ADPD approves manifesto with focus on solidarity and governance<\/p>\n
ADPD-The Green Party approved its electoral manifesto and confirmed its candidates for the general election during an extraordinary general meeting held on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The manifesto, titled Ilkoll<\/em>, was described by Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo as a vision built on solidarity and social justice rather than a catalogue of electoral giveaways.<\/p>\n Speaking after the meeting, Cacopardo said the manifesto aimed to promote a different kind of politics based on collective responsibility and care for one another. He criticised proposals for substantial tax cuts and one-off financial incentives being made during the election campaign, warning that such measures were irresponsible at a time when Malta’s national debt was approaching €12 billion.<\/p>\n Instead, ADPD said it favoured addressing the gap between the minimum wage and a living wage to ensure a decent standard of living for workers.<\/p>\n Environmental and planning issues also featured prominently in the manifesto. Cacopardo criticised the Planning Authority, saying it had become “a factory of permits” rather than a regulator. He called for local plans, now 20 years old, to be updated and proposed a moratorium on large-scale and high-rise developments until their cumulative impact is properly assessed.<\/p>\n The manifesto also includes proposals for a Bus Rapid Transit transport system and measures to strengthen mental health services.<\/p>\n On foreign policy, Cacopardo reiterated ADPD’s opposition to Malta’s associate membership in NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly, arguing that it contradicts the military neutrality enshrined in the Constitution.<\/p>\n Party chairperson Sandra Gauci said ADPD was offering progressive politics based on transparency, accountability, strong institutions and environmental and social justice, insisting the party was prepared to take “courageous decisions” in the national interest.<\/p>\n