Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/817563
7 JURGEN BALZAN AFTER the inconclusive coalition talks between the Greens and the PN, Alternattiva Demokratika deputy leader Carmel Cacopardo has put the chances of the two par- ties striking a deal at 30%. Speaking to the press following initial discussions on Friday af- ternoon, both PN and AD leaders said that there was broad agree- ment on the political principles but the two sides could not come to an agreement over the structure of the coalition. Disagreement stemmed from the PN's insistence that AD candidates contest the election under the PN name and emblem. The Greens, however, are pressing for a new identity for the coalition. "The name of the pre-electoral alliance should be a reflection of the political diversity of the alli- ance," Cacopardo told MaltaTo- day. Asked whether AD would in- crease its chances of electing MPs in a coalition with the PN and PD as opposed to contesting alone, Cacopardo said "the alliance is necessary primarily because it is in the country's interest. Similarly it is also in the country's interest that all political creeds are represented in the next Parliament. The pool- ing of votes in such an alliance can contribute to making this happen." Pointing out that Friday's meet- ing was of a preliminary nature, Cacopardo said "the issue of the name was discussed and empha- sised at this stage because the choice of name agreed to by the PN and PD was considered by AD as being a major handicap in com- municating to the electorate that the alliance is the voice of change. The PN at this stage is not a cred- ible voice for change." The PN has already reached an agreement with Marlene Farru- gia's Democratic Party and the two parties will present a common electoral programme, based on the principles of good governance, so- cial justice, a sustainable economy, safeguarding of the environment and constitutional reform. According to the deal signed on Friday, candidates from the nas- cent party will contest under the PN banner and be distinguished by having 'Tal-Orangjo' next to their name. But the Greens want the coali- tion to have a different name and emblem from the PN's and this would require the coalition to reg- ister as a party, given that the new Financing of Political Parties Act makes it clear that "only registered political parties may nominate candidates for election under that political party's name" Activists unconvinced by coalition The Greens have ruled out form- ing a coalition with Labour and chairperson Arnold Cassola has admitted that the aim of any coa- lition should be "to remove Mus- cat's corrupt clique from power." However, some AD voters have openly questioned the utility of forming a coalition with the PN, given its poor track record in en- vironmental protection and good governance. A number of activists and AD voters are threatening not to vote for AD if a pact is signed with the PN. Others however, including former AD chairperson Michael Briguglio are urging the party's leadership, which includes Cas- sola, Cacopardo, secretary-general Ralph Cassar and veteran party spokesperson Mario Mallia to put the national interest first. In one of his online posts, Brigug- lio said "politics requires compro- mise, a sense of proportion and situating one's identity within the common good. In this case, this provides immense electoral op- portunities for a small party (iden- tity) within a bigger party list (the common good)." In an open letter to AD's leader- ship, Briguglio termed the current political situation as "a political and constitutional crisis" and said this is the only way how third party candidates can have a real chance of being elected in parliament. In 2003, the Greens and the PN were locked in similar talks to con- test under one list in the pivotal election that sealed EU member- ship. However no agreement was reached and AD went on to regis- ter its lowest ever tally of votes. Asked whether a similar result – especially after obtaining its high- est ever number of votes in 2013 – could spell the end for AD, Ca- copardo said the party "has been through worse times than this, and still soldiers on." Red lines: hunting and boathouses Apart from the name and em- blem, one other potential stum- bling block takes the form of non- negotiable policies. "The broad agreement on the po- litical direction was identified after a brief discussion of the document submitted by AD. There are obvi- ously a number of red lines which still have to be discussed. Among those which come to mind and in respect of which AD has taken a clear stand are hunting, the il- legal shanty town at Armier, the proposed undersea tunnel in the Gozo Channel and the proposed racetrack. This is only an indica- tive list," Cacopardo said. The Greens have been around for almost 30 years but have nev- er won a seat in Parliament. The way the electoral system has been tweaked by the two major parties and the perception that voting for smaller parties is a wasted vote have been major stumbling blocks in AD's quixotic pursuit of parlia- mentary representation. And Cacopardo believes that a coalition would go a long way in quashing this perception. "The proposed pre-electoral alli- ance would give voters back their freedom to choose their represent- atives in parliament without fears," he said. Asked whether this a last chance saloon for AD, given that in five years time both major parties will probably have no interest in form- ing a coalition, Cacopardo said "this is an opportunity which given the right conditions AD is willing to participate in. What would hap- pen in five years time is too early to predict." maltatoday, SUNDAY, 30 APRIL 2017 Cacopardo: coalition deal has '30% chance' (From left) Ralph Cassar, Arnold Cassola, Mario Mallia and Carmel Cacopardo met the PN leadership on Friday but an agreement looks unlikely