As Election Day looms closer we’ll bring you short interviews with those at the centre of the ballots – the candidates themselves.

The three political parties were sent the same questions to pass on to their respective candidates. To date the Nationalist party has sent no replies.

Former Secretary General of the European Green Party and author of 30 books, Arnold Cassola, is the co-founder of Alternattiva Demokratika and a University professor. He is  contesting the General Elections on District 1 (Valletta, Floriana, Hamrun, Part of Marsa, Pieta, Gwardamanga, Part of Santa Venera) and District 9 (Għargħur, Msida, San Ġwann, Swieqi, Madliena, Ta’ Xbiex)

What made you choose a political career?
I contributed to the founding of AD in 1989 to combat the violence and the corruption of the time and to change the Maltese mind set from ‘winner takes all’ to a ‘give and take’ approach.

What makes you believe in your party?
The consistency, credibility and honesty we have always shown in 24 years.

What party values or policies do you cherish?  What can you offer to the electorate and if elected what issues will you insist on?
Social justice, the respect of civil rights and the safeguarding of Maltese natural, cultural and historical heritage.

What are your views on the two main political parties? 
The PN have become too arrogant; the PL too populist and opportunistic.

What should the public expect from a new government? 
Sustainable financial policies... and not the Father Christmas unrealistic promises being made by both PL and PN.

‘Fil-Parlament ma jikbrux fjuri’ – What will you do to make Parliament bloom?
Speak openly and honestly... bla kantunieri.

AD has never been elected in parliament. Is the party ready to form part of the government?
Yes, I believe so.  WE have matured various political and human experiences during the past 24 years and we believe we have a lot to contribute to the pluralistic development of our parliament and society.

Why should people go for new blood rather than the devil they know? In a parliamentary structure shrouded in allegations of corruption and lack of accountability, why get involved? 
Exactly because we are totally clean and not in the pockets of some business tycoons who actually dictate the way some politicians behave through their financing of PN and PL.