AD launches electoral manifesto

Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green Party yesterday launched its electoral manifesto and paved the way to kick off its electoral campaign.

The manifesto, which has 445 proposals which AD shall work towards if elected to Parliament, was launched during its annual general meeting, held in Valletta.

The manifesto covers a wide range of sectors and issues ranging from the economy to animal rights and Malta's relations with the EU.

It also promotes sustainable development, the participation of civil society, gender equality and non-violence.

The manifesto says Alternattiva would be a breath of fresh air in Parliament, where it would strive to stem partisan pique so that the people could get what they deserved.

The Green Party was in favour of sustainable development that guaranteed the quality of life, protected local communities and agriculture and kept beaches accessible to all.

It was also in favour of equal rights for all and that the government would not give in to blackmail and arrogance shown by sectors such as hunters, certain contractors and those who felt they were above the law.

AD was in favour of EU membership and believed that the Maltese should benefit from the quality of life the EU guaranteed. It was also in favour of the presence of organisations, such as environment groups, local councils and consumer protection organisations on the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development.

The manifesto says Alternattiva also believed there should be less income tax and more tax on matters that harmed the environment, and that tax evasion is combated.

AD believed hunting in spring should be stopped to avoid more massacres of birds and to enable the people to enjoy the countryside.

Regarding tourism, AD was in favour of sustainable tourism. AD insisted that the state should provide a decent public transport service and that the private sector should be able to operate in this sector too.

The Green Party was in favour of a revision of rent laws where there would be a just market for rented property with the government giving incentives so that more property would be rented.

There should also be a good monitoring policy to cut down on pollution and to safeguard people's health, AD's electoral programme says.