The setting up of the Democratic Party (Partit Demokratiku) whose temporary leader is independent MP Marlene Farrugia, was announced this morning.

In a statement, the party said that never had the need for new political voice been felt as much as at present.

“We are a group of people who are answering the country’s call… the time for tribalism and traditional parties is past.”

“We have cropped up from among you because like you we have understood that for the country to rid itself of bad practices which have found their roots in Maltese politics, there is a need for a new and different political force built by people who earned their success in life through hard work and sacrifice…”

The country needed people who did not become successful through politics, guaranteeing themselves advantages which the majority could only gain through hard work and absolute discipline, the party said.

It said it knew it had to face major party machines and their resources which would attack its members and denigrate them. Its aim would however remain to create national unity based on qualities which made society proud.

The statement was signed by Dr Farrugia as temporary leader, Anthony Buttigieg as deputy temporary leader, Marco Cremona as temporary general secretary, Duncan Bonnici as temporary treasurer and Monique Agius as temporary public relations officer.

The party is expected to be registered in the coming days. A call for members will be issued later. Membership is free. The party can be contacted at partitdemokratiku@gmail.com.