Zammit Dimech says PN still yielded results from Opposition

Nationalist MEP candidate and veteran MP Francis Zammit Dimech has this evening hailed the opposition for its perseverance on the government's cash-for-citizenship scheme, underlining that the government's introduction of a minumum residency period of 12 months was down to the PN's "persistent" talks and principles.

Addressing PN councillors at the opening of the party's four day general council meeting, the head of the internal commission for the revision of the party's statute and structures, presented the first batch of amendments that the party's councillors are expected to approve this evening. 

Describing the amendments to the party's statute as the "most significant" in 40 years, Zammit Dimech insisted that the revamping of the party's structures seeks to address the new realities of society and the marginalisation within the party.

Following its unprecedented electoral defeat in March 2013, the party's members cited the lack of synergy between activists, the party's inner circles and the lack of new blood among the main reasons for the party's demise.

In a clear attempt to address the democratic deficit within its structures, the PN is planning to open up its doors to increase female and youth participation. The proposed amendments include changes to the composition of the executive council, which would be made up of nine women and nine men.

"The Nationalist Party wants to become more inclusive. These amendments are intended to serve as a platform to the general public and to convey the message that the party is ready to be the people's party," Zammit Dimech said.

Among the proposed amendments, the PN will seek to invite people from outside the part to discuss a multitude of issues, including education, innovation and communications.

"These amendments will help us formulate the party and address the stands being voiced by the country and the general public," Zammit Dimech said,

In a dig at the government, the MEP candidate said the PN is a party "based on substance rather than marketing."

"The Labour Party is specialised in marketing, but so far its after-sales service is a disaster," Zammit Dimech said in reference to the government's cash-for citizenship scheme.

"The further revision of the citizenship scheme is testament to the PN's work. This is the greatest proof that the PN was right, and despite the parliamentary pressure, it never backed down and stood by its principles," Zammit Dimech said while insisting that a Nationalist Party from the opposition is still a pro-active party that has yielded results.

Meanwhile, the party is also proposing the creation of new organs to "make the party more inclusive increase synergy between activists," inclduing an equal opportunities forum that is expected to serve as a platform to give people of different sexual orientation, race and social differences, an equal opportunity to be part of the Nationalist Party.

Further proposed amendments include the election of the PN leadership by all paid-up party members and the creation of a committee to regulate and monitor the behaviour of the party's candidates.

Notwithstanding the proposed amendments, Zammit Dimech insisted that the Nationalist Party would remain proud of its identity and Christian Democratic values.

The general council will be carried out on four consecutive days, between 30 January and 2 February. The councillors of the Nationalist Party will vote on each proposed amendments after which the General Council is expected to approve the statute amendments.