In the second meeting for Alternattiva Demokratika activists in the run up to the June European Parliament elections, AD chairman Harry Vassallo and AD deputy chairman Mario Mallia called on Sunday on all those who want to break the mould of the stagnant bipolar system to rally behind the AD candidature of Prof. Arnold Cassola.
"Arnold Cassola is the most consistent and capable candidate for the EP elections, head and shoulders above all the rest. The Nationalist Party's smear campaign saying that AD is in favour of abortion is a blatant lie and nothing short of moral violence. This shows that the Nationalist Party is in a state of panic and is resorting to tactics from Malta's dark age of politics because it knows that it is unable to compete against the Green Party candidate in any credible way".
On Sunday evening the Nationalist Party issued a statement saying that the European Greens, of which Arnold Cassola is secretary general, are in favour of abortion. "To be credible one has to be consistent. Outside Malta Arnold Cassola leads a group in favour of abortion and in Malta he speaks differently. This is neither credible nor consistent," the PN argued.
Dr Vassallo told the meeting: "Alternattiva Demokratika's reply to the calumnies broadcast by NET TV on its coverage of the PN general council will be the filing of judicial proceedings against the NET TV representative and against Tonio Fenech and Simon Bussutil for their deliberate attempt to harm AD by deceiving the listening public".
"This is the best chance in Maltese history to bring about this much needed change. Together we can overcome the stagnant bipolar system and ensure that Malta becomes a fully fledged European democracy. There has never been a better time than this to effect this change. In this election voters will not be electing a government. They are not obliged to vote for the lesser evil. All they have to do is to vote for the best person to represent their country."
Dr Vassallo added: "The momentum for Arnold Cassola's campaign is incredible and many are joining the successful green wave for change. People from all walks of life are joining our campaign.
"We cannot but feel proud that in this historical moment AD is being represented by a man called Arnold Cassola, the first Maltese to lead a European political family. Arnold Cassola has honoured our country through his work in European institutions. He has inside knowledge on how the European Parliament works. The whole country stands to gain from his experience and ability".
The former Green MEP Gianni Tamino, who also addressed the meeting expressed his full support for Arnold Cassola and AD's position on GMOs. "Arnold Cassola is the best known Maltese in the EU institutions. His election to the post of Secretary General of the European Green Party is a measure of the respect he enjoys within all 31 member parties. His outspoken position against abortion has never been an obstacle for him to represent us all because we all recognise his competence and respect the fact that he follows his conscience regardless of any pressure."