Graffitti Activist Andre Callus Gives Some Advice To New Third Parties
With Malta now having several ideologically similar third parties, Graffitti activist Andre Callus has shared his thoughts on what they must do if they are to rise to the top.
Callus said a third party must start off by crafting an alternative vision for the nation rather than simply present themselves as “the anti-PL and PN”.
“The first question shouldn’t be how we are going to defeat PL and PN but what vision will we offer to quench the thirst for social, economic and political change that exists among many people,” he said.
Callus went on to say that third parties must find a way to energise voters and stir their motions.
“Right now, there is growing thirst in society for an alternative social, economic and environmental vision. It isn’t just an issue of ‘I’m sick of both parties’ although that plays a role too,” he said.
“The problem is that this vision is incomplete and isn’t being clearly articulated. A new party has the opportunity to start articulating it and show people a vision of the future that may not yet be clear in their mind.”
“But to achieve this, they require thought and rhetoric that stirs people’s emotions. They need something that doesn’t only energise those people who are disillusioned with the PL and PN but those who are completely disengaged from politics.”
“A new party cannot rely on a default package of voters. It must be the one to come up with a political vision that moves people’s hearts and minds. And if their point of departure is the weak colours of centrism with the idea that they can scoop up voters who are tired of PL and PN, then I don’t think it will go very far and grow roots in society.”
Two new political parties are set to launch later this month – Il-Progressivi, an outfit that includes Cyrus Engerer and Silvan Agius, and Momentum, which is set to be spearheaded by Arnold Cassola.
They will join ADPD and Volt Malta as left-leaning small parties on the island.
Will you consider voting for a third party?
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