Azzjoni Nazzjonali leader Josie Muscat said today that he had decided to stay on as party leader because he strongly believed in its role to end Malta’s political dichotomy and give the citizen a louder voice.

Speaking at a press conference, he explained that after the general elections he told the media he would not retain the post because he felt he failed to achieve the desired results for the party.

However, after having reflected on AN's aims and in view of the support he had been given, be decided to stay on.

Azzjoni Nazzjonali, he said, wanted a stronger voice for the people, a President elected by the people, a smaller parliament and fewer ministers, regional rather than local councils that were not based on politics, and a better law on referenda. While Ireland had consulted its people over the Lisbon treaty, Malta decided this issue, that would impact on its s sovereignty, in one parliamentary sitting.

He said AN was convinced that there was need to change the mentality that the government was the “big daddy” who was there to solve all problems, take all decisions and decide how to spend people’s money and citizens were to be given more responsibility.

During the elections AN has also addressed the issue of illegal immigration and the dangers it posed to a small country like Malta. Recent interviews with the Commissioner for Refugees Mario Friggieri and with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who spoke about the issue, reinforced AN’s concerns. Therefore AN’s visions were on the right track and this, coupled with the support of those people who backed up and believed in the party made him realise that AN had an important role to play, Dr Muscat said.

Dr Muscat said AN was now in the process of drawing up a new strategy based on political accountability, leadership that encouraged the people to take action rather than impose it, and on a country that operated because the people worked with the government and not merely obeyed it.