenan. Ms Ebejer Arqueros has had long stints in voluntary work with Agenzija Appogg, and Daritama, where she still works, mostly in the youth field. Ms Ebejer Arqueros’ main issues and concerns revolve around the social problems faced by the South of Malta and other similar problematic realities. She is also a well-known and much-loved actress and has starred in in the popular teleserials Viva l-Ministru u Villa Sunset. She has presented children’s educational programmes on Education 22 and will soon be acting in another teleserial. Yvonne is fluent in Maltese, English, Italian and Spanish, and has a basic knowledge of French and Russian.

AD also presented 3 candidates for Local Council elections. Michael Briguglio is contesting the Sliema election for the third time, having served two consecutive terms as a green local councillor. Michael Briguglio lectures sociology at the University of Malta. Mario Mallia is contesting the Birkirkara election. Mario Mallia is a headmaster. He served as a green local councillor in B’Kara some years ago. Secretary General Victor Galea is contesting the Gharb election. He works in the education sector and is active in the promotion of agro-tourism and local culture in Gozo.

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