AD solidarity with MLP targets

Alternattiva Demokratika expressed solidarity with various economists, journalists and constituted bodies being attacked by the Labour Party because of their pro-EU membership views.

AD also expressed solidarity with Mosta Labour councillor Ivan Bartolo, who was recently belittled by the general secretary of the MLP for having "dared" to vote in favour of a resolution in favour of EU membership at a council meeting.

"In this national debate, public figures and constituted bodies are duty bound to express their views. Evarist Bartolo's remark on 'juke-box' economists during a recent Broadcasting Authority debate is anti-democratic and unfair. Economists are duty bound to warn the Maltese and Gozitan people on the dire consequences of non-membership," general secretary Stephen Cachia said.

"Far from being feeble-minded as alleged by MLP general secretary Jimmy Magro, Ivan Bartolo is the only elected official of the Labour Party to find the courage to stand up to be counted by declaring his pro-EU membership views.

"His views are fully consistent with social democratic principles and his opinions are shared by all European Socialist Parties. AD encourages all other pro-EU Labourites to stand up to be counted in this moment of national importance," Mr Cachia said.