Michael Briguglio not recontesting AD chairperson post

Michael Briguglio, who led Alternattiva Demokratika to its best ever result in the 9 March general election will not recontest the party's chairperson post.

Writing in his own blog, Briguglio said that he had already informed the party's executive and activists of his decision, adding that "this decision was not easy to take," while thanking all those who sent him messages of understanding.

"I am hereby announcing that I will not be recontesting the post of Chairperson, Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party in the upcoming general meeting. I will remain AD local councillor in Sliema," Briguglio wrote.

Briguglio, 38, added that his decision was not motivated by political or career aspirations.

"If life is a question of "to have or to be", as Erich Fromm once put it, I wish to opt for the latter."

Briguglio pointed out that after almost 4 years at the helm of AD, he longed for more time with his family and his academic and musical career.

"After almost 4 years in this post, where I gave my utmost for the party after being asked by leading members to become chairperson and consequently being unanimously approved by members, I now long for peace and quiet, for more time with my loved ones, and to further develop my music and my sociological studies."

However Briguglio also noted that he was proud to have achieved the goals that he set on becoming chairperson in 2009, of AD's historic result in the 2013 general election, which was its best ever.

"AD is now in a much better situation than it was then, when AD was in near existential crisis and had a lack of active members," he said.

He stressed AD's success in re-electing local councillors, its instrumental role in the divorce referendum, producing "the most progressive Maltese party manifesto ever," shedding its financial debts, and experiencing an influx of activists.

"I thank all those who played their part in this big step forward. Without such a team, comprising both volunteers on stage and others behind the scene, such progress would have been impossible," he said.

"I believe this is the best, if not only, time when I can step down. This gives time for Briguglio said that AD now has a perfect opportunity to regenerate itself, given that there is a full year without elections.

Turning to the European Parliament elections in May 2014, Briguglio said the Greens have time to organise themselves, adding "I believe that the Green Party can make history yet again, this time by having someone elected."

Underlining his gratitude, Briguglio said: "I thank you all for these past 4 years, and I kindly ask you to respect my decision. I feel privileged to have chaired such a team of persons who selflessly dedicated themselves for the green cause, so I can only show respect and gratitude for all this."

In conclusion, he said AD has a historic general election result to build upon, and is now fully equipped to seek representation at national and European levels.