Marlene Farrugia’s new political party has been launched as the ‘Democratic Party’ and will be registered with the Electoral Commission in the coming days.

In an email issued this morning, the Democratic Party (DP) listed Farrugia as its leader, Dr Anthony Buttigieg as deputy leader, hydrologist Marco Cremona as secretary general, Ing. Duncan Bonnici as treasurer and Monique Agius as public relations officer. All roles are temporary until a statute is approved and members can nominate and elect the party’s leadership.

In a statement, the new political party said Malta was in an “unprecedented position” and that time was ripe for a new political voice in the country.

“We are a group of people who are answering the country’s call against tribalism and the traditional parties,” it said.

The party described itself has having been born from amongst the citizens, as the country yearns for the eradication of wrong practices which have become part and parcel of the country’s politics.

“A new political force is required, led by people whose success is the result of their own work and sacrifices and not by jumping on some political bandwagon, which opened for them one door after the other whilst, other people, had to be disciplined and work hard to achieve similar results,” the DP said.

The DP said it was understanding what the electorate wanted from politicians and it would strive to meet those aspirations.

“We will be there to give back and not to take; to serve and not to be served. Above all, we will be there to safeguard the national interest.”

After registering the party, the DP will hold an activity inviting the general public to join. No membership fee is required to join the party. The party can be contacted on [email protected].

A general meeting will then take place during which the statute will be launched. The temporary leadership will then resign, allowing the members to nominate their representatives. An election for the party roles will be held.

All party members will have voting rights.

Following this process, the Democratic Party – whose official colour will be orange – will be officially launched.

The DP said it was aware that it would have to fight the “gigantic political parties’ machines” and that their resources were unlimited: “They will attack us and denigrate us with all their power. It won’t matter. Our principle aim will be to create a national group built on the qualities of a society that makes us proud.”