AD distances itself from Michael Briguglio’s opinion
● Former AD chairman urges people to vote for PN
Alternattiva Demokratika is distancing itself from the opinion voiced by one of its own, former party leader Michael Briguglio. The latter recently posted on Facebook, suggesting the public not vote for his party, but to instead support the Nationalist Party coalition along with the Democratic Party.
Dr Briguglio, the former chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika, has been quite visible throughout this election campaign and in the weeks leading up to this politically hot season. He has appeared at a number of PN-PD coalition events, and on one occasion he even addressed the crowd during an anti-corruption protest in Valletta.
Speaking to The Malta Independent, Professor Arnold Cassola said that Michael Briguglio is entitled to his own opinion and explained that it’s all a question of strategy. “Obviously, we don’t agree with him on this,” he said.
“We need to attract as many votes as possible and support those who don’t agree with the Prime Minister’s inaction on Minister Konrad Mizzi and OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri.”
Prof Cassola said that to get
those votes, AD needs to offer an alternative for those who do not feel comfortable voting for candidates on the PN list.
There is one slight detail which, however, needs to be addressed. Michael Briguglio still represents AD at the Sliema Local Council. Asked whether he would be asking Dr Briguglio to resign from the party and to no longer represent AD on the council, Prof Cassola did not give a concise answer. Instead he said that for the time being, Dr Briguglio is still representing AD. “He is a talented man and has always supported our principles on the environment,” Prof Cassola added.
“What Michael Briguglio needs to understand is that he is an individual and likes to voice his opinion as such. In the party, we have a democratic process, an executive and we discuss different opinions. But when one’s opinion is not in line with the wishes of the majority in the party, that individual still needs to reflect the views of the party.”
The party chairman said that Dr Briguglio can feel free and say what he wants personally, “but he cannot overrule the decisions taken by the executive.”
In his Facebook status, Michael Briguglio had said that the only reason some Labour supporters are sympathising with AD is because they want to split the vote to Labour’s advantage. “These divideand-rule TagħnaLkollers never showed sympathy for AD in the past. The only way to remove Labour’s panamagang from power is through the coalition.”
Arnold Cassola’s video can be viewed on independent.com.mt.