News • October 12 2003

Chris Agius

What new ideas, or strategies would you like to bring to the position?
I believe that the role of Secretary General should not only be administrative, but also political.
As Secretary General, I will ensure that all members of the Party will be able to voice their suggestions and opinions. It is imperative that Party policy is not dictated by a selected few but one based on the opinions of Party members, activists and delegates.
I think it is high time, that all elected Labour Councillors are automatically made Party delegates, since their duties bring them in daily contact with their community.
National Executive and General Conferences meetings should not be a ‘rubber-stamp’ to be used by the leadership, but an opportunity for the development of policies derived from our grass roots.
I am also keen to start committees on places of work, since after all; this is the ‘raison d’etre’ of socialism. That is why if elected, I will strive to move the Party closer to its leftist roots.
It is now time to move from reflection to action. We should accept that our very existence is mainly in the interest of the middle and lower classes.
I have no doubt that our membership recruitment and membership renewal must be improved.
I would implement a training programme for all activists, in order that they may perform their functions more efficiently.
I am particularly determined to regain the traditional Labour strongholds of the South, where in recent years, it is becoming painfully obvious that we are losing ground.
Mark my words – if elected – the south shall rise again.
How should the Labour Party face the coming years?
A good general always picks his own battlefield. We did not do this in the last election and were lured into fighting an election set by the Nationalist agenda – The EU issue. Thus we lost against a government, which held the highest records in financial deficits, economic stagnation, high cost of living, unemployment, corruption, criminality etc. I also believe that the way the referendum was handled, also contributed to our loss of credibility. We started the referendum campaign with a fierce crusade in favour of a ‘no’ to full membership. We then called upon our supporters to vote ‘no,’ abstain or write ‘Viva Malta.’
Why, in your opinion, did the Labour Party lose the last election?
In all fairness, it must be pointed out that the Labour Party fought the EU issue against all odds. However, I have learnt that you can fight and win against all odds, as long as you believe in yourself and in your cause.
Why should people vote for you?
I have dedicated more than twenty years of my life towards a solid, loyal and constant service to the Party.
This wealth of political activity will surely be an asset.
I have also suffered countless re-deployments, discrimination and lost jobs because of my affiliations with the Labour party. I am presently self-employed and hopefully not so much exposed to the mercy of malicious persons, who use politics as a backstabbing dagger.
Thus I believe that I have the confidence and trust of many Party delegates, since I have experience, dedication and a good level of
education.