Labour general council to discuss 'progressive' motion

Labour has started to flesh out what its progressive and moderate movement will stand for in a motion that will be presented at the party's general council towards the end of the month.

In the motion, described as the "first of its kind" in Malta, the party says it believes that the way of doing politics should change. It aims to make the party attractive to people who have so far felt disconnected from party politics, saying the Labour Party should offer a space for people to make their voices heard.

"[The conference] is aware that there are moderates, progressives and liberals who, because of their roots, experiences and cultural and social orientation, do not identify with the Labour Party."

The motion mentions over 40 principles that members of the progressive movement hold to heart. These include the Constitution, fundamental human rights, democracy, the fundamental values of the Maltese, work, creativity and artistic liberty, education, healthcare, the strengthening of the middle class and accessibility, among others.

The party said "the motion, built on Joseph Muscat's vision, will be the central point of all the work and discussion done during the general conference". Dr Muscat, the party leader, has been equating the PL with a progressive movement, speaking about them almost interchangeably.

In a meeting last Sunday, he was introduced as the "leader of the progressive and moderate movement", which, according to Dr Muscat, saw its seeds planted in the last MEP election in June, which the PL won.