AD’s Cacopardo calls it a day in politics

Alternattiva Demokratika acting chairperson Carmel Cacopardo is the second man within the Green Party to announce his retirement from politics. Writing in his blog, the former president of the PN administrative council said he felt it was time to make way for new blood, with those with the energy and ideas to continue building on what was created by their predecessors.

"If it won't be this year, I'll leave next year - always depending on whether the new team would require my help," Cacopardo said.

During the 9 March elections, Alternattiva Demokratika garnered 1.8% of the national vote, the best result for AD since 1992. According to Michael Briguglio supporters who spoke to MaltaToday last week, the AD was now split between those who believed in Briguglio's ideology and those who resented the Greens' "focused, ideological line".

Cacopardo was reportedly the man who led the criticism that the Green party must 'centre' itself away from Briguglio's direction.

But now, Cacopardo revealed his intentions that he plans to remain active within the party until the party's annual general meeting to respect the choice of the 5,506 electorate who gave him their first preference during the March elections.

Joining AD over five years ago, Cacopardo saw the head of the Green Party changing three time: Harry Vassallo led the Green's into the 2008 elections but after their dismal showing, Vassallo resigned and was replaced by Arnold Cassola. However, Cassola also resigned with Briguglio taking his place almost four years ago, leading AD to its best electoral result since 1992.

"All three of them are dedicated in their work and I enjoyed working with every one of them," he said.

Reflecting on his choice, Cacopardo wrote that political life was not easy, requiring sacrifices in the belief that time spent in politics is a good investment in the country.

"Life would be much better if we learn to respect each other: if we don't allow prejudices to obfuscate the way we look at others and to be able to state what we believe is important - as important as the ability to listen to what others have to say," he said.

Cacopado added that in a political party it was important that those "who hold minority ideas should not feel emarginated".

"It's unfortunate that Maltese politics have not yet embraced the belief that different ideas, sometimes even conflicting, are the best recipe for a positive outcome."