Briguglio denies resignation linked to conflicts with moderate elements in AD

Former Green leader Michael Briguglio has denied his resignation from the party was linked to conflicts he had with Alternattiva Demokratika's moderate elements led by Carmel Cacopardo.

"I want to make it clear that this is absolutely not the case," Briguglio said, reacting to information relayed to and published in MaltaToday.

MaltaToday is informed that AD was split between those who believed in Briguglio's 'radical green' ideology and those who resented his "focused, ideological line".

But now, Briguglio has declared that his resignation had nothing to do with the different elements which made up the Green Party.

Writing in his blog, he also urged Alternattiva Demokratika to carry out "an inclusive and open process wherein new faces can feel welcome, beyoned top-down formalities".

"Even though I had my fair share of ideological and strategic arguments with Cacopardo and other moderates in the party, this is something which I consider to be essential in any democratic party," Briguglio said.

The man who brought AD the best electoral result since 1992 admitted that under his chairpersonship the radical wing was often prominent. He compared this with the moderate wing being more prominent in 2008 and 2009 under Arnold Cassola's leadership.

"A party without diversity and without different voices is either a dictatorship or a fossil," he added.

Briguglio believed that the radical route was not only ideologically robust, but also strategically vital.

"It was the only way how AD could increase its share of votes especially since most Maltese voters vote for governments and consider a vote for AD to be wasted, and especially since it was immediately clear there was a consistent shift of voters who simply wanted PN out of power," he argued.

Briguglio said that his resignation didn't mean he would be "disappearing" from civil society activism.

"I have been doing this since 1994, and I truly feel at home here," he says, adding that he will also remain active in local council politics.

"I owe this to the Sliema residents who have elected me four times in the past ten years and for having obtained the record number of votes for a Green councilor."

He points out that while he gave his utmost to the party during the years other parts of his life suffered.

"Perhaps not everyone appreciates that having a prominent role in a small party of volunteers is no mean feat. I gave my utmost to the party during these years, but this had a toll on other roles I occupy in my life and left me worn out. In short, I needed to reclaim my life.

"To those persons who have appealed to me to contest the upcoming European elections or to join another party, I also make it clear that I have no interest in doing either."

With Alternattiva Demokratika's annual general meeting planned for this Saturday called off because no one come forward to contest the vacant leadership post, Briguglio urged "well-intentioned persons to join the party and do your part".

"To those well-intentioned persons who would like AD to move on, my appeal is simple. Join the party and do your part. A party is only as strong as its members, and no party should ever be personalized. My suggestion to the party: Carry out an inclusive and open process wherein new faces can feel welcome, beyond top-down formalities."