The Wailers in Malta
Michael Briguglio reveals he became Nationalist Party member in May
Former Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Michael Briguglio, who was one of the people fronting the so-called Forza Nazzjonali before the last general election, revealed in a Facebook post that he became a Nationalist Party member in May.
Before the election, Briguglio had told this newspaper that he had no intention of going into politics or contesting the election on the PN-PD ticket. However, he addressed coalition rallies alongside Simon Busuttil and Marlene Farrugia.
Until a few weeks ago, he was still an AD local councilor on the Sliema council but has since resigned from the green party and stayed on as an independent. Before the election, he had openly criticised AD for not joining the coalition. He had offered his resignation before the election but the issue was only discussed by AD after 3 June.
The well-liked sociologist, who headed AD from 2009 to 2013, made the revelation in a Facebook post about the current state of affairs in the PN leadership race.
Speaking about Adrian Delia’s Saturday press conference, held amid claims of money laundering by journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, Briguglio said the leadership hopeful had given fair comments. Delia denies any wrongdoing and says he has no personal accounts or moneys abroad. He also told journalists that he was not responsible for the actions of his clients.
“One should confront his statements, as well as those of his critics factually. We have to discuss facts – just as we did when Panama Papers facts were published regarding Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri. Allegations must be discussed too, but in hindsight we know now that all cards should be put on the table at once, and not little by little. The latter raises suspicion about motives, causes uncalled for anxiety, encourages mistrust, and renders politics to serialised drama,” Briguglio wrote.
“Many of us, myself included, are in a coma on this whole issue. I honestly don’t know what to say other than what I am writing here. Let me, however, make it clear that I am in favour of journalists’ free speech, and thank God for that. We would have never known about Panama Papers otherwise.
As regards candidates for the PN leadership, I will not state my preference in public as I feel it would be imprudent given that I don’t have a vote. I officially joined the party with a membership last May.”
Briguglio said he intended to contribute to the PN in a constructive way. “My local council experience since 2003 has taught me the value of doing in politics. And doing involves compromise, listening to others and evaluating different views. I want to do, and not merely talk or criticise.”
I am in favour of journalists’ free speech, and thank God for that. We would have never known about Panama Papers otherwise