Carmel Cacopardo has no intention to ‘disappear’ from political scene

The Green Party acting chairperson, who replaced former AD leader Michael Briguglio, said he had no intention of "disappearing" from politics and insisted that he would remain at the helm of the party until a younger generation takes over in May.

Yesterday, 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.

However, writing in his blog on Sunday, Cacopardo insisted he would remain acting chairperson until the party's annual general meeting in May, to oversee the handover to a younger team, and remain active within the party's structures following the transition.

While insisting that the time had come for him to make way for younger persons, because the Greens needed new blood and more energy, Cacopardo said: "I will make my part to ensure that the leadership handover is smooth. When the transition is complete I would be in a better position to evaluate how I can best contribute to the party. There is much I can offer and I have no intention of vanishing."

In his blog, Cacopardo explained that he has the responsibility and duty, together with others, to ensure that the party remains "in good health," stressing that he will not make way immediately.

Cacopardo added that during an Executive Committee on Saturday, it was decided that the party needs to strengthen its administrative base to ensure that AD is better organised, to maximise the party's strengths.

"For this to happen we need to create more space for whoever wants to and can contribute. AD's only resource are its supporters," he wrote.

AD secretary-general will be initiating a reaching out process, which should lead to greater participation of its members and supporters, 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.

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.