Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529778
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Expression of Interest For more info visit micas.art/get-involved or contact people@micas.art micas.art Closing at noon on Monday 2 nd December 2024 Office Attendant (Retail) We're on the lookout for a motivated Part-Time Shop Assistant. If you want to be part of our sales team at the MICAS Shop, we want to hear from you. Arnold Cassola: 'Not just my party' SIX months after securing 13,000 first-preference votes in the European Parliament elec- tion, independent candidate Arnold Cassola described the formation of a new party as an "ongoing process". Nonetheless, in comments to MaltaToday, the former Green Party chairperson strongly sug- gested the party could official- ly be launched in the coming months. Cassola said the team behind the initiative is still laying the groundwork before taking the big leap. "The team is moving in this direction," he said but insisted this political project should not simply be seen as "Cassola's party". "I am simply a catalyst to help people who want change to discuss their ideas and come together around a common platform based on the values and principles we feel the tra- ditional parties have forgotten. In the coming months, togeth- er with my colleagues, we will be explaining the direction we will be taking and inviting more persons to join us," he said. While the 'new party' is still in its embryonic stage, it is al- ready making ripples in polit- ical circles. PN strategists are reportedly concerned about its potential impact on splitting the opposition vote and last Monday, Cassola was joined by members of his team during a press conference held in front of the La Valette monument in Valletta. The appearance of several people with Cassola did not go unnoticed. During the press conference, Cassola denounced govern- ment's nepotism on the same day as the PN protest outside parliament, which called for the resignation of two minis- ters involved in the latest scan- dal. 'Vision circle' planned for January Cassola's initiative has so far attracted people from diverse backgrounds, as evidenced by the well-attended three "vi- sion circles" held over recent months. These gatherings, described as brainstorming sessions for a future political blueprint, have drawn a wide variety of participants, rang- ing from well-known activists to professionals with no prior political experience. Another such gathering is scheduled for January. "The hundreds of people join- ing these events are all inspired by a love for their country," Cassola said. He explained that the group shares a vision of a fairer, more socially just Malta that respects democracy, hu- man rights, and environmental sustainability. "Instead of just grumbling about the state of politics, there's an urge to change the way politics is done," he said. While his electoral success in the past, particularly his near-miss in the 2004 Europe- an election, was driven by dis- satisfaction among pale blue voters, Cassola described the feedback he has received from disillusioned Labour voters as "incredible". "Many Labour voters who feel alienated by their party are joining our discussions. They can't accept how their beliefs have been sold out for money, power, and political expedien- cy," he said. Finding common ground Acknowledging the challeng- es of building consensus, Cas- sola described the process as "humbling and exhilarating", noting the energy and commit- ment among team members. He said this made him feel hopeful that this was not just a repetition of past attempts to challenge the political duopoly. Having stood as an independ- ent candidate in the last general election and the two most re- cent European elections, Cas- sola is now eager to collabo- rate with others to bring about change. "I am humbled that so many people feel I have been a voice for their concerns and vi- sion for a better Malta," he said. What is unprecedented for Cassola, however, is "the en- ergy and commitment" behind the new political formation, which fills him with hope for what can be achieved. Systemic change not just a change in government Cassola rejected the idea that simply replacing the Labour government with the PN would