PD leader chosen as first MEP election candidate by party. Will relinquish position.

Partit Demokratiku leader, Dr. Anthony Buttigieg has been nominated by the party executive as their first named MEP election candidate. The decision was unanimous, based on his unassailable principles and vision for a Malta which is more free and more fair. The decision was only voted upon after Anthony Buttigieg presented himself to an independent Board of Scrutiny, as will all prospective candidates, made up of people of standing not directly involved in the party.

After a long and thorough interview, this independent board passed on their report to the party executive. The executive then voted on the MEP candidacy based on the board’s recommendation.

Bearing in mind Dr. Buttigieg holds a full-time job, the increasing demands of a fast-expanding party, and wishing to put all his energy into an effective campaign, he has decided that it is in the interests of the party to elect a new leader in order to maintain its momentum.This decision was taken in full consultation with the party executive.

Dr. Buttigieg will step down as leader on the 21st September, allowing the mechanism to elect a new leader to take effect. According to the party statute, this process will kick in the next day.

Anthony Buttigieg will stay on as interim/caretaker leader until a new leader is elected. He will remain a member of the party’s executive committee.

Looking back on a long year, Partit Demokratiku has proved the necessity and strength of the Third Party, remaining on the front line in the fight for good governance, the environment and social justice. The party executive is thankful for the service of Anthony Buttigieg to his country as leader, and his success in the MEP elections would be a historic victory for Malta, for Europe and for pluralism. Your voice in Brussels will be that of one of the last gentlemen in politics.