AŻAD reinstituted as foundation

Christian Democrat think-tank Ażad (Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment) was reinstituted as a foundation after Nationalist Party leader Lawrence Gonzi signed the new statute on Saturday.

Ażad, a branch of the PN, was set up in 1976 by former party deputy leader Ċensu Tabone with the primary intention of fighting for democracy and human rights, and as time went on the institution shifted its focus to other issues, such as Malta’s EU accession.

In recent months, Ażad has undergone a revamp, both in the courses it offers but most notably that of its offices on Republic Street.

Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil will chair the foundation, which is now looking at addressing Malta’s membership in the EU and the role of Christian democrats in a secular state, as well as thorny ethical issues such as euthanasia. Another goal for the foundation is to become a school of politics.