AD leadership to contest European elections

Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) chairperson Arnold Cassola and deputy chairperson Carmel Cacopardo will be contesting next year's MEP elections on the Green Party ticket.

Addressing a press conference this morning, AD secretary general Ralph Cassar, who also headed the party's electoral commission, lauded the candidates for their "consistency and experience" and insisted they are in line with the party's slogan, 'you know where you stand with AD'.

Cassola said the Green Party always stood by its principles, irrespective of the political situation in Malta.

"AD has always stood by its principles and was always consistent in its arguments. We, for example, have always attended environment protests because it is what we believe in," he said, drawing comparisons with Labourites and Nationalists who "attend protests when their party is not in government".

Cassola conceded that his party must adopt a realistic approach in the electoral campaign and must aim for the election of one candidate. Asked why the party did not nominate other candidates, Cassola argued that he and Cacopardo represent consistency and experience.

Cassar said that Cassola and Cacopardo were chosen out of a pool of four candidates, with the commission including Mario Mallia and Claire Bonello.

"Four candidates vied to represent AD in the upcoming elections, but the Commission chose Cassola and Cacopardo on account of their experience," Cassar said.

"Unlike some other candidates, Cassola and Cacopardo have great experience and knowledge on EU policies."

The Secretary General also launched the party's electoral manifesto, among which includes the focus on the need for higher environmental standards, greater food safety, alternative energy as well as a greater social Europe. Citing increasing pollution in Malta, Cassar argued that the candidates will be working for clean air.

On his part, Cacoprdo praised the party for its consistency and said that "if the AD has nothing, it has consistency."

"If elected, the AD will use the EU's international platform to highlight the international problems which influence Malta, particularly the environmental pollution in the Mediterranean Sea."

The European Green Party's (EGP) 'Green Primary' voting system was also launched during the press conference. A first for Malta, the system will enable anyone aged over 16 or over to select the EGP's leading candidates.

"The AD is committed to project democracy at national and international level. Consequently, all Green-affiliated voters are now able to vote for their candidates on a European level and give their direct voice."