Partit Demokratiku voted in as full ALDE members

The Democratic Party (PD) has been voted in as full members of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe – a liberal-centrist political group of the European Parliament.

ALDE is the fourth largest political grouping in the European Parliament, with 66 MEPs in the 751-seat assembly. It has often held the balance of power between the two largest grouping – the European People’s Party and the Socialists and Democrats.

A PD delegation is currently in Amsterdam for ALDE’s party congress, which is being held between Friday and Sunday.

According to the party’s website, the congress will bring together some 1,000 European liberals and Democrats for three days of in-depth policy discussions, crucial votes and elections, and sociable networking occasions.

Last month, Timothy Dooley, the vice president of the European liberals met members of the PD, including MPs Marlene Farrugia and Godfrey Farrugia.

“As members of ALDE, Partit Demokratiku underlines its fight to put citizens first, before party or state,” said the party on Facebook.

“In Malta, parties and government demand loyalty, when they should be offering service. Accountability comes from transparency. Liberty means the right to free speech and to vote and support who you want, without punishment. Let us set Malta free.”