Marlene Farrugia elected Partit Demokratiku leader at first AGM

Kevin Schembri Orland Independent MP Marlene Farrugia was elected leader of the Partit Demokratiku, following an election for members during its first annual general meeting on Friday evening

The party was set up months after Dr Farrugia resigned from the Labour Party.

Asked by this newsroom on Friday whether this confirms that she will be contesting the next election, she said. "If the realities of the country remain as they are, I will contest as leader of the Partit Demokratiku".

Dr Farrugia also confirmed that the PN did approach her to start meeting and some discus- sions had taken place and she would take this information back to the core group. Now that the executive is in place, she said the party can now discuss matters properly.

She said, "As I have said in the past, the country needs a united Opposition front to offer an alternative government in the upcoming general election. As to whether it will happen, what will happen and how it will work still needs to be discussed between our members. What is certain is that come Monday, we will start visiting houses as the Partit Demokratiku".

Dr Anthony Buttigieg was elected Deputy Leader, General Secretary Karl Camilleri, Engi- neer Duncan Bonnici is treasurer, and Monique Agius is Public Relations Officer.

In addition, the four members elected to the party’s Executive Council are Professor Matthew Montebello, Catherine Farrugia, Alex Clayman and Carmel Polidano.

The executive’s term is two years.