Nobody should take Alternattiva for granted - AD chairman
Michael Briguglio is the new leader of Alternattiva Demokratika.
He was elected leader this morning during the Green Party’s annual general meeting.
He was uncontested and the vote for his leadership was unanimous.
In a short address following his election, Mr Briguglio said that AD’s vision was ecological and social. It should be a positive party which looked ahead while being critical of the dark realities facing the country.
Since AD did not depend on the finances of people who remained unknown it had no fear of stepping on someone’s toes, he pointed out.
Mr Briguglio said the party was based on four sacred principles, namely social and ecological justice, civil rights, and a healthy economy.
These principles should be put in the context of an EU country and of a responsible and democratic society.
Democracy, he said, was not just a vote every five years but everyday decisions in which the people should participate.
Such decisions started from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development and went on to the family and the workplace.
Mr Briguglio said responsibility was fundamental to Green politics and sustainability was responsibility towards future generations.
Maltese politics, he said, lacked ideology and AD attempted to fill this void. Its ideas should be implemented through realistic strategies.
AD should not expect to be something it was not, it was not going to be the government in the near future but it had its strengths and a good number of people supporting it. These could determine a general election result and the party should make the most of this strength.
AD, he said, should have more horizontal structures so that all those who wanted to work within the party would find their place.
This was essential for the party’s roots to grow.
Mr Briguglio, a sociologist who lectures at the University of Malta, is AD's fourth leader since the party's inception 20 years ago and the first not to be a founding member.
His predecessors, Wenzu Mintoff, Harry Vassallo and Arnold Cassola were among the Green Party's founding members in 1989.
The other members elected on AD's executive committee this morning are: deputy chairman Stephen Cachia, secretary general Ralph Cassar, deputy secretary general Henrik Piski, treasurer Simon Galea, international secretary Arnold Cassola and Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer, Carmel Cacopardo, Mario Mallia, David Pisani, Mark Scerri, Richard Schranz and Nighat Urpani.
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Christian Sciberras
Mar 7th 2010, 03:25
A Vella - I attempt to discredit anyone calling himself "politician", instead of how other people react, falling literally in love with "highly ranked officials" aka politicians.
That is, unless proven wrong.
This is exactly why politics in Malta are retarded (immature). No one gives a s*it for criticizing politicians in an unbiased manner.
Should I be saying that I'm disappointed with your approval of anything "new nice and shiny"?
No, it's just typical Maltese behavior, no point shouting what people already know.
A Vella
Nov 3rd 2009, 21:42
@Joe Fenech
There's a document on the internet dictating AD's policy on immigration for ages now. It was drafting during Harry Vassallo.
@James De Giorgio
I understand your viewpoint that AD should think about quitting. You know, following Malcolm Seychell, Josie Muscat (the first time) and Wayne Hewitt's steps.
Then again, AD are not quitters.
@Christian Sciberras
"But I would like to see the country managed by natural-born leaders, rather then lawyers, businessmen, sociologists,"
yes, the number of sociologists in parliament is alarming....
I must admit that I'm very disappointed at your latent attempts to beat AD's reputation. D. Mangion's words are very true indeed.
D.MANGION
Nov 2nd 2009, 18:35
I have seen the same writings for many-a-year now.....each time saying things like "this is the last nail on AD's coffin", or "it would be better for AD to quit politics and turn to being an NGO".
Yet...each time that AD was considered as dead and buried, each time it re-emerges to continue it's dream of a total reconsideration of the way of doing politics in Malta....and rest assured that AD will stay for a very long time.
As long as there is a dream to live for.....AD will continue to live.
AD will only stop existing if any smaller third party manages to do what AD has been trying to do in these past 20 years or so. THE REAL CHANGE in Maltese politics.
With Mike at the helm AD has made it's values a little clearer. That's the way I like it. No centre-right, or centre-left or centre-centre. No prostituting for votes...just values to live for.
James De Giorgio
Nov 2nd 2009, 11:22
When will AD call it a day and disband?
Joseph A Borg
Nov 2nd 2009, 11:04
congrats to Briguglio. Politics is a thankless job, if you do it with a civic duty. I have great respect for full-time Alternattiva activists who take time out of their lives to contribute to the quality of our civic structures.
I however am a bit disconcerted that for the MEP election voted for a fringe party gauging by the amount of votes AD garnered. I hope that AD start working with the people. The electorate has to find you in the villages and towns on Sundays, not only doing fund-raising parties by invite.
Joe Fenech
Nov 1st 2009, 23:04
What's AD's policiy on illegal immigration?
Claire Busuttil
Nov 1st 2009, 22:09
I really hope that this appointment, can make some kind of difference and change to Malta, we desperatly need a 3rd party in the parliament.
Christian Sciberras
Nov 1st 2009, 21:41
Being a sociologist, doesn't make Mr Briguglio dangerous at this kind of job?
Then again, I don't know him.
But I would like to see the country managed by natural-born leaders, rather then lawyers, businessmen, sociologists, and any others with a profession of bending people to their needs.
Bear my words, a time will come when "bringing X into power wasn't such a good idea", the same as happened with PN and MLP.
Lastly, what is the point of this article? Unless The Times is taking up sides into politics, I don't see anything enlightening in this article as compared to what other politicians have been promising for ages.
Regards,
Christian Sciberras.
C Chircop
Nov 1st 2009, 20:14
Good choice by AD. I've known Michael since my days at university, when he was a Graffiti stalwart. Although I did not agree with most of his ideologies, there's no doubt that his consistency and genuine beliefs will be a positive contribution to the local political scene.
Good luck Michael, hopefully others will decide to follow their true beliefs rather than act in a popular populist manner!
fiona sammut
Nov 1st 2009, 17:36
20years gone by since AD's inception in Maltese politics...the result is it never made any improvement. i suggest they should turn into an environmental NGO. they should useful, otherwise they will keep on playing with words and wasting our time. i will never trust greens.
Dirk Urpani
Nov 1st 2009, 17:01
It is funny and stupid how some of you are judging this man before even giving him chance to prove himself as a leader. If there are any Sliema residents they should know what a Green Councillor on the Sliema Local Council has brought for them;)
@sander depasquale.. so you are one of those content with this 2 party dictatorship? oh well it is no use arguing with you if so.
Sander Depasquale
Nov 1st 2009, 13:22
Its incredible how academics keep on toying with the idea of a third party. These are supposed to be wise people but they still waste their time and that of their families to devote useles time with small parties. I think that this is escapism.
Perhaps these people are not wise at all at the end of the day and they do not deserve our vote in any case.
Carmel J. Caruana
Nov 1st 2009, 06:04
I would like to show the appreciation of many people in this country towards AD for keeping alive the hope of most Maltese of bringing sense to the petty politics in this country.
Dr Briguglio do not worry if candidates of your party are not elected YOUR SIMPLE EXISTENCE ALREADY MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
I wish you the best of luck.
Stephen Farrugia
Nov 1st 2009, 04:10
@ Franco Farrugia
What Rightwingers do we have around? The PL,PN, AD are all leftwing socialist/communist.
If only we had a Rightwing, that can stop immigration,to give us some law and order in this country.
Neville Zammit
Oct 31st 2009, 23:06
Awguri Michael, Lets give such people who offers their service to our beloved country a chance, instead of starting trowing mud at our very first chance.
I can't stand certain comments sometimes!
Antoine Vella
Oct 31st 2009, 22:24
@ Michael Briguglio
I admit that I never met you, but I do consider AD to be a viable option (the only viable option mind you) on the ballot paper. So I do hope that AD will achieve as much success as it possibly can. As Dr. Cassola remarked, it will be difficult to turn people in favour AD, but with a strong youth section anything is possible.
@Joseph Stephen Galea
There are more issues than just divorce. Of course you have every right to have an opinion, but to define AD as "cut off from the people" for a divergence in opinion on one issue is somewhat juvenile.
@John Spiteri
Should an AN proponent really mock AD? Of course your 68 people who voted for you might differ, but then again who am I to steal candy from a child.
Michael Seychell
Oct 31st 2009, 21:10
It would be wrong to ignore Alternattiva after the election of Michael Brigulio, who is a socialist at heart but for reasons of his own has been an Alternattiva activist for some years now.
As I see it Michael may win the votes of disgruntled Nationalists who would never join Labour, and also Labourites who had been voting Nationailst and others who have abstained from voting during the last general election. He may also win the votes of floating voters especially those young in age.
Whilst I do understand that it is very difficult for Alternattiva to elect even one representative in Parlament since they may have not enough votes in one district to do so, if things continue as they are the number of NP and M/LP voters not voting for their Party may increase.
If despite all odds Alternattive do elect one member, I feel certain that Michael Brigulio will prefer to join the MLP in case of a coalation government, considering his left leaning background.
I am already seeing Joe Muscat calling on Michael to congratulate him, and use his charming smiles to lure the new Alternattiva Chairman more to the left.
Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta
Franco Farrugia
Oct 31st 2009, 20:47
It is surprising how every news item brings out the worst, in some people. Give the man a chance. And what if he paraded in a communist t-shirt 13 years ago? If you ask me, it makes a difference from all the right-wingers we have around! Look where it has led us so far! Unable to recognise one major party from another!
Joseph A.Borda
Oct 31st 2009, 20:40
Awguri Micheal for your new post.................for sure with you as a leader nobody should take you and your party for granted...a good example is when you was a Green Councillor in Sliema Local Council........
Eddy Dimech
Oct 31st 2009, 20:12
Take Alternattiva for granted? Nobody takes them at all.They are a nonentity.
Joseph Stephen Galea
Oct 31st 2009, 18:48
Another doom for Alternattiva. Forget divorce ... the Maltese DONT agree to it ... if you expect our support. Another party cut off from the people.
K. Dominik
Oct 31st 2009, 18:47
I can't but fully agree to Mr G. Debono. AD is a competent party which promotes the values that are most needed today, such as the defense of human rights and an ecological perspective on economy, politics and society.
If the electorate, or at least part of it, was to understand that a shift from the bi-polar system present for the past decades would translate into a strengthened democratic political system with a stronger need for all stakeholders to be more transparent and accountable, and if the electorate was to act on this knowledge, only then true political change will be possible.
Congratulations to Michael Briguglio and good luck for his term(s) as Chair person of AD!
John Spiteri
Oct 31st 2009, 18:47
"Mr Briguglio said the party was based on four sacred principles, namely social and ecological justice, civil rights, and a healthy economy."
72 years of soviet history should have thought Chairman Mike, that communism and a healthy economy, to put it mildly, don't exactly go together.
neither did the family fare too well under the hands of those he so much admires. but perhaps Chairman Mike's understanding of the family is anything but traditional.
Mary Anne Zammit
Oct 31st 2009, 18:24
Michael Brigulio is an honest politician true to his principles, and I have no doubt that with his dynamic contribution, AD will regain its direction and a well defined identity.
A great well done!
Ludwig Flask
Oct 31st 2009, 17:31
I don't know Micheal Brigulio other than on media coverage. It stands to reason that AD has some good elements, whom opted out for leadership, thus giving full backup to Mr Brigulio. For sure, change is healthy, and having a young leader as PL(new hope?)'s is a good move for next GE! It would be more interesting in having other political parties / pressure groups following suite, say PN (the last resource?), IE(the one!), AN(the business generation?) and the others!
J Psaila
Oct 31st 2009, 17:27
@ M.Cachia
Agree 100%
Show your true colours AD please
Alex Spiteri
Oct 31st 2009, 17:22
actually it makes more sense...Nobody should take Alternattiva seriously!
M Agius
Oct 31st 2009, 16:47
Awguri!
Stephen Farrugia
Oct 31st 2009, 16:19
@ Robert Callus
IE are those that told your Mr Steve Cachia on TV, that you will be "relegated to the dustbin of Maltese political history".
Joseph M. Meli
Oct 31st 2009, 16:00
I am sure that La Patria will benefit from the election of Mr Michael Briguglio as the new leader of Alternattiva Demokratika.
Mr Briguglio is held in very high esteem by his political adversaries.
Mike ... Malta l-Ewwel u Qabel Kollox !
Good Foresight in this new Venture.
M Vella
Oct 31st 2009, 15:40
Awguri Michael!!
M. Cachia
Oct 31st 2009, 15:30
Is this the same Briguglio who was an ardent Graffiti activist around 13 years ago during my years at university??
If so, I recall seeing him and his merry band at the time parading at university with their Che Guevara shirts and other communist paraphernalia ...not the right candidate for AD if you ask me !
G.Debono
Oct 31st 2009, 15:29
AD is a consistant organisation that has been here for a long time. I believe this party deserves your vote in the next general elections. Having one party reiging supreme for a whole 5 years without anyone having any sort of say over whatever is decided at cabinet level without anyone present to press the breaks when justified, is dangerous. It's is also not healthy for our country having musical chairs between PN / PL.
AD has shown over the years that it is a serious organisation that is truely interested in our social and environmental problems without (unlike MLPN) having to limit what it does or say for fear of stamping on toes that give them funding.
Having a 3rd party in parliament / in government will control the party in power to the extent that you the citizien will have more power during the 5 year tenure than you ever had.
Helping AD is helping yourselves, your families, your children. Do not be scared to give AD a chance, if anything be scared to give the other parties a full 5 year (do what you want with us/Malta) mandate.
Your vote is the key to all this.
Robert Callus
Oct 31st 2009, 15:09
What is IE? Replaced AD?
Regarding green issues, AD is the only Party to be trusted. The PLPN just offer a cosmetic greenwash while it's clear that AN never had it in their agenda
A. Mifsud
Oct 31st 2009, 15:09
Congrats Mike! You're young but full of ideas and energy. let's hope for a stronger AD for the sake of bringing some sanity into the Maltese biparty political scene.
paul mizzi
Oct 31st 2009, 15:08
awguri mike!
nawguralek hafna sahha f'din il-missjoni. zgur li bik fix-xena politika se jkun hemm lok ghal aktar hidma responsabbli. nies bhalek hemm bzonnhom!
Awguri u keep rockin!
Ramon Casha
Oct 31st 2009, 14:00
IE? You mean it still exists? I thought it only comes into existence once every election.
J. Borg
Oct 31st 2009, 13:58
@ S. farrugia
is IE jumping on the green bandwagon like PN & PL?
LoL you have no idea what you are talking about!
Stephen Farrugia
Oct 31st 2009, 12:47
Now that IE have replaced AD, forever, thanks to the many AD supporters that crossed over because they are against illegal immigration. Anyway, good luck to the new leader regarding our common issues, like the "green" solutions.